Free Pope Francis in the Philippines by Pope Francis

Pope Francis in Malacañang , Jan . 16, 2015
    Ladies and Gentlemen , I thank you , Mr President , for your kind welcome and for your words of greeting in the name of the authorities and people of the Philippines , and the distinguished members of the Diplomatic Corps . I am most grateful for your invitation to visit the Philippines . My visit is above all pastoral . It comes as the Church in this country is preparing to celebrate the fifth centenary of the first proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ on these shores . The Christian message has had an immense influence on Filipino culture . It is my hope that this important anniversary will point to its continuing fruitfulness and its potential to inspire a society worthy of the goodness , dignity and aspirations of the Filipino people . In a particular way , 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 . Those virtues , rooted not least in the hope and solidarity instilled by Christian faith , gave rise to an outpouring of goodness and generosity , especially on the part of so many of the young . 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 . This example of 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 . As many voices in your nation have pointed out , it is now , more than ever , necessary that political leaders be outstanding for honesty , integrity and commitment to the common good . In this way they will help preserve the rich human and natural resources with which God has blessed this country . Thus will they be able to marshall the moral resources needed to face the demands of the present , and to pass on to coming generations a society of authentic justice , solidarity and peace . Essential to the attainment of these national goals is the moral imperative of ensuring social justice and respect for human dignity . The great biblical tradition enjoins on all peoples the duty to hear the voice of the poor . It bids us break the bonds of injustice and oppression which give rise to glaring , and indeed scandalous , social inequalities . Reforming the social structures which perpetuate poverty and the exclusion of the poor first requires a conversion of mind and heart . The Bishops of the Philippines have asked that this year be set aside as the “ Year of the Poor ”. I hope that this prophetic summons will challenge everyone , at all levels of society , to reject every form of corruption which diverts resources from the poor , and to make concerted efforts to ensure the inclusion of every man and woman and child in the life of the community . 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 . But 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