Pope Francis made a brief trip to southern Italy to. commemorate the 25th death anniversary of a popular Italian bishop known for his pastoral zeal and works of peace. Holy Father Pope Francis greeted the faithful gathered in Alessano after visiting the grave of Fr Tonino Bello. His Holiness Pope Francis began his discourse defining Fr Tonino as someone who knew that understanding the poor was “true wealth”.
As reported by Vatican radio, Holy Father Pope Francis remarked that “Fr Tonino imitated Jesus by drawing near to the poor to the extent of dispossessing himself. In order to promote peace on a global level, he acted locally. He was convinced that the best way to prevent violence and every type of war, is to take care of those in need and promoting justice.” Further, His Holiness added, “For Fr Tonino, peace is constructed beginning at home, on the street, where people work” upholding the dignity of the worker over profit.”
His Holiness Pope Francis concluded his remarks by reminding the faithful of Alessano that “From your land, God raised up a person: a gift and prophet for our time. God wants that gift to be welcomed and his prophecy to become reality”.
