The 6,000 young people attending the Asian Youth Day meeting at the Shrine of Solmoe were excited to meet with the Pope, and Francis definitely exceeded their expectations.
Three of the young people asked him questions on their struggles. While they spoke, Pope Francis jotted down several notes on their questions. The surprise came during his prepared address in English, when he decided to directly respond to their doubts.
POPE FRANCIS
'Are you tired? May I go on? But I do it in Italian...â?
The Pope explained that God always calls on Christians to do good, whether in religious life or in a family. He asked them to reflect on what God wants from them.
POPE FRANCIS
''What path should I choose?'But you do not choose the path. The Lord is the one that chooses the path, Jesus has chosen it. You must listen to Him and ask, 'Lord, what must I do?'â?
The Pope also spoke on the division between North Korea and South Korea. He said that there 'are not two Koreas, but one familyâ? and ask the youth to pray for unity.
POPE FRANCIS
'Pray. Pray for our brothers in the North. 'Lord, we are one family. Help us. Help us to be unified. You alone can do it. That there may not be winners nor losers, only one family. That we may only be brothers.â?
He then asked those present to pray in silence.
The Pope went on to say that the two Koreas speak the same language, noting that it was a cause for hope.
Pope Francis is the first pope to participate in an Asian Youth Day. He will meet again with the youth of Asia on Sunday, where he will celebrate the final Mass.
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