Pope Francis in Paraguay: Church works for common good

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis met with government authorities and members of the diplomatic corps in Asuncion, Paraguay, on Friday evening. The meeting took place shortly after the Holy Father’s arrival in Paraguay, on the third and final leg of a three-country tour of Latin America that previously saw him in Bolivia and Ecuador.

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In remarks prepared for the occasion, Pope Francis thanked the people of Paraguay for the display of their characteristic hospitality, and praised the spirit of resilience and perseverance that informs the Paraguayan popular ethos. He had words of especial praise for the women of Paraguay. “I would also like to acknowledge with profound admiration the role played by the women of Paraguay,” throughout the nation’s history, which has been from the outset troubled by war and internal strife and instability. “As mothers, wives and widows, they shouldered the heaviest burdens; they found a way to move their families and their country forward, instilling in new generations the hope of a better tomorrow.”

The Holy Father also praised the efforts of the nation and the people to build a solid and stable democracy, and encouraged everyone to continue working to strengthen the democratic structures and institutions, so that they can respond to the legitimate aspirations of the nation’s people. “In every sector of society,” said Pope Francis, “but above all in public service, there is a need to reaffirm that dialogue is the best means of promoting the common good, on the basis of a culture of encounter, respect and acknowledgment of the legitimate differences and opinions of others.”

The Holy Father also offered assurances of the commitment and cooperation of the Catholic Church in the common effort to build a just and inclusive society where each person can live in peace and harmony. “All of us, including the Church’s pastors, are called to be concerned with building a better world (cf. Evangelii Gaudium, 183),” he said. “Our sure faith in God, who willed to become man, to live among us and to share our lot, urges us to press forward.  Christ opens up to us the path of mercy, which, founded on justice, goes beyond it to inspire works of charity, so that no one will remain on the fringes of this great family which is Paraguay, a land you love and which you wish to serve.”