SW News: Pope Francis urges young Africans to never give up on dreams and be ambassadors of peace. Addressing the children on Africa Day, the Pope called them to rise to the problems in their continent.
On the occasion of the annual commemoration of the founding of the African Union, the Pope met nearly 1,500 African children accompanied by their parents and national diplomats.
"Never give up on your dreams" and "be ambassadors of peace so that the world can rediscover the beauty of love, living together, fraternity and solidarity," the Holy Father encouraged.
The day marks the annual remembrance of the African Union's creation on May 25, 1963. According to the Pope, this day symbolizes the fight of the entire African continent for liberty, advancement, social and economic growth, and the consolidation and depth of Africa's cultural patrimony.
Therefore, Pope Francis reaffirmed the appeal he made to all young people in his Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation "Christus vivit" in 2019, "to dare to be 'different,' to bear witness to the beauty of generosity, service, purity, courage, forgiveness, the struggle for justice and the common good, love for the poor, and social friendship."
He also encouraged African youngsters not to be disheartened by the immense difficulties and disasters the region is currently experiencing. Finally, the Pope concluded by urging all in attendance to act as "ambassadors of peace" in these times of tremendous risk for humanity by upholding peace within and around them.
Pope Francis also consoled a group of Polish children fighting cancer. The Pope urged them to spread the good news of God's love and emphasized that Jesus offers comfort in times of suffering.
"Jesus is always beside us to give us hope. Always, even in moments of illness, even in the most painful moments, even in the most difficult moments: the Lord is there!" the pontiff encouraged the 53 children. He received in the audience the children from Wroclaw Cancer Clinic on Monday in the Paul VI meeting room.
Calling them to be apostles of God's love, the Holy Father said that Jesus needs them for testimony.
The Pope concluded by saying to the children that Holy Mary is constantly by their sides.