Pope to victims of Japan's "triple disaster": We are part of one another
By Christopher Wells
Survivors of the earthquake, tsuanami, and nuclear disaster that struck Japan in 2011 shared their experiences on Monday during a meeting with Pope Francis in Tokyo on Monday.
Survivor testimonies
Kindergarten teacher Toshito Kato, whose town was swept away by the tsunami, said that despite the disaster, 鈥淚 received much more than I lost鈥. She spoke of 鈥渢he importance of teaching children the preciousness of life鈥.
Tokuun Tanaka, a Buddhist priest whose temple is not far from the Fukushima nuclear power plant, asked how we can respond to natural disasters, saying 鈥渉onest and humble reflection, deep understanding, and decisions about what to be done are necessary鈥. He insisted, 鈥淭he most important thing is to hear the voice of the earth鈥.
Matsuki Kamoshita was eight years old when he and his family were evacuated to Tokyo following the nuclear accident at Fukushima. He said adults must tell the truth about the effects of radioactive contamination.
He asked Pope Francis to join in prayer, 鈥渟o that we can appreciate each other鈥檚 pain and love our neighbours鈥. And he asked, 鈥淧lease pray with us that people from all over the world will work to eliminate the threat of radiation exposure from our future鈥.
Hope for a better future
After hearing the testimony of survivors, Pope Francis thanked them for expressing their 鈥渟orrow and pain,鈥 but also their 鈥渉ope for a better future鈥.
He asked for a moment of silence at the beginning of his address, 鈥渟o that our first word will be one of prayer鈥 for those who died, for their families, and for those still missing. 鈥淢ay this prayer unite us and give us courage to look forward with hope鈥.
Gratitude for aid
The Holy Father thanked those who responded generously to support victims, both with prayer and with material and financial aid.
鈥淲e should not let this action be lost with the passage of tiem or disappear after the initial shock鈥, he said, 鈥渞ather, we should continue and sustain it鈥. He appealed to 鈥渁ll persons of good will so that the victims of these tragedies will continue to receive much-needed assistance.鈥
鈥淣o one rebuilds by themselves鈥
He emphasised the need for the most basic necessities, including food, clothing, and shelter. This, he said, 鈥渃alls for experiencing the solidarity and support of a community. No one 鈥榬ebuilds鈥 by him or herself; nobody can start over alone鈥.
After praising Japan for showing 鈥渉ow a people can unite in solidarity, patience, perseverance, and resilience鈥, he invited his listeners 鈥渢o move forward each day, little by little, to build a future based on solidarity and commitment to one another鈥.
A culture capable of combating indifference
Pope Francis responded to a question from Tokuun about how to respond to major issues such as war, refugees, food, economic disparities, and environmental challenges, saying we cannot confront these issues separately.
We must recognize that these challenges are interconnected. But, he said, 鈥渢he most important thing鈥 is to progress in building a culture capable of combating indifference鈥. He said 鈥渨e need to work together to foster awareness that if one member of our family suffers, we all suffer. Real interconnectedness will not come about unless we cultivate the wisdom of togetherness鈥.
The abolition of nuclear power
Reflecting especially on the accident at the nuclear power plant in Fukushima, Pope Francis said that in addition to scientific and medical concerns, 鈥渢here is also the immense challenge of restoring the fabric of society鈥. This, he said, raises the issue of concerns about the continued use of nuclear power; and he noted the Japanese Bishops call for the abolition of nuclear power plants.
In an age that 鈥渋s tempted to make technological progress the measure of human progress鈥, he said it is important to pause and reflect on 鈥渨ho we are鈥 and who we want to be鈥.
A new path for the future
In thinking about 鈥渢he future of our common home鈥, he said, 鈥渨e need to realize that we cannot make purely selfish decisions, and that we have a great responsibility to future decisions鈥. The testimonies of each of the survivors, he said, remind us of the need to find a new path for the future, a path rooted in respect for each person and for the natural world鈥.
Hands joined together, hearts united
Concluding his address, Pope Francis said that 鈥渋n the ongoing work of recovery and rebuilding after the triple disaster, many hands must join together and many hearts unite as one鈥 so that the victims of the catastrophe might 鈥渂e supported and know they have not been forgotten鈥.
Once again thanking all those who 鈥渉ave tried to ease the burdens of the victims鈥, the Pope expressed his hope that 鈥渢hat compassion might be the path that enables all to find hope, stability, and security for the future鈥. And he prayed, 鈥淢ay God grant to all of you, and to your loved ones, His blessings of wisdom, strength, and peace鈥.
Watch the full video of the event (with English commentary):
Thank you for reading our article. You can keep up-to-date by subscribing to our daily newsletter. Just click here
