Pope reflects on Apostolic
Journey to Chile and Peru
 |
| Pope Francis at the General Auduence in St Peter's Square on Wednesday.- AFP |
Pope Francis focused on the highlights of his Apostolic
Visit to Chile and Peru in his catechesis at the weekly General Audience.
By Christopher Wells
In his first General Audience following his Apostolic Visit,
Pope Francis called for a round of applause for the people of Chile and Peru
who he was able meet on his journey. He thanked all those who helped make the
visit possible, especially the tens of thousands of mostly young people who
offered their time and talent as volunteers.
Chile - "My peace I give you"
The Holy Father reviewed the various stages of his journey noting
the motto for his visit to each of the two countries. In Chile, the motto “My
peace I give you” was made “more current and living” on account of various
protests that took place ahead of his visit. He noted that the gift of peace –
the peace each one of us needs – can only come as a gift from Jesus, dead and
risen. And he asked for continued prayers for peace.
In addresses to different groups in Chile, the Pope
encouraged the growth of Chilean democracy, and recalled the blessing of Christ
upon peacemakers; and called for bearing witness through a “style of
closeness.”
This style of closeness, he said, was exhibited in his visit
to a women’s prison in Santiago, one of the high points of his visit to Chile,
where he encouraged the inmates to prepare to re-enter the world after their
sentences were completed.
Pope Francis also recalled his encouragement to the Bishops
of Chile in the face of the many wounds of the Church in that country,
especially that of the scandal of clerical sexual abuse. He commended them for
their “refusal to make any compromises” with the sexual abuse of minors.
Peru - "United by hope"
The motto for the Pope’s visit to Peru, “United by hope,”
prompted the reflection that unity does not mean a “sterile uniformity” where
all are equal. Instead, unity consists in bringing together “all the riches of
the differences that we have inherited from history and culture.”
He expressed his appreciation for the “environmental,
cultural, and spiritual patrimony of Peru, but spoke out strongly once again
against corruption.” The duty to battle corruption, the Pope said, is the
responsibility of everyone.
The Holy Father also spoke briefly about his visit to
Trujillo, recalling the fierce storm that struck the area last year, and his
call to respond to all the storms of life, including crime, and issues like the
lack of education, of work, and of housing.
In particular, Pope Francis noted the popular piety of the
people, seen especially in his coronation of the Virgin della Porta,
and in the devotion to the image of the “Señor de los Milagros,” the “Lord of
Miracles,” and to the saints, especially the saints of Peru.
The Words of Jesus
Wrapping up his resume of his Apostolic Visit, Pope Francis
said, “As always, the words of Jesus give everything its fullest sense, and so
the Gospel of the final Eucharistic celebration has recalled the message of God
for His people in Chile and Peru: ‘Repent, and believe in the Gospel’ (Mk
1:15). So, the Lord seems to say, ‘receive the peace I give you and you will be
united in My hope’.”
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét