ZENIT from Roswell, Georgia, United States "Quick Look: Some of What Pope Francis Has Been Telling the Young People..." for Thursday, 28 July 2016Like
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Quick Look: Some of What Pope Francis Has Been Telling the Young People by Kathleen Naab
On Wednesday, he had a special video connection with Italian young people who are in Krakow.
Here’s some of what he’s been saying:
Welcome ceremony
Nothing is more beautiful than seeing the enthusiasm, dedication, zeal and energy with which so many young people live their lives. When Jesus touches a young person’s heart, he or she becomes capable of truly great things.
Mercy always has a youthful face! Because a merciful heart is motivated to move beyond its comfort zone. A merciful heart can go out and meet others; it is ready to embrace everyone.
So I ask you: Are you looking for empty thrills in life, or do you want to feel a power that can give you a lasting sense of life and fulfilment? Empty thrills or the power of grace? To find fulfilment, to gain new strength, there is a way. It is not a thing or an object, but a person, and he is alive. His name is Jesus Christ.
Homily
To be attracted by power, by grandeur, by appearances, is tragically human. It is a great temptation that tries to insinuate itself everywhere. But to give oneself to others, eliminating distances, dwelling in littleness and living the reality of one’s everyday life: this is exquisitely divine.
God saves us, then by making himself little, near and real.
At Cana, as here in Jasna Góra, Mary offers us her nearness and helps us to discover what we need to live life to the full. Now as then, she does this with a mother’s love, by her presence and counsel, teaching us to avoid hasty decisions and grumbling in our communities. As the Mother of a family, she wants to keep us together.
With Italian youth
You speak of a very common problem among children and also among persons who aren’t children: cruelty. But look, children are also cruel sometimes, and they have that capacity to wound you where they will do the most hurt: to wound your heart, to wound your dignity … Can one forgive completely? It’s a grace we must ask of the Lord. We, on are own, cannot: we make the effort, you made it, but forgiveness is a grace the Lord gives you, to forgive your enemy, to forgive the one who has wounded you, who has hurt you.
Peace builds bridges; hatred is the builder of walls. You must choose in life: either to build bridges or to build walls. Walls divide and hatred grows: when there is division, hatred grows. Bridges unite, and when there is a bridge, hatred can go away, because I can hear the other, I can speak with the other.
—
On ZENIT’s Web page:
Full text of welcome ceremony address: https://zenit.org/articles/popes-address-at-welcome-ceremony-with-youth/
Full text of homily: https://zenit.org/articles/popes-homily-at-holy-mass-in-czestechowa/
Transcription of q-and-a with Italian youth: https://zenit.org/articles/text-of-popes-q-and-a-with-italian-youth/
Pope’s Address at Welcome Ceremony With Youth by ZENIT Staff
This evening, Pope Francis had his first official encounter with the young people of World Youth Day, at a ceremony in Błonia in Krakow.
Here is a Vatican translation of the Pope’s prepared address, given in Italian, following a welcome from the archbishop of Krakow, Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz.
The Holy Father largely followed the text of his address, though he frequently went off-the-cuff to emphasize or add to the points here. A full transcription of the address will be made available later.
__
Dear Young Friends, good evening!
At last we are together! Thank you for your warm welcome! I thank Cardinal Dziwisz, the bishops, priests, men and women religious, the seminarians and those who have accompanied you. I am also grateful to all those who made it possible for us to be here today, who “went the extra mile” so that we could celebrate our faith.
In this, the land of his birth, I especially want to thank Saint John Paul II, who first came up with the idea of these meetings and gave them such momentum. From his place in heaven, he is with us and he sees all of you: so many young people from such a variety of nations, cultures and languages but with one aim, that of rejoicing that Jesus is living in our midst. To say that Jesus is alive means to rekindle our enthusiasm in following him, to renew our passionate desire to be his disciples. What better opportunity to renew our friendship with Jesus than by building friendships among yourselves! What better way to build our friendship with Jesus than by sharing him with others! What better way to experience the contagious joy of the Gospel than by striving to bring the Good News to all kinds of painful and difficult situations!
Jesus called us to this Thirty-first World Youth Day. Jesus tells us: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall find mercy (Mt 5:7). Blessed indeed are they who can forgive, who show heartfelt compassion, who are capable of offering the very best of themselves to others.
Dear young people, in these days Poland is in a festive mood; in these days Poland wants to be the ever-youthful face of mercy. From this land, with you and all those young people who cannot be present today yet join us through the various communications media, we are going to make this World Youth Day an authentic Jubilee celebration.
In my years as a bishop, I have learned one thing. Nothing is more beautiful than seeing the enthusiasm, dedication, zeal and energy with which so many young people live their lives. When Jesus touches a young person’s heart, he or she becomes capable of truly great things. It is exciting to listen to you share your dreams, your questions and your impatience with those who say that things cannot change. For me, it is a gift of God to see so many of you, with all your questions, trying to make a difference. It is beautiful and heartwarming to see all that restlessness! Today the Church looks to you and wants to learn from you, to be reassured that the Father’s Mercy has an ever-youthful face, and constantly invites us to be part of his Kingdom.
Knowing your enthusiasm for mission, I repeat: mercy always has a youthful face! Because a merciful heart is motivated to move beyond its comfort zone. A merciful heart can go out and meet others; it is ready to embrace everyone. A merciful heart is able to be a place of refuge for those who are without a home or have lost their home; it is able to build a home and a family for those forced to emigrate; it knows the meaning of tenderness and compassion. A merciful heart can share its bread with the hungry and welcome refugees and migrants. To say the word “mercy” along with you is to speak of opportunity, future, commitment, trust, openness, hospitality, compassion and dreams.
Let me tell you another thing I have learned over these years. It pains me to meet young people who seem to have opted for “early retirement”. I worry when I see young people who have “thrown in the towel” before the game has even begun, who are defeated even before they begin to play, who walk around glumly as if life has no meaning. Deep down, young people like this are bored… and boring! But it is also hard, and troubling, to see young people who waste their lives looking for thrills or a feeling of being alive by taking dark paths and in the end having to pay for it… and pay dearly. It is disturbing to see young people squandering some of the best years of their lives, wasting their energies running after peddlers of fond illusions (where I come from, we call them “vendors of smoke”), who rob you of what is best in you.
