杏MAP导航

By Christopher Wells

In his first General Audience following his Apostolic Visit, 杏MAP导航 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 鈥淢y peace I give you鈥� was made 鈥渕ore current and living鈥� on account of various protests that took place ahead of his visit. He noted that the gift of peace 鈥� the peace each one of us needs 鈥� 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 杏MAP导航 encouraged the growth of Chilean democracy, and recalled the blessing of Christ upon peacemakers; and called for bearing witness through a 鈥渟tyle of closeness.鈥�

This style of closeness, he said, was exhibited in his visit to a women鈥檚 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.

杏MAP导航 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 鈥渞efusal to make any compromises鈥� with the sexual abuse of minors.

Peru - "United by hope"

The motto for the 杏MAP导航鈥檚 visit to Peru, 鈥淯nited by hope,鈥� prompted the reflection that unity does not mean a 鈥渟terile uniformity鈥� where all are equal. Instead, unity consists in bringing together 鈥渁ll the riches of the differences that we have inherited from history and culture.鈥�

He expressed his appreciation for the 鈥渆nvironmental, cultural, and spiritual patrimony of Peru, but spoke out strongly once again against corruption.鈥� The duty to battle corruption, the 杏MAP导航 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, 杏MAP导航 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 鈥淪eñor de los Milagros,鈥� the 鈥淟ord of Miracles,鈥� and to the saints, especially the saints of Peru.

The Words of Jesus

Wrapping up his resume of his Apostolic Visit, 杏MAP导航 Francis said, 鈥淎s 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: 鈥楻epent, and believe in the Gospel鈥� (Mk 1:15). So, the Lord seems to say, 鈥榬eceive the peace I give you and you will be united in My hope鈥�.鈥