Upon arrival in Poland, Pope Francis asks country to open border, heart to refugees

KRAKOW, Poland — The arrival of Pope Francis in Poland this afternoon marked both the start of his second World Youth Day as pope and also his inaugural visit to Central and Eastern Europe. In his opening remarks he paid tribute to the country’s past but also offered a new vision for its future — one rooted in the legacy of Pope St. John Paul II. The Polish pope’s presence looms large over this event and Francis began by invoking John Paul’s “vivid sense of history” and belief in “civilization that has its deepest roots in Christianity.” He pleaded that Poland not forget these values and that they guide the nation on a path marked by “openness to renewal and the future.” And with a short history lesson, Francis used his ceremonial welcome to make the case for Poland to open their borders and their hearts to those seeking refuge in the country. In the same way that John Paul II preached the importance of opening new doors and embracing new opportunities, Francis asked for Poles to remember this past — and provide the same opportunity for those fleeing their war-torn countries in hopes of safer places to live and raise their families. “This means doing everything possible to alleviate the suffering while tirelessly working with wisdom and constancy for justice and peace, bearing witness in practice to human and Christian values,” he said. “Life must always be welcomed and protected. These two things go together — welcome and protection, from conception to natural death. All of us are called to respect life and care for it.” On the ground here, pilgrims from around the world are learning that lesson in practical ways. This morning’s catechesis commenced in almost 275 venues across Krakow where bishops from around the world met with their flock for a deeper study of the theme of mercy. Throughout the city, pilgrims are attending the events of the youth festival including a soccer tournament, art displays and other immersive experiences that will bring young people from a range of backgrounds into the communion of a universal Church for both prayer and play. In concluding his remarks today, Pope Francis reminded the dignitaries of both the Church and state that “young should not simply have to deal with problems, but rather be able to enjoy the beauty of creation, the benefits we can provide and the hope we can offer.” Here, in the homeland of John Paul II where the great visionary of the “culture of life” sowed the first seeds of his ministry, this World Youth Day attests to the fact that young people are still enthused by a vision of the human person that respects the dignity of all human persons and a society that promotes that truth. And starting today, Pope Francis is doing his part to make sure all who seek to be a part of it are granted that same opportunity. Christopher White is the director of Catholic Voices USA .