May 21, 2012. (Romereports.com) (-ONLY VIDEO-) On Saturday, Benedict XVI met with 8,000 people, members of three Italian associations dedicated to the fields of culture, volunteering and work.


Benedict XVI said “these three aspects are linked by a common denominator: the giving of self”.
“Solidarity is first and foremost a sense of responsibility on the part of everyone with regard to everyone, and it cannot therefore be merely delegated to the State”.

“Your activity must be animated by charity. This means learning to see with the eyes of Christ and giving others much more than what is externally necessary; giving them the gesture of love they need,” noted the pope.

Concretely, the pope spoke on “the giving of one's time, abilities, knowledge, and professionalism; in a word, attention to others without expecting a return in this world. By doing so, not only do people do good for others, but they also discover profound happiness, according the the logic of Christ Who gave all of Himself”.

The associations present were the Federation of Christian Organizations for International Volunteer Service (FOCSIV) which brings together sixty-five Italian groups; the Ecclesial Movement for Cultural Commitment which operates in the area of Italian culture, and the Christian Workers Movement, a social organization which promotes Christian principles in life, culture and legislation.