A delegation from the "United States of the World" participated in some moments of Pope Francis' apostolic journey to Singapore. These are the words of the Holy Father: ‘I thank Mr. President for the kind words of welcome you have graciously extended to me and which renew in me the gratitude for your recent visit to the Vatican. To all the Authorities I am grateful for the cordial welcome in this city-state of yours, a commercial crossroads of primary importance and a place where different peoples meet. Anyone arriving here for the first time cannot fail to be impressed by the forest of ultra-modern skyscrapers that seem to rise from the sea. They are a clear testimony to human ingenuity, the dynamism of Singaporean society and the acumen of the entrepreneurial spirit, which have found fertile ground to express themselves here.
A delegation from the "United States of the World" participated in some moments of Pope Francis' apostolic journey to Timor Leste. These are the words of the Holy Father: "I thank you for the kind and joyful welcome in this beautiful land of Timor-Leste; and I am grateful to the President, Mr José Ramos-Horta, for the kind expressions he has just addressed to me. Here Asia and Oceania brush against each other and, in a certain sense, meet Europe, far away geographically, yet close by virtue of the role it has played in these latitudes over the last five centuries - I am not referring to the Dutch pirates! From Portugal, in fact, came the first Dominican missionaries in the 16th century who brought Catholicism and the Portuguese language; and the latter together with the Tetum language are today the two official languages of the state. Christianity, born in Asia, arrived at these offshoots of the continent through European missionaries, testifying to its universal vocation and ability to harmonise with the most diverse cultures, which, on encountering the Gospel, find a new, higher and deeper synthesis. Christianity inculturates itself, takes on the cultures and rites of the different peoples. Indeed, one of the important dimensions of Christianity is the inculturation of the faith. And it, in turn, evangelises culture.
A delegation from the "United States of the World" took part in some moments of Pope Francis' apostolic journey to Papua New Guinea. "It was a great emotion to see the Pontiff in the places where the Salesians of Don Bosco have brought joy and hope to young people - said Secretary-General Michele Capasso - and then the joy of seeing our ”Salesian bishop" dressed "like a worker": this is how the Pope greeted him, embracing him". There were many moving moments: the meeting with the faithful in the diocese of Vanimo, the one in the Shrine of Maria Ausiliatrice, the one with the young people, the clergy, the Holy Mass... And then the Pope's words: "One of you asked me: ‘Why am I not like the others?’ I really only have one answer to this question and that is: ‘Because none of us is like the others: because we are all unique before God!’ Therefore, not only do I confirm that ‘there is hope for everyone’ - as has been said - but I also add that each one of us, in the world, has a role and a mission that no one else can fulfil and that this, even if it entails hardships, at the same time gives a sea of joy, in a different way for each person. Peace and joy is for everyone". Since the middle of the 19th century, the mission here has never stopped: nuns, religious, catechists and lay missionaries have not stopped preaching the Word of God and offering help to their brothers and sisters, in pastoral care, education, health care and many other areas, facing many difficulties, in order to be an instrument ‘of peace and love’ for all. Thus churches, schools, hospitals and missionary centres bear witness around us that Christ came to bring salvation to all, so that each may flourish in all its beauty for the common good (cf. Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii gaudium, 182). Again the Pope in his meeting with young people: "Dear friends, many tourists, after visiting your country, return home saying that they have seen ‘paradise’. They generally refer to the scenic and environmental attractions they enjoyed. But we know that, as we have said, that is not the greatest treasure. There is another, more beautiful and fascinating one, which is found in your hearts and which manifests itself in the charity with which you love each other. This is the most precious gift that you can share and make known to all, making Papua New Guinea famous not only for its variety of flora and fauna, its enchanting beaches and its clear sea, but also and above all for the good people you meet there; and I say this especially to you, children, with your contagious smiles and your bursting joy, which sprouts in every direction. You are the most beautiful image that those who leave here can take with them and keep in their hearts!".
Secretary-General Michele Capasso and Dr Pia Molinari presented the United States of the World and the figure of Gustavo Adolfo Rol to a delegation of young scouts gathered in Rome's square of people.
A delegation from the "United States of the World" participated in some moments of Pope Francis' apostolic journey to Indonesia. "Two emotional moments,’ stressed Secretary-General Michele Capasso. The first was when the Indonesian president recalled the motto of his country, identical to that of the ‘United States of the World’: unity in diversity (Bhinneka Tunggol Ika); the second was the meeting with the great imam of the Istiqlal Nasaruddin Umar Mosque: the image of the kiss to Pope Francis will remain in history. And then the emotion of the Holy Mass, the meetings with the clergy and with the workers of the works of mercy: a great journey for a great Pope".
