Medellín (Colombia), 09/08/2017, Sr. Ana Cecilia Villegas Cadavid.- The cold of the Capital was no obstacle to leave at dawn to wait for Pope Francisco. At first, they met to wait for him in the Square of Bolivar about 22.000 young people, but before, he had to be received like Head of State. The speeches were brief but forceful. The children always gave the original note and he expressed that this gesture made the protocol more human. He spoke as a head of state and then as pastor, to the bishops of Colombia.
- "During these days I would like to share with you the most important truth: that God loves us with fatherly love and encourages us to continue seeking and desiring peace. That peace that is authentic and lasting.”
- "The search for peace is an open job, a task that does not give a truce and requires the commitment of all."
- "Let this effort make us flee from any temptation of revenge and pursuit of interests only particular and short-term."
- "Colombia needs the participation of all to open to the future with hope."
- "I ask you to listen to the poor, to those who suffer. Look them in the eyes and let yourself be questioned at all times by their furrowed faces of pain and their pleading hands."
One of the most exciting moments of the morning was the Pope's prayer to the Virgin of Chiquinquirá. He gave her a beautiful rosary. The Simón Bolívar Park welcomed a multitude of people (1,370,000) to share with Pope Francis the celebration of the Eucharist. Exciting moments of closeness, listening, prayer and joy.