SÃO PAULO
Pope Francis has slammed plans by a number of Latin American countries to legalize drugs, and instead called on leaders to tackle the root causes of substance abuse and dependency.
The pontiff made the comments as he inaugurated a new rehabilitation centre in the São Francisco de Assis Hospital in the Tijuca district of Rio de Janeiro.
He is on his third day of his visit to Brazil, the first international trip of his papacy, where he is attending the Roman Catholic World Youth Day (WYD) festival. Around 1,000 well-wishers waited in poor weather conditions to see Pope Francis arrive for the opening of the rehab clinic, where he embraced former addicts and listened to stories of how they had won their battle against substance abuse.
He told reporters: "What is necessary is to tackle the root causes of the drug abuse, promoting more justice, educating young people with the values that live in society, standing by those who face hardship and giving them hope for the future."
The pontiff praised the hospital, which he said served as a "sanctuary for human suffering" and said that Catholics "all need to learn and embrace those who come to need help." He also had a message for those addicted that had yet to seek help, urging them not to allow hope to be robbed from them.
The Archbishop of Rio, Orani Tempesta, also at the inauguration, admitted the work being done was a "drop in the ocean," but asked the Pope to bless the new clinic and the brethren working there who will help those who need to recover and recuperate.
Brazilian media reported that the previously-defunct building, originally built in 1947, will have 80 berths and is set to open in August. The Argentine-born pontiff also condemned those who traffic drugs across the continent, saying that it "favours violence and sows the seeds of suffering and death" requiring an "act of courage from society as a whole."
- Against plans for legalization of drugs
Pope Francis also took the opportunity to speak out against plans by some Latin American nations to soften their stance on policy relating to illegal substances.
"It is not by allowing free drug use, as is being discussed in various part of Latin America, that one will manage to reduce the trafficking and influence of substance dependency," the pontiff said.
Neighbouring Uruguay is in the final stage of introducing legislation to legalize the sale of marijuana, and other countries are in the earlier stages of debating a similar move.
The leaders of Colombia, Bolivia and Ecuador have all reported to have voiced their support for a relaxation of the laws.
The Pope flew back into Rio on Wednesday evening after celebrating his first mass of the trip at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida in neighbouring São Paulo state.
Up to 200,000 people gathered in the rain and cold weather to see the pontiff ride into the famous Basilica. Some 12,000 people watched the ceremony from inside the building, alongside 1,100 priests and 50 bishops – all of whom received Holy Communion.
At the service, Pope Francis warned those gathered and following on television and online against the "passing idols" of money and power, and urged people to "endow young people with values to build a fairer, harmonious and brotherly country and world."
- Olympic flags, favelas and greeting the masses
The Pope has now undertaken a number of official engagements on his trip to Brazil, but the vast majority of the huge numbers of Roman Catholic to Rio de Janeiro have yet to see Pope Francis.
However, on Thursday, the pilgrims will finally get their first change to see the pontiff up close.The Pope’s very full schedule begins with a ceremony to receive the Keys of the City and to bless the flag of the 2016 Summer Olympics Games, which the city will host in three years’ time. The morning also includes a visit to the Varginhas favela (shantytown) community and giving a talk on a football pitch.
Later on Thursday, the pontiff will meet fellow Argentinians at Rio’s Metropolitan Cathedral, before being flown by helicopter to the world-famous Copacabana Beach, where he will switch to his open-air "Popemobile" to meet, as organizers estimate, up to a two million pilgrims.
This second central World Youth Day event – the Papal Welcoming Ceremony – will see performances from Catholic bands and artists, as well as "much prayer and moments of faith" in one of the city’s most famous and sought-after beach areas.
The Pope revealed on Wednesday that he will return to Brazil in 2017 for the 300th anniversary of the "appearance" of the Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Aparecida, the Patroness of Brazil.
The Pope said: "I ask for a favour, gently; pray for me. I need it. May God bless you and Our Lady of Aparecida look after you. Until 2017, as I am going to return."
englishnews@aa.com.tr
