In an interview with CNN , Walmyr Junior Master in Sustainability and Volunteer in World Youth Day 2013 he recalled the remarkable moment he lived in speaking to Pope Francis during his visit to Brazil.
The meeting, which took place over a decade ago, left lasting impressions in the young man, which at the time was 28 years old.
Walmyr described the meeting as “transformative” and stressed the importance of Pope Francis for youth and the Catholic Church.
“My encounter with the Pope was of importance in my transformative life,” he said.
The Pope’s hug and the special gift
One of the most striking moments for Walmyr was the hug he received from Pope Francis.
“It was that hug from the mother church, Francisco Father, but the church that welcomes, who hugs, he understands,” he said. In addition, the young man received a special gift from the Pontiff: a third that, according to him, accompanies him “in the times of hardness of life, but also in times of joy.”
Walmyr also highlighted Pope Francis’ legacy, especially regarding social and environmental justice. “Francisco is the Pope of Hope,” he said, emphasizing the importance of papal encyclical, such as Laudato Si, about the care of the environment.
Reflections on the future of the Church
When asked about expectations for the next Pope, Walmyr expressed the desire for the successor to continue Francisco’s work in the defense of human rights, social and environmental justice and the valorization of life. “May the next Pope be inspired by the Holy Spirit to fertilize the good news of Jesus in the church,” he concluded.
This content was originally published in “Francis is the Pope of Hope,” says young man who spoke at JMJ in 2013 on CNN Brazil.
Source: CNN Brasil
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