At 10:00am this morning, the Holy Father travelled by car to the Cathedral of Bogotá.
After having completed a circuit around the Piazza Bolívar and having received the Keys of the City from the Mayor, the Pope went to the Cathedral where he was welcomed by the Cardinal Primate of Colombia, His Eminence, Rubén Salazar Gómez and the Metropolitan Chapter who presented him with the Relics of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary.
The Holy Father crossed the nave of the Cathedral and arrived at the Altar where the painting of Nuestra Señora de Chiquinquirá stood. There were approximately three thousand faithful in attendance.
After having spent a moment in silent prayer, Pope Francis placed a rosary in front of the image of the Virgin and, after having signed the Book of Honour, he went on foot to the Cardinal's Palace, passing through the Capilla del Sagrario on the way, where he greeted each member of the organizing committee along with members of their families.
Following are the words that the Holy Father wrote in the Book of Honour in the Cathedral of Bogotá:
From this Primatial Cathedral, I ask the Immaculate Virgin Mary to continue guiding and caring for her Colombian children and to always look upon them with her merciful eyes.
Concluding his visit to the Cathedral, the Holy Father stood on the balcony of the Cardinal's Palace and blessed the faithful who were gathered in Piazza Bolívar before offering them a few words of greeting.
Immediately afterwards, he met with the two Auxiliary Bishops and the ten Episcopal Vicars of Bogotá.
Dear brothers and sisters, good morning!
I greet you with great joy and I thank you for this warm greeting. In whatever house you enter, first say: 'Peace be to this house!' If there is a child of peace present, your peace will descend upon him, otherwise, it will return to you (Lk 10:5-6).
Today, I enter into this house which is Columbia saying: Peace be with you! (They respond: And with your spirit). This was the greeting offered by every Jew, even Jesus. I wanted to come here as a pilgrim of peace and of hope, and I want to live these moments of encounter with joy, thanking God for all the good that he has accomplished in this country, in the life of every one of its people.
I also come to learn; yes, to learn from you, from your faith, from your strength in the face of adversity. You know that bishops and priests should learn from their people: for this reason, I come to learn, to learn from you. I am a bishop, but I come to learn. You have experienced some difficult and dark moments, however the Lord is close to you, in the hearts of every son and daughter of your country. He is not selective, he does not exclude anyone, the Lord embraces everyone; and everyone - listen to me! - everyone is important and needed by Him. During these days, I want to share with you the most important truth: that God loves us with the love of a Father and encourages us to continue seeking and desiring peace, peace that is authentic and enduring. God loves us with the love of a Father. Let's repeat this together: God loves us with the love of a Father. Thank you!
Good. I wrote here: I see many young people here. But even if I were blindfolded I know that this beautiful confusion can only be created by young people! Good ... you young people - now I am speaking to you - you have come from every corner of the country: cachacos (the original inhabitants of Bogotá), conteños (inhabitants of the coastal areas), paisas (from the regions of Antioquia, Caldas, Risaralda and Quindío), vallunos (from Valle del Cauca) and llaneros (from the plains). For me, it si always a cause for joy to meet young people. Today I say to you: please, keep joy alive because it is a sign of a young heart, the heart that has met the Lord. And if you keep joy alive with Jesus, no one can take it away, no one (cf Jn 16:22)! But, if you're in doubt, I would suggest: don't let your joy be stolen from you, take care of the joy that unites everyone in knowing that we are loved by the Lord. Because, as I said at the beginning, God loves us ... how did this happen? (They responded: God loves us with the heart of a Father). Again! (They respond: God loves us with the heart of a Father). This is the principle of joy. The fire of Christ's love causes this joy to overflow and it is sufficient to ignite the whole world. What therefore can prevent you from changing this society, how do you want to do it? Do not be afraid of the future! Dare to dream great things! Today, I want to invite you to dream great dreams. Please, don't just do mundane things, no: fly high and dream great things!
