Pope
to point the way as he meets with representatives of civil society
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis is expected on Friday in
Paraguay for the final leg of his Latin American Apostolic Journey. Linda
Bordoni reports from Asuncion on the expectations for the Holy Father's visit.
Each time I have asked someone here in Paraguay what effect he
or she hopes the Pope’s visit will have on the nation and on society, I have
received an answer that contains a cry for renewal and transformation.
The people of Paraguay
are humble and direct; they are proud of their rich cultural heritage, of the
natural resources of their beautiful nation, of having overcome the ravages of
war and exploitation.
But the memory of
Stroessner’s cruel totalitarian regime is fresh in their minds, whilst
widespread political corruption, devastating deforestation, large-scale
production of “cash crops” that destroy biodiversity and pollute land and
water, are cause for deep concern for the future of this “young” nation where
60% of the population is under 40 years old.
That’s why the
Catholic University of Asuncion, dedicated to the formation of future leaders
and managers, has set up an encounter between the Pope and Paraguayan society.
Representing five
crucial sectors of society – those of the indigenous, of farmers, of
entrepreneurs, of youth and of public authorities, five real people will have
the occasion to sit down with Pope Francis and ask him for answers.
It will be the whole
of Paraguay that turns to the Pope – the rector of the University told me –
asking him to “point the way as we try to become the persons and the society he
calls for in his encyclicals”.
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