After a private meeting with the president for 20 minutes, Pope Francis arrived at Plaza Bolívar in the popemobile, where there were 22,000 people waiting to greet him.
He was received by mayor Enrique Peñaloso, who gave him the keys to the city.
“The children did it”
He prayed before the Virgin of Chiquinquirá in front of more than 3,000 people. This was one of the most emotional moments for the Colombian people.
Later, he went out on the balcony to greet 22,000 young people that made themselves heard. The connection to the pope was instantaneous.
FRANCISCO
“Even if my eyes were blindfolded, I know that only the youth could make this commotion.”
“This is the pope’s youth!”
Pope Francis addressed them with very clear and direct messages regarding how to confront the delicate and historical moment the country is now facing. He told them that Colombia needs young people who know how to understand, find themselves, forgive and heal.
POPE FRANCIS
“I come also to learn; to learn from you all, from your faith, from your strength in the face of adversity. You all know that bishops and priests learn from their people. Well, I am a bishop and I have come to learn. I want your dreams and projects to be a breath of fresh air for Colombia, to fill it with healthy utopias. Young people: dream, move, risk, look at life with a new smile, go forward. Don’t be afraid.”
Pope Francis reminded the young people that they are the future of Colombia, and that only their hearts are capable of overcoming the greatest challenges.
