Despite the rain, tens of thousands of people participated in the Mass with which Pope Francis concluded his trip to Mozambique.
Perhaps the most characteristic was the expressiveness of this country, which prays through music and dancing.
Pope Francis used a chasuble with ethnic motifs, reminiscent of the skin of a leopard, and a cross made with the woods of houses destroyed by a cyclone in the country, given to him just before at his visit to Zimpeto Hospital.
It was a Mass celebrated 'For the progress of the peoples.' Therefore, the pope's homily asked Catholics to dare to forgive specific offenses, and even, following Jesus' example, to love enemies.
It's a hard message for this country, still recovering from 17 years of civil war that left 1 million dead and 4 million displaced.
POPE FRANCIS
No family, no group of neighbors, no ethnic group, much less a nation, has a future if the force that unites them, brings them together and resolves their differences is vengeance and hatred. We cannot come to terms and unite for the sake of revenge, or treating others with the same violence with which they treated us, or plotting opportunities for retaliation under apparently legal auspices.
The pope asked for courage not to mistreat or insult those who have done wrong, but recognize, value and have compassion for others.
POPE FRANCIS
“It calls for daily commitment on the part of everyone. To an attentive and active concern that makes us treat others with the same mercy and goodness with which we ourselves want to be treated.”
In short, he asked Catholics around the world to always be sowers of peace and reconciliation.
Before concluding the ceremony, the Archbishop of Maputo thanked him on behalf of everyone for his visit.
Pope Francis gave him this chalice, so they could remember the trip every time they celebrate Mass.
Javier Martínez-Brocal
Melissa Butz
