Pope Francis arrived much earlier than the scheduled time for the WYD opening ceremony. Yet, the pilgrims were also very eager to see and listen to the pope.
The Archbishop of Panama, José Domingo Ulloa, was in charge of welcoming the pope on behalf of all the young people from around the world.
'We want to express that here we not only are the pope's youth but, above all, the youth of Christ. This is what we also want to say all together: This is the youth of Christ! Welcome Pope Francis.'
After the presentation of the gifts for Pope Francis, it was time for music with this song: Emmanuel. It was the hymn of World Youth Day in Rome 2000.
The pope pronounced his speech with so much energy, that he showed young people he feels like one of them. First, Pope Francis invited them to continue advancing in faith, but in a specific way.
POPE FRANCIS
'Go forward; not to create a parallel Church that would be a little more 'fun' or 'cool' thanks to a youth event, with special events, as if that will leave you happy. You do not believe this and this way of thinking would not respect you or everything that the Spirit is saying through you.'
The pope wanted to thank the pilgrims coming from all over the world for their efforts to participate in this WYD. He also thanked them for becoming artisans of the culture of the encounter before those who promote the opposite.
POPE FRANCIS
'With your gestures and approach, with your way of looking at things, your desires and, especially, with your sensitivity, you deny and disprove all talk concentrated on and intending to sow division; those speeches that insist on excluding or rejecting those who 'are not like us.''
Pope Francis quoted some words by Pope Benedict XVI on unity, before he invited the young people to greet the pope emeritus.
POPE FRANCIS
'We send a greeting from here. He is watching us on television. Hello! Everyone – wave with your hand, to Pope Benedict.'
The pope asked them to promote the culture of encounter keeps alive a common dream. Pope Francis explained that this dream is a concrete person.
POPE FRANCIS
'What is our dream called?'
'Jesus.'
'I can't hear.'
'Jesus.'
'I can't hear you.'
'Jesus.'
Finally, he invited all these young people to believe that the love of Jesus is worthwhile and to imitate the Blessed Mother.
While it was dusk by the sea and the pope was leaving, the party concluded with more music. It was the special hymn chosen for this World Youth Day.
