Pope Francis, through a telegram sent by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, addressed the participants in the 38th European Meeting of Young Adults organized by the Taize Community, which began today in Valencia, Spain. It will conclude on New Year's Day.
The Holy Father encouraged the more than 30,000 expected participants to ''have the courage of mercy, which will guide you not only to receive it in your lives but also to be close to those who are in distress. You know that the Church is here for all of humanity and where there are Christians everyone should find an oasis of mercy.»
«This,'' he emphasized, ''particularly applies to the many migrants in such need of your welcome.''
The Pope also expressed his hope that ''during these beautiful days» you might better discover Christ, «the face of the Father's mercy,» and he sent them his blessing.