Pope arrives in the nation known as "the heart of Latin America," for the last leg of his pastoral visit to the continent. Speaking to the local authorities and the diplomatic corps, Francis remembers the Civil War and pays tribute "to the many ordinary Paraguayan people, whose names are not written in history books but who have been, and continue to be, the real protagonists in the life of your nation. I would also like to acknowledge with profound admiration the role played by the women of Paraguay in those dramatic historical moments".

Asunción (AsiaNews) - Building peace means building " A peace  which grows stronger day by day, a peace which makes itself felt in everyday life, a peace to which each person contributes by seeking to avoid signs of arrogance, hurtful words, contemptuousness, and instead by working to foster understanding, dialogue and cooperation”, said Pope Francis to the civil authorities and the diplomatic corps accredited in Paraguay. His speech launched the final stage of the papal trip to Latin America, which will end with the Pope’s return to Italy on July  13.

Upon landing at the international airport "Silvio Pettirossi" in Asuncion, the Pope was welcomed by the President of the Republic of Paraguay, Horacio Manuel Cartes Jara. After a brief welcome ceremony, Francis travelled to the Apostolic Nunciature. In the afternoon, after a short rest, he visited the new president in the presidential palace and finally met with authorities. The Pope thanked " all those individuals and institutions which worked so hard to prepare this visit and to make me feel at home.  It is not hard to feel at home in so welcoming a land.  Paraguay is known as the heart of America, not only because of its geographic location, but also because of the warmth of its hospitality and the friendliness of her people”.

But he then immediately recalled that "from the first days of the country’s independence to recent times, Paraguay has known the terrible sufferings brought on by war, fratricidal conflict, lack of freedom and contempt for human rights.  How much suffering and death!  Yet the Paraguayan people have also shown an admirable spirit of perseverance in surmounting adversities and in working to build a prosperous and peaceful nation.  Here, in the garden of this palace which has witnessed so much of the country’s history – from the time when it was no more than a riverbank used by the Guaraní, until the present day – I wish to pay tribute to the many ordinary Paraguayan people, whose names are not written in history books but who have been, and continue to be, the real protagonists in the life of your nation.  I would also like to acknowledge with profound admiration the role played by the women of Paraguay in those dramatic historical moments.  As mothers, wives and widows, they shouldered the heaviest burdens; they found a way to move their families and their country forward, instilling in new generations the hope of a better tomorrow".

Francis then returned to a theme that is becoming a pillar of his pontificate: " A people which forgets its own past, its history and its roots, has no future.  Memory, if it is firmly based on justice and rejects hatred and all desire for revenge, makes the past a source of inspiration for the building of a future of serene coexistence.  It also makes us realize the tragedy and pointlessness of war.  Let there be an end to wars between brothers!  Let us always build peace!  A peace  which grows stronger day by day, a peace which makes itself felt in everyday life, a peace to which each person contributes by seeking to avoid signs of arrogance, hurtful words, contemptuousness, and instead by working to foster understanding, dialogue and cooperation."

The Pope underlined that in recent years,  the country " has sought to build a solid and stable democracy.  It is proper to recognize with satisfaction progress made in this direction, thanks to the efforts of everyone, even amid great difficulties and uncertainties.  I encourage you to continue working to strengthen the democratic structures and institutions, so that they can respond to the legitimate aspirations of the nation’s people ".

This so that " In every sector of society, but above all in public service, there is a need to reaffirm that dialogue is the best means of promoting the common good, on the basis of a culture of encounter, respect and acknowledgment of the legitimate differences and opinions of others.  In the effort to overcome a spirit of constant conflict, convictions born of ideology or partisan interest should blend advantageously with love of the country and its people.  That love must be the incentive to increased administrative transparency and unceasing efforts to combat corruption".

In this process it is the poor and needy have to be given priority of place.  Paraguay has done much to advance along the path of economic growth.  Important steps have been taken in the areas of education and health care.  May all social groups work to ensure that there will never again be children without access to schooling, families without homes, workers without dignified employment, small farmers without land to cultivate, or campesinos forced to leave their lands for an uncertain future.  May there be an end to violence, corruption and drug trafficking.  An economic development which fails to take into account the weakest and underprivileged is not an authentic development.  Economic progress must be measured by the integral dignity of the human person, especially the most vulnerable and helpless”.

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