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Pope Closes Japan Trip Urging Hopeful, Inclusive Society

VOA News

   Pope Francis on Tuesday closed his visit to Japan by telling students
   at a Catholic university of the need to work toward a "hope-filled
   future" that is more inclusive by addressing the disconnects in
   society.

   In his address at Sophia University, the pope said he sensed in Japan a
   desire to create a more humane, compassionate and merciful society.

   "The university, focused on its mission, should always be open to
   creating an 'archipelago' capable of connecting realities that might be
   considered culturally and socially separate," Pope Francis said. "The
   marginalized would be creatively incorporated into the life and
   curriculum of the university in an effort to bring about an educational
   approach aimed at reducing distances and disconnects."

   The pope also cited a "love for nature" as a typical aspect of Asian
   cultures and expressed a need to protect the planet.

   Earlier parts of his Japan visit focused on an anti-nuclear message.

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