It was another intense afternoon for the Pope in Krakow.
First, he received the Krakow authorities who paid him homage by handing him the keys to the city.
He was then transported to BÅ?onia Park with nothing less than a Krakow ecological tram. Thus, he waved at pilgrims for about 20 minutes, and was accompanied by some young people with disabilities inside the tram.
Upon arrival at BÅ?onia Park, the party had already begun. One million young people received Pope Francis with all their enthusiasm.
The archbishop of Krakow thanked the Pope for his presence in the homeland of John Paul II.
'Thank you on behalf of all young people and all present. Thank you.'
Chosen representatives from each continent gave the Pope a pilgrim kit, just as each participant was given upon arrival. Then they devoted a colorful dance festival from around the world to Pope Francis.
There was a montage of saints from across the centuries to explain to the youth that holiness has no time limit or age and don't expect to be an adult to begin to search for it. After reading the Gospel, Pope Francis spoke, urging young people to have a merciful heart.
POPE FRANCIS
'Are you able to dream? When a heart is open and prepared to dream, there is also room for mercy. There is also room to be close to those who suffer, those who want peace in their heart or who lack the necessities of life or that most beautiful thing, faith. Let us say this word: Mercy. Say together this word: Mercy. Once again, so the whole world hears you: Mercy.'
He told them it pains him when he meets young people who feel no desire to live or seek happiness in dark ways. So he invited them not to be fooled by this lie that life has no value.
POPE FRANCIS
'Dear friends, we are gathered here, however, to help one another other, because we do not want to be robbed of the best of ourselves. We don't want to be robbed of our energy, our joy, or our dreams by fond illusions.'
To keep a strong passion for life, the Pope recommended something to them that cannot be bought or sold.
POPE FRANCIS
'Dear friends, I ask you: Are you looking for empty thrills in life? Or do you want to feel a power that can give you a lasting sense of life and fulfillment? Empty thrills or the power of grace? What do you want: Empty thrills or the power of fulfillment? What do you want? I can hardly hear you... Define fulfillment: to gain new strength, there is a way. It is a response that cannot be bought or sold. It is not a thing or an object. It is a person and He is alive and His name is Jesus Christ. A round of applause for the Lord.'
The huge party ended with a prayer in which the Pope invited young people to build bridges and tear down walls. He asked for them to help the poor and the abandoned and to embrace, without fear, those who come from another culture. He told them to listen to the elders and asked all them to live mercifully, so that their lives are lived to fulfillment.