We are gathered here to help one another other, because we do not want to be robbed of the best of ourselves. We don’t to be robbed of our energy, our joy, our dreams by fond illusions.
So I ask you: Are you looking for empty thrills in life, or do you want to feel a power that can give you a lasting sense of life and fulfilment? Empty thrills or the power of grace? To find fulfilment, to gain new strength, there is a way. It is not a thing or an object, but a person, and he is alive. His name is Jesus Christ.
Jesus can give you true passion for life. Jesus can inspire us not to settle for less, but to give the very best of ourselves. Jesus challenges us, spurs us on and helps us keep trying whenever we are tempted to give up. Jesus pushes us to keep our sights high and to dream of great things.
In the Gospel, we heard how Jesus, on his way to Jerusalem, stopped at a home – the home of Martha, Mary and Lazarus – and was welcomed. He stopped, went in and spent time with them. The two women welcomed him because they knew he was open and attentive. Our many jobs and responsibilities can make us a bit like Martha: busy, scattered, constantly running from place to place… but we can also be like Mary: whenever we see a beautiful landscape, or look at a video from a friend on our cellphone, we can stop and think, stop and listen… In these days, Jesus wants to stop and enter our home. He will look at us hurrying about with all our concerns, as he did with Martha… and he will wait for us to listen to him, like Mary, to make space for him amid the bustle. May these be days given over to Jesus and to listening to one another. May they help us welcome Jesus in all those with whom we share our homes, our neighbourhoods, our groups and our schools.
Whoever welcomes Jesus, learns to love as Jesus does. So he asks us if we want a full life: Do you want a complete life? Start by letting yourself be open and attentive! Because happiness is sown and blossoms in mercy. That is his answer, his offer, his challenge, his adventure: mercy. Mercy always has a youthful face. Like that of Mary of Bethany, who sat as a disciple at the feet of Jesus and joyfully listened to his words, since she knew that there she would find peace. Like that of Mary of Nazareth, whose daring “Yes” launched her on the adventure of mercy. All generations would call her blessed; to all of us she is the “Mother of Mercy”.
All together, then, we ask the Lord: “Launch us on the adventure of mercy! Launch us on the adventure of building bridges and tearing down walls, barriers and barbed wire. Launch us on the adventure of helping the poor, those who feel lonely and abandoned, or no longer find meaning in their lives. Send us, like Mary of Bethany, to listen attentively to those we do not understand, those of other cultures and peoples, even those we are afraid of because we consider them a threat. Make us attentive to our elders, as Mary of Nazareth was to Elizabeth, in order to learn from their wisdom.
Here we are, Lord! Send us to share your merciful love. We want to welcome you in our midst during this World Youth Day. We want to affirm that our lives are fulfilled when they are shaped by mercy, for that is the better part, and it will never be taken from us.
Pope’s Homily at Holy Mass in Czestechowa by ZENIT Staff
Below is the Vatican-provided prepared text of Pope Francis’ homily during this morning’s Holy Mass in Czestechowa, for the 1050th anniversary of the Baptism of Poland, during the first full day of his 15th Apostolic Visit abroad in Poland, July 27-31.
***
From the readings of this Liturgy a divine thread emerges, one that passes through human history and weaves the history of salvation.
The apostle Paul tells us of God’s great plan: “When the fullness of time had come, God sent his son, born of a woman” (Gal 4:4). But history tells us that when this “fullness of time” came, when God became man, humanity was not especially well-disposed, nor was there even a period of stability and peace: there was no “Golden Age”. The scenario of this world did not merit the coming of God; indeed, “his own received him not” (Jn 1:11). The fullness of time was thus a gift of grace: God filled our time out of the abundance of his mercy. Out of sheer love he inaugurated the fullness of time.
It is particularly striking how the coming of God into history came about: he was “born of a woman”. There was no triumphal entrance or striking epiphany of the Almighty. He did not reveal himself as a brilliantly rising sun, but entered the world in the simplest of ways, as a child from his mother, with that “style” that Scripture tells us is like a rainfall upon the land (cf. Is 55:10), like the smallest of seeds which sprouts and grows (cf. Mk 4:31-32). Thus, contrary to our expectations and perhaps even our desires, the kingdom of God, now as then, “does not come in a way that attracts attention” (Lk 17:20), but rather in littleness, in humility.
Today’s Gospel takes up this divine thread delicately passing through history: from the fullness of time we come to the “third day” of Jesus’ ministry (cf. Jn 2:1) and the proclamation of the “hour” of salvation (cf. v. 4). Time shortens, God always shows himself in littleness. And so we come to “the first of the signs that Jesus did” (v. 11), in Cana of Galilee.
There is no amazing deed done before the crowd, or even a word to settle a heated political question like that of the subjection of the people to the power of Rome. Instead, in a small village, a simple miracle takes place and brings joy to the wedding of a young and completely anonymous family. At the same time, the water that became wine at the wedding banquet is a great sign, for it reveals to us the spousal face of God, a God who sits at table with us, who dreams and holds communion with us. It tells us that the Lord does not keep his distance, but is near and real. He is in our midst and he takes care of us, without making decisions in our place and without troubling himself with issues of power. He prefers to let himself be contained in little things, unlike ourselves, who always want to possess something greater. To be attracted by power, by grandeur, by appearances, is tragically human. It is a great temptation that tries to insinuate itself everywhere. But to give oneself to others, eliminating distances, dwelling in littleness and living the reality of one’s everyday life: this is exquisitely divine.
