Pope gives thanks for apostolic journey to Asia

Pope gives thanks for apostolic journey to Asia

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Wednesday thanked the Lord for his just-ended pastoral visit to Sri Lanka and Philippines.

Speaking to pilgrims gathered in the Paul VI Hall because of the rain, the Pope recalled his journey last week mentioning the wealth of cultural and spiritual traditions of the Asian continent.

He described his visit as a joy-filled encounter with the Catholic communities in the nations he visited and spoke of the occasion he had to encourage inter-religious dialogue a the service of peace, unity and social development.  

Highlighting some of the salient moments of his journey, the Pope said that in Sri Lanka he canonized Saint Joseph Vaz: “ a great missionary whose example of charity continues to inspire the faithful in their service to the poor and in respectful relations with the followers of other religions”.

And mentioning that  Sri Lanka still suffers the effects of a prolonged civil conflict, Pope Francis said that during his  meeting with religious leaders he  asked that “we work together as agents of healing, peace and reconciliation.”

His main reason for visiting  the Philippines, the Pope said, was “to be close to our brothers and sisters who were affected by the devastation of the Typhoon Yolanda”.

In Tacloban, “the region hardest hit by the typhoon, I paid tribute to the faith and to the capacity to rebuild of the local population” he said.

And he did not neglect to remember the young woman, Kristel, who was killed in an accident at the site of the Mass in Tacloban.

In Manila, he said, “I asked families to cherish and protect the family in its fundamental role in society and in God’s plan”.

He said that it was a reason for consolation and hope to see so many numerous families who welcome each child as a gift of God: “they know that every child is a blessing”.

And commenting on the fact that some affirm that having too many children can be a cause of poverty, Pope Francis said “we can all say that the main cause of poverty is an economic system that, at its center, has replaced man with the god of money”.

“An economic system that excludes children, the elderly and young people who cannot find work, creates the throwaway culture that we live in today” he said.

“We have become used to seeing people who have been discarded. This is the main reason for poverty, and not numerous families” he said.
   
And Pope Francis mentioned his meeting in Manila with young people during which he  challenged them to build a society of integrity and compassion for the poor.

Compassion for the poor, he said, also implies “the rejection of all forms of corruption because corruption steals from the poor” he said.

Concluding Pope Francis said he urged the Filipino to persevere in their precious witness to the Gospel on the great continent of Asia.

(Linda Bordoni)

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