Pope Francis conducted his now traditional inflight press conference on board last night's flight from Cartagena to Rome, however it was cut short by turbulence. Nonetheless, the Holy Father managed to answer numerous questions on current issues, including climate change, immigration, and the ongoing crisis in Venezuela.
Greg Burke
Director of the Vatican Press Centre
Thank you, Holy Father, for the time that you have given us today, after an intense voyage, tiring, very tiring for everyone, but also a fruitful voyage. Many times, you thanked people for things they have taught you; we too learn so many things in these cultures of encounter and we thank you for this. Colombia in particular, with her recent past - not only recent - has offered us some very rich testimonials, moving witnesses of forgiveness and of reconciliation. However, she has also given us an ongoing lesson in joy and in hope, two words which you used often during this trip. Now perhaps, you may wish to say something, and then we will go on to the questions. Thank you.
Pope Francis
Good evening, and thank you very much for your work.
Truly I have been moved by the joy, tenderness, youth and nobility of the Colombian people. Truly, they are a noble people, who are not afraid to express how they feel, they are not afraid to feel and to let others see what they are feeling. This is what I perceived. This is the third time that I have visited Colombia, as far as I can remember, but a bishop said to me: No, you were here a fourth time, but only for a small meeting, once in La Ceja and the other two, or three, in Bogotá. But I did not know Colombia very well, the Colombia that we can see from the streets. And I am thankful for the witness of joy, hope and patience in suffering that these people have given. It was very good for me. Thank you.
Greg Burke
Thank you, Holy Father. The first question is from César Moreno, from Caracol Radio.
César Moreno
Caracol Radio (in Spanish)
Thank you, Your Holiness, a very good evening to you. First of all I would like to thank you on behalf of all the Colombian media who are here with us on this voyage, all our friends and colleagues, for having visited our country, for having given so many beautiful messages, so sweet but also profound, for the closeness that you have demonstrated to the Colombian people. Your Holiness, thank you very much. My question is this: You arrived, Holy Father, in a country that is divided because of a peace process, between those who accept the process and those who do not. What can we do concretely? What steps can we take in order to bring the divided parties together, to help them to stop their hatred and to lay down their grudges? If Your Holiness were to return to our country in one year's time, what do you think you would see? How would you like to see Colombia? Thank you.
Pope Francis
I would like at least for them to do as the motto says: Let's take a second step, at least that. They were, I thought they were more calculated in the sixties, but they say that there were 54 years of guerrilla warfare, more or less, and there is a lot, a lot of hatred built up, a lot of rancour, a lot of sick souls, and it is not the fault of the disease, it comes, you catch it, it's not your fault ... Excuse me, I should speak Italian. A sick soul ... an illness is not guilty, it happens. And with the guerrilla, they really did, both the guerrilla and the paramilitary personnel, and others, and there was also corruption, many times, in the country - there were terrible sins that brought about this sickness of hatred ... But there are steps forward that are hopeful, steps involving negotiation, the most recent is the ELN ceasefire: thank you very much, thank you for this. But there is something more, which I have perceived, which is the willingness to continue on in this process, something beyond negotiations that are taking place and that should take place. A spontaneous desire, and that is where the strength of the people lies. I have hope in this regard. People want to breathe, but we have to help each other, help each other by being close to one another, praying for one another, above all understanding how much suffering there is within so many people.
Greg Burke
Now, Holy Father, José Mojica, from El Tiempo.
José Mojica
El Tiempo (in Spanish)
Holy Father, it is an honour to be here with you. My name is José Mujica. I am a journalist with El Tiempo - an editing house in Colombia - and I greet you in the name of all my Colombian coleagues and all the communication media from my country. Colombia has suffered much from the violence of war, armed conflict and drug trafficking; however the ravages of corruption in politics have been as damaging as the war itself, and although corruption is not new, we have always known that it exists, we know that there has always been corruption, now it is more visible because we no longer receive news about the war, about armed conflict. What can we do in the face of this scourge, how far will the corruptors go, how can they be punished and ultimately, can the corrupt be excommunicated?
Pope Francis
You ask a question that I have asked many times, I pose it this way: Can those who are corrupt be forgiven? This is what I thought, and I asked it when there was an act, in the province of Catamarca, in Argentina, an act of mistreatment, abuse, violation of a girl, and there were people tied there very close to those with political and economic power in that province. I heard about an article written by Rogelio Frigerio published in La Nacion, at the time; I wrote a little book entitled Sin and corruption. We are all sinners and we know that the Lord is close to us, that He never grows tired of forgiving us. But the difference is: God never grows tired of forgiving, but sometimes the sinners find the courage to ask for forgiveness. The problem is that those who are corrupt grow tired of asking for forgiveness and forget how to ask for forgiveness: this is a serious problem. This is a state of insensitivity in the face of values, in the face of destruction, exploitation of people. They are not able to ask for forgiveness. It is like a condemnation, it is very difficult to help someone who is corrupt, very difficult, but God can do it. I pray for this.
