Sunday, June 03, 2012

Rich families could sponsor poor ones, Pope Benedict XVI suggests

ITALY-VATICAN-POPE-FAMILY
FAMILIES from rich countries could sponsor families from poor ones, Pope Benedict XVI suggested today at a gathering of around 350,000 people. 

The pope was speaking at the latest event in a three-day visit to Milan, part of the Church-sponsored World Meeting of Families, a relaxed and festive setting that has been a welcome distraction from recent crises at the Vatican.

Speaking without notes before an enthusiastic crowd at the Bresso park, the pope proposed a new twist to the system under which cities in different countries "twin" with each other.

His suggestion that families from rich countries could act as sponsors for families from poorer ones drew enthusiastic applause from his audience.

One could have "a family in France, in Germany, in Italy, talking responsibility for helping" another family in need, said the pope.

Earlier, he appeared cheered by the raucous welcome he received from around 80,000 young Catholics at the city's famous San Siro soccer stadium.

The crowds of adolescents and children were divided into groups in the colors of the rainbow and some presented a choreographed show on the pitch. Several then had the chance to address a few words to the Pope.

One young Italian, Giovanni Castiglioni, told him, "It's so great to be able to welcome you in the stadium where our champions play. Today, you are the biggest champion."