God saves us, then by making himself little, near and real. First God makes himself little. The Lord, who is “meek and humble of heart” (Mt11:29), especially loves the little ones, to whom the kingdom of God is revealed (Mt 11:25); they are great in his eyes and he looks to them (cf.Is 66:2). He especially loves them because they are opposed to the “pride of life” that belongs to the world (cf.1 Jn 2:16). The little ones speak his own language, that of the humble love that brings freedom. So he calls the simple and receptive to be his spokespersons; he entrusts to them the revelation of his name and the secrets of his heart. Our minds turn to so many sons and daughters of your own people, like the martyrs made the defenseless power of the Gospel shine forth, like those ordinary yet remarkable people who bore witness to the Lord’s love amid great trials, and those meek and powerful heralds of mercy who were Saint John Paul II and Saint Faustina. Through these “channels” of his love, the Lord has granted priceless gifts to the whole Church and to all mankind. It is significant that this anniversary of the baptism of your people exactly coincides with the Jubilee of mercy.
Then too, God is near, his kingdom is at hand (cf. Mk 1:15). The Lord does not want to be feared like a powerful and aloof sovereign. He does not want to remain on his throne in heaven or in history books, but loves to come down to our everyday affairs, to walk with us. As we think of the gift of a millennium so filled with faith, we do well before all else to thank God for having walked with your people, having taken you by the hand and accompanied you in so many situations. That is what we too, in the Church, are constantly called to do: to listen, to get involved and be neighbours, sharing in people’s joys and struggles, so that the Gospel can spread every more consistently and fruitfully: radiating goodness through the transparency of our lives.
Finally, God is real. Today’s readings make it clear that everything about God’s way of acting is real and concrete. Divine wisdom “is like a master worker” and “plays” (cf. Prov 8:30). The Word becomes flesh, is born of a mother, is born under the law (cf. Gal 4:4), has friends and goes to a party. The eternal is communicated by spending time with people and in concrete situations. Your own history, shaped by the Gospel, the Cross and fidelity to the Church, has seen the contagious power of a genuine faith, passed down from family to family, from fathers to sons and above all from mothers and grandmothers, whom we need so much to thank. In particular, you have been able to touch with your hand the real and provident tenderness of the Mother of all, whom I have come here as a pilgrim to venerate and whom we have acclaimed in the Psalm as the “great pride of our nation” (Jud 15:9).
It is to Mary, then that we, who have gathered here, now look. In her, we find complete conformity to the Lord. Throughout history, interwoven with the divine thread, is also a “Marian thread”. If there is any human glory, any merit of our own in the fullness of time, it is she. Mary is that space, preserved free from sin, where God chose to mirror himself. She is the stairway God took to descend and draw near to us. She is the clearest sign of the fullness of time.
In the life of Mary we admire that littleness that God loves, for he “looked upon the humility of his servant”, and “lifted up the lowly” (Lk1:48, 52). He was so pleased with her that he let his flesh be woven from hers, so that the Virgin became the Mother of God, as an ancient hymn, sung for centuries, proclaims. To you who uninterruptedly come to her, converging upon this, the spiritual capital of the country, may she continue to point the way. May she help you to weave in your own lives the humble and simple thread of the Gospel.
At Cana, as here in Jasna Góra, Mary offers us her nearness and helps us to discover what we need to live life to the full. Now as then, she does this with a mother’s love, by her presence and counsel, teaching us to avoid hasty decisions and grumbling in our communities. As the Mother of a family, she wants to keep us together. Through unity, the journey of your people has surmounted any number of harsh experiences. May the Mother, who stood steadfast at the foot of the Cross and persevered in prayer with the disciples in awaiting the Holy Spirit, obtain for you the desire to leave behind all past wrongs and wounds, and to build fellowship with all, without ever yielding to the temptation to withdraw or to domineer.
At Cana, Our Lady showed great realism. She is a Mother who takes people’s problems to heart and acts. She recognizes moments of difficulty and handles them discreetly, efficiently and decisively. She is neither imperious nor intrusive, but a Mother and a handmaid. Let us ask for the grace to imitate her sensitivity and her creativity in serving those in need, and to know how beautiful it is to spend our lives in the service of others, without favourites or distinctions. May Mary, Cause of our Joy, who brings peace amid the profusion of sin and the turmoil of history, obtain for us the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and enable us to be good and faithful servants
Through her intercession, may the fullness of time come about also for us. The transition from before to after Christ means little if it remains a date in the annals of history. May each one of us be able to make an interior passage, a Passover of the heart, towards the divine “style” incarnated by Mary. May we do everything in littleness, and accompany others at close hand, with a simple and open heart.[Original text: Italian] [Vatican-provided text]
Pope Stops By Convent, Makes Surprise Visit to Ill Cardinal, Before Heading to Czestechowa by Deborah Castellano Lubov
This morning, the first full day of Pope Francis’ 15th Apostolic Visit abroad and first trip to Poland, the Pope made a brief visit to the Convent of the Sisters of the Presentation in the Polish city of Krakow.
Francis is visiting Saint John Paul II’s homeland for the occasion of World Youth Day and will also visit Auschwitz and Czestechowa during his trip.
According to a statement released by the Holy See Press Office, Francis met with the convent’s sisters during the visit, as well as with some students from their associated school.
In a message he wrote in the sisters’ guest book, the Holy Father wrote, “With gratitude for your generous service, I give you my blessing and encourage you in your educational apostolate.
“Cultivate with love the seeds of goodness, beauty and truth that God sows in every new generation,” he urged.
Following his visit with them, Francis went to the airport so he could travel to Czestochowa by helicopter. There, the Pope is celebrating Mass for the 1050th Anniversary of the Baptism of Poland.
Deviating from his program after visiting with the sisters and before going to Czestchowa, Francis made a surprise visit to Cardinal Franciszek Macharski, archbishop emeritus of Krakow (1978-2005).
The 89-year-old cardinal was admitted to a local hospital because he has been seriously ill for some time. The Pontiff met him there and they spent a few minutes together in prayer.
1st Night in Krakow, Francis Shares Sad News From His Window by ZENIT Staff
According to Vatican Radio, the Pope called for silence as he spoke about a 22-year-old WYD volunteer who died on July 2 from cancer. The young man was diagnosed in November of last year.
This boy, the Holy Father said, had worked very hard for this World Youth Day and had even booked to travel with him on a tram ride during this festival.
The Holy Father noted the faith of this young man and told the youth below the volunteer was looking down on them. The Pontiff then asked the young people to pray in their hearts, reiterating that the young man was with them and that this was a grace.
