Vatican City: Pope Francis delivered a stark message on Sunday during his visit to Trieste, Italy, decrying the state of democracy globally and cautioning against the rise of populism and divisive ideologies. Addressing a national Catholic event, he voiced deep concerns about the current health of democracy, urging vigilance against populist movements.
The pontiff’s remarks come amidst France’s parliamentary elections, where the far-right National Rally party is expected to make significant gains. Drawing on the analogy of the Pied Piper of Hamelin, Pope Francis warned against ideologies that promise easy solutions but ultimately lead societies astray.
Highlighting the need for inclusive social policies, Pope Francis called for greater efforts to embrace and support vulnerable groups such as the poor, unborn, and marginalized communities. He emphasized the importance of unity and solidarity, urging people to reject polarization and self-serving power dynamics that undermine societal cohesion.
Pope Francis’s visit to Trieste, which included meetings with various groups including migrants and the disabled, is part of his ongoing efforts to foster dialogue and promote social justice. It precedes his upcoming extensive tour of Asia, reflecting his commitment to addressing global challenges through engagement and advocacy.
