Pope asks people of Japan to
protect life, ahead of Apostolic Journey
Pope Francis sends a video message to the people of Japan,
and urges them to protect all life - symbolized there by cherry blossoms - and
to pray for his upcoming Apostolic Journey.
By Devin Watkins
Addressing the Japanese people with “words of friendship”,
the Pope recalled the theme of his 23-26 November visit: “Protect All Life”.
In his video message sent on Monday, Pope Francis said this
protective instinct resonates in our hearts and is particularly important in
light of current threats to peaceful coexistence, especially those posed by
armed conflicts.
“Your country is well aware of the suffering caused by war.
Together with you, I pray that the destructive power of nuclear weapons will
never be unleashed again in human history.”
And to make his point clearer, Pope Francis said:
“The use of nuclear weapons is immoral.”
Dialogue and fraternity
The Holy Father said the people of Japan know the value of
dialogue among religious traditions, which he said can “help to overcome
division, promote respect for human dignity, and advance the integral
development of all peoples.”
He then reflected on the strength of true peace.
“Peace is beautiful. And when it is real, it does not
retreat: it defends itself with every ounce of strength.”
Beauty, fragility of life: cherry blossom
Pope Francis said Japan is blessed with “vast natural
beauty” which he will have the opportunity to appreciate.
One element of nature that takes on particular significance
in Japanese culture, he said, is the cherry blossom, which symbolizes the
beauty of life but also its fragility.
Finally, the Pope thanked all those who are preparing for
his arrival, and assured everyone of his “heartfelt prayer for each and every
one of you.”
Transcript of the Pope’s video message:
Dear friends,
As I prepare for my upcoming visit to Japan, I would like to
address to you these words of friendship.
The theme chosen for my visit is "Protect All
Life". This strong instinct, which resonates in our hearts – to defend the
value and dignity of every human person – takes on particular importance in
light of the threats to peaceful coexistence that the world faces today,
especially in armed conflicts.
Your country is well aware of the suffering caused by war.
Together with you, I pray that the destructive power of nuclear weapons will
never be unleashed again in human history. The use of nuclear weapons is
immoral.
You also know the importance of a culture of dialogue, of
fraternity, especially among different religious traditions, which can help to
overcome division, promote respect for human dignity, and advance the integral
development of all peoples.
I trust that my visit will encourage you along the path of
mutual respect and encounter that leads to a secure and lasting peace, which
never turns back upon itself. Peace is beautiful. And when it is real, it does
not retreat: it defends itself with every ounce of strength.
I will also have the opportunity to appreciate the vast
natural beauty that characterizes your nation, and express our shared desire to
promote and strengthen the protection of all life, which includes the earth,
our common home, which your culture beautifully symbolizes with cherry blossoms.
I know there are many people who are working to prepare for
my visit. I sincerely thank you for these efforts. In the hope that our time
together will be rich in grace and joy, I assure you of my heartfelt prayer for
each and every one of you.
I ask you, please, to also pray for me. Thank you very much.
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