(ANSA) - Vatican City, May 16 - Pope Francis told the Italian Bishops Conference (CEI) annual assembly Monday that they should be more sober in managing "structures and economic goods." He said they should "avoid conservation...and maintain only what may be needed for the experience of faith and charity of God's people".
Francis said that "the cultural context is very different from that in which" priests started out. He said "also in Italy many traditions, habits and
visions of life have been affected by a profound epochal change. We, who often find ourselves deploring this period with harsh
and accusatory tones, must also be aware of the harshness: in our ministry, how many people do we meet who are suffering for
the lack of reference points to look to".
He went on: "How many relationships have been wounded!. In a world in which everyone thinks himself the measure of everything, there is no longer
place for brothers. Against this backdrop, the life of our ministry becomes eloquent because it is different, alternative"