Greg Burke
Holy Father, now Hernan Reyes, from Télam
Hernan Reyes
Télam
Holiness, this question is from the Spanish language group of journalists. You spoke about this first step that you have taken in Colombia. Today at the Mass you said that it was not enough to have a dialogue between two parties but that we need to incorporate more actors. Do you think that it is possible to replicate the Colombian model in other conflicts throughout the world?
Pope Francis
Integrating (involving) other people (other subjects) ... Even today, in the homily, I spoke about this by taking inspiration from the passage of the gospel. Involving other people: this is not the first time. In many conflicts, other subjects have been involved. It is one way to go on, a wise, political way ... There is a wisdom in asking for help. I believe that, like I said in the homily today - which was a message more than a homily - I believe that these technical-political resources can help, they sometimes require intervention from the United Nations in order to resolve the crisis. But a process of peace will go on only when people take the process in hand. If people don't take the situation in hand, we will be able to go ahead a bit, we will arrive at a compromise ... That's what I tried to help people feel during this visit: either the people are protagonists of pacification or the process will only arrive at a certain point. When a people take things in hand, they are capable of doing good things. This is the better (the privileged) path. Thank you.
Greg Burke
Now Elena Pinardi.
Elena Pinardi
EBU-UER
Good evening, Holiness. First of all, I wish to ask you how you are doing. We have all seen how you hit your head: how are you? Did it hurt? First, we want to ask you how you are? Did it hurt?
Pope Francis
I was bending over to greet some children, I didn't see the glass and ... boom.
Elena Pinardi
My question is this. While we are on this flight, we are passing close by Hurricane Irma which has caused many deaths and enormous damage to the islands of the Caribbean and Cuba, and it is feared that a large part of Florida may end up underwater. Six million people have had to leave their homes. After hurricane Harvey, there are three hurricanes in the area at the same time. Scientists believe that the warming of the ocean temperature is a contributing factor making these storms and hurricanes stronger. Is there a moral responsibility for political leaders who refuse to collaborate with other nations to control greenhouse gas emissions because they deny the fact that climate change is also a result of man's efforts?
Pope Francis
Thank you. I will begin with the last part, so I won't forget it: those who deny these facts should go to the scientists and ask them. They speak about it very clearly. Scientists are precise. The other day, when news broke about the Russian boat - I believe - that had gone from Norway to Japan or Taipei via the North Pole, without the icebreaker, and the photographer showed pieces of ice ... It is possible to pass through the North Pole now. It is very clear, very clear. When this news broke, about a university - I don't remember where - there was someone else who said: We only have three years to turn things around, otherwise the consequences will be terrible. I don't know if it is truly three years or not; but I do know that if we don't turn things around, we will go under, that is true. We see the effects of climate change, scientists clearly point out the road we need to travel. And we all have a responsibility, all of us. Everyone, from the smallest to the greatest, has a moral responsibility: we need to accept it, give our opinion or make a decision. And we need take this matter seriously. I believe that this is something we can't joke about, it is very serious. You ask me: what is the moral responsibility? Everyone has his own. Even politicians have their responsibilities. Everyone has his own, according to the answer he gives.
Elena Pinardi
There are those who say that we are encountering the Apocalypse with all these atmospheric events ...
Pope Francis
I don't know. I say: everyone has his own moral responsibility, first of all. Second: if someone is a bit doubtful that this is not really true, he should ask the scientists. They are extremely clear. Their findings don't come out of thin air: they are extremely clear. And then decide. And history will be the judge. Thank you.
Greg Burke
Now, Enzo Romeo and then Valentina.
Enzo Romeo
RAI
Good evening, Your Holiness. I want to refer to the question that was asked previously by my colleague, because many times in your speeches in Colombia, you spoke about the necessity to make peace with creation, to respect the environment as a necessary condition because this can create stable social peace. We see the effects of climate change even in Italy: I don't know if you have heard that there have been many killed in Livorno ...
Pope Francis
... Yes, following three and a half months of drought ...
Enzo Romeo
... Exactly. So much damage in Rome ... So, we are all involved in this situation. But why delay an appeal to our conscience? Especially on the part of government, who seem so preoccupied with other matters - always talking about armament - for example, we are seeing the crisis in Korea. Also on this matter, I would like to hear your opinion.
