Pope Francis, in a marginal neighborhood of Madrid: we work on the same team

Pope Francis has sent a video message to the residents of the marginal neighborhoods of Cañada Real and San Fermín in Madrid (Spain), in which he urges not to fall into jealousy and to work with the awareness that “we are on the same team.” ”.

In an improvised recording after a private interview with the parish priest Agustín Rodríguez Teso, the Pontiff, who defined the priest as “a awake boy,” agreed to send a recorded message addressed to the inhabitants of this area of ​​the capital of Spain, in the that there are still homes without electricity.

In it he highlighted “the group that does the mediation, so important”, asked that they pray for him “in favor” and encouraged them to “continue working and supporting the parish priest, supporting the bishop, supporting so many good people who are among you.” .

In the brief improvised comment, Pope Francis urged people to reject jealousy among those who carry out social work in the neighborhood: “Please beware of jealousy. “Jealousy is a thing for gossips.”

“Why would I be jealous of this one, if this one works the same as me? Maybe better than me, but he works. We are on the same team, do not kick against us,” he added before giving him his blessing.

What is the Cañada Real?

The royal canyons are transit areas for livestock transhumance in the Iberian Peninsula, regulated since the 13th century. The one known as Cañada Real Galiana passes through the territory of Madrid and around it a multitude of precarious houses, shacks and other constructions have been built since the mid-20th century.

Currently more than 8,000 people live in the area, of which approximately a third are minors who mostly belong to three representative groups: gypsies, payos and Moroccans.

The place is divided into six sectors, one of which has been known for decades as a place where drugs are sold, which has marked the entire neighborhood.

“Sector 6, which is where the parish and the Cáritas center are, is the most impoverished and the one without electricity. It is also where there is a small drug sales area that stigmatizes the entire Cañada,” described Miguel Ángel Cornejo, director of the socio-educational center that Cáritas Madrid has in the neighborhood recently in the magazine of the diocesan charitable institution.

Caritas of the Archdiocese of Madrid develops numerous projects with minors, young people and adults, including a family school, family intervention actions or the organization of urban colonies and camps.

All of them are necessary in a place where there are no pharmacies or clinics, most of the homes are precarious and for many it is difficult to get around to go to school.