Pope Francis traveled the streets of Bucharest in a Romanian branded car, a Dacia.
Outside the Cotroceni Palace, the pope met President Klaus Iohannis and his wife Carmen Lăzurcă.
He was also greeted by the military with all honors.
After the military parade, the pope went inside the palace. It is the official residence of the President of Romania from the late 19th century.
There, Pope Francis had a private meeting with President Iohannis and the Prime Minister Viorica Dăncilă.
Several minutes later, the president and the pope spoke before civil and religious authorities of the country.
KLAUS IOHANNIS
“It is a great joy for me, as President of Romania, and on behalf of all Romanians, to receive you in Bucharest, in the Cotroceni Palace and to say 'Welcome to Romania!'”
Romania has suffered from decades of Communist rule and emigration. Additionally, poverty has led to 14 percent of its population to emigrate in the last 30 years. Pope Francis dedicated his initial words to this situation.
POPE FRANCIS
“I think of all the brothers and sisters who are abroad. It is an act of patriotism, an act of brotherhood. It is an act of justice. Continue to do so.”
The pope then gave them a message of hope. He recalled the achievements since the fall of Communism, such as the increase in liberty and the establishment of democracy. However, he said the country must change its mentality.
POPE FRANCIS
“To confront the problems of this new chapter of history, identify effective solutions, and find the strength to implement them, greater cooperation is needed on the part of the nation’s political, economic, social and spiritual forces. It is necessary to walk together. It requires developing not just material conditions, but the very soul of your people.”
The pope said unity among social actors implies sacrifices and creativity.
Those present applauded Pope Francis' speech. At the conclusion of the ceremony, he greeted the primate of the Orthodox Church of Romania, Patriarch Daniel.
