Farewell Address at the Karachi Airport (16 February 1981)

On 26 February 1981, the Holy Father bade Farewell to the people of Pakistan at the Karachi Airport, expressing his satisfaction at having met those of differing faiths.

Mr President, 
Dear Friends, 

1. Today, as I begin a new pastoral itinerary, I am happy that my first stop along the way was in Pakistan. It is good to be here with you, and it has been a joy to be able to worship the Living God together with my brothers and sisters belonging to the Catholic Church who live in this country. 

This pastoral journey, like the previous ones I have made, has an essentially religious character. As Supreme Pastor of the Catholic Church, I wish to meet with members of local Christian communities from all over the world, to better understand them and their needs, to better appreciate their specific gifts, their energies, and above all to encourage them in the practice of the faith Christian. 

2. I am glad that these trips also enable me to meet members of different faiths, and to come to appreciate the rich cultural heritage of other peoples and nations. It is satisfying to discover the common concerns shared by all men and women of good will: concerns, for example, for the spiritual dimension of the human person, for the freedom and dignity of every man, woman and child, for the true justice and lasting peace. 

3. It is very gratifying to bear witness to how much the bonds which unite all those who believe in God have strengthened in recent years. I am referring especially to the bonds of dialogue and trust which have been established between the Catholic Church and Islam. Thanks to the dialogue we have had the opportunity to see more clearly the multiplicity of values, practices and teachings, which concern both of our religious traditions: for example our common faith in the one almighty and merciful God and Creator of heaven and earth, and the importance we place on prayer, almsgiving and fasting. I pray that this mutual understanding and respect between Christians and Muslims, and also between all other religions, may continue and increase, 

And now, before I leave, allow me to express my gratitude to all of you, who have given me such a gracious welcome. To Your Excellency, Mr. President, to the Government and to the civil officials who ensured order during my visit, I extend my deepest appreciation. I also wish to thank all those who have worked so diligently in organizing and preparing for this day. May God reward you for your generosity. Bless you and your families with joy and peace. 

Dear people of Pakistan, let us turn our thoughts to God's goodness and mercy, in the words of the psalmist: "All you of the earth shout to the Lord, serve the Lord with joy, come before him with gladness" (Ps 101 : 1 -2). 

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