SW News: The Holy Father Pope Francis had words of caution for the young believers in the Democratic Republic of Congo when he met them on Thursday morning at the Martyrs’ Stadium in Kinshasa. The 86-year-old pontiff warned them to stay away from drugs, the occult and witchcraft and the overuse of mobile phones. “Life is more than just tapping a finger on the screen,” he told the tens of thousands of youngsters who had gathered in the stands and the turf from all over DRC. He also used the imagery of the five fingers to present five points that are essential to a better future—prayer, communion, honesty, forgiveness and service.

He used the image of the thumb, the one that is closest to the heart to represent prayer, which he said is “the driving force in life”. The Holy Father said it is the basic ingredient of the future and exhorted them to listen to the Word of God and “develop a living prayer to grow inwardly.

Addressing the cheering multitudes, the pope said, “Jesus has triumphed over evil. He made His cross the bridge to the resurrection. So, raise your hands to Him daily, praise Him and bless Him.” He told them to speak to Him as their best friend and to entrust their fears and secrets. Through this kind of heartfelt prayer, God intervenes by sending the Holy Spirit.

Using the index finger, the pope pointed to the sense of fraternity and community. The Holy Father encouraged the young believers not to overindulge in social media and remain aloof. “Nothing can ever be a replacement for the energy that we get from being together, the sparkle in our eyes, the joy of exchanging ideas!” He told them to embrace those around them, especially those who are suffering.

At this juncture, the pope interrupted his catechesis and told everyone to hold each other’s hands and join in the song sung by a catechist over the microphone. The whole stadium reverberated with the voices of thousands of youngsters as they joined hands and sang with gusto for their beloved Holy Father.

Pope Francis said the third finger, the longest, is the symbol of honesty. For a better future, it is the third vital ingredient and the best way to fight the “cancer of corruption”, the pope said. He then paused to make a heartfelt appeal to the youngsters to say No to corruption in French. In one voice, they all replied and pledged to say No to graft. Overcome evil with good, said the Holy Father who referred to the glowing example of Floribert Bwana Chui, a Congolese youth who was killed 15 years ago in Goma for blocking the entry of spoiled foodstuffs. He said the young Christian prayed for discernment and said No to the “filth of corruption”.

Pointing to the ring finger, the pope said though it is weak, it is the sign of forgiveness. He said it does not mean forgetting the past. Instead, it is all about being able to begin everything anew. His Holiness the pope used the pinky finger to represent service. He said God is attracted by our decision to become little.
He also told the youth to be hopeful and stay focused on Jesus. “Do not be discouraged. If you do so, grab the Gospel and read it,” he told the cheering youngsters. He concluded by inviting them to reflect on the five ingredients and work for a better future for the country.

He then prayed the Lord’s Prayer with the multitude and gave them his Apostolic Blessing. Catechists came to the stage with gifts for the pope, including statues of two Congolese Blesseds—Isidore Bakanja and Clementina Anuarite—and a special chasuble emblazoned with ethnic motifs. He was also given a plaque in commemoration of his visit to the country. As he left the stadium the masses cheered and applauded as the song Benvenuto Papa Francesco played from the loudspeakers.