Central Asia

In his Message for World Mission Day, Francis says mission means stepping out of one's comfort zone to reach out to non-Christians. This is not outside the Church's purview, for it "is not about proselytizing" or violence, but about the most important "gift", namely faith. The pontiff also mentions "those Christians who, in various parts of the world, experience difficulty in openly professing their faith" and in living with dignity. In fact, "Quite a few also risk their lives".

Angelus in memory of WYD. The World Youth Days is not "a flash in the pan", moments of enthusiasm but an ends in themselves, stages of a long journey. "Let us always remember: young people do not follow the Pope, they follow Jesus Christ carrying His cross. And the Pope guides them and accompanies them on this journey of faith and hope."

In his address to the bishops of Brazil, the Argentine Pope outlines some key elements for the reform of the Church in this time of "epochal change": accompanying man "in the night", the family, the value of women, unity in diversity. And most of all learning from the act of God in Aparecida. Not only for Brazil, but for the world.

For the feast of 'Id al-Fitr', which closes the holy month of Islam, Francis signs the traditional message sent to the Muslim communities around the world: "I wanted to do it as an expression of esteem and friendship for all Muslims, especially those who are religious leaders. " Two religions must teach mutual respect: " particular respect is due to religious leaders and to places of worship. How painful are attacks on one or other of these! "

During the great 'youth week,' only a thousand faithful came from Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq. Their tragedy was not left out of the Way of the Cross. The correspondent in Lebanon for AsiaNews offers some thoughts about the event, noting that for Pope Francis, Latin America is the "continent of hope" whereas Eastern Churches are asleep at the switch. Or more likely, tired of an East unable to solve its problems, the West has decided to leave the region to its fate.

Against a "throwaway culture" and the "globalization of indifference," Francis proposes the concept of fraternity - which is not "sterile aid" - in order to give a more human face to the world. By seeing the other as a brother, not a rival or an enemy, “we can build a true peace for humanity."

As he celebrated Mass on the feast day of the founder of the Society of Jesus, Pope Francis stressed the need to be "moved" in the service of Christ and the Church. "There can be no parallel or isolated journeys." In order to live this "dual centrality", we must "let ourselves be conquered" by Jesus and ask the Lord for "the grace of shame".

Charity, solidarity and aid to the poor are some elements that have given birth to new congregations and institutes in Brazil. But the pope wants a charity that is an expression of evangelization. Faith in Jesus Christ is the greatest gift to share. And many young people are deciding to become missionaries for life.

Bishop Lazzaro You Heung-sik led 350 young South Koreans to the WYD with the Pope and the Catholic youth of the world: "We have experienced the love and closeness of the Brazilian people, we are ready to give back what received during the upcoming Asian Youth Day. " Now, a 10 day retreat with the Brazilian bishops to "reflect on the message and on the invitation of the Pope to move out to the margins."

Bishop Giuliano Frigeni, a PIME missionary, told AsiaNews that the event drew more than three million people for the final Mass. He spoke about the pope's "significant gestures" and his message of "love, hope and freedom", which comes "from proclaiming the Gospel." He stressed the "missionary vocation" of Church, which "must come out of its shell, even at the risk of getting hurt."

Francis’ final appointments in Brazil, who today returns to Rome. The memory of his first "call" from God and courage to make definitive decisions "against the trend", like the priesthood or marriage, today no longer seen as "fashionable".

During World Youth Days, the Pope laid down the path of change he plans to use to reshape not only the Curia but especially the Church, whose task is to ease the encounter between Christ and the world. His example is Aparecida, a 'mystery' that shows the needs of today's Catholic community and those of the world, in full communion with Pope Benedict XVI, outside the 'right-left' divide imposed upon him.