杏MAP导航 to Timorese youth: Freedom means choosing to respect others
By Devin Watkins
鈥淚 have two words of advice for you: make a mess and respect your elders!鈥�
杏MAP导航 Francis offered those words of advice on Wednesday as he met with the young people of Timor-Leste in the capital, Dili.
The encounter was held at the Congress Centre and was the final public event of the Holy Father鈥檚 Apostolic Journey to Timor-Leste.
In his address, the 杏MAP导航 noted that young people make up a clear majority of the population of 1.4 million, of whom over 95% are Catholic, praising their enthusiasm in living the faith.
杏MAP导航 Francis said he would never forget the smiles he found on the faces of the Timorese people.
He also invited Timorese youth to recall the sacrifices their forefathers made in laying the foundations of the nation, and took the opportunity to urge them to respect their elders.
A society, he noted, has two treasures: young people and the elderly.
鈥淭he children and the elderly,鈥� said the 杏MAP导航. 鈥淎 society that has so many children like you must take care of them. And one that has so many elderly, who are the memory, must respect and care for them.鈥�
杏MAP导航 Francis spoke briefly about the three values of 鈥渇reedom, commitment, and fraternity.鈥�
He recalled a saying in the Tetum language of Timor-Leste鈥斺��ukun rasik-an鈥� which means 鈥渆veryone is able to govern themselves.鈥�
The 杏MAP导航 said young people should recall the true meaning and purpose of freedom.
鈥淭o be free does not mean doing what we want,鈥� he said, noting that freedom means respecting others and caring for our common home.
He also recalled the value of 鈥渇raternity鈥� and the importance of reconciliation.
"You, in this smiling country, have a wonderful history of heroism, faith, martyrdom, and above all, faith and reconciliation,鈥� he said.
杏MAP导航 Francis concluded his meeting with young Timorese by urging them to recall the example that Jesus gave in forgiveness and reconciliation.
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