by InTrieste
Exactly one week ago, on Sunday, 7 July, Pope Francis was in Trieste, delivering a heartfelt plea for unity and participation. His address was a call to Italians to resist the allure of simplistic solutions offered by populist rhetoric and to embrace the responsibilities of democratic life.
Pope Francis has issued a strong call for democratic participation, warning against the dangers of populism. Speaking at the Social Weeks of Catholics in Trieste, the pontiff highlighted the importance of active civic engagement to counter populism and egoism.
“Democracy is not merely a form of government; it is a mission that calls each of us to be actively involved,” Pope Francis declared. “In these times, marked by the shadows of populism and egoism, the role of every citizen becomes even more crucial.”
“Populism exploits fears and frustrations, offering easy answers to difficult questions. But these answers often lead to division and conflict,” he warned. “True democracy requires patience, dialogue, and a commitment to the common good.”
The pontiff’s visit to Trieste and his participation in the Social Weeks of Catholics underscored his commitment to engaging with the faithful on pressing social issues. His message emphasized that in a world increasingly driven by individualism and division, the collective strength of engaged citizens is essential.
“Let us not be indifferent. Let us not be silent. Our participation is the heart of democracy,” Pope Francis urged. “Together, we can build a society that reflects the values of justice, solidarity, and peace.”