During his stay in Krakow, the Holy Father will be residing at the Archbishop’s residence in the heart of the city. This was the home of the Cardinal Archbishop of Krakow, Karol Wojtyla before his elevation to the See of Peter.
From the residence’s window, Pope John Paul II greeted his fellow countrymen on his many papal visits over the course of his pontificate and on Wednesday evening Pope Francis continued that tradition speaking to crowds of young people below.
The Holy Father also noted that he could see that the young people gathered are here with great joy in their hearts.
Pope Francis concluded, joking that the young pilgrims should do what young people do, make noise during these nights, and asking them to pray for him.
Pope’s Greetings Wednesday Night From Archbishop’s Residence by ZENIT Staff on 28 July, 2016
Immediately after a vide-connection with Italian young people, Pope Francis appeared at the window of the Archbishopric of Krakow to greet the faithful gathered in the Square in front. Among the youth was a group of disabled youngsters and orphans.
Here is a ZENIT translation of the Holy Father’s words:
—
I greet you, I greet you warmly!
I see you with so much enthusiasm and so much joy. But now I want to say something that will sadden your hearts. Let’s be silent. It’s something that has to do with one of you. Maciej […] was just over 22 . He had studied graphic design and had left his work to be a volunteer of the WYD. In fact, all the designs of the flags, the images of the Holy Patrons, of the pilgrim’s kit, and so on, which adorn the city are his. It was precisely in this work that he rediscovered his faith.
He was diagnosed with cancer in November. The doctors weren’t able to do anything, not even by amputating his leg. He wanted to arrive alive for the Pope’s visit! He had a reserved place in the tram in which the Pope would travel, but he died on July 2. People are very touched: he did much good to all.
Now, all of us in silence, let us think of this companion of the road, who worked so much for this Day; and let us all, in silence, pray from the heart. Each one pray from his heart. He is present among us.[Silent prayer]
One of you might think: “This Pope ruins our evening [with this news].” But it’s true, and we must get used to good and bad things. Life is this way, dear young people. However, there is something of which we can have no doubt: the faith of this boy, of this our friend, who worked so much for this WYD, who has gone to Heaven, and is with Jesus at this moment, who looks at all of us! And this is a grace. Applause for our companion!
We will also meet him one day: “Ah, it was you! It’s a pleasure to know you!” It’s this way, because life is like this: today we’re here; tomorrowwe’ll be there. The problem is to choose the right way, as he chose it.
We thank the Lord because He gives us these examples of courage, of courageous young people, which help us to go forward in life! And don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid! God is great; God is good and we all have something good inside. Now I take my leave. We will see one anothertomorrow, we will see each other again. You do your duty, which is to cause a din the whole night … And make our Christian joy seen, the joy that the Lord gives you to be a community that follows Jesus.
And now I give you the blessing. And as we learned as children before going away, we first greet our Mother. Let us all pray to Our Lady, each one in his own language. Hail Mary …[Blessing]
Good night! Good night! And pray for me.[Original text: Italian] [Translation by ZENIT]
Text of Pope’s Q-and-A With Italian Youth by ZENIT Staff
At 8:35 pm Wednesday, from the archbishop’s residence in Krakow where the Holy Father is staying for his apostolic visit, the Pope was connected via live video with Italian young people present at the WYD, gathered in Saint John Paul II’s Shrine in Krakow.
The Pope answered the questions of three youths.
Here is a ZENIT translation of the Pope’s dialogue in the connection with Italian young people.
Presentation: Good evening, Holiness. First of all thank you, for finding the time – although you have just arrived in Krakow – to be connected with us. You did not give up being with us here this evening. Thank you, Holy Father. There are youngsters here that, in the name of the 90,000 Italians present at Krakow, would like to ask you some questions, and the young people are here. Please.
Girl:
After the railway incident of July 12, we are afraid to take the train. Every day I take the train to go to the University, and that day I wasn’t on the train by pure chance. Every day I sit in the first carriages, and there I met and greeted Luciano, one of the engine drivers that, unfortunately, lost his life in the incident. In those trains we feel at home, but now we’re afraid. I would like to ask: how can we return to normality? How can we beat this fear and continue, be happy again also on those trains, which are our trains, our second home?
Pope Francis:
What happened to you is a wound; in the incident, some were wounded in the body, and you were wounded in your spirit, in your heart, and the wound is called fear. You suffered a shock, a shock that doesn’t let you be well, that hurts you. However, this shock also gives you the opportunity to overcome yourself, to go beyond. And as always happens in life, when we have been wounded, bruises or scars remain. Life is full of scars, life is full of scars, it’s full of them. And with this, there will always be the memory of Luciano, of that other, of that other … who now is no longer because he is lacking from the incident. And, every day that you take the train, you will feel the trace – let’s say it thus – of that wound, of that scar, of that which makes you suffer. And you are young, but life is full of this … And wisdom, to learn to be a wise man, a wise woman, is in fact this: to carry forward the beautiful things of life and the awful things of life. There are things that can’t go forward, and there are things that are very beautiful. But the contrary also happens: how many young people like you are not capable of carrying their life forward with the joy of beautiful things, and prefer to let themselves go, fall under the domination of drugs, or let themselves be defeated by life? In the end, the game is like this: either you win or life defeats you! You must win in life, it’s better! And do so with courage, also with pain. And when there is joy, do so with joy, because joy carries you forward and saves you from the awful sickness: of becoming neurotic. Please, not this!
