Scottish Catholic Observer

Pope Francis called his visit to Sri Lanka and the Philippines a ‘joy-filled encounter’ as he spoke to pilgrims in Rome this morning.

Delivering his weekly, Wednesday general audience in Paul VI Hall—moved from its usual location in St Peter’s Square because of rain—the Holy Father recalled his trip to Asia which began in Sri Lanka on January 12 before moving to the Philippines last Thursday.

“In Sri Lanka I Canonised St Joseph Vaz, a great missionary whose example of charity continues to inspire the faithful in their service to the poor and in respectful relations with the followers of other religions,” the Pope said. “Sri Lanka still suffers the effects of a prolonged civil conflict. In my meeting with religious leaders I asked that we work together as agents of healing, peace and reconciliation.

“My visit to the Philippines was a sign of solidarity with all those affected by Typhoon Yolanda. In Tacloban we celebrated our hope in the mercy of God, who does not disappoint. In Manila I asked families to cherish and protect the family in its fundamental role in society and in God’s plan.”

The Pope went on to say that he challenged young people to ‘build a society of integrity and compassion for the poor.’

He also spoke to assembled pilgrims, including those from the United Kingdom, about violence in Niger, where violent protests against the depiction of the Islamic prophet Muhammad in the French Charlie Hebdo magazine has seen Christian churches set on fire.

“War must not be waged in the name of God,” the Pope repeated. “May religious sentiment never give rise to violence, oppression and destruction.”

The Holy Father asked those present to pray for the victims of violence in the country and called for peace and reconciliation.

Pic: Pope Francis meets young people at Santo Tomas University in Manila, Philippines, on Sunday

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