THE CITY:
A PLACE OF
ENCOUNTER
We cannot ignore the fact that
in cities human trafficking,
the narcotics trade, the abuse
and exploitation of minors, the
abandonment of the elderly and
infirm, and various forms of
corruption and criminal activity
take place.
At the same time, what
could be significant places of
encounter and solidarity often
become places of isolation and
mutual distrust. Houses and
neighborhoods are more often
built to isolate and protect than
to connect and integrate. The
proclamation of the Gospel
will be a basis for restoring the
dignity of human life in these
contexts, for Jesus desires to
pour out an abundance of life
upon our cities (cf. Jn 10:10).
Pope Francis
Evangelii Gaudium
(The Joy of the Gospel), no. 75
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