Romania is entering a new phase in its history. After overcoming the devastation left by the Soviet Union regime, it still remains one of the poorest countries in the European Union. It has not yet overcome the drama of emigration. However, from a political point of view, it has managed to establish a democratic structure.
1. UNITY
During his visit to Romania, the pope asked leaders to join forces in helping to advance the country socially, spiritually, economically and politically.
POPE FRANCIS
“It is necessary to walk together.”
He also asked for unity among the Romanian people. One example was at Mass in the shrine of Șumuleu-Ciuc.
POPE FRANCIS
“Let us not allow the voices and wounds that feed division and fragmentation rob us of fraternal love.”
2. ECUMENISM
Pope Francis second message was addressed to local Orthodox leaders. A fundamental point for this trip was to eliminate tensions with the Romanian Church.
The pope asked for fraternity. He recalled Orthodox and Catholics died together during the Soviet persecution.
POPE FRANCIS
“That which they suffered, to the point of sacrificing their lives, is too precious an inheritance to be disregarded or tarnished.”
3.-HOPE FOR THE ROMANIAN PEOPLE
Pope Francis encouraged the Romanian people. He reminded them of their grandparents who despite living in poverty raised their families.
POPE FRANCIS
“Theirs is a silent, tenacious and unsung sacrifice; they are unafraid to ‘roll up their sleeves’ and shoulder difficulties.”
4.- IDEOLOGICAL COLONIZATION
There was no shortage of warnings. During the beatification of the Romanian martyrs, the pope explained why ideological colonization should be rejected.
POPE FRANCIS
“Forms of ideological colonization that devalue the person, life, marriage and the family. Above all, with alienating proposals as atheistic as those of the past.”
5. FORGIVENESS
Finally, Pope Francis asked for forgiveness from the gypsy community. It was during his visit to a parish at the end of his trip.
POPE FRANCIS
“I would like to ask your forgiveness for this. I ask forgiveness, in the name of the Church and of the Lord, and I ask forgiveness from you. For all those times in history when we have discriminated.”
This event concluded the pope's fifth papal trip for 2019. It has been a year filled with many international appointments. Pope Francis next journey will be to Africa in September.
