Loyalty to democracy has always been a distinctive trait of the ACLI. Today we need it so much. Democratic is that society in which there really is a place for everyone, in reality and not just in declarations and on paper. This is why the much work you do is important, especially to support those who risk marginalization: young people, for whom professional training initiatives are aimed in particular; women, who often continue to suffer forms of discrimination and inequality; the most fragile workers and migrants, who in the ACLI find someone capable of helping them obtain respect for their rights; and finally the elderly and pensioners, who too easily find themselves ‘discarded’ by society, and this is an injustice. You provide these people with an important service, which must not only remain within the scope of assistance, but promote the dignity of each person and the possibility that everyone can make their own resources and contribution available”. Fourth: a peaceful style, “that is, as peacemakers. In a world bloodied by so many wars, I know I share with you the commitment and prayer for peace. This is why I say to you: let the ACLI be the voice of a culture of peace, a space in which to affirm that war is never inevitable while peace is always possible”. Finally, “a Christian style. I mention it last not as an appendix, but because it is the synthesis and root of the other aspects we have talked about. Who can we look to to understand what it means to be a peacemaker to the fullest, if not to the Lord Jesus? Where can we find inspiration and strength to welcome everyone, if not in the life of Jesus? Assuming a Christian style, then, means not only providing that there is a moment of prayer in our meetings: this is fine, but we must do more; assuming a Christian style means growing in familiarity with the Lord and in the spirit of the Gospel, so that it can permeate everything we do and our action has the style of Christ and makes him present in the world. In particular, in the face of cultural visions that risk canceling out the beauty of human dignity and tearing apart society, I invite you to cultivate ‘a new dream of fraternity and social friendship that is not limited to words’ (Encyclical letter Fratelli all, 6). It is the dream of Saint Francis of Assisi and of many other saints, of many Christians, of many believers of every faith. Brothers and sisters, may it be your dream too.”
