A question of dignity and justice

Pope Francis continued his series of catecheses on Saint Joseph on Wednesday morning, 12 January, reflecting on the aspect of the Saint as a worker, and using this as a springboard to denounce the lack of dignity shown to many workers today. He highlighted the plight of those who do gruelling jobs, those who are exploited as undocumented workers, victims of accidents in factories and on building sites, children reduced to living in slavery and those who commit suicide because they have lost their jobs. The following is a translation of the Holy Father’s words which he shared in Italian with the faithful gathered in the Paul vi Hall. Dear Brothers and Sisters,Good morning! The evangelists Matthew and Mark refer to Joseph as a “carpenter” or “joiner”. We heard earlier that the people of Nazareth, hearing Jesus speak, asked themselves: ...