Pope Francis urges care for the world, rejection of dominance, and peace

In Pavia, Italy, Pope Francis delivered a message of care and rejection of dominance, urging a thoughtful approach to life and faith. "One cannot believe without thinking, nor is it possible to illuminate the highest questions of reason without faith," he stated, emphasizing that reason, guided by faith, seeks to care for oneself and the world, rather than pursuing profit or control. Addressing the fundamental human confrontation with mortality, the Pope asserted that faith provides certainty that life is not subject to an anonymous fate. "In the measure in which it believes, the human being does not resign himself to the end, to a historical fragment that ends with death," he said, reinforcing the belief in a creator and savior of life. He also stressed the importance of hope, quoting St. Augustine to suggest that changing times and achieving world peace begins with individual transformation: "If we want to change the times, if we want the world to live in peace, we must start with ourselves." Pope Francis specifically called for an end to hateful rhetoric, insults, and bullying, advocating for individuals and communities to become "builders of peace and promoters of reconciliation." His visit included a stop at the National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy (CNAO), where he offered words of comfort to children and families undergoing treatment. He highlighted the crucial role of family support during difficult times and reassured those suffering that "God does not want anyone to suffer," promising divine presence and aid through "angels." During his visit, a gesture of solidarity saw two tons of rice donated to the Apostolic Alms Office, collected by local farmers. This rice will be distributed to the poor in Rome and sent to Ukraine, symbolizing a commitment to aiding those in need. The Pope also underscored the importance of research as a path to the future and urged trust in God, especially during challenging periods.

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One cannot believe without thinking, nor is it possible to illuminate the highest questions of reason without faith. With this confident openness, human reason asks and designs: it does not close itself in logic of profit or dominion, but discovers new ways to take care of itself and the world.