Pope Francis in Sarajevo

Pope Francis made a one day trip to Sarajevo, Bosnia-Hercegovina in which he urged peace and called the capital “the Jerusalem of Europe.” He received a joyous welcome from thousands of cheering Bosnians and Croatians who packed the Sarajevo stadium. He had meetings with government officials as well as an interfaith gathering and a rally with young people. He met with priests, monks, nuns, seminarians, and theologians at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Sarajevo. After hearing the testimony of two priests and one nun, who described the hardship they endured during the war, Pope Francis said:

“I prepared a nice speech, but after what I heard, I feel the need to speak off the cuff…These testimonies spoke for themselves…This is your memory. And a nation who forgets its memory has no future. Don’t forget your past. Not to seek revenge, but to seek peace. To learn to love as they did.”

This is the school of Our Lady who said on January 2, 2010:

“…Do not be afraid, my children, I am here with you, I am next to you. I am showing you the way to forgive yourselves, to forgive others, and, with sincere repentance of heart, to kneel before the Father. Make everything die in you that hinders you from loving and saving—that you may be with Him and in Him. Decide for a new beginning, a beginning of sincere love of God Himself. Thank you.”