PANAMA – 27.01.2019 – 08.00
Holy Mass for World Youth Day
Campo San Juan Pablo II – Metro Park
Greeting of the Holy Father at the end of the Mass
At the conclusion of this celebration, I thank God for having given us the opportunity to share these days together and to experience once more this World Youth Day.
In particular, I would like to thank the President of Panama, Juan Carlos Varela Rodríguez, the Presidents of other nations and the other political and civil authorities for their presence at this celebration.
I thank Bishop José Domingo Ulloa Mendieta, Archbishop of Panama, for his generosity and hard work in hosting this World Youth Day in his diocese, as well as the other bishops of this and the neighbouring countries, for all they have done in their communities to provide accommodation and assistance to the great numbers of young people.
My thanks also go to all those who have supported us with their prayers, and who have helped by their efforts and hard work to make this World Youth Day dream come true in this country.
And to you, dear young people, a big “thank you”. Your faith and joy have made Panama, America and the entire world shake! As we have heard so many times in these days in the song of this World Youth Day: “As your pilgrim people we are gathered here today from every continent and city”.
We are on a journey, keep walking, keep living the faith and sharing it. Do not forget that you are not the tomorrow, you are not the “meantime”; you are the now of God.
The venue for the next World Youth Day has already been announced. I ask you not to let the fervour of these days grow cold. Go back to your parishes and communities, to your families and your friends, and share this experience, so that others can resonate with the strength and enthusiasm that is yours. With Mary, keep saying “yes” to the dream that God has sown in you.
And, please, do not forget to pray for me.