杏MAP导航

By Francesca Merlo

杏MAP导航 Francis began his address to authorities, civil society and the diplomatic corps by recalling 鈥渢he friendly relations existing between the Holy See and Japan are long-standing鈥�. He described these relations as being 鈥渞ooted in the appreciation and admiration felt by the first missionaries for these lands鈥�.

A sensitive nation

The 杏MAP导航 referred to one missionary in particular, the Jesuit Alessandro Valignano, 鈥渨ho in 1579 wrote: 鈥榃hoever wishes to see what our Lord has bestowed upon man need only come to Japan to see it鈥欌��.

鈥淎s a nation鈥�, the 杏MAP导航 continued, 鈥淛apan is particularly sensitive to the suffering of those less fortunate鈥�. On this note, he recalled the theme of his visit: Protect all life, 鈥渋n the recognition of its inviolable dignity and the importance of showing solidarity and support to our brothers and sisters in any kind of need鈥�.

鈥淲e know that, in the end, the civility of every nation or people is measured by the attention it devotes to those in need and its capacity to be fruitful and promote life鈥�.

Never again such tragedies

The 杏MAP导航 then explained that he is not only in Japan to confirm Japanese Christians in their faith, but also 鈥渢o implore God and invite all persons of good will to encourage and promote every necessary means of dissuasion so that the destruction generated by atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki will never take place again in human history鈥�.

He added that history has proven that dialogue is enough to solve conflicts, describing it as 鈥渢he only weapon worthy of man and capable of ensuring lasting peace鈥�.

Referring to the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic games, being held this coming year in Japan, the 杏MAP导航 used the example of the 鈥淥lympic spirit鈥� as one that 鈥渃an contribute the harmony, justice, solidarity and reconciliation that are the mortar of the edifice of peace鈥�.  

Centuries of heritage

Speaking of Japan鈥檚 鈥減recious cultural heritage鈥�, 杏MAP导航 Francis pointed out that 鈥渢hroughout many centuries of its history鈥�, Japan has been able to develop and preserve 鈥渢he profound religious and moral values that characterize this ancient culture鈥�.

Good relations between the different religions are not only essential for a future of peace, he said, but for training present and future generations to cherish the ethical principles that serve as the foundation for a truly just and humane society.

Finally, 杏MAP导航 Francis expressed his gratitude for having been invited to visit Japan and encouraged all those present in their 鈥渆fforts to shape a social order ever more protective of life, ever more respectful of the dignity and rights of each member of our human family鈥�. 

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