Vatican authority announces international conference on pastoral care for roadways V

14-08-2008

Vatican City, Aug 14, 2008 / 03:00 am (CNA).-
The Secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of
Migrants and Itinerant People, Msgr. Agostino Marchetto, announced
plans for a Continental Conference in October, in Bogotá, Colombia, to
discuss the pastoral care for roadways; faced with the incessant
increase of danger and traffic accidents. 

The Archbishop spoke with the Italian Newspaper L'Osservatore
Romano, explaining that "we must be conscious that there is a war on
the roadways of the entire world, where every day hundreds of people
die for many different reasons.  Speedy intervention is needed to
reduce the number of victims, because this is real destruction.  It
will not be easy, but it is a challenge that we should face with great
determination." 

At the meeting, the Vatican prelate explained, "one day will be
devoted to each of the four sub-sectors for which guidance is needed. 
The first day will be dedicated to road users, truckers, automobile
drivers, those who travel by train, and all who work in
transportation-related services; the second to women on the streets;
the third to children on the streets, and the fourth to the homeless."

In Msgr. Marchetto's opinion, "the most important thing to keep in
mind is that the Church is committed to raising awareness and regaining
a sense of responsibility in those who use the road.  To decrease
traffic accidents, the contribution of the Christian community is
necessary.  But in addition to the Church, schools, families and
institutions must also work to further this cause and work to create
respect for applicable laws."

The archbishop continued by denouncing "the scary statistics we hear
on the television and read in the daily newspapers that demonstrate a
lack of respect for life.  That is why we have called this summit in
October in Bogotá: to look for a way to confront the problem.  It will
begin with the Continental Conference and will later focus on the
parish and diocesan environments.  Another important topic tied to the
street is that of children being forced to beg or rummage through
garbage."

Finally, the archbishop commented that after the summit, a document
will be released to help increase people's awareness of traffic
accidents, provide pastoral guidance for roadway safety, and promote
respecting life in this area.