Italy: Pope Francis met with 5,200 Italian fishermen and participants in a European public health conference at the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall on Saturday, emphasizing the shared values of teamwork, resilience, and compassion in their vocations.
Recognizing the Fishermen's Mission
Addressing fishermen alongside bishops and leaders of the Apostleship of the Sea in Italy, the Pope reflected on the ancient origins of their profession, tying it to the Church’s foundation through Peter, a fisherman. He noted how the Gospel portrays seafarers as models of perseverance and resilience, virtues essential for overcoming the modern challenges of rising costs, bureaucracy, and unfair competition from global corporations.
The Pope highlighted the sense of unity among fishermen, where collective effort determines success. Fishing, he said, serves as a “school of life,” with Jesus himself using it as a metaphor for the apostolic mission to become “fishers of men.”
Lessons for Healthcare Workers
Turning to the healthcare professionals attending the conference on the sustainability of European public health systems, Pope Francis drew parallels with the values seen in the fishing profession. He emphasized two key aspects:
Self-Care Among Caregivers:
The Pope urged healthcare workers to support one another, acknowledging the emotional and physical toll of their demanding roles. He called for a culture of mutual care, respect, and appreciation, ensuring that those who dedicate themselves to healing others are not overlooked in their own needs.
Compassion for the Vulnerable:
He highlighted the importance of prioritizing care for society’s most marginalized, ensuring that no one is excluded from receiving medical attention. The Pope encouraged healthcare professionals to follow the example of saints like St. John of God, St. Giuseppe Moscati, and St. Teresa of Calcutta, providing not only medical treatment but also emotional closeness and comfort to those in suffering.
Families: A Pillar of Strength
Pope Francis also acknowledged the critical role families play in both professions, offering support amid the hardships of their work. He described family bonds as a "medicine" that sustains both the healthy and the sick, warning against the dangers of isolation and individualism, which can lead to despair and illness. “Isolation,” he said, “opens the door to despair, which harms both the soul and the body.” He concluded by encouraging all present to preserve their family connections as a source of strength and healing.
Through his words, the Pope underscored the profound connection between solidarity, compassion, and shared purpose across different walks of life, calling on all to embrace these values for the common good.