I think most everyone got the memo about wearing a blue suit to the conference with global finance leaders that the Pope addressed yesterday!
IN BRIEF
POPE FRANCIS THURSDAY ADDRESSED THE GLOBAL ASSOCIATION of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) and said that fairs and exhibits offer significant opportunities for showcasing to the wider world the rich diversity and beauty of local cultures and ecosystems. The UFI is an international network of the world’s leading tradeshow organizers and fairground owners. The Association is in Rome on the occasion of its global executive summit. Francis said this morning that “global exhibitions contribute to the growth of a culture of encounter, that strengthens bonds of solidarity and fosters mutual enrichment between the members of our human family.” The Pope highlighted that in the case of their area of expertise, “it has been shown that fairs and exhibitions not only have positive effects on regional economies and labour markets, but also offer significant opportunities for showcasing to the wider world the rich diversity and beauty of local cultures and ecosystems.” (vaticannews)
POPE URGES GLOBAL FINANCE LEADERS TO REDUCE ECONOMIC INEQUALITY as he addressed finance ministers from France, Argentina, Mexico, Paraguay, and El Salvador; a Nobel economics laureate; and the director of the International Monetary Fund, among others, who attended a Vatican workshop on Wednesday entitled “New Forms of Solidarity.” He called on the architects of the global financial system to reduce rising income inequality by prioritizing the needs of the poor who are left behind by the globalization of indifference. Francis laid out several dangers lurking behind prevailing economic models, including rising inequality, as well as several ways to build bridges between the rich and the poor. He said, poverty can be overcome if an economic system is put in place that includes, feeds, cures, and dresses those left behind by society. “We have to choose what and who to prioritise. … Our choice will lead either to increased social injustice and violence, or to humanizing socio-economic systems.” (vaticannews)
FEBRUARY PAPAL PRAYER INTENTION: HEAR THE CRIES OF MIGRANTS
Pope Francis on Thursday released a video message accompanying his prayer intention for February 2020 which is “Hear the cries of migrants”. He calls on the entire world to hear the cries of migrants, many of whom are victims of criminal human trafficking.
It has become Pope Francis’ custom to release a video message detailing his prayer intention for each month.
The full text of his intention is below:
Migrants are often victims of criminal human smuggling and human trafficking. Among other causes, this happens because of corruption on the part of people willing to do anything for financial gain. The money from their dirty, underhanded business is blood money. I’m not exaggerating: it’s blood money. We pray that the cries of our migrant brothers and sisters, victims of criminal human smuggling and human trafficking, may be heard and considered.
The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network of the Apostleship of Prayer developed “The Pope Video” initiative to assist in the worldwide dissemination of monthly intentions of the Holy Father in relation to the challenges facing humanity.
CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-02/pope-francis-prayer-intention-february-2020.html
Joan's Rome 