"A civilization's degree of progress is measured by its ability to protect life, especially in its most vulnerable stages, rather than by the diffusion of technological tools." Pope Francis has no doubts about what really makes a society just and beautiful. He addressed this topic on Saturday, May 30th, during his audience with the participants of the gathering organized by "Science and Life," to mark the tenth anniversary of the association.

The Holy Father then pointed out how often human life, and the society in which it develops, are endangered, by real attacks: "The scourge of abortion is an attack against life. It is an attack against life to let our brothers die on the boats in the Strait of Sicily. Death on the job where the minimum conditions of security are not met is an attack against life. Death from malnutrition is an attack against life. Terrorism, war, and violence, but also euthanasia, are attacks against life. Loving life always means taking care of others, wanting their good, and cultivating respect for their transcendent dignity."

 

These words echoed those he had spoken during the meeting held just the day before, on Friday, with a group of twenty seriously ill children, accompanied by their parents and some UNITALSI volunteers, in the chapel of Casa Santa Marta. In response to the question of why the little ones suffer—a question that all those present and all of us ask the Lord—, Pope Francis said, "Do not be afraid to ask, even to challenge the Lord: 'Why? Maybe there won't be an explanation, but His fatherly gaze will give you the strength to go on… The only explanation He can give you is "My Son suffered too." But that is the explanation. The most important thing is the gaze. That is where your strength is: the loving gaze of the Father. 'But you who are a Bishop—you can ask—, who has studied so much theology, don't you have anything more to say to us?' No... Only that it's possible to enter into the mystery, if the Father looks at us with love."

 

At the end, the Pope greeted the sick children, thanking them for their courage and for being such a profound example for him: "I really do not know what to tell you because I have so much admiration for your fortitude, for your courage. You said that they recommended abortion to you. You said, 'No; let him come; he has the right to live." One never ever solves a problem by getting rid of a person. Never! That is how the mafia works. I accompany you as I am, as I feel. And I truly do not feel merely momentary compassion, no. I accompany you with my heart on this road, which is a way of courage, which is a way of the cross, and a road that also does me good, by your example. I thank you for being so brave… You are the little heroes of life."