Pope
Francis in Latin America: a witness to joy
(Vatican
Radio) Asked by a journalist, here in Asuncion, during the final press
briefing, what he thinks is the main common denominator of Pope Francis’
three-nation Latin American tour, Papal spokesman Fr Federico Lombardi didn’t
have to think too hard.
No,
he didn’t say “the appeal for justice and equality,” “closeness to the
poor and the needy” or “the call to leaders to combat corruption”; he didn’t
even talk about the strong Marian dimension of the journey or about Pope
Francis’ embracing pastoral approach as he reached out to millions of faithful
during massive Eucharistic celebrations, private moments of prayer, encounters
with his fellow bishops and with representatives of civil society.
Father
Lombardi’s answer was simple: “the overwhelming participation and warmth of the
people”.
This
may sound rather quaint – perhaps banal – to some European ears, but here in
Paraguay, from where I am reporting, the love of the people for their Pope
really is overwhelming and joyous.
Perhaps
that’s why the word “Joy” was chosen as the common thread in the logos
for his visit to all three countries with the one in Ecuador reading:
“Evangelise with Joy”; in Bolivia: “With Francis, let us announce the Joy of
the Gospel”; in Paraguay quite simply: “Pope Francis: Messenger of Joy and
Peace”.
And
judging by the reaction of the people here, that is exactly the message they
need to receive.
All
three of them poor countries ravaged by histories of conquest, conflict
and dictatorship, all of them undergoing times of political uncertainty
and in need of more equality and of environmental protection; all of them home
to deeply religious people.
People
whose daily struggle to provide for their children and offer them a better
future speaks of hard work, energy and determination. But whose love for Christ
and his life-giving message is quite evidently a source of unending hope, as
one woman waiting to catch a glimpse of the Pope passing by told
me: “I hope that he brings miracles here, because I know that he can.”
In
Asuncion with Pope Francis, I’m Linda Bordoni
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