Everyone needs some heavenly help, pope tells Italian soldiers

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- People in every profession need some heavenly inspiration and help from time to time, so choosing a patron saint is a good idea, Pope Francis told members of the Italian army's transport and materials division.

The pope welcomed the officers, soldiers and a large group of volunteers to the Vatican Nov. 7 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of St. Christopher being named their patron saint by Pope Pius XII.

"I also have a devotion to St. Christopher," the pope told them. "I always have a St. Christopher medal with me because he helps me keep going."

Choosing a patron saint, the pope said, is "to recognize that there is no profession or state in life that does not need to cling to true values and receive divine protection."

And it is even more important for a profession like military service, which includes "the possibility of saving lives or losing them, and bringing support, help and protection," he said. In those cases, service members have an even greater need "to maintain a high code of ethics and to draw inspiration from above."

Members of the unit assist their fellow Italians when earthquakes or floods hit, setting up field hospitals and temporary housing as well as transporting food, water and other basic necessities, the pope said. They also support Italian peacekeepers abroad and deliver humanitarian aid.

Pope Francis said he was impressed with how many men and women from the unit join its volunteer corps when their enrollment ends, or they retire.

"Christopher means 'Christ-bearer,'" the pope noted. And when members of the unit or the volunteers bring aid to people suffering because of natural disasters or armed conflict, "sometimes without knowing it, you bear the style of Christ, who came to serve and not to be served."