You, dear young people, have a particular ability of recognizing the suffering of others; volunteer workers around the world depend on thousands of you who give up your own time, your own comforts and plans, and allow yourselves to be moved by the needs of the most vulnerable, to whom you dedicate yourselves. But this can also emerge in contexts where death, pain and division have impacted you so deeply that they have left you half-dazed, as if numb. Allow the suffering of your Colombian brothers and sisters to strike you and mobilize you! Help us, your elders, not to grow accustomed to pain and neglect.
Also, you young men and women who live in complex environments, with varying realities, and who come from a wide range of family situations, have grown used to seeing that not everything is black and white; you have seen that daily life is made up of a broad scale of grey tones, and that this can expose you to the risk of falling into a climate of relativism, thus discarding that potentiality which young people have, of perceiving the pain of those who suffered. You have the capacity not only to judge, to point out mistakes, but also that other beautiful, constructive ability: that of understanding. An understanding that even behind a wrong – for wrong is always wrong and cannot be just smoothed over – lies an endless number of causes, of mitigating factors. Colombia needs you to put yourselves in the shoes of those who, many generations earlier, could not or did not know how to do so, or did not come up with the right way to reach understanding!
For you, young people, it is so easy to encounter one another. All you need is a good coffee, a good drink or any other excuse to meet. The young agree on music, on art … Even a final between Atlético Nacional and América de Cali is an opportunity to be together! You teach us that the culture of meeting is not in thinking, living or reacting to everyone in the same way; it is rather in knowing that beyond our differences we are all part of something greater that unites and transcends us; we are part of this wonderful country.
Your youthfulness also makes you capable of something very difficult in life: forgiving. Forgiving those who have hurt us; it is remarkable to see how you do not get entangled in old stories, how you watch with surprise when we adults repeat events that divide us simply by being tied to resentments. You help us discover the desire to leave behind that which has hurt us, to look to the future without the burden of hatred; because you make us see the wider world which stands before us, the whole of Colombia that wishes to grow and continue its development; that Colombia which needs all of us, and which we older people owe to you.
And precisely for this reason you are facing the enormous challenge of helping us to heal our hearts; of passing on to us the youthful hope which is always ready to give others a second chance. An atmosphere of anxiety sickens the soul; it sees no way out of problems, and ostracizes those who try; it is an atmosphere that harms the hope every community needs in order to move forward. May your dreams and plans give fresh life to Colombia, and fill the country with wholesome goals.
Only in this way will people be motivated to discover the country hidden behind the mountains, the one that goes beyond newspaper headlines and which does not seem to be a daily concern since it is so far away. That country which people do not see, that part of the social context which needs us: the discovery of the depths of Colombia. Young people’s hearts are spurred into action when faced with great challenges: how much natural beauty there is to contemplate, without needing to exploit it! How many young people, like yourselves, need your outstretched hand, need your shoulder so as to discern a better future!
Today I wanted to spend this moment with you; I am certain that you have the potential needed to build the nation we have always dreamed of. Young people are the hope of Colombia and of the Church; in your walking and in your steps we can glimpse the steps of the Messenger of Peace, the One who brings us Good News.
Dear brothers and sisters of this beloved country, I now direct some words to all of you: children, young people, adults and the elderly, as someone bringing hope to you. Do not let difficulties weigh you down; may violence not break you; may evil not overwhelm you. We believe that Jesus, with his love and mercy which remain forever, has conquered evil, sin and death. All we need to do is go out to meet him. I invite you not to be just dutiful but to be committed to renewing society, so that it will be just, stable and fruitful. From this place, I encourage you to entrust yourselves to the Lord, who is the only one who sustains us and inspires us to contribute to reconciliation and peace.
I embrace every one of you, the sick, the poor, the marginalized, those in need, the elderly, those who are housebound … all of you; you are all in my heart. And I ask God to bless you. And, please, do not forget to pray for me. Thank you very much!
Before I leave, if you wish, I will bless you. Let us all pray together to the Virgin Mary: Hail Mary ...
(Blessing)
Good bye!
