POPE SAYS CANADA’S CONTRIBUTION TO WORLD DEPENDENT ON MAINTAINING FAITH HERITAGE

TORONTO, July 23, 2002 (LSN.ca) – After being greeted by Prime Minister Jean Chretien at the Toronto airport today, Pope John Paul II had words of blessing and warning for Canada.  In his opening remarks the Pope spoke of the need for peace, justice, human solidarity, joy and hope.  The Pope praised Canada saying “In a world of great social and ethical strains, and confusion about the very purpose of life, Canadians have an incomparable treasure to contribute.” However, he said that that contribution was “on condition that they preserve what is deep, and good and valid in their own heritage.”  He spoke of the “core” of the Canadian heritage as “the spiritual and transcendent vision of life based on Christian revelation.”  The Pope quoted from the French version of the Canadian national anthem which says: “As is thy arm ready to wield the sword, So also is it ready to carry the cross.”  He concluded saying: “I pray that the World Youth Day will offer all Canadians an opportunity to remember the values that are essential to good living and to human happiness. … God bless you all. God bless Canada.”  See the full text of the Pope’s remarks:  https://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/speeches/2002/july/documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_20020723_wyd-arrival-toronto_en.html