Pope Francis
Why? A phrase from the Old Testament comes to mind: man is stupid, stubborn and he does not see. The only animal in all creation that puts his foot in the same hole is man. The horse, and the others don't, they don't do it. We have pride, the presumption to say: No, it won't happen ... And then there is the god of the pockets, right? This does not only apply to creation: there are many things, many decisions, many contradictions and some of them depend on money. Today, in Cartagena, I started in one part, let's call it the poor part of Cartagena. Poor. The other part, the tourist part, luxurious, luxurious with no level of moral measure, we might say. Those who go there, did you notice this? The socio-political analysts, did you see? The bible says that man is stupid. And so, when you don't want to see it, you don't see it. You only look at one part. I don't know, and about North Korea, I'm telling the truth, I don't understand, truly. I truly don't understand that geopolitical world, it is very strong (ardent) in my opinion. But I believe that, from what I can see, there is a conflict of interests that I cannot explain. But the other aspect is important: they are not aware of it. Consider Cartagena today. This is unjust, and is anyone aware of it? This is what I'm thinking. Thank you.
Greg Burke
Valentina ...
Pope Francis
... The deaconess ... (meaning the most senior member of the Press)
Valentina Alazraki
Televisa
(She asks how he is)
Pope Francis
... but it doesn't hurt. I'm keeping an eye on it (laughter)
Valentina Alazraki
Anyway, I'm sorry. Even if it doesn't hurt, I'm sorry.
Holiness, every time that You meet with young people, in every part of the world, you always tell them: Don't let anyone steal your hope, don't let anyone steal your joy and your future. Unfortunately, in the United States the dreamers law was abolished, taken away from the dreamers: we're talking about 800,000 young people, many many Mexicans, Colombians and others from many other countries. Do you not think that with this law, with this abolition, these young people will loose joy, hope, their future? And then, I'm taking advantage of your gentleness, and that of my colleagues, would you say a little prayer, a little thought for all the victims of the earthquake in Mexico and hurricane Irma. Thank you.
Pope Francis
Yes, of course, I was wondering which law you were referring to. I heard about this law: I wasn't able to read the article about how the decision was made. I don't know it well, but first of all, pulling young people out of their families is not something that will bear good fruit, neither for the young person nor for the family. I think that this law - which I believe did not come from the Parliament but was an Executive order - if it is this way, but I'm not sure, there is hope that it might be rethought a little bit. I heard the President of the United States speaking about it: he looks like a pro-life man and if he is pro-life, he understands that the family is the cradle of life and that he must defend its unity. That is the reason why I am interested in studying that law well. But, truly - in general, in this case or in another - when young people feel exploited, as is the case in many situations, they end up feeling hopeless. And what robs them? Drugs, other dependencies, suicide ... Youth suicide is very strong, and it happens when they are detached from their roots. The relationship between young people and their roots is very important. Young people are uprooted today, seeking help: they want to rediscover their roots. This is the reason why I insist so much on dialogue between young people and elderly, somewhat overcoming their parents. It is good for them to dialogue with their parents but the elderly are also important because that is where the roots are found; and they are a bit more removed, they can avoid the conflicts that can happen when roots are too close, as in the case of some parents. But young people today need to rediscover their roots. Whatever is opposed to their roots steals their hope. I don't know if I've replied to your question ...
Valentina Alazraki
They can be deported from the United States ...
Pope Francis
Ah yes, yes, they would lose their roots ... This is a problem. But really, I don't want to express an opinion about this law because I have not read it and I'd rather not speak about something before I've had a chance to study it. And then, Valentina is Mexican and Mexico has suffered so much, and with this last thing I ask you all to be in solidarity with the deaconess - there's the other deacon there - a prayer for her country. Thank you.
Greg Burke
Thank you, Holy Father. Now, Fausto Gasparroni from Ansa.
Fausto Gasparroni
Ansa
Holiness, in the name of the Italian group, I want to ask a question about migration, in particular concerning the fact that the Italian Church as recently expressed - they tell me - a kind of comprehension about the new government policy of restriction concerning the question of leaving Libya and therefore also arrivals. It has also been said that you had a meeting with the President of the Council, Mister Gentiloni. We want to know if during this encounter, you spoke about this subject, if this meeting took place and whether this theme was discussed, and above all, what do you think about this policy of closing off departures, also considering the fact that migrants who stay in Libya - as was also documented by investigations - are living in inhumane conditions, and situations that are really very dangerous. Thank you.
