Pope Francis reflected on his first international trip of 2018 – Chile and Peru.
The pope affectionately recalled his trip to the women's prison and his denunciation of corruption. He also reiterated the importance of respecting and conserving indigenous cultures and the value of clear, sincere dialogue to resolve issues:
“There are always conflicts, also at home, you have to deal with them, but dealing with them badly is even worse. Don't sweep conflicts under the rug. Whatever comes to light is discussed, it's resolved through dialogue. Think about the little conflicts that you surely have at home. Don't hide them, discuss them.”
SUMMARY OF POPE'S CATECHESIS
Dear brothers and sisters,
In my recent Apostolic Journey to Chile and Peru, I had the joy of encountering God’s pilgrim people and encouraging the growth of social harmony in respect for the rich diversity of those nations. In Chile, I stressed the importance of listening to the voices of all: the poor, the young and the elderly, the immigrant and the voice of the earth itself. I encouraged the Church in its path of purification and renewal, and, appealing to the example of Saint Alberto Hurtado, I encouraged educators to help the young to share in the building of a just and inclusive society. In Peru, I expressed my confidence that the nation’s environmental, spiritual and cultural riches can contribute to to building unity and cooperation in meeting the grave challenges facing society. In my meeting with the Amazonian peoples, I stressed the importance of mutual respect and care for the natural environment. In Trujillo, hard hit by natural disasters, I invited all to work together in confronting the social problems of crime and the lack of education, employment and housing. In Lima, I concluded my visit to these two countries by appealing to the example of the saints and asking their intercession as the Church pursues the path of conversion and mission, and strives to be a messenger of unity, hope and peace for all peoples.
I greet all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, particularly those from England, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Korea and the United States of America. In the context of this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, I offer a special greeting to the group from the Bossey Ecumenical Institute. I also greet the priests of the Institute for Continuing Theological Education of the Pontifical North American College. Upon all of you, and your families, I invoke the joy and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you!
