Religious and Socio-Economic Relevance of Pope Francis' Visit to Romania

Abstract

The present study tries a theological and socio-human approach at the same time, so that a correlation could be made between the religious beliefs of the world, in which life may be approached both from the perspective of the scientific data, as well as from the human thinking and up to the human feelings arisen and the beneficial influence Pope Francis' visit has exercised upon people up to the present time. To desacralize the world and life, means to diminish the real meaning and value, disregarding the entire spiritual edifice of humanity. The apostolic journey of Pope Francis that he made on the days of May 31-June 2, 2019 in Romania, will remain not only a memory for all the Romanian people, but rather a historical event with a special spiritual charge, oriented towards reconciliation and tolerance between churches and ethnic groups, taking into account the multitude of ethnicities in Romania, of different denominations. The methodology was based on the collection of data from the online environment and the direct observations made by those who conducted the study, as a result of their taking part to the entire activity throughout their visit. The study is also supported by social surveys and discussions with the participants in the event, in the places where Pope Francis has held prayer talks and dialogues. The results highlight in the first place the large numbers of Romanians participating, regardless of ethnicity and religious affiliation, age or socio-professional structure, all having the same desire, that of maintaining a good understanding relationship among all Christians, no matter if Catholic or Orthodox. The culturalreligious pluralism in Romania is an advantage that we must all become aware of and that we must be glad about.