Pope Francis
First of all, the meeting with Prime Minister Gentiloni was a personal encounter and not based on this line of reasoning. It was before this problem, which became known a few weeks afterward, almost a month after. It was before the problem. Second: I feel the need for gratitude toward Italy and Greece, for they opened their hearts to migrants. But it's not enough to open our hearts. The problem of migrants is, first of all, a matter of open hearts, always. It is also one of God's commandments to welcome, for you yourselves were slaves, migrants in Egypt (cf Lv 19:33-34): that's what the bible says. A government should manage this problem with the virtue proper to governing, with prudence. What does that mean? First: how much space is there? Second: we can't just receive people, we also have to integrate them. I visited examples - here in Italy - of beautiful integration. When I went to the Tre University of Rome, four students asked me questions: one, the last one who asked her question, I watched her and thought: But, this face I know ... It was someone who, less than a year before had come from Lesbos with me aboard the plane. She had learned the language, and since she had been studying biology in her home country, she did equivalencies and continued. She had learned the language. That's what I call integration. On another flight - when I was returning from Sweden I think - I spoke about the politics of integration in Sweden as a model, but even Sweden had said, with prudence: The number is this; we cannot take any more, because there is always the danger of non-integration. Third: there is a humanitarian problem, as you were saying. Does humanity take notice of laggers? Conditions such as those you spoke about, in the desert? I have seen photographs ... There are some who exploit. You spoke about the Italian government: I have the impression that they are doing everything they can for humanitarian workers, to resolve the problems that they cannot take on any longer ...
But to resume: open hearts, prudence, integration and humanitarian closeness.
And there is one last thing that I want to say, and this is the case above all in Africa. There is, in our collective unconsciousness, a motto, a principle: Africa must be exploited. Today in Cartagena, we saw an example of exploitation, human, in that case, in the case of slavery. Concerning this subject, a government leader once said some beautiful and true words: Those who flee from war are another problem; but for many of them, they are fleeing from hunger, they make investments there, because they are growing. But in the midst of the leadership, about this, you uttered a beautiful truth: Those who flee from war, are another problem; but for all those who flee from hunger, we make investments there because they grow up. In the collective unconscious, every time that many countries go to Africa at the same time, it is for purposes of exploitation. We have to turn this around: Africa is a friend and we must help her to grow. Then, the other problems, wars, go somewhere else. I do not know if I have clarified anything ...
Greg Burke
Holiness, we have to go, but if possible, can we ask another question? Xavier Le Normand, I Media.
Xavier Le Normand
I.Media
Good evening, Holy Father. Your Holiness, today you spoke about Venezuela, after the Angelus. You have asked that all forms of violence be rejected from political life. On Thursday, after the Mass in Bogotá, you greeted five Venezuelan politicians. We know everything: the Holy See has been and continues to be very committed to dialogue in that country. It's been months since you've been asking for an end to all the violence, but President Maduro, on one hand, has very violent words for the Bishops, and on the other hand, he says that he is with Pope Francis. Is it possible to have stronger and perhaps clearer words? Thank you, Holiness.
Pope Francis
I believe that the Holy See has spoken strongly and clearly. What President Maduro is saying, what he is explaining: I don't know what he has in his mind. But the Holy See has done a lot: we sent someone there, to the working group of four ex-presidents, we sent a first-level Nuncio; then we spoke, we spoke with people, we spoke publicly. Many times, at the Angelus, I have spoken about the situation always seeking an out, to help, to offer help for them to find a way out. I don't know ... But it seems that things are very difficult, and the worst part is the humanitarian problem: so many people who either run or suffer ... A humanitarian problem, that needs our help in order to be resolved in some way. I believe that the United Nations should be heard here too, in order to help ... Thank you.
Greg Burke
Thank you, Holy Father. I believe we have to go.
Pope Francis
Because of the turbulence?
Greg Burke
Yes ...
Pope Francis
They say that there is some turbulence, that we have to go. But I want to thank you all very much, I thank you for your work. Once more, I want to thank you for the Colombian people for their example. And I want to finish with an image, the image that struck me most about the Colombian people: in four cities, there were crowds in the streets, greeting ... The thing that struck me most was the fathers, the mothers who were holding their children up so that they could see the Pope and so that the Pope could give them a blessing. As the saying goes: This is my treasure, this is my hope, this is my future. I believe it. This is the image that struck me. The tenderness. The eyes of fathers and mothers. Beautiful, beautiful! This is the symbol, a symbol of hope for the future. A people who are capable of having children and then showing them, helping them to see, as the saying goes: This is my treasure; this is a people who have hope for the future. Thank you very much. Thank you.
