Pope Francis: Love expels fear, superstition and magic from the heart

On the seventh day of the Apostolic Journey to Asia and Oceania, the longest of his pontificate, Pope Francis affirmed in New Guinea that the fraternal love that Christians must profess is capable of expelling from the heart “fear, superstition and magic”.

During a meeting with the faithful of the Diocese of Vanimo, the Pontiff praised the natural beauty of the place, pointing out that “this wealth is entrusted to you by the Lord as a sign and an instrument, so that you can live like this, in harmony with Him.” and with the brothers, respecting the common home and caring for each other.”

By contemplating the beauty, the Pope has drawn the attention of the nearly 20,000 present, according to data from the Vatican Press Room, to become aware that “there is an even more beautiful spectacle: that of what grows in us when we We love each other.”

In this sense, he specified that “our mission is precisely this: to spread everywhere, through the love of God and our brothers, the beauty of the Gospel of Christ.”

In reference to the work carried out by the catechists of the diocese, often with great personal and family sacrifice on their part, Pope Francis has asked that they “not be left alone” and that they be accompanied, in such a way that “each one “We promote the missionary message wherever you live” and that “the beauty of the landscape corresponds to the beauty of a community in which people love each other, as Jesus taught us.”

In this way, he assured, the faithful will form a great orchestra “capable, with its notes, of putting an end to rivalries, of overcoming divisions—personal, family and tribal—, of expelling fear, superstition from people’s hearts. and magic; to end destructive behaviors such as violence, infidelity, exploitation, alcohol and drug consumption.”

“Love is stronger than all this and its beauty can heal the world,” the Pontiff stressed.

Pope Francis responded in this way on the esplanade in front of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross to what was raised by the Bishop of Vanimo, Mons. Francis Meli, and the testimonies of a nun, a catechist, a couple and a 12-year-old girl who was taken in. in a Catholic orphanage.

Returning at the end of his speech to the question of the scenic and natural beauty of Papua New Guinea, Pope Francis called for making the country known “also and above all for the good people who are found there”, emphasizing the smaller ones: “I say this especially to you, children, with your contagious smiles and your overflowing joy, which flows in all directions. “You are the most beautiful image that those who leave here can take with them and keep in their hearts.”

Private meeting with a group of missionaries

At the end of the massive meeting, Pope Francis traveled to the Santísima Trinidad School of Humanities in Baro, where he held a meeting with a group of missionaries.

Upon his arrival at the place, hundreds of gathered faithful received the Pontiff with proclamations in Spanish, his native language. “Welcome, Francisco!” He chanted insistently. Upon getting out of the car, the Pope dedicated a few minutes to receiving greetings and gifts from some children, catechists and missionaries.

Inside the facilities, Pope Francis was honored with the performance of a musical piece by the children’s orchestra, while dozens of people waited outside the building carrying banners, cheering the Pontiff and wearing their best traditional clothes. Once again abroad, Pope Francis has received more gifts from the inhabitants of the forested areas of the island.

On the way to Vanimo airport to take the flight to Port Moresby, the papal delegation has stopped on occasion to greet the faithful.

UPDATE: September 8, 2024 at 09:33 GMT+2