Speaking in the Central African Republic, Pope Francis said: “Dignity. This moral value is rightly synonymous with the honesty, loyalty, graciousness and honour which characterise men and women conscious of their rights and duties, and which lead them to mutual respect.
“Each person has dignity. Central Africa is the country where everybody is somebody. Everything must be done to protect the status and dignity of the human person. Those who have the means to enjoy a decent life, rather than being concerned with privileges, must seek to help those poorer than themselves to attain dignified living conditions, particularly through the development of their human, cultural, economic and social potential.”
Faith, moral rectitude
Speaking to the authorities and diplomatic corps in Kempala, Uganda, the Pope said: “The martyrs, both Catholic and Anglican, are true national heroes. They bear witness to the guiding principles expressed in Uganda’s motto – For God and My Country.
“They remind us of the importance that faith, moral rectitude and commitment to the common good have played, and continue to play, in the cultural, economic and political life of this country.
“They also remind us that, despite our different beliefs and convictions, all of us are called to seek the truth, to work for justice and reconciliation, and to respect, protect and help one another as members of our one human family.”
Making a new start
Speaking during visit to UN office at Nairobi, the Pope said: “We believe that ‘human beings, while capable of the worst, are also capable of rising above themselves, choosing again what is good and making a new start’. This conviction leads us to hope that, whereas the post-industrial period may be remembered as one of the most irresponsible in history, ‘humanity at the dawn of the 21st century will be remembered for having generously shouldered its grave responsibilities’”.
We are all sinners
Speaking to the clergy in Kenya, the Pope said: “So let this be clear: Jesus is the one who calls. …He does not ‘canonise’ us. We continue to be the same old sinners. …We are all sinners; starting with me. But Jesus’s tenderness and love keep us going. May he who began a good work in you bring it to completion…
“Do you remember any time in the Gospel when the apostle James wept? Or when one of the other apostles wept? Only one wept, the Gospel tells us; he who knew he was a sinner, so great a sinner that he betrayed his Lord. And when he realised this, he wept.
“Then Jesus made him Pope. Who can understand Jesus? It is a mystery! So never stop weeping.
Another type of culture
In Kangemi slum, Nairobi, Kenya, the Pope said: “The culture of poor neighbourhoods, steeped in this particular wisdom, ‘has very positive traits, which can offer something to these times in which we live; it is expressed in values such as solidarity, giving one’s life for others, preferring birth to death, providing Christian burial to one’s dead; finding a place for the sick in one’s home, sharing bread with the hungry (for there is always room for one more seat at the table), showing patience and strength when faced with great adversity, and so on’.
“[These are] values grounded in the fact that each human being is more important than the god of money. Thank you for reminding us that another type of culture is possible. I want to uphold these values which you practise, values which are not quoted in the stock exchange, are not subject to speculation, and have no market price.”
(Compiled by Fr Joe Borg)