Pope: Corruption is gangrene of people

‘Glorious women’

Earlier in the day, while celebrating Mass on Saturday in Caacupe, Francis lauded the strength and religious fervor of Paraguayan women while visiting the country’s most important pilgrimage site.

“Being here with you makes me feel at home,” Francis said in his homily. He then spoke affectionately about the women of this tiny, poor and land-locked nation, praising them for rebuilding the country after a devastating war in the 1860s.

Paraguay was left reeling during the so-called War of the Triple Alliance against Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay fought from 1865 to 1870, with a large majority of its male population killed.

“Then and now, you found the strength not to let this land lose its bearings,” he said to wild cheers from the crowd. “God bless your perseverance. God bless and encourage your faith. God bless the women of Paraguay, the most glorious women of America.”

Thousands of people packed the main square and nearby streets in Caacupe, about 64 kilometers east of Asuncion. The pilgrimage site is not far from the border with the Pope’s native Argentina.

“It’s wonderful that the Pope really knows us,” said Raquel Amarilla, 39, who cried throughout the Mass and was accompanied by her 13-year-old daughter. “We are the ones in church every Sunday. We pray every day, much more than men.”

Affection for Mary

The gathering at the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Caacupe was evidence of Francis’ special affection for the revered image of the Virgin Mary. He declared the simple church, which houses a little wooden statue of the virgin, the world’s newest basilica.

When he was archbishop of Buenos Aires, the former Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio frequently visited the Villa 21 slum where many Paraguayan immigrants live, joining them in their religious processions and celebrating baptisms at their church, Our Lady of Miracles of Caacupe.

In a deeply symbolic nod to the region’s indigenous people, Francis led the faithful in “The Lord’s Prayer” in Guarani, the language of the country’s indigenous people, spoken by

80 percent of the population.

His arms outstretched at the altar, Francis read along as the crowd intoned the prayer.

The vast crowds played guitar, shook maracas and sipped gourds of mate—the herbal drink beloved by many in the region.

Francis was apparently so moved by their singing that he was late to emerge from the basilica to say Mass, but the Vatican spokesperson, the Rev. Federico Lombardi, later dismissed any notion that the Pope was unwell.

“As you can see for yourselves, the Pontiff is fine, everything is OK,” Lombardi said.

Meeting with Argentines

Thousands of Argentines traveled across the border by bus—some on journeys lasting 50 hours—to welcome the Pope in a homecoming of sorts.

“The Pope has inexplicable powers of attraction, almost like a lover,” Graciela Sosa said, adding she had barely slept all night so she could get a prime viewing spot.

Francis also met with several family members and close friends who also came in from neighboring Argentina to see him.

At a children’s hospital in Asuncion, the Pope said: “We need to learn from your ability to fight, from your strength, from your remarkable endurance.”

He also made a quick surprise visit to a clinic for the terminally ill.