Pope Francis Thanks Spain for Warm Welcome, Urges Unity Over Division

Pope Francis expressed his deep gratitude for the "great affection" shown to him during his recent visit to Spain, explaining that the trip was intended to encourage the overcoming of divisions and the fostering of unity. He noted the widespread welcome he received from people of all ages and backgrounds, an experience he considered significant and worthy of reflection.

During his general audience, the Pope emphasized that the enthusiastic reception reflected not only the faith of the Spanish people but also a broader, widespread need to reunite on a genuine and profound foundation. He suggested that this foundation, which transcends ideology and partial interests, can ultimately be secured by Christ and conveyed through the Gospel's inculturation into the lives of peoples.

Francis stated that his message in Spain was to encourage the transcendence of all forms of division and opposition, promoting communion, dialogue, and unity within diversity. He perceived a widespread need for the Gospel of hope, particularly for a humanity grappling with the negative consequences of flawed development models. He referenced encounters with a child who read him a letter, victims of abuse seeking to be heard, detainees, young people with aspirations, and migrants in reception centers.

Regarding the visit to the Canary Islands, the Pope acknowledged the complexity of migration, calling for organic and concerted action plans. He particularly encouraged dialogue between individuals and peoples, and encounters rooted in fraternity, which allow for mutual appreciation of each other's values. He concluded that this path, though challenging and requiring goodwill and divine aid, leads to the "civilization of love."

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animar "a superar cualquier forma de división y de contraposición, y a cultivar siempre la comunión, el diálogo, la unidad en la diversidad".