Pope encourages Argentines to fight against global throwaway culture

July 11, 2016

Reflecting on the bicentennial of Argentina’s independence from Spain, Pope Francis expressed his closeness to the poor and marginalized and encouraged his fellow Argentines “to overcome this 'throwaway culture' that is imposed upon us globally.”

The Pope’s comments were made in a letter that was addressed to the president of the nation’s episcopal conference and released by the Vatican on July 9.

“I am convinced that our Motherland needs to bring alive the prophecy of Joel,” the Pope said reference to the Old Testament book’s second chapter. “Only if our grandparents dare to dream and our young people dare to prophesy great things, can the Motherland be free.”

The Pope concluded, “I ask God to bless our Motherland, and to bless all of us; and I ask the Virgin of Luján, as a mother, to care for us on our journey. And please, do not forget to pray for me.”

 

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Further information:

• Francisco en el bicentenario de la Independencia de la República Argentina: Necesitamos ancianos que sueñen y jóvenes que profeticen cosas grandes para hacer una Patria libre (Holy See Press Office)
• Francis on the bicentenary of the Independence of the Argentine Republic (Holy See Press Office)