On the flight back to Rome from his trip to Portugal for the World Youth Day 2023, Pope Francis took questions from fellow journalists about his health, his silent prayer for peace in Fatima and the Church’s openness to all, Including those who cannot receive the sacraments.
(Vatican News Network) On the plane back to Rome from Lisbon, Pope Francis spoke with fellow journalists and answered a series of questions. He reiterated his “zero tolerance” for violations of minors, explaining why he was going to Marseille and that the church was open to everyone. When answering questions, the Pope first expressed his birthday congratulations to a reporter.
Why there was no public prayer for peace in Fatima
On the question of why the Pope did not publicly pray for peace in Fatima, the Pope said: “I beseeched Our Lady, I prayed for peace. I did not advertise it. But I did pray. We must continue for peace Pray. In World War I, Our Lady asked for this. This time, I also make this plea to Our Lady.”
Portuguese church sex scandal
A reporter asked about reports of abuses by the Portuguese Church in February this year, in which nearly 5,000 children have been victims over the past few decades. The Pope recalled that during his visit he met privately with some victims of abuse by the clergy, stressing the “zero tolerance” that the Church has always adhered to. “Talking to someone who has been violated is a very painful experience, and it is also good for me, not because I like to listen, but because it helps me to take responsibility for this tragedy,” the Pope said. Regarding the progress of the Church in Portugal, the Pope noted that “although the figures may be exaggerated, the reality is that the process is going well”. The Pope also took the opportunity to speak about other forms of abuse, such as child labour, child exploitation, female abuse, the circumcision of girls, etc. “Humanity must re-examine and change this culture of abuse”.
send a clear message
Regarding the pope’s next visit to the southern French city of Marseille, a French reporter asked why the pope only visited Marseille instead of France. Was he dissatisfied with France? In addition, journalists also asked about Pope Francis’ health and why he omitted some speeches during his visit.
The Pope replied that he was in good health and described his recovery in detail. For his speech, he explained that when communicating with young people, he prefers concise and targeted content. He emphasized that sermons should be short, to the point, and convey a clear message.
Small country first strategy
Regarding France, the Pope explained that he has no problem with France, but a “policy choice”. His current focus is on small countries, deferring big ones until later. The Pope also mentioned the problem of migration in the Mediterranean, calling the Mediterranean a “graveyard”, especially emphasizing that the situation in North Africa is more serious. He mentioned a book, “Hermanito” (Little Brother), which can help people understand the hardships of the immigrant journey to Europe.
Church is open to all
A reporter asked that the church is open to everyone, but not everyone has the same rights. For example, homosexuals cannot receive sacraments. The Pope replied that the Church is open to all and that there are statutes governing life within the Church. Not being able to receive the sacraments, “this does not mean that the Church is closed. Everyone can meet God in the Church in his own way; the Church is the mother and guides everyone in his own way”. The Pope emphasized that the Church is not a “company” but a mother who accompanies everyone in their growth.
Sharing experience of World Youth Day
Finally, the Pope shared his experience of this World Youth Day. He has already experienced four World Youth Festivals, from Rio de Janeiro to Krakow, from Panama to Lisbon. This time is the one with the largest number of participants. Accurate data show that there were as many as 1.4 to 1.6 million people attending the prayer vigil. “This is the best prepared World Youth Day I have ever seen,” said the Pope. The Pope continued: “Young people are always amazing, they are our future. Our responsibility is to accompany them, and the biggest challenge is how to accompany them effectively so that they do not lose touch with their roots. That is why I have always emphasized the dialogue between the old and the young, the dialogue between the grandparent and the grandchild, this dialogue More important than conversations between parents and children. Conversations with grandparents can help them build solid foundations. Young people are born with religious yearnings, and they are looking for a faith that is non-hostile, non-artificial, non-legalistic, They seek to have an encounter with Jesus.”
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2023-08-07 08:39:18
