Pope Francis dares politicians: Reject corruption, be honest

Two years ago, Pope Francis called global poverty a “scandal” and a “cry.” He also urged the 1.2 billion Catholics around the world “not have too many things and to become a little poorer.” 

 

Although poverty incidence in the Philippines was reported lower last year, almost a fourth of the over 100 million Filipinos remain poor, based on latest government data.

 

Some 11.4 million Filipino families considered themselves poor by the end of last year, according to a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.

Family first

 

Pope Francis also noted the importance of family in the renewal of society, and in particular highlighted the important role of the youth, saying the family's intrinsic mission in society is to train the young in good values..  

 

“A fundamental role in the renewal of society is played, of course, by the family and especially by young people. A highlight of my visit will be my meetings with families and with young people here in Manila. Families have an indispensable mission in society. It is in the family that children are trained in sound values, high ideals and genuine concern for others,” he said. 

 

However, the Pope also cautioned against challenges that constantly hit the family unit. In light of this, the Pope asked for utmost support for the family.

 

“Like all God’s gifts, the family can also be disfigured and destroyed. It needs our support. We know how difficult it is for our democracies today to preserve and defend such basic human values as respect for the inviolable dignity of each human person, respect for the rights of conscience and religious freedom, and respect for the inalienable right to life, beginning with that of the unborn and extending to that of the elderly and infirm,” he said. 

 

Similarly, the Pope called on all members of society to help keep the family unit safe, and asked the faithful to continue passing on to the youth, a "culture of integrity."

 

“Families and local communities must be encouraged and assisted in their efforts to transmit to our young the values and the vision which can help bring about a culture of integrity—one which honors goodness, truthfulness, fidelity and solidarity as the firm foundation and the moral glue which holds society together,” he said.

 

Religious diversity, the Bangsamoro and the Filipino diaspora

 

In his speech, Pope Francis also made special mention of the contribution of the Filipinos to the world stage, in the form of millions of overseas Filipino workers. 

 

“I would also mention the oft-neglected yet real contribution of Filipinos of the diaspora to the life and welfare of the societies in which they live. May the deepest spiritual values of the Filipino people continue to find expression in your efforts to provide your fellow citizens with an integral human development. In this way, each person will be able to fulfill his or her potential, and thus contribute wisely and well to the future of this country,” he said. 

 

Meanwhile, the Pope praised the efforts of the Philippine government in reaching a lasting peace in Muslim Mindanao.

 

“I am confident that the praiseworthy efforts to promote dialogue and cooperation between the followers of the different religions will prove fruitful in the pursuit of this noble goal. In a particular way, I express my trust that the progress made in bringing peace to the south of the country will result in just solutions in accord with the nation’s founding principles and respectful of the inalienable rights of all, including the indigenous peoples and religious minorities,” he said. 

 

The Philippine government has reached a landmark peace deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front which will create the Bangsamoro political entity to replace what Aquino earlier called the “failed experiment” that is the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.

 

Resilience of the Filipino spirit

 

Meanwhile in the same speech, Pope Francis also lauded the resilience of the Filipino spirit, especially in the face of immense tragedy such as Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), which left 6,300 people dead and displaced over 1.4 million families in Central Philippines in 2013.

 

“This visit is meant to express my closeness to our brothers and sisters who endured the suffering, loss and devastation caused by Typhoon Yolanda. Together with many people throughout the world, I have admired the heroic strength, faith and resilience demonstrated by so many Filipinos in the face of this natural disaster, and so many others,” Pope Francis said in his speech.

 

The Pontiff extolled the generosity of the international community in Yolanda’s aftermath.

 

“In that moment of national crisis, countless people came to the aid of their neighbors in need. At great sacrifice, they gave of their time and resources, creating networks of mutual help and working for the common good,” he said.

 

Meanwhile, Pope Francis also spoke on the important lessons of rebuilding, saying Pinoys and others in the modern world should draw on their “deepest resources” as a collective family. 

 

“Solidarity in the work of rebuilding teaches us an important lesson. Like a family, every society draws on its deepest resources in order to face new challenges. Today the Philippines, together with many other countries in Asia, faces the challenge of building on solid foundations a modern society—a society respectful of authentic human values, protective of our God-given human dignity and rights, and ready to confront new and complex political and ethical questions,” the Pope said.

Friday is the first full day the Holy Father will spend in the country. With a packed schedule, he is expected to celebrate a Mass at the Manila Cathedral at 11:15 a.m. to be attended by bishops, priests, and religious men and women.

 

The Pope will then have a motorcade from the Apostolic Nunciature in Manila at 5 p.m. going to SM Mall of Asia Arena in Parañaque City for a meeting with families at 5:30 p.m. 

 

Pope Francis is scheduled to go to Leyte on Saturday. —KG, GMA News