Pope Francis' last stop in Chile was in Iquique, in the north of the country. It is a coastal city of fishermen, but also land of immigrants.
There the pope celebrated a Mass, asking all to imitate the example of the Blessed Mother at the wedding at Cana. She was attentive to the needs of others and Pope Francis remembered that Christian joy springs forth from generosity.
POPE FRANCIS
“We know well that there is no Christian joy when doors are closed. There is no Christian joy when others are made to feel unwanted, when there is no room for them in our midst. Like Mary at Cana, let us make an effort to be more attentive in our squares and towns, to notice those whose lives have been “watered down,” who have lost – or have been robbed of – reasons to celebrate.”
The pope said this is the attitude needed to face the problems of today's world, such as migration and unjust job conditions.
POPE FRANCIS
“Let us be attentive to the lack of steady employment, which destroys lives and homes. Let us be attentive to those who profit from the irregular status of many immigrants who don’t know the language or who don’t have their papers 'in order.' Let us be attentive to the lack of shelter, land and employment experienced by so many families. And, like Mary, let us say with faith, 'They have no wine.'”
While it was the pope’s last stop in Chile, unfortunately there was an accident. A policewoman fell from her horse when Pope Francis was saying his goodbyes to the city in the popemobile. When it happened, the Pope stopped the vehicle to go down and help her.
