Embraced the Youth of Turkey, Hit by the Earthquake
Pope Francis, who returned to the Apostolic Nunciature in Lisbon with Father Antuan Ilgit, met with a group of 40 Turkish people who came from the disaster area to Lisbon for the World Youth Day.
Representing various denominations and cities, young people thanked Pope Francis for his kindness and assistance after the severe earthquake that occurred on 6 February.
Following the devastation caused by the disaster, the Pope reaffirmed his sympathy for all those affected by the earthquake. He expressed admiration for the courage of the Turkish people in the face of the great hardships they face while rebuilding their lives and livelihoods.
Pope Francis received the children of the Episcopate of Anatolia, Istanbul and Izmir in a private meeting. Turkish Youth, who were in Lisbon for the World Youth Day, spent special moments with Pope Francis under the leadership of the Anatolian Apostolic Deputy and Bishop General Deputy, Father Antuan Ilgit.
While the visit lasted for about half an hour, the Pope listened to the stories of the Turkish youth. Welcoming their feelings, Pope Francis encouraged the youth to move forward with faith and hope, with the words “You are young and strong, be brave”.
Pope Francis, who went to Lisbon for the World Youth Day, hosted Turkish youth from various cities and sects, who came from Türkiye and thanked him for the help they received after the earthquake, at the Papal Hall in Lisbon.
Pope Francis, who met this group of about 40 young people, instilled faith and hope in them while chatting with the young community. The Pope also expressed his sympathy for the suffering experienced by those who suffered the destruction caused by the earthquake.
The young people also expressed their gratitude to the Pope for the help they received after the earthquake and stated that they were happy to be here. While Pope Francis gave hope to the youth with his words, the birthday of a Turkish girl who turned 23 years old was also celebrated in the meeting, which lasted about half an hour and ended with blessing.
(SAT-7 Türk/İlyas Edip TERBİYELİ-İskenderun)