After having completed a circuit around the Piazza Bolívar and having received the Keys of the City from the Mayor, the Pope went to the Cathedral where he was welcomed by the Cardinal Primate of Colombia, His Eminence, Rubén Salazar Gómez and the Metropolitan Chapter who presented him with the Relics of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary.
The Holy Father crossed the nave of the Cathedral and arrived at the Altar where the painting of Nuestra Señora de Chiquinquirá stood. There were approximately three thousand faithful in attendance.
After having spent a moment in silent prayer, Pope Francis placed a rosary in front of the image of the Virgin and, after having signed the Book of Honour, he went on foot to the Cardinal's Palace, passing through the Capilla del Sagrario on the way, where he greeted each member of the organizing committee along with members of their families.
Written in the Book of Honour
Following are the words that the Holy Father wrote in the Book of Honour in the Cathedral of Bogotá:
From this Primatial Cathedral, I ask the Immaculate Virgin Mary to continue guiding and caring for her Colombian children and to always look upon them with her merciful eyes.
Concluding his visit to the Cathedral, the Holy Father stood on the balcony of the Cardinal's Palace and blessed the faithful who were gathered in Piazza Bolívar before offering them a few words of greeting.
Immediately afterwards, he met with the two Auxiliary Bishops and the ten Episcopal Vicars of Bogotá.
Greetings of the Holy Father, Pope Francis
to the faithful gathered in Piazza Bolívar
Dear brothers and sisters, good morning!
I greet you with great joy and I thank you for this warm greeting. In whatever house you enter, first say: 'Peace be to this house!' If there is a child of peace present, your peace will descend upon him, otherwise, it will return to you (Lk 10:5-6).
Today, I enter into this house which is Columbia saying: Peace be with you! (They respond: And with your spirit). This was the greeting offered by every Jew, even Jesus. I wanted to come here as a pilgrim of peace and of hope, and I want to live these moments of encounter with joy, thanking God for all the good that he has accomplished in this country, in the life of every one of its people.
I also come to learn; yes, to learn from you, from your faith, from your strength in the face of adversity. You know that bishops and priests should learn from their people: for this reason, I come to learn, to learn from you. I am a bishop, but I come to learn. You have experienced some difficult and dark moments, however the Lord is close to you, in the hearts of every son and daughter of your country. He is not selective, he does not exclude anyone, the Lord embraces everyone; and everyone - listen to me! - everyone is important and needed by Him. During these days, I want to share with you the most important truth: that God loves us with the love of a Father and encourages us to continue seeking and desiring peace, peace that is authentic and enduring. God loves us with the love of a Father. Let's repeat this together: God loves us with the love of a Father. Thank you!
Good. I wrote here: I see many young people here. But even if I were blindfolded I know that this beautiful confusion can only be created by young people! Good ... you young people - now I am speaking to you - you have come from every corner of the country: cachacos (the original inhabitants of Bogotá), conteños (inhabitants of the coastal areas), paisas (from the regions of Antioquia, Caldas, Risaralda and Quindío), vallunos (from Valle del Cauca) and llaneros (from the plains). For me, it si always a cause for joy to meet young people. Today I say to you: please, keep joy alive because it is a sign of a young heart, the heart that has met the Lord. And if you keep joy alive with Jesus, no one can take it away, no one (cf Jn 16:22)! But, if you're in doubt, I would suggest: don't let your joy be stolen from you, take care of the joy that unites everyone in knowing that we are loved by the Lord. Because, as I said at the beginning, God loves us ... how did this happen? (They responded: God loves us with the heart of a Father). Again! (They respond: God loves us with the heart of a Father). This is the principle of joy. The fire of Christ's love causes this joy to overflow and it is sufficient to ignite the whole world. What therefore can prevent you from changing this society, how do you want to do it? Do not be afraid of the future! Dare to dream great things! Today, I want to invite you to dream great dreams. Please, don't just do mundane things, no: fly high and dream great things!
