Pope Francis thanks Brazilians, asks for prayers and says, 'see you soon'

Criado em 29/07/13 09h50 e atualizado em 30/07/13 11h54
Por Vladimir Platonow Edição:Beto Coura/Nira Foster Fonte:Agência Brasil

Rio de Janeiro – Pope Francis gave Brazilians his goodbye speech early on Sunday evening (July 28) asking the people to pray for him, and ended by saying, “see you soon”. These words were seen as a confirmation of his plans to return to the country in 2017 for the 300th anniversary of Brazil's patron saint, Our Lady of Aparecida, whose statue was unexpectedly caught by fishermen in 1717 on the Paraíba do Sul river, near the current town of Aparecida where a shrine was later erected to the saint.

At several points in his speech, Francis reminisced about the places he visited during his stay in Brazil and said that he was leaving the country missing all the good times he had since he arrived for World Youth Day. “I am about to leave your country to return to Rome. I depart with many happy memories which I know will nourish my prayers. Already I am beginning to miss Brazil, this great people showing so much affection and friendship. I shall miss the natural and warm smiles I have seen in so many faces, and the enthusiasm shown by the volunteers. I shall miss the hope filling the eyes of the young people in the Hospital of Saint Francis. I shall miss the faith and joy shown by the residents of Varginha in the midst of their hardship.”

The pope emphasized the key role of the youth and asked them to travel the world as missionaries of love. “As I express my thanks and bid farewell, my thoughts turn to those who are at the heart of these celebrations: the young people! May God bless you for the beautiful witness of your lives and for your intense and joyful participation over these last few days. Many of you came here as disciples; I have no doubt that all of you will leave as missionaries.”

Pope Francis finished his speech paying homage to Our Lady of Aparecida, recalling his visit to the shrine of the national patron saint. “Finally, my thoughts turn to Our Lady of Aparecida, to whom I also bid farewell. In that beloved Shrine I knelt to pray for the entire human family and in particular for all Brazilians. (...) As he departs, the Pope says to all of you affectionately: 'see you soon'. He asks you not to forget to pray for him. The Pope needs the prayers of all of you. I offer you an affectionate embrace. May God bless you!”

Edition: Beto Coura/Nira Foster
Translation: Mayra Borges/Olga Bardawil