10:21 24.09.2018

Pope Francis urges Lithuania to become bridge between Eastern, Western Europe

2 min read
Pope Francis urges Lithuania to become bridge between Eastern, Western Europe

Pope Francis has called on Lithuania to be open for a dialogue amid modern challenges and become a bridge between the West and the East of Europe.

"In the modern world, where the voices of those who sow discord and enmity using insecurity or growing threats and claiming that we would ensure security and preserve our culture only by means of getting rid of others by destroying or banishing them are growing increasingly louder, you, Lithuanians, must speak out in favor of accepting the differences," the pontiff said in his speech in front of the Presidential Palace in Vilnius.

"By initiating a dialogue, being open and understanding, you can become a bridge between Eastern and Western Europe," he said, adding that Lithuania was able to accept people of various nationalities and religions.

The pope congratulated Lithuania on the 100th anniversary of the restoration of its statehood and called on it "to find solutions to the existing threats, look into the future in the spirit of a dialogue and unity with all people living here and ensure that no one is spurned."

He also urged Lithuania to pay special attention to the youth, the BNS news agency said.

"The nation, where the youth have enough space for development and work, will help young people to feel important while forming the social and cultural system. This way everybody can look into the future with hope," the pontiff said.

Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite thanked Pope Francis for his efforts in uniting people and religions and pointed out that his visit would strengthen Lithuanian residents' faith.

"A meeting with you will strengthen our faith and give us new strength. The warmth of Lithuanian residents' hearth and gratitude for your revolutionary efforts in overcoming all challenges, in bringing the Church closer to every person will always follow you," Grybauskaite said.

"Lithuania not only shares its bitter experience, but is also looking into the future with a great hope. Those hopes are primarily aimed at young people, who were born and grew up in freedom. Together with them we are heeding your call to unite for the sake of a more humane world. The world, where there will be less poverty and pain and more compassion. The world, where the gates of mercy are always open," she said.

AD
AD
AD
AD
AD