Greg Burke
Thank you, Holiness. Rest well.
In-flight Press Conference
granted by His Holiness, Pope Francis
from Cartagena to Rome
Greg Burke
Director of the Vatican Press Centre
Thank you, Holy Father, for the time that you have given us today, after an intense voyage, tiring, very tiring for everyone, but also a fruitful voyage. Many times, you thanked people for things they have taught you; we too learn so many things in these cultures of encounter and we thank you for this. Colombia in particular, with her recent past - not only recent - has offered us some very rich testimonials, moving witnesses of forgiveness and of reconciliation. However, she has also given us an ongoing lesson in joy and in hope, two words which you used often during this trip. Now perhaps, you may wish to say something, and then we will go on to the questions. Thank you.
Pope Francis
Good evening, and thank you very much for your work.
Truly I have been moved by the joy, tenderness, youth and nobility of the Colombian people. Truly, they are a noble people, who are not afraid to express how they feel, they are not afraid to feel and to let others see what they are feeling. This is what I perceived. This is the third time that I have visited Colombia, as far as I can remember, but a bishop said to me: No, you were here a fourth time, but only for a small meeting, once in La Ceja and the other two, or three, in Bogotá. But I did not know Colombia very well, the Colombia that we can see from the streets. And I am thankful for the witness of joy, hope and patience in suffering that these people have given. It was very good for me. Thank you.
Greg Burke
Thank you, Holy Father. The first question is from César Moreno, from Caracol Radio.
César Moreno
Caracol Radio (in Spanish)
Thank you, Your Holiness, a very good evening to you. First of all I would like to thank you on behalf of all the Colombian media who are here with us on this voyage, all our friends and colleagues, for having visited our country, for having given so many beautiful messages, so sweet but also profound, for the closeness that you have demonstrated to the Colombian people. Your Holiness, thank you very much. My question is this: You arrived, Holy Father, in a country that is divided because of a peace process, between those who accept the process and those who do not. What can we do concretely? What steps can we take in order to bring the divided parties together, to help them to stop their hatred and to lay down their grudges? If Your Holiness were to return to our country in one year's time, what do you think you would see? How would you like to see Colombia? Thank you.
Pope Francis
I would like at least for them to do as the motto says: Let's take a second step, at least that. They were, I thought they were more calculated in the sixties, but they say that there were 54 years of guerrilla warfare, more or less, and there is a lot, a lot of hatred built up, a lot of rancour, a lot of sick souls, and it is not the fault of the disease, it comes, you catch it, it's not your fault ... Excuse me, I should speak Italian. A sick soul ... an illness is not guilty, it happens. And with the guerrilla, they really did, both the guerrilla and the paramilitary personnel, and others, and there was also corruption, many times, in the country - there were terrible sins that brought about this sickness of hatred ... But there are steps forward that are hopeful, steps involving negotiation, the most recent is the ELN ceasefire: thank you very much, thank you for this. But there is something more, which I have perceived, which is the willingness to continue on in this process, something beyond negotiations that are taking place and that should take place. A spontaneous desire, and that is where the strength of the people lies. I have hope in this regard. People want to breathe, but we have to help each other, help each other by being close to one another, praying for one another, above all understanding how much suffering there is within so many people.
Greg Burke
Now, Holy Father, José Mojica, from El Tiempo.
José Mojica
El Tiempo (in Spanish)
Holy Father, it is an honour to be here with you. My name is José Mujica. I am a journalist with El Tiempo - an editing house in Colombia - and I greet you in the name of all my Colombian coleagues and all the communication media from my country. Colombia has suffered much from the violence of war, armed conflict and drug trafficking; however the ravages of corruption in politics have been as damaging as the war itself, and although corruption is not new, we have always known that it exists, we know that there has always been corruption, now it is more visible because we no longer receive news about the war, about armed conflict. What can we do in the face of this scourge, how far will the corruptors go, how can they be punished and ultimately, can the corrupt be excommunicated?
Pope Francis
You ask a question that I have asked many times, I pose it this way: Can those who are corrupt be forgiven? This is what I thought, and I asked it when there was an act, in the province of Catamarca, in Argentina, an act of mistreatment, abuse, violation of a girl, and there were people tied there very close to those with political and economic power in that province. I heard about an article written by Rogelio Frigerio published in La Nacion, at the time; I wrote a little book entitled Sin and corruption. We are all sinners and we know that the Lord is close to us, that He never grows tired of forgiving us. But the difference is: God never grows tired of forgiving, but sometimes the sinners find the courage to ask for forgiveness. The problem is that those who are corrupt grow tired of asking for forgiveness and forget how to ask for forgiveness: this is a serious problem. This is a state of insensitivity in the face of values, in the face of destruction, exploitation of people. They are not able to ask for forgiveness. It is like a condemnation, it is very difficult to help someone who is corrupt, very difficult, but God can do it. I pray for this.
