Japