The Vatican released a letter from Pope Francis on the observation of World Day without tobacco in which he encourages to announce “with courage in words and actions” the value of human life.
The aforementioned letter from the Pope was addressed to the Bishop of Nueve de Julio (Argentina), Msgr. Ariel Edgardo Torrado Mosconi, whom he thanked for a recent initiative in Rome entitled “The Church facing the problem of smoking” and once again underlined the importance of the heritage of the “culture of life”.
“I thank you for this initiative and all the efforts you are making to carry it forward. The culture of life is a heritage that we Christians have to share with everyone,” the Pope said.
In addition, the Holy Father recalled that “each human life, unique and unrepeatable, has an inestimable value” and added that “this must always be announced anew, with the courage of words and actions”.
Finally, Pope Francis referred to the specific problem of smoking and warned that he hopes that reflection on this topic “can help many people become aware that physical health is a gift from God that the Lord has given us and that we must care responsibly”.
“May Jesus bless you and the Holy Virgin, Mother of Hope, take care of you and accompany you. And, please, do not forget to pray for me”, concluded the Pope.