Girl:
Dear Pope Francis, my name is Andrea, I am 15 and I come from Bergamo. I arrived in Italy when I was 9, hence some six years ago. The kids of my class began to make fun of me, given that I had just arrived, with quite offensive words. In the beginning I didn’t understand Italian well. Then, once I began to understand it, they remained truly bad, but I didn’t answer: I did not want to lower myself to their level. I spent so many years like this, until at the end of the third year of middle school, when they had gone beyond the limit with all the offensive messages on the social <networks>, for which I felt practically useless, I decided to put an end to it, because in my opinion at that moment I didn’t count anymore and felt marginalized by all, from my hamlet … And so I decided to put an end to it and tried to commit suicide. I didn’t succeed and so went to the hospital. And there I understood that I wasn’t that sick person, that I wasn’t the one in need of care, that I didn’t deserve to be shut in the hospital. They were the ones who had erred, they the ones who were in need of being cured, not me. So I picked myself up and decided not to put an end to it because it wasn’t worthwhile, because I could be strong. And in fact I’m well now and am truly strong. And I can, on one hand, thank them for having treated me so badly because although I’m now strong, somewhat also thanks to them, because they put me in that situation. I became strong because I believed in myself, in my parents, and so I believed I could get over it, and if fact I did so. And I am here, and I’m proud to be here.
I would like to ask you: given that in any case I have forgiven them somewhat, because I don’t want to hate anyone, I have forgiven them somewhat, however, I’m still not well. I would like to ask you: how should I forgive these persons? What should I do to forgive them for all that they did to me?
Pope Francis:
Thank you for your testimony. You speak of a very common problem among children and also among persons who aren’t children: cruelty. But look, children are also cruel sometimes, and they have that capacity to wound you where they will do the most hurt: to wound your heart, to wound your dignity, also to wound your nationality, as is your case, no? You didn’t understand Italian well and they made fun of you with the tongue, with words … Cruelty is a human attitude that is in fact at the base of all wars, all of them. Cruelty doesn’t let the other grow; cruelty kills the other, cruelty also kills the other person’s good name. When a person gossips against another, this is cruel: it’s cruel because it destroys the person’s reputation. But you know, I like to say an expression when I speak of this cruelty of the tongue: gossip is a terrorism; it’s the terrorism of gossip. Cruelty of the tongue, or the kind you felt, is like throwing a bomb that destroys you, or destroys someone, and the one who throws it is not destroyed. This is terrorism; it’s something we must defeat. How is this defeated? You have chosen the right way: by silence and patience you finished with that very beautiful word: forgiveness. But it’s not easy to forgive, because one can say: “Yes, I forgive, but I don’t forget.” And you will always bear this cruelty with you, this terrorism of bad words, of words that wound and that try to throw you out of the community. There is a word in Italian that I didn’t know. When I came here to Italy the first times, I learnt it: non-EEC: they throw you out of the community; they don’t receive you., which is something we must fight a lot. You were courageous! You were very courageous in this. But it’s necessary to fight against this terrorism of the tongue, against this terrorism of gossip, of insults, of throwing people out, yes, with insults or saying to them things that hurt the heart. Can one forgive completely? It’s a grace we must ask of the Lord. We, on are own, cannot: we make the effort, you made it, but forgiveness is a grace the Lord gives you, to forgive your enemy, to forgive the one who has wounded you, who has hurt you. When Jesus says to us in the Gospel” He who strikes you on the cheek, give him the other,” which means this: to leave in the Lord’s hands this wisdom of forgiveness, which is a grace. However, we must do all we can on our part to forgive. I thank you for your testimony. And there is also another attitude that goes in fact against this terrorism of the tongue, whether gossip, insults or all this: it’s the attitude of meekness. To be quiet, to treat others well, to not answer with some other bad thing. Like Jesus: Jesus was meek of heart – meekness. And we live in a world where to one insult we respond with another, this is usual. We insult one another, and we lack meekness. We must ask for the grace of meekness, meekness of heart. And there is also the grace that opens the way to forgiveness. I thank you for your testimony.
Boy:
Dear Pope Francis, we are three boys and a priest of 350 people from Verona that left to come here to the WYD, but they had to interrupt their trip at Monaco last Friday, after the attack we all experienced personally, in as much as we were in fact there in those hours. We were told to go back home, we were obliged to go back home, because we wanted to continue our trip but weren’t allowed. Fortunately, once we went back, we were given the possibility to return here, and we took it up with much joy, with much hope. After all that happened to us, after the fear, we asked ourselves – and we want to ask you: how can we, young people, live and spread peace in this world that is so full of hatred?
Pope Francis:
You said two words that are key to understand everything: peace and hatred. Peace builds bridges; hatred is the builder of walls. You must choose in life: either to build bridges or to build walls. Walls divide and hatred grows: when there is division, hatred grows. Bridges unite, and when there is a bridge, hatred can go away, because I can hear the other, I can speak with the other. I like to think and say that we have, in the possibilities of every day, the capacity to build a human bridge. When you shake the hand of a friend, of a person, you build a human bridge. You build a bridge. Instead, when you strike another, insult another, you build a wall. Hatred always grows with walls. Sometimes it happens that you want to be a bridge and you are left with your hand stretched out and the other side doesn’t take it: these are the humiliations that we must suffer to do something good. But always build bridges. And you have come here: you were stopped and sent back home; then you made a wager for the bridge and to return once again: this is always <the right> attitude. Is there a difficulty that impedes me something? I go back and <then> I go forward; I go back and go forward. This is what we must do: build bridges, not let ourselves fall down, not go that way: “But, I can’t …” No, always look for the way to build bridges. You are there: build bridges with your hands, all of you! Take your hands … see. I want to see many human bridges … See, like this: raise your hands high. It’s so. This is the program of life: to build bridges, human bridges. Thank you.
Thank you, Holy Father, because this evening you have given us an extraordinary gift! Thank you, Holy Father. Truly, thank you.
Pope Francis:
Thanks to you and may the Lord bless you. Pray for me!
[Original text: Italian] [Translation by ZENIT]
Pope’s In-Flight Greetings to Media by ZENIT Staff
Here is a ZENIT translation of the greetings Pope Francis gave to journalists Wednesday afternoon on his flight to Poland.
__
Father Lombardi:
So, Holy Father, welcome among us. Thank you for taking some time, also on this trip, to greet us and be with us. We are, as usual, more than 70 from 15 different countries, and we hope to do a good service to spread your words and your message in these very important days.
We are in days that move us all, as we know, because of what is happening in the world, because of what happened yesterday; therefore, we will be grateful if, before greeting us personally, you say a word about how you are living this moment and how you are preparing to meet the young people of the world in this situation. Thank you, Holy Father.
