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Address by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien
on the Arrival of His Holiness Pope John-Paul II
July 23, 2002
Toronto, Ontario
Your Holiness. On behalf of the people of
Canada, it is my great privilege to welcome you to Canada for World Youth Day.
Young people from 100 countries have come to
Toronto to celebrate and re-affirm their faith. And to do so in the spirit of
your vision of a peaceful world, that recognizes and values the dignity and
freedom of all peoples.
In Toronto and Canada, you have selected a
marvelous stage on which to proclaim this message of harmony and peace. As few
nations, we have welcomed people from the world over, to join us in the common
labour of building a prosperous and just society.
As few nations, we have seen what great things
can be accomplished, by widely diverse peoples in a society dedicated to
freedom, tolerance and social harmony. And in that regard, I must say that I
have been gratified to see that special place has been made at this celebration,
for aboriginal peoples, from Canada and around the world, to express their own
unique commitment to the Catholic faith.
If Toronto is an ideal setting for this
celebration, it is also true that we have, in the presence of Your Holiness, a
truly inspiring example of personal commitment. The theme for World Youth Day
2002 is "You are the salt of the earth, You are the light of the
world." These words I see as a challenge to young people to fully live
their faith, to fully engage in their societies. And to believe that they can
make a difference, by demonstrating their commitment in daily life. Your own
life bears witness to the wisdom and truth of these words.
Your passionate belief in freedom and human
rights helped to liberate your own homeland and to change the world. Your
commitment to global sharing has reminded the world of the shared dignity of all
peoples. As a soldier for peace, you have defied the false prophets of violence.
As a man of faith, you have taught us that everyone, even the one who attempted
to take your life, deserves forgiveness and redemption. And you have never
ceased to remind us, that from the greatest to the least of us, we too often
overlook, to our own detriment, the desire for kinship that lives within each of
us.
I know that World Youth Day is a source of much
joy and pride for you.
Canadians, and the citizens of Toronto, are
pleased to welcome young Catholics from around the world. They are happy to be
here with you to celebrate their faith and express their hopes for the future.
The very fact that Your Holiness has made the
trip here, bears witness to your tenacity and your courage in pursuing the
spiritual objectives that are at the heart of your Pontificate. Through your
travels, your initiatives of reconciliation, and your messages of hope, you have
inspired us to continue our efforts to build a better world. Where all can live
in peace, and practice their faiths, free from fear.
And I know that the thousands of young people
who have come to hear your words, will leave galvanized to meet the challenges
of the future.
Canada welcomes Your Holiness with warmth and
admiration. We are delighted that you are among us. Even for this short time.
And we wish you well in the exciting week to
come.
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