Greg Burke
Holy Father, now Hernan Reyes, from Télam
Hernan Reyes
Télam
Holiness, this question is from the Spanish language group of journalists. You spoke about this first step that you have taken in Colombia. Today at the Mass you said that it was not enough to have a dialogue between two parties but that we need to incorporate more actors. Do you think that it is possible to replicate the Colombian model in other conflicts throughout the world?
Pope Francis
Integrating (involving) other people (other subjects) ... Even today, in the homily, I spoke about this by taking inspiration from the passage of the gospel. Involving other people: this is not the first time. In many conflicts, other subjects have been involved. It is one way to go on, a wise, political way ... There is a wisdom in asking for help. I believe that, like I said in the homily today - which was a message more than a homily - I believe that these technical-political resources can help, they sometimes require intervention from the United Nations in order to resolve the crisis. But a process of peace will go on only when people take the process in hand. If people don't take the situation in hand, we will be able to go ahead a bit, we will arrive at a compromise ... That's what I tried to help people feel during this visit: either the people are protagonists of pacification or the process will only arrive at a certain point. When a people take things in hand, they are capable of doing good things. This is the better (the privileged) path. Thank you.
Greg Burke
Now Elena Pinardi.
Elena Pinardi
EBU-UER
Good evening, Holiness. First of all, I wish to ask you how you are doing. We have all seen how you hit your head: how are you? Did it hurt? First, we want to ask you how you are? Did it hurt?
Pope Francis
I was bending over to greet some children, I didn't see the glass and ... boom.
Elena Pinardi
My question is this. While we are on this flight, we are passing close by Hurricane Irma which has caused many deaths and enormous damage to the islands of the Caribbean and Cuba, and it is feared that a large part of Florida may end up underwater. Six million people have had to leave their homes. After hurricane Harvey, there are three hurricanes in the area at the same time. Scientists believe that the warming of the ocean temperature is a contributing factor making these storms and hurricanes stronger. Is there a moral responsibility for political leaders who refuse to collaborate with other nations to control greenhouse gas emissions because they deny the fact that climate change is also a result of man's efforts?
Pope Francis
Thank you. I will begin with the last part, so I won't forget it: those who deny these facts should go to the scientists and ask them. They speak about it very clearly. Scientists are precise. The other day, when news broke about the Russian boat - I believe - that had gone from Norway to Japan or Taipei via the North Pole, without the icebreaker, and the photographer showed pieces of ice ... It is possible to pass through the North Pole now. It is very clear, very clear. When this news broke, about a university - I don't remember where - there was someone else who said: We only have three years to turn things around, otherwise the consequences will be terrible. I don't know if it is truly three years or not; but I do know that if we don't turn things around, we will go under, that is true. We see the effects of climate change, scientists clearly point out the road we need to travel. And we all have a responsibility, all of us. Everyone, from the smallest to the greatest, has a moral responsibility: we need to accept it, give our opinion or make a decision. And we need take this matter seriously. I believe that this is something we can't joke about, it is very serious. You ask me: what is the moral responsibility? Everyone has his own. Even politicians have their responsibilities. Everyone has his own, according to the answer he gives.
Elena Pinardi
There are those who say that we are encountering the Apocalypse with all these atmospheric events ...
Pope Francis
I don't know. I say: everyone has his own moral responsibility, first of all. Second: if someone is a bit doubtful that this is not really true, he should ask the scientists. They are extremely clear. Their findings don't come out of thin air: they are extremely clear. And then decide. And history will be the judge. Thank you.
Greg Burke
Now, Enzo Romeo and then Valentina.
Enzo Romeo
RAI
Good evening, Your Holiness. I want to refer to the question that was asked previously by my colleague, because many times in your speeches in Colombia, you spoke about the necessity to make peace with creation, to respect the environment as a necessary condition because this can create stable social peace. We see the effects of climate change even in Italy: I don't know if you have heard that there have been many killed in Livorno ...
Pope Francis
... Yes, following three and a half months of drought ...
Enzo Romeo
... Exactly. So much damage in Rome ... So, we are all involved in this situation. But why delay an appeal to our conscience? Especially on the part of government, who seem so preoccupied with other matters - always talking about armament - for example, we are seeing the crisis in Korea. Also on this matter, I would like to hear your opinion.
