Pope Francis to Workers: Turn to St Joseph During Covid-19 Pandemic

“I can imagine young people who are passionate about an original field such as yours, and they need to find ‘old hands in the field’ who have so much to teach, and not only on a technical level, but also on a human level,” he said. “For me, the challenge of this moment is the meeting between grandparents and grandchildren, bypassing parents perhaps, but that is a key meeting and we need to work for the young to meet the old.”

Pope Francis opened his remarks by acknowledging the young who were present.

“I like to see the mothers there, cuddling the children. It is nice when they come with the children,” he said. “If they want to walk, let them, let them do what they want; and if they are hungry, let them eat! They are the kings.” 

The pontiff emphasized a more personal connection to the members. 

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“Your profession applies scientific and technical knowledge to a craft activity that has an ancient tradition, both in Italy and in other countries, including my own, Argentina,” he said. “When I was young, I studied in a technical institute with a chemical address, and this brings me a little closer to your category.”

Because of the members’ line of work, the pontiff also brought up the environment and the impact of using chemicals to treat materials.

“You too, then, are called to make your own specific contribution to the care of the common home; and you can do so precisely in the way you set up your own work,” he said. “For this purpose, being an association is very valuable, because you share your knowledge, experience, as well as legal and technical updates; and so you help each other to grow together in a style of social and ecological responsibility.”

Katie Yoder is a correspondent in CNA's Washington, D.C. bureau. She covers pro-life issues, the U.S. Catholic bishops, public policy, and Congress. She previously worked for Townhall.com, National Review, and the Media Research Center.