Pope Francis:
Good morning, and thank you for your work.
A word that – on this that Father Lombardi was saying – is repeated a lot is “insecurity.” However, the true word is “war.” For some time we have been saying: the world is in a piecemeal war.” This is war. There was that of ’14, with its methods; then that of ’39-’45, another great war in the world; and now there is this one. It’s not so organic, perhaps; organized, yes, but organic … I say … But it’s war. This holy priest, who died in fact at the moment he was offering the prayer for the whole Church, is one; but how many Christians, how many innocents, how many children … We think of Nigeria, for instance. “But that’s Africa …” It’s war. We aren’t afraid to say this truth: the world is at war, because it has lost peace.
Thank you so much for your work in this Youth Day. Youth always mean hope to us. We hope that the young people will say to one another something that will give us a bit more hope at this moment. For yesterday’s event, I would like to thank all those that made themselves heard with their condolences, especially the President of France, who wished to be connected telephonically with me, as a brother. I thank him.
Thank you.
Related: A Look at How the Holy Father Has Referred to Global Violence as a ‘Third World War Fought Piecemeal’
Father Lombardi:
Thank you, Holy Father. Be sure that we too will try to work with you for peace in these days.[The Holy Father greeted the journalists individually]
Pope Francis:
I would like to say one word to clarify. When I speak of war, I speak seriously of war, not a war of religion, no. There is a war of interests, there is war for money; there is war for nature’s resources: “He’s speaking of a war of religion.” No. All religions want peace. Others want war. Understood?
[Original text: Italian] [Translation by ZENIT]
On Flight to Poland, Pope Comments on French Priest Killed by Deborah Castellano Lubov
In the wake of ISIS killing elderly French priest, Fr. Jacques Hamel, celebrating Mass in a Church in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray in Normandy, Pope Francis has commented that the world is at war, but “not a war of religion, but for power.”
According to Vatican Radio, as the papal flight headed from Rome toward the Polish city of Krakow, Francis commented on the horrific attack.
“There is one word I wish to say to clarify,” he said,” When I speak about ‘war’ I’m speaking about a war for real, not a ‘war of religions.’
“It is a war about [economic] interests, money, natural resources and the domination of peoples.”
“All religions desire peace,” the Pope affirmed, while lamenting, “Other people want war.”
Related: A Look at How the Holy Father Has Referred to Global Violence as a ‘Third World War Fought Piecemeal’
The Holy Father began his remarks noting that many nowadays are repeating the word “insecurity,” but the real word to be used instead, he said, is “war.”
“The world is at war, a piecemeal war. There was the 1914 war with its methods, then the 1939-45 one and now this one.”
“It is not very organic [structured], but it is organized, it is war. This saintly priest, killed right at the moment when he was offering prayers for peace. He is one victim, but how many Christians, how many innocent people, how many children… Let’s think about Nigeria, for example. We say, well, that is Africa! It’s war.”
“We’re not frightened to tell the truth,” he added, “the world is at war because it has lost (sight) of peace.”
The Holy Father also discussed the upcoming World Youth Day gathering in Poland, which is taking place in Krakow and had a welcoming Mass led by the city’s archbishop, Cardinal Dziwisz, on Tuesday evening.
“Young people,” Francis said, “always tell us to have hope. We’re hoping that young people can tell us something that gives us a bit more hope at this time.”
The Holy Father also expressed his thanks to those who expressed their condolences for the martyred priest, especially to French President Francois Hollande, who called by telephone to speak to the Argentine Pontiff “like a brother.”
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I see you with so much enthusiasm and so much joy. But now I want to say something that will sadden your hearts. Let’s be silent. It’s something that has to do with one of you. Maciej […] was just over 22 . He had studied graphic design and had left his work to be a volunteer of the WYD. In fact, all the designs of the flags, the images of the Holy Patrons, of the pilgrim’s kit, and so on, which adorn the city are his. It was precisely in this work that he rediscovered his faith.
He was diagnosed with cancer in November. The doctors weren’t able to do anything, not even by amputating his leg. He wanted to arrive alive for the Pope’s visit! He had a reserved place in the tram in which the Pope would travel, but he died on July 2. People are very touched: he did much good to all.
Now, all of us in silence, let us think of this companion of the road, who worked so much for this Day; and let us all, in silence, pray from the heart. Each one pray from his heart. He is present among us.[Silent prayer]
One of you might think: “This Pope ruins our evening [with this news].” But it’s true, and we must get used to good and bad things. Life is this way, dear young people. However, there is something of which we can have no doubt: the faith of this boy, of this our friend, who worked so much for this WYD, who has gone to Heaven, and is with Jesus at this moment, who looks at all of us! And this is a grace. Applause for our companion!
We will also meet him one day: “Ah, it was you! It’s a pleasure to know you!” It’s this way, because life is like this: today we’re here; tomorrowwe’ll be there. The problem is to choose the right way, as he chose it.
We thank the Lord because He gives us these examples of courage, of courageous young people, which help us to go forward in life! And don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid! God is great; God is good and we all have something good inside. Now I take my leave. We will see one anothertomorrow, we will see each other again. You do your duty, which is to cause a din the whole night … And make our Christian joy seen, the joy that the Lord gives you to be a community that follows Jesus.
And now I give you the blessing. And as we learned as children before going away, we first greet our Mother. Let us all pray to Our Lady, each one in his own language. Hail Mary …[Blessing]
Good night! Good night! And pray for me.[Original text: Italian] [Translation by ZENIT]
Text of Pope’s Q-and-A With Italian Youth by ZENIT Staff
At 8:35 pm Wednesday, from the archbishop’s residence in Krakow where the Holy Father is staying for his apostolic visit, the Pope was connected via live video with Italian young people present at the WYD, gathered in Saint John Paul II’s Shrine in Krakow.
The Pope answered the questions of three youths.
Here is a ZENIT translation of the Pope’s dialogue in the connection with Italian young people.