Pope Francis
Why? A phrase from the Old Testament comes to mind: man is stupid, stubborn and he does not see. The only animal in all creation that puts his foot in the same hole is man. The horse, and the others don't, they don't do it. We have pride, the presumption to say: No, it won't happen ... And then there is the god of the pockets, right? This does not only apply to creation: there are many things, many decisions, many contradictions and some of them depend on money. Today, in Cartagena, I started in one part, let's call it the poor part of Cartagena. Poor. The other part, the tourist part, luxurious, luxurious with no level of moral measure, we might say. Those who go there, did you notice this? The socio-political analysts, did you see? The bible says that man is stupid. And so, when you don't want to see it, you don't see it. You only look at one part. I don't know, and about North Korea, I'm telling the truth, I don't understand, truly. I truly don't understand that geopolitical world, it is very strong (ardent) in my opinion. But I believe that, from what I can see, there is a conflict of interests that I cannot explain. But the other aspect is important: they are not aware of it. Consider Cartagena today. This is unjust, and is anyone aware of it? This is what I'm thinking. Thank you.
Greg Burke
Valentina ...
Pope Francis
... The deaconess ... (meaning the most senior member of the Press)
Valentina Alazraki
Televisa
(She asks how he is)
Pope Francis
... but it doesn't hurt. I'm keeping an eye on it (laughter)
Valentina Alazraki
Anyway, I'm sorry. Even if it doesn't hurt, I'm sorry.
Holiness, every time that You meet with young people, in every part of the world, you always tell them: Don't let anyone steal your hope, don't let anyone steal your joy and your future. Unfortunately, in the United States the dreamers law was abolished, taken away from the dreamers: we're talking about 800,000 young people, many many Mexicans, Colombians and others from many other countries. Do you not think that with this law, with this abolition, these young people will loose joy, hope, their future? And then, I'm taking advantage of your gentleness, and that of my colleagues, would you say a little prayer, a little thought for all the victims of the earthquake in Mexico and hurricane Irma. Thank you.
Pope Francis
Yes, of course, I was wondering which law you were referring to. I heard about this law: I wasn't able to read the article about how the decision was made. I don't know it well, but first of all, pulling young people out of their families is not something that will bear good fruit, neither for the young person nor for the family. I think that this law - which I believe did not come from the Parliament but was an Executive order - if it is this way, but I'm not sure, there is hope that it might be rethought a little bit. I heard the President of the United States speaking about it: he looks like a pro-life man and if he is pro-life, he understands that the family is the cradle of life and that he must defend its unity. That is the reason why I am interested in studying that law well. But, truly - in general, in this case or in another - when young people feel exploited, as is the case in many situations, they end up feeling hopeless. And what robs them? Drugs, other dependencies, suicide ... Youth suicide is very strong, and it happens when they are detached from their roots. The relationship between young people and their roots is very important. Young people are uprooted today, seeking help: they want to rediscover their roots. This is the reason why I insist so much on dialogue between young people and elderly, somewhat overcoming their parents. It is good for them to dialogue with their parents but the elderly are also important because that is where the roots are found; and they are a bit more removed, they can avoid the conflicts that can happen when roots are too close, as in the case of some parents. But young people today need to rediscover their roots. Whatever is opposed to their roots steals their hope. I don't know if I've replied to your question ...
Valentina Alazraki
They can be deported from the United States ...
Pope Francis
Ah yes, yes, they would lose their roots ... This is a problem. But really, I don't want to express an opinion about this law because I have not read it and I'd rather not speak about something before I've had a chance to study it. And then, Valentina is Mexican and Mexico has suffered so much, and with this last thing I ask you all to be in solidarity with the deaconess - there's the other deacon there - a prayer for her country. Thank you.
Greg Burke
Thank you, Holy Father. Now, Fausto Gasparroni from Ansa.
Fausto Gasparroni
Ansa
Holiness, in the name of the Italian group, I want to ask a question about migration, in particular concerning the fact that the Italian Church as recently expressed - they tell me - a kind of comprehension about the new government policy of restriction concerning the question of leaving Libya and therefore also arrivals. It has also been said that you had a meeting with the President of the Council, Mister Gentiloni. We want to know if during this encounter, you spoke about this subject, if this meeting took place and whether this theme was discussed, and above all, what do you think about this policy of closing off departures, also considering the fact that migrants who stay in Libya - as was also documented by investigations - are living in inhumane conditions, and situations that are really very dangerous. Thank you.
