Juraj Kralik, national president of eRko was present at the youth meeting with Erko’s representatives in Košice and he was invited with the representatives of public life in presidential garden. He’s sharing his reflections.

I have been at several meetings with Pope. We were always shouting and waving flags. But this time it was different. I got an invitation from presidential palace to be present at his Message for Slovakia as a representative of youth and public life in Slovakia.

Very formal atmosphere, politicians, presidential guards, national anthems.

And the Pope Francis?

The youth was not left out in his message. He clearly said that the renewal would not be possible without youth.

He talked about bread and salt, because this is how Slovaks traditionally welcome guests – by offering a loaf of bread with a bit of salt on top of it. Bread is not meant to be accumulated, but shared. In post-covid world the culture must stand on open and welcoming communities. Europe is hungry for such a lifestyle and Slovaks have this gifts in their DNA.

I think, Pope wanted to revive our true identity for the good of whole humanity. He wants us to look beyond our Tatra mountains, to be rooted and at the same time to dream big about renewal and to use our true gifts for others.

The archive of all the videorecordings is here: https://www.tvlux.sk/frantisek
APOSTOLIC YOURNEY of POPE FRANCIS TO SLOVAKIA>>>