During his annual visit to Venice, Pope Francis addressed a range of pressing issues facing the city, including the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as the threats posed by climate change and mass tourism. Speaking before a crowd of ten thousand faithful in St. Mark’s Square, the Pope called for peace and reconciliation in war-torn regions, urging dialogue over violence.
The Pope also acknowledged the impact of climate change on Venice’s lagoon and cultural assets, emphasizing the need for sustainable tourism practices. He visited a women’s prison with an artistic exhibition from the Venice Biennale, where he interacted with inmates and highlighted the importance of restoring dignity and humanity within the prison system. Additionally, he met with young people outside the Basilica of Santa María de la Salud, encouraging them to disconnect from technology and embrace personal connections and spiritual growth.
As he ventured through the City of Canals, Pope Francis expressed concerns about social fragmentation, individualism, and depopulation among Venetian inhabitants. He applauded recent efforts to regulate tourism in the city by implementing a visitor fee aimed at preserving its cultural heritage and maintaining a balance between tourism and local life. The city of Venice has faced severe flooding and urban decay since it was designated a World Heritage Site in 1987, prompting global attention to its preservation and sustainability.
Pope Francis’ visit to Venice marked an important engagement with both its historical significance and contemporary struggles. He recognized the enduring ties between Catholicism and Venetian culture while underscoring the responsibility of the Church to address social and environmental issues affecting its communities. As he bid farewell to Venice and its people, his message of hope and solidarity resonated with all who witnessed his presence and heard his words of wisdom.