Picture: Catholic News Agency
Speaking amid cheers in the soccer field of a Rio de Janeiro shanty town, Pope Francis urged people who are more economically privileged to “never tire” of working for solidarity and social justice. “
The Brazilian people, particularly the humblest among you, can offer the world a valuable lesson in solidarity, a word that is too often forgotten or silenced, because it is uncomfortable,” he said July 25 to the residents of Varginha, a “favela” of the city hosting World Youth Day.
He continued, “I would like to make an appeal to those in possession of greater resources, to public authorities and to all people of good will who are working for social justice: never tire of working for a more just world, marked by greater solidarity.”
Pope Francis visited Varginha after having said a private Mass at his local residence, and visiting the mayor of Rio de Janeiro as well as soccer players. When he got to the favela, he visited St. Jerome Emiliani parish, blessing a new altar there.
He also visited a couple who reside in the district. The Alves family, who greeted the Pope, said “this historic day will mark our lives forever,” adding that they felt as though pontiff himself was “welcoming us with an open heart, as a father.”
Full Story:Pope in Rio slum: Solidarity with the poor is not optional
Source:Catholic News Agency