Pope Francis warns vs ‘destruction’ of family

MANILA, Philippines – Pope Francis on Sunday, January 18, warned against the destruction of “the unity and beauty of our human family” during his homily in the Mass that concluded his 5-day visit to the Philippines.

“He created the world as a beautiful garden and asked us to care for it. But through sin, man has disfigured that natural beauty; through sin, man has also destroyed the unity and beauty of our human family, creating social structures which perpetuate poverty, ignorance and corruption,” the Pope said in front of millions of Catholic faithful gathered at the Luneta.

Earlier, the Pope spoke against corruption in his speech in Malacañang, asking everyone to “reject every form of corruption which diverts resources from the poor.” 

He cited the “lies” that hide “behind the appearance of sophistication” that distracts people with “the promise of ephemeral pleasures” and “superficial pastimes.”

“That is why the message of the Santo Niño is so important. He speaks powerfully to all of us. He reminds us of our deepest identity, of what we are called to be as God’s family,” the Pope said in his homily during his concluding Mass that has lasted for almost two hours. 

Protect the young

Pope Francis also warned against “insidious attacks and programs contrary to all that we hold true and sacred,” following with an appeal to “protect, guide, and encourage our young people.”

“We need to see each child as a gift to be welcomed, cherished and protected. And we need to care for our young people, not allowing them to be robbed of hope and condemned to life on the streets,” he said.

At the University of Sto Tomas earlier in the day, 12-year-old Glyzelle Palomar cried when she tried to relate her life as a street kid exposed to drugs and prostitution. “Why does God allow this to happen,” she asked in Filipino and then cried and stopped speaking.

The Pope’s homily also echoed his message Friday, January 16, when he met with families at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. (READ: Pope to families: ‘Don’t lose the capacity to dream’)

The Pope also encouraged the Filipino faithful to be missionaries of the faith, especially in Asia.

The Holy Mass was the biggest activity in his 5-day trip to the Philippines, which started Thursday, January 15. – Rappler.com