Vatican News Department
Dear Brothers and Sisters: Yesterday I returned from my Apostolic Journey to Thailand and Japan. I thank the civil authorities and my brother bishops, and in particular, the Thai and Japanese people, for their warm welcome.
In Thailand, I met with the Supreme Buddhist Patriarch as a sign of esteem and of the importance of promoting respect and cooperation between the religions, and I encouraged the local Church’s support of the sick and poor at Saint Louis hospital. Among the highlights of my visit were the meetings with priests, consecrated men and women, the bishops and finally a group of young people. In the two celebrations of Mass, we saw clearly how the Gospel is being inculcated among the Thai people.
In Japan, the motto for my visit was “Protect All Life”: a vital theme for a county that experienced the devastation of the atom bomb and more recent disasters. I was able to spend time in prayer at Nagasaki and Hiroshima, where I met with survivors and their families, and I repeated my appeal for the abolition of nuclear weapons. In my meeting with young people, I encouraged them to face the future without fear by opening their hearts to God’s love in prayer and in the service of others.
I ask you to join me in entrusting the people of Thailand and Japan to God’s loving providence. May he bless them with prosperity and peace.
The Holy Father also greeted various English-speaking groups present for the day’s Audience:
I greet the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, especially the groups from England, Australia, Canada and the United States of America. Upon all of you and your families, I invoke the joy and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. May God bless you!
