A pontiff returns to Puglia and it will be a more historic event than ever. For the first time a Pope will be present at a meeting of the greats of the Earth and will do so at G7 scheduled to Fasano in June. The heel of Italy will become the pulpit from which Bergoglio will speak to the hearts and consciences of those who decide the fate of the people.
Satriano, archbishop of Bari
For the archbishop of Bari and president of the Apulian Episcopal Conference, Giuseppe Satriano, «Pope francesco he returns to Puglia once again as an ambassador of peace. His presence is a strong sign, aimed at recalling the great people of the Earth to those values strongly signified by his pastoral ministry: the care of the common home and brotherhood between peoples. For this land, which has always been a meeting place between peoples and scented with the prophetic dream of Don Tonino Bello, it is a great opportunity to reiterate the vision of a new humanity. Today more than ever we are called to live that wisdom of the heart with which to live delicate and complex times.” Francis will speak at the session on artificial intelligence, a theme to which he dedicated his message for the World Day of Peace on January 1st. A non-random combination, that between AI and conflicts. For the number one bishop of Puglia, “the fact that the prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, wanted Pope Francis” to participate in the G7 in the session dedicated to artificial intelligence “is a sign that he appreciated what the Pontiff said” because “he is insisting a lot on the value of artificial intelligence but also on the dangers that artificial intelligence can pose for the human race if an ethical barrier is not put in place.” Satriano also underlines the symbolic impact of this choice: «The Pope, with his fresh and immediate style, is a constant surprise. By speaking to the powerful of the Earth, he has the possibility of restoring the added value of responsibility to the topic of artificial intelligence. AI is certainly a topic dear to the pontiff and extremely topical, like the topic of war and weapons. Once again everything is connected and the Pope can offer a glimpse of significant reflection on the reality and potential of this technological innovation. There is a challenge of humanity that underlies the technological one: to remain fully human and direct the cultural change underway towards the good.” Under the lens of Borgo Egnazia there will be the exposed nerves of the world. «The complex and interconnected society we live in presents the price of that delirium of omnipotence that has seen man build and realize the future, thinking of himself as a totally autonomous and self-referential subject», highlights Satriano. Bergoglio’s presence is a clear warning. «I hope that the listening is real and moves hearts to bolder and more courageous decisions in every field, starting from the ongoing wars, which the G7 will discuss, and in reference to the theme of hospitality. Fighting against traffickers of men, women and children must not jeopardize the safety at sea of those who leave in search of horizons of hope. May man and his dignity find a central and significant space in the discussion and in the political choices that will arise from it. Our ability to live together as a human species is at stake. The future cannot wait.”
Favale, bishop of Conversano-Monopoli
Monsignor Giuseppe Favale, bishop of Conversano-Monopoli, a diocese that extends right up to Fasano, speaks of “immense joy”. «That this meeting takes place in the territory of my diocese is a great emotion for this territory, but the historical significance of the event obviously goes much further. It is truly an extraordinary fact that the Pope wants to make his authoritative voice heard in such a particular moment for the fate of the world. Francis thus also demonstrates his trust in those who guide the fate and have responsibility for the people. I see his presence as an appeal, an invitation to live the service and exercise of power with responsibility for the growth of all, so that no people are left behind. Francis looks at all the peoples who are suffering from what is happening in the world due to wars, poverty and international tensions”, concludes Favale. Precisely in his message for the World Day for Peace, Bergoglio, speaking of Artificial Intelligence, expressed apprehension, speaking of exciting opportunities but also of serious risks, with serious implications for the pursuit of justice and harmony between peoples.
Previous
Meanwhile, Pope Bergoglio, the fifth pontiff in history to have set foot in the heel of Italy, returns to Puglia. In 2018 he was first (in March) in San Giovanni Rotondo on the tomb of Padre Pio and then on the following 20th April in Alessano and Molfetta for the 25th anniversary of the death of Don Tonino Bello. Then the visits to Bari in July 2018 and February 2020. His predecessor Benedict XVI also visited Puglia several times: he was in Bari on 29 May 2005 on the occasion of the 24th Eucharistic Congress. And then other stops in Salento: on 14 and 15 June 2008 he met the faithful first in Santa Maria Leuca and then in Brindisi. He was the first pope in Southern Salento, 14 centuries after the first visit of Julius I. Ratzinger also visited San Giovanni Rotondo in 2009 to pay homage to Padre Pio.
John Paul II, however, was in Puglia five times. Wojtyla’s first pastoral visit was to Otranto on 5 October 1980 in memory of the 800 martyrs of 5 centuries ago. Then on 26 February 1984 the visit to the diocese of Bari and Bitonto. From 23 to 25 May 1987 new journey with stops in Foggia and San Giovanni Rotondo. In Taranto on 28 and 29 October he met the industrial workers. Finally on 17 and 18 September 1994 in Lecce. Then, going back in time, the visit of Paul VI on the night between 24 and 25 December 1968 when he went to Taranto to spend the night of Christmas Eve with the steelworks workers. And now next June a pope will return to Puglia, but it will be an unprecedented event on a global level: history will surpass history with Francis who will take part in the meeting of the world’s greats.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Read the full article at
Puglia Newspaper
