VENICE. Breaking a seven-month hiatus from leaving Rome, Pope Francis embarked on a bustling journey to Venice on Sunday, immersing himself in an array of activities that included an art exhibition, a prison visit, and presiding over Mass. The 87-year-old pontiff, despite recent health setbacks, navigated the lagoon city with a blend of mobility aids, including a wheelchair, golf buggy, and motorlaunch.
While addressing the crowd gathered in St. Mark’s Square, Pope Francis candidly acknowledged the weightiness of his responsibilities, stating, “Please pray for me because this work is not easy.” His admission underscored the challenges inherent in leading the Catholic Church amidst myriad global issues.
The day commenced with the pope’s arrival at a women’s prison, where he inaugurated an exhibition housed within the Vatican’s pavilion as part of the Venice Biennale. In a poignant address to inmates and guards, Pope Francis emphasized the potential for prisons to serve as sites of redemption and renewal, urging society to extend compassion to marginalized communities.
Transitioning to a lighter tone, Pope Francis engaged with young Venetians outside the Santa Maria della Salute basilica, encouraging them to prioritize human connection over digital distractions. “If we always focus on ourselves, our needs, and what we lack, we will always find ourselves back at the starting point, crying over ourselves with a long face,” he remarked, urging a shift towards selflessness and empathy.
Amidst the logistical challenges posed by his health condition, Pope Francis traversed Venice with the aid of a pontoon bridge erected over the Grand Canal, symbolizing a bridge between faith and the enchanting beauty of the city. In his homily during Mass at St. Mark’s Basilica, he lauded Venice’s rich cultural heritage while lamenting the pressing issues of climate change and overtourism plaguing the city.
The pontiff’s visit to Venice marks the beginning of a series of domestic trips within Italy over the next three months, with planned visits to Verona and Trieste. Additionally, he is slated to attend a June summit of Group of Seven (G7) leaders in Bari. Notably, in September, Pope Francis is scheduled to embark on an extensive foreign journey to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore, signifying his commitment to global outreach despite physical limitations.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