Presentation: Good evening, Holiness. First of all thank you, for finding the time – although you have just arrived in Krakow – to be connected with us. You did not give up being with us here this evening. Thank you, Holy Father. There are youngsters here that, in the name of the 90,000 Italians present at Krakow, would like to ask you some questions, and the young people are here. Please.
Girl:
After the railway incident of July 12, we are afraid to take the train. Every day I take the train to go to the University, and that day I wasn’t on the train by pure chance. Every day I sit in the first carriages, and there I met and greeted Luciano, one of the engine drivers that, unfortunately, lost his life in the incident. In those trains we feel at home, but now we’re afraid. I would like to ask: how can we return to normality? How can we beat this fear and continue, be happy again also on those trains, which are our trains, our second home?
Pope Francis:
What happened to you is a wound; in the incident, some were wounded in the body, and you were wounded in your spirit, in your heart, and the wound is called fear. You suffered a shock, a shock that doesn’t let you be well, that hurts you. However, this shock also gives you the opportunity to overcome yourself, to go beyond. And as always happens in life, when we have been wounded, bruises or scars remain. Life is full of scars, life is full of scars, it’s full of them. And with this, there will always be the memory of Luciano, of that other, of that other … who now is no longer because he is lacking from the incident. And, every day that you take the train, you will feel the trace – let’s say it thus – of that wound, of that scar, of that which makes you suffer. And you are young, but life is full of this … And wisdom, to learn to be a wise man, a wise woman, is in fact this: to carry forward the beautiful things of life and the awful things of life. There are things that can’t go forward, and there are things that are very beautiful. But the contrary also happens: how many young people like you are not capable of carrying their life forward with the joy of beautiful things, and prefer to let themselves go, fall under the domination of drugs, or let themselves be defeated by life? In the end, the game is like this: either you win or life defeats you! You must win in life, it’s better! And do so with courage, also with pain. And when there is joy, do so with joy, because joy carries you forward and saves you from the awful sickness: of becoming neurotic. Please, not this!
Girl:
Dear Pope Francis, my name is Andrea, I am 15 and I come from Bergamo. I arrived in Italy when I was 9, hence some six years ago. The kids of my class began to make fun of me, given that I had just arrived, with quite offensive words. In the beginning I didn’t understand Italian well. Then, once I began to understand it, they remained truly bad, but I didn’t answer: I did not want to lower myself to their level. I spent so many years like this, until at the end of the third year of middle school, when they had gone beyond the limit with all the offensive messages on the social <networks>, for which I felt practically useless, I decided to put an end to it, because in my opinion at that moment I didn’t count anymore and felt marginalized by all, from my hamlet … And so I decided to put an end to it and tried to commit suicide. I didn’t succeed and so went to the hospital. And there I understood that I wasn’t that sick person, that I wasn’t the one in need of care, that I didn’t deserve to be shut in the hospital. They were the ones who had erred, they the ones who were in need of being cured, not me. So I picked myself up and decided not to put an end to it because it wasn’t worthwhile, because I could be strong. And in fact I’m well now and am truly strong. And I can, on one hand, thank them for having treated me so badly because although I’m now strong, somewhat also thanks to them, because they put me in that situation. I became strong because I believed in myself, in my parents, and so I believed I could get over it, and if fact I did so. And I am here, and I’m proud to be here.
I would like to ask you: given that in any case I have forgiven them somewhat, because I don’t want to hate anyone, I have forgiven them somewhat, however, I’m still not well. I would like to ask you: how should I forgive these persons? What should I do to forgive them for all that they did to me?
Pope Francis:
Thank you for your testimony. You speak of a very common problem among children and also among persons who aren’t children: cruelty. But look, children are also cruel sometimes, and they have that capacity to wound you where they will do the most hurt: to wound your heart, to wound your dignity, also to wound your nationality, as is your case, no? You didn’t understand Italian well and they made fun of you with the tongue, with words … Cruelty is a human attitude that is in fact at the base of all wars, all of them. Cruelty doesn’t let the other grow; cruelty kills the other, cruelty also kills the other person’s good name. When a person gossips against another, this is cruel: it’s cruel because it destroys the person’s reputation. But you know, I like to say an expression when I speak of this cruelty of the tongue: gossip is a terrorism; it’s the terrorism of gossip. Cruelty of the tongue, or the kind you felt, is like throwing a bomb that destroys you, or destroys someone, and the one who throws it is not destroyed. This is terrorism; it’s something we must defeat. How is this defeated? You have chosen the right way: by silence and patience you finished with that very beautiful word: forgiveness. But it’s not easy to forgive, because one can say: “Yes, I forgive, but I don’t forget.” And you will always bear this cruelty with you, this terrorism of bad words, of words that wound and that try to throw you out of the community. There is a word in Italian that I didn’t know. When I came here to Italy the first times, I learnt it: non-EEC: they throw you out of the community; they don’t receive you., which is something we must fight a lot. You were courageous! You were very courageous in this. But it’s necessary to fight against this terrorism of the tongue, against this terrorism of gossip, of insults, of throwing people out, yes, with insults or saying to them things that hurt the heart. Can one forgive completely? It’s a grace we must ask of the Lord. We, on are own, cannot: we make the effort, you made it, but forgiveness is a grace the Lord gives you, to forgive your enemy, to forgive the one who has wounded you, who has hurt you. When Jesus says to us in the Gospel” He who strikes you on the cheek, give him the other,” which means this: to leave in the Lord’s hands this wisdom of forgiveness, which is a grace. However, we must do all we can on our part to forgive. I thank you for your testimony. And there is also another attitude that goes in fact against this terrorism of the tongue, whether gossip, insults or all this: it’s the attitude of meekness. To be quiet, to treat others well, to not answer with some other bad thing. Like Jesus: Jesus was meek of heart – meekness. And we live in a world where to one insult we respond with another, this is usual. We insult one another, and we lack meekness. We must ask for the grace of meekness, meekness of heart. And there is also the grace that opens the way to forgiveness. I thank you for your testimony.