You, dear young people, have a particular ability of recognizing the suffering of others; volunteer workers around the world depend on thousands of you who give up your own time, your own comforts and plans, and allow yourselves to be moved by the needs of the most vulnerable, to whom you dedicate yourselves. But this can also emerge in contexts where death, pain and division have impacted you so deeply that they have left you half-dazed, as if numb. Allow the suffering of your Colombian brothers and sisters to strike you and mobilize you! Help us, your elders, not to grow accustomed to pain and neglect.
Also, you young men and women who live in complex environments, with varying realities, and who come from a wide range of family situations, have grown used to seeing that not everything is black and white; you have seen that daily life is made up of a broad scale of grey tones, and that this can expose you to the risk of falling into a climate of relativism, thus discarding that potentiality which young people have, of perceiving the pain of those who suffered. You have the capacity not only to judge, to point out mistakes, but also that other beautiful, constructive ability: that of understanding. An understanding that even behind a wrong – for wrong is always wrong and cannot be just smoothed over – lies an endless number of causes, of mitigating factors. Colombia needs you to put yourselves in the shoes of those who, many generations earlier, could not or did not know how to do so, or did not come up with the right way to reach understanding!
For you, young people, it is so easy to encounter one another. All you need is a good coffee, a good drink or any other excuse to meet. The young agree on music, on art … Even a final between Atlético Nacional and América de Cali is an opportunity to be together! You teach us that the culture of meeting is not in thinking, living or reacting to everyone in the same way; it is rather in knowing that beyond our differences we are all part of something greater that unites and transcends us; we are part of this wonderful country.
Your youthfulness also makes you capable of something very difficult in life: forgiving. Forgiving those who have hurt us; it is remarkable to see how you do not get entangled in old stories, how you watch with surprise when we adults repeat events that divide us simply by being tied to resentments. You help us discover the desire to leave behind that which has hurt us, to look to the future without the burden of hatred; because you make us see the wider world which stands before us, the whole of Colombia that wishes to grow and continue its development; that Colombia which needs all of us, and which we older people owe to you.
And precisely for this reason you are facing the enormous challenge of helping us to heal our hearts; of passing on to us the youthful hope which is always ready to give others a second chance. An atmosphere of anxiety sickens the soul; it sees no way out of problems, and ostracizes those who try; it is an atmosphere that harms the hope every community needs in order to move forward. May your dreams and plans give fresh life to Colombia, and fill the country with wholesome goals.
Only in this way will people be motivated to discover the country hidden behind the mountains, the one that goes beyond newspaper headlines and which does not seem to be a daily concern since it is so far away. That country which people do not see, that part of the social context which needs us: the discovery of the depths of Colombia. Young people’s hearts are spurred into action when faced with great challenges: how much natural beauty there is to contemplate, without needing to exploit it! How many young people, like yourselves, need your outstretched hand, need your shoulder so as to discern a better future!
Today I wanted to spend this moment with you; I am certain that you have the potential needed to build the nation we have always dreamed of. Young people are the hope of Colombia and of the Church; in your walking and in your steps we can glimpse the steps of the Messenger of Peace, the One who brings us Good News.
Dear brothers and sisters of this beloved country, I now direct some words to all of you: children, young people, adults and the elderly, as someone bringing hope to you. Do not let difficulties weigh you down; may violence not break you; may evil not overwhelm you. We believe that Jesus, with his love and mercy which remain forever, has conquered evil, sin and death. All we need to do is go out to meet him. I invite you not to be just dutiful but to be committed to renewing society, so that it will be just, stable and fruitful. From this place, I encourage you to entrust yourselves to the Lord, who is the only one who sustains us and inspires us to contribute to reconciliation and peace.
I embrace every one of you, the sick, the poor, the marginalized, those in need, the elderly, those who are housebound … all of you; you are all in my heart. And I ask God to bless you. And, please, do not forget to pray for me. Thank you very much!
Before I leave, if you wish, I will bless you. Let us all pray together to the Virgin Mary: Hail Mary ...
(Blessing)
Good bye!
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