Pope Francis
First of all, the meeting with Prime Minister Gentiloni was a personal encounter and not based on this line of reasoning. It was before this problem, which became known a few weeks afterward, almost a month after. It was before the problem. Second: I feel the need for gratitude toward Italy and Greece, for they opened their hearts to migrants. But it's not enough to open our hearts. The problem of migrants is, first of all, a matter of open hearts, always. It is also one of God's commandments to welcome, for you yourselves were slaves, migrants in Egypt (cf Lv 19:33-34): that's what the bible says. A government should manage this problem with the virtue proper to governing, with prudence. What does that mean? First: how much space is there? Second: we can't just receive people, we also have to integrate them. I visited examples - here in Italy - of beautiful integration. When I went to the Tre University of Rome, four students asked me questions: one, the last one who asked her question, I watched her and thought: But, this face I know ... It was someone who, less than a year before had come from Lesbos with me aboard the plane. She had learned the language, and since she had been studying biology in her home country, she did equivalencies and continued. She had learned the language. That's what I call integration. On another flight - when I was returning from Sweden I think - I spoke about the politics of integration in Sweden as a model, but even Sweden had said, with prudence: The number is this; we cannot take any more, because there is always the danger of non-integration. Third: there is a humanitarian problem, as you were saying. Does humanity take notice of laggers? Conditions such as those you spoke about, in the desert? I have seen photographs ... There are some who exploit. You spoke about the Italian government: I have the impression that they are doing everything they can for humanitarian workers, to resolve the problems that they cannot take on any longer ...
But to resume: open hearts, prudence, integration and humanitarian closeness.
And there is one last thing that I want to say, and this is the case above all in Africa. There is, in our collective unconsciousness, a motto, a principle: Africa must be exploited. Today in Cartagena, we saw an example of exploitation, human, in that case, in the case of slavery. Concerning this subject, a government leader once said some beautiful and true words: Those who flee from war are another problem; but for many of them, they are fleeing from hunger, they make investments there, because they are growing. But in the midst of the leadership, about this, you uttered a beautiful truth: Those who flee from war, are another problem; but for all those who flee from hunger, we make investments there because they grow up. In the collective unconscious, every time that many countries go to Africa at the same time, it is for purposes of exploitation. We have to turn this around: Africa is a friend and we must help her to grow. Then, the other problems, wars, go somewhere else. I do not know if I have clarified anything ...
Greg Burke
Holiness, we have to go, but if possible, can we ask another question? Xavier Le Normand, I Media.
Xavier Le Normand
I.Media
Good evening, Holy Father. Your Holiness, today you spoke about Venezuela, after the Angelus. You have asked that all forms of violence be rejected from political life. On Thursday, after the Mass in Bogotá, you greeted five Venezuelan politicians. We know everything: the Holy See has been and continues to be very committed to dialogue in that country. It's been months since you've been asking for an end to all the violence, but President Maduro, on one hand, has very violent words for the Bishops, and on the other hand, he says that he is with Pope Francis. Is it possible to have stronger and perhaps clearer words? Thank you, Holiness.
Pope Francis
I believe that the Holy See has spoken strongly and clearly. What President Maduro is saying, what he is explaining: I don't know what he has in his mind. But the Holy See has done a lot: we sent someone there, to the working group of four ex-presidents, we sent a first-level Nuncio; then we spoke, we spoke with people, we spoke publicly. Many times, at the Angelus, I have spoken about the situation always seeking an out, to help, to offer help for them to find a way out. I don't know ... But it seems that things are very difficult, and the worst part is the humanitarian problem: so many people who either run or suffer ... A humanitarian problem, that needs our help in order to be resolved in some way. I believe that the United Nations should be heard here too, in order to help ... Thank you.
Greg Burke
Thank you, Holy Father. I believe we have to go.
Pope Francis
Because of the turbulence?
Greg Burke
Yes ...
Pope Francis
They say that there is some turbulence, that we have to go. But I want to thank you all very much, I thank you for your work. Once more, I want to thank you for the Colombian people for their example. And I want to finish with an image, the image that struck me most about the Colombian people: in four cities, there were crowds in the streets, greeting ... The thing that struck me most was the fathers, the mothers who were holding their children up so that they could see the Pope and so that the Pope could give them a blessing. As the saying goes: This is my treasure, this is my hope, this is my future. I believe it. This is the image that struck me. The tenderness. The eyes of fathers and mothers. Beautiful, beautiful! This is the symbol, a symbol of hope for the future. A people who are capable of having children and then showing them, helping them to see, as the saying goes: This is my treasure; this is a people who have hope for the future. Thank you very much. Thank you.
Greg Burke
Thank you, Holiness. Rest well.
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