Pope Francis sent an affectionate greeting to Peruvian and Chilean worshippers within the framework of his upcoming visits to both nations this January.
"I greet you affectionately. I am coming to you as a pilgrim of the joy of the Gospel, to share with everyone the Lord's peace […]," the Holy Father expressed.
"I want to meet you, look into your eyes, see your faces and be able to experience among you God’s closeness, His tenderness, and mercy that embraces and comforts us."
In the video message —which lasts more than 3 minutes— Pope Francis also points out he knows the histories of both nations, Peru and Chile.
"I want to share with you your
joys, your
sorrows, your difficulties and hopes, and tell you that you are not alone, that the Pope is with you, that the whole Church welcomes you, that the Church looks at you," the Pope added.
Likewise, the Supreme Pontiff called on believers to always have God in their hearts in order to give them the strength to keep moving forward.
"See you very soon! And, please, do not forget to pray for me," he concluded.
(END) NDP/RRC/JAA/MVB