Farewell Ceremony at Buenos Aires (12 June 1982)

On Saturday, 12 June 1982, at the Buenos Aires Airport,  the Holy Father prepared for his departure back to Rome. In his parting words, the Pope spoke of his previous trip to Great Britain, appealing to consciences, “so that, in moments of war, feelings of pacification are re-established in the two conflicting parties, which they go far beyond the silence of weapons.”

Dear brothers and sisters.

1. I am about to conclude the visit to your beloved country, which I undertook in the name of peace in painful moments of your history.

This trip and the one made previously to Great Britain have allowed me to fulfill my duty as Pastor of the universal Church, and at the same time to appeal to consciences so that, in moments of war, feelings of pacification are re-established in the two conflicting parties, which they go far beyond the silence of weapons. I ask God to translate into operational reality the profound conviction that all possible means must be used to achieve a just, honorable and lasting peace.

In the contacts I had in these circumstances I was able to see that the two peoples, saddened by the ruins of the war and distressed above all by the loss of young lives, which plunges so many families into mourning and tears, aspire to peace and anxiously invoke it.

Therefore, the leaders of the two countries and the international community, which also views the current moment of tension and struggle with well-founded apprehension, wish to give back, above all else, to the families of the two nations what they most desire: the life and serenity of one's children or loved ones, before new sacrifices are added to those already made. Do not hesitate to seek solutions that safeguard the honor of both parties and restore peace.

2. I leave you as the fruit of my visit to the noble Argentine nation the message proclaimed in the presence of your Pastors, consecrated souls, and in the presence of all of you. May the prayer raised to the Mother of Luján and the strength of the love that is born from the Eucharist be constant inspiration along the paths of fidelity towards Christ that he himself asks of us.

For these intentions I will continue to pray without ceasing, together with you, that the current trial may soon end.

3. To the Supreme Authorities and to all the Argentines, from whom I have received so many demonstrations of esteem and deference and who have been affectionately close to me during my visit, I am profoundly grateful for all the exquisite attention received, which finds in me feelings of uninterrupted benevolence for the children of this beloved people.

Thank you for your touching enthusiasm which, despite the delicate moment your nation is going through, has given me such an eloquent and warm welcome. The cordial and grandiose demonstrations of affection that I received when crossing your squares, avenidas, - 9 de Julio, Rivadavia - above all and above all your presence in the places of prayer, left an impression on me that has deeply engraved in my soul . Your prayers, applause, smiles were a constant plea for peace, a continuous proof of your love for peace. Continue on this path to which I have exhorted you without interruption. On a poster along my journey I saw written: "We want to be your joy". Dear friends: be the joy of Christ in your fidelity to the faith; be the joy of the Church; be the joy of the youth of the world, living and proclaiming your commitment to peace without interruption. Be the joy of the Pope who wants you young people to be authentic destroyers of hatred and builders of a better world.

With a "see you soon" I bid farewell to everyone, blessing every Argentine, especially the sick and those who suffer or cry for the victims of the war.

God bless Argentina. God bless Latin America. God bless the world.

Until we meet again.

Copyright © Dicastery for Communication - Libreria Editrice Vaticana