Pope to Colombians: Seek a peaceful future

Associated Press

CARTAGENA, Colombia

Pope Francis wrapped up his Colombia trip Sunday by honoring a fellow Jesuit who ministered to African slaves and urging Colombians today to follow his lead in working for a more peaceful future.

Francis’ visit to Cartagena got off to a rocky start when he bonked his head on his popemobile when it stopped short amid swarms of well-wishers. Francis, who had only a hip-high bar to hold onto, lost his balance and suffered a bruised, black left eye and a cut on his eyebrow that dripped blood onto his white cassock.

The cut was quickly bandaged and Francis carried on without incident with his program, sporting a shiner that got increasingly dark as the day wore on.

The highlight of the day was a very personal stop for the Jesuit pope: He prayed at the tomb of St. Peter Claver, the 17th-century missionary who ministered to thousands of African slaves who were brought through Cartagena’s port during Spanish colonial times to be sold.

Francis, known for his simple and austere style, said Claver was “austere and charitable to the point of heroism.”

Francis said the legacy of the Spanish priest should serve as a model for the Catholic Church today to “promote the dignity of all our brothers and sisters, particularly the poor and the excluded of society, those who are abandoned, immigrants and those who suffer violence and human trafficking.”

He cited Claver’s courageous example in urging Colombians to take a first step to reconcile after a half-century of armed conflict.