Pope Francis received in audience a group of agents from the General Inspectorate for Public Security in the Vatican, accompanied by their families.
The institution will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the presence of the Italian forces of order in the Vatican. The Pope thanked them for the work they carry out on a daily basis “with professionalism and dedication.”
“We began a new year a short while ago, and we have many hopes and expectations. We also see on the horizon the shadows and dangers that trouble humanity. As Christians we are called upon not to lose heart or to be discouraged. Our hope rests upon an immovable rock: God’s love, revealed and given in Christ Jesus, our Lord”.
The Pope praised the agents for their work in protecting holy sites as well as the millions of pilgrims who visit each day. “Many people who come to visit the heart of Christian Rome frequently turn to you,” he said.
Concluding his address, Pope Francis prayed that all who visit the Christian sites in Rome would feel protected by their presence, saying: “We are all called to be our neighbor’s guardians.”
