Pope Francis has criticised the use of mobile phones while driving, saying many drivers have a poor sense of responsibility and do not realise the "serious consequences of being distracted."
The pontiff’s remarks came as he addressed staff and managers of the central administration of the Italian police in charge of traffic and highway patrol and of the railways on 20 November.
With so many people dependent on increased mobility, the pope said that traffic officers have a lot to do, especially when driving and commuting has become "increasingly complex and unruly."
He said people were often in a hurry or competitive, which turns "other drivers into hurdles or adversaries to overtake, transforming roads into 'Formula One' racetracks and traffic lights into the starting line for a grand prize."
Increased fines will not be enough, he said. Education and a greater awareness of responsibility and a civic duty toward one's fellow travellers are needed.
The pope also praised the work and sacrifice of police officers dealing with transit and highway patrol, he also cautioned them against turning the just use of force into brutality.
"Wisdom and self-control are needed, especially when the police officer is viewed with mistrust or seen almost as an enemy, instead of as a guardian of the common good," he said.
The pope asked the officers and their supervisors to "use mercy in the countless situations of weakness and pain that you confront daily" not just with victims of crime or accidents, but with the poor and vulnerable, too.
This is the second time this month that Francis has criticised the untimely use of mobile phones. On 8 November, the pope said that people must stop taking pictures on their mobile phones during Mass, something he lamented was now also being done by priests and bishops.
PICTURE: ©PA
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