Pontiff Advises Against Road Rage

19-08-2008

 CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, AUG. 18, 2008
(Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is encouraging Christians to make an
examination of consciences regarding their conduct behind the wheel.

The
Pope spoke of traffic accidents Sunday in his reflection before praying
the midday Angelus with crowds who had gathered at the papal summer
residence at Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome.

He called numerous driving accidents "another prayer intention."

"Human
life is too precious and it is too unworthy of man to meet death or
become an invalid due to causes that could mostly be avoided," the Holy
Father said. "There is certainly a need for a greater sense of
responsibility, above all by drivers, as accidents are often caused by
excessive speed and imprudent conduct."

"Driving on public roads calls for moral and civic sense," the Pontiff affirmed.

He
noted the "indispensable" role of authorities in fostering this sense
of responsibility. But, Benedict XVI added, the Church too feels
responsible for road safety, "at the ethical level."

"Christians
must above all make a personal examination of conscience on their own
conduct as drivers," he said. "Moreover, communities should educate
everyone to consider traffic as a field in which life must be protected
and love of neighbor concretely exercised."

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