Boy:
Dear Pope Francis, we are three boys and a priest of 350 people from Verona that left to come here to the WYD, but they had to interrupt their trip at Monaco last Friday, after the attack we all experienced personally, in as much as we were in fact there in those hours. We were told to go back home, we were obliged to go back home, because we wanted to continue our trip but weren’t allowed. Fortunately, once we went back, we were given the possibility to return here, and we took it up with much joy, with much hope. After all that happened to us, after the fear, we asked ourselves – and we want to ask you: how can we, young people, live and spread peace in this world that is so full of hatred?
Pope Francis:
You said two words that are key to understand everything: peace and hatred. Peace builds bridges; hatred is the builder of walls. You must choose in life: either to build bridges or to build walls. Walls divide and hatred grows: when there is division, hatred grows. Bridges unite, and when there is a bridge, hatred can go away, because I can hear the other, I can speak with the other. I like to think and say that we have, in the possibilities of every day, the capacity to build a human bridge. When you shake the hand of a friend, of a person, you build a human bridge. You build a bridge. Instead, when you strike another, insult another, you build a wall. Hatred always grows with walls. Sometimes it happens that you want to be a bridge and you are left with your hand stretched out and the other side doesn’t take it: these are the humiliations that we must suffer to do something good. But always build bridges. And you have come here: you were stopped and sent back home; then you made a wager for the bridge and to return once again: this is always <the right> attitude. Is there a difficulty that impedes me something? I go back and <then> I go forward; I go back and go forward. This is what we must do: build bridges, not let ourselves fall down, not go that way: “But, I can’t …” No, always look for the way to build bridges. You are there: build bridges with your hands, all of you! Take your hands … see. I want to see many human bridges … See, like this: raise your hands high. It’s so. This is the program of life: to build bridges, human bridges. Thank you.
Thank you, Holy Father, because this evening you have given us an extraordinary gift! Thank you, Holy Father. Truly, thank you.
Pope Francis:
Thanks to you and may the Lord bless you. Pray for me!
[Original text: Italian] [Translation by ZENIT]
Pope’s In-Flight Greetings to Media by ZENIT Staff
Here is a ZENIT translation of the greetings Pope Francis gave to journalists Wednesday afternoon on his flight to Poland.
__
Father Lombardi:
So, Holy Father, welcome among us. Thank you for taking some time, also on this trip, to greet us and be with us. We are, as usual, more than 70 from 15 different countries, and we hope to do a good service to spread your words and your message in these very important days.
We are in days that move us all, as we know, because of what is happening in the world, because of what happened yesterday; therefore, we will be grateful if, before greeting us personally, you say a word about how you are living this moment and how you are preparing to meet the young people of the world in this situation. Thank you, Holy Father.
Pope Francis:
Good morning, and thank you for your work.
A word that – on this that Father Lombardi was saying – is repeated a lot is “insecurity.” However, the true word is “war.” For some time we have been saying: the world is in a piecemeal war.” This is war. There was that of ’14, with its methods; then that of ’39-’45, another great war in the world; and now there is this one. It’s not so organic, perhaps; organized, yes, but organic … I say … But it’s war. This holy priest, who died in fact at the moment he was offering the prayer for the whole Church, is one; but how many Christians, how many innocents, how many children … We think of Nigeria, for instance. “But that’s Africa …” It’s war. We aren’t afraid to say this truth: the world is at war, because it has lost peace.
Thank you so much for your work in this Youth Day. Youth always mean hope to us. We hope that the young people will say to one another something that will give us a bit more hope at this moment. For yesterday’s event, I would like to thank all those that made themselves heard with their condolences, especially the President of France, who wished to be connected telephonically with me, as a brother. I thank him.
Thank you.
Related: A Look at How the Holy Father Has Referred to Global Violence as a ‘Third World War Fought Piecemeal’
Father Lombardi:
Thank you, Holy Father. Be sure that we too will try to work with you for peace in these days.[The Holy Father greeted the journalists individually]
Pope Francis:
I would like to say one word to clarify. When I speak of war, I speak seriously of war, not a war of religion, no. There is a war of interests, there is war for money; there is war for nature’s resources: “He’s speaking of a war of religion.” No. All religions want peace. Others want war. Understood?
[Original text: Italian] [Translation by ZENIT]
On Flight to Poland, Pope Comments on French Priest Killed by Deborah Castellano Lubov
In the wake of ISIS killing elderly French priest, Fr. Jacques Hamel, celebrating Mass in a Church in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray in Normandy, Pope Francis has commented that the world is at war, but “not a war of religion, but for power.”
According to Vatican Radio, as the papal flight headed from Rome toward the Polish city of Krakow, Francis commented on the horrific attack.
“There is one word I wish to say to clarify,” he said,” When I speak about ‘war’ I’m speaking about a war for real, not a ‘war of religions.’
“It is a war about [economic] interests, money, natural resources and the domination of peoples.”
“All religions desire peace,” the Pope affirmed, while lamenting, “Other people want war.”
Related: A Look at How the Holy Father Has Referred to Global Violence as a ‘Third World War Fought Piecemeal’
The Holy Father began his remarks noting that many nowadays are repeating the word “insecurity,” but the real word to be used instead, he said, is “war.”
“The world is at war, a piecemeal war. There was the 1914 war with its methods, then the 1939-45 one and now this one.”
“It is not very organic [structured], but it is organized, it is war. This saintly priest, killed right at the moment when he was offering prayers for peace. He is one victim, but how many Christians, how many innocent people, how many children… Let’s think about Nigeria, for example. We say, well, that is Africa! It’s war.”
“We’re not frightened to tell the truth,” he added, “the world is at war because it has lost (sight) of peace.”
The Holy Father also discussed the upcoming World Youth Day gathering in Poland, which is taking place in Krakow and had a welcoming Mass led by the city’s archbishop, Cardinal Dziwisz, on Tuesday evening.
“Young people,” Francis said, “always tell us to have hope. We’re hoping that young people can tell us something that gives us a bit more hope at this time.”
The Holy Father also expressed his thanks to those who expressed their condolences for the martyred priest, especially to French President Francois Hollande, who called by telephone to speak to the Argentine Pontiff “like a brother.”
Innovative Media Inc.
30 Mansell Road Suite 103
Roswell, Georgia 30076, United States
---------------------
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