After the historic visit of Pope Francis from Cuba to United States, Pope Francis leaves for Rome. At Philadelphia International Airport where a brief ceremony was held, Pope Francis said that, "As I prepare to leave, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and hope." As Pope Francis returns to the Vatican, he is indeed hopeful that the message of the Gospel he brought with him in a way touched the lives of the people who heard them. And that message of love and mercy be an instrument of peace for the country, United States, amidst political challenges and other intrigues.
As Pope Francis leaves the country, it can be reckoned that some issues surrounding the country and the clergy, particularly on the abuses committed by some priests, were highlighted. Without any form of hypocrisy or denial, Pope Francis acknowledged the mistakes committed by some of the priests and then asked for forgiveness. On an off-script statement of Pope Francis, provided by United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and was published by nydailynews, the Pope stated that;
"For those who were abused by a member of the clergy, I am deeply sorry for the times when you or your family spoke out to report the abuse, but you were not heard or believed. I remain overwhelmed with shame that men entrusted with the tender care of children violated these little ones and caused grievous harm. I am profoundly sorry. God weeps. The crimes and sins of the sexual abuse of children must no longer be held in secret. I pledge the zealous vigilance of the church to protect children and the promise of accountability for all."
On the same manner, before Pope Francis left for Rome, he reminded everyone about the danger of consumerism. On a sermon he gave at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Pope Francis highlighted the radical loneliness of so many people. He even pointed out no one must run after social media likes and followers. On a statement he gave published via mashable, Pope Francis stated that;
"I would dare say that at the root of so many contemporary situations is a kind of radical loneliness that so many people live in today. Running after the latest fad, a like, accumulating followers on any of the social networks. Today, consumerism determines what is important, consuming relationships, consuming friendships, consuming religions. Social bonds are a mere means for satisfaction of my needs." (Click for Video)
Now that visit of Pope Francis finally ended, it serves as a challenge for those who heard the message of the Supreme Pontiff to live what they have heard. Everyone who were present and were able to see and hear the message of Pope Francis should then channel its meaning to everyone they meet. Pass it on.
