Pope Francis Makes a Pastoral Visit to Cagliari

September 22, 2013

          On September 22, 2013, the Holy Father made a pastoral visit to Cagliari, found on the island of Sardegna, Italy.  He met with the workers, with the poor and the inmates, with a group of cloistered sisters, with the world of culture, and ended his visit with an audience for the young people.  In the square of the Shrine of Our Lady of Bonaria, the Holy Father celebrated Mass, followed by a brief Angelus message to those present. 

            In his message to the young people, he gave a brief glimpse into his own personal call 60 years to-the-day prior.   Pope Francis recounted that he was 17-years old when he first heard God’s call, and he has never forgotten it.  He encouraged young people to not be afraid to follow Christ.  He acknowledged the disappointment young people experience when they enter a Church that is dull and stagnant, and he encouraged them to not lose hope, that it is a terrible thing to lose faith.  To be hopeful is to be young!  He urged them to not sell their youth for things that bring death.  Repeating several times emphatically, Pope Francis encouraged the youth to trust in Jesus Christ.  “Open yourselves to God, open yourselves to one another!”  At the end of his message, he remembered those 70 who died in Pakistan during that day and asked for prayers.  As always, he concluded by invoking the Blessed Mother and by asking us all to pray for him.