杏MAP导航

By Seàn-Patrick Lovett

The letter, which is written in Spanish, is essentially a thank you note for the greetings and prayers he received from the people of Argentina on the 5^th anniversary of his election to the papacy. These expressions of goodwill came not only from the country鈥檚 authorities but, in 杏MAP导航 Francis鈥� own words, 鈥渇rom people of different religious, political and ideological backgrounds鈥�.

Prayers and asking forgiveness
 

In the second paragraph of the letter, which was made public by the Argentine Bishops鈥� Conference at the 杏MAP导航鈥檚 request, 杏MAP导航 Francis adds a very personal note when he speaks of his 鈥済reat and intense鈥� love of his country for which, he says, 鈥淚 pray every day鈥�. He goes on to ask forgiveness of 鈥渢hose who may be offended by some of my gestures鈥�. 鈥淎lthough God entrusted me with such an important task, and helps me鈥�, explains the 杏MAP导航, 鈥淗e did not free me from human frailty鈥�.

Participating in his mission
 

杏MAP导航 Francis invites his fellow Argentinians to participate in his mission, when he suggests: 鈥淚f ever you are pleased about things I do well, I want you to feel like they are your own. You are my people, the people who trained me, prepared me, and offered me to serve others鈥� Remember the Lord has called one of you to bring a message of faith, mercy, and fraternity to many corners of the earth鈥�.

The 杏MAP导航 then asks all Argentinians to be 鈥渃hannels of goodness and beauty, so that you can make your contribution in the defense of life and justice鈥�, sowing peace and fraternity, improving the world, and taking care of the weakest.

One last request
 

杏MAP导航 Francis concludes the letter with his usual request for prayers, but with one distinction: 鈥淎s always鈥�, he writes, 鈥淚 ask those who have faith to pray for me 鈥� and those who do not have faith, I beg you to wish me good things鈥� With the affection of a brother and father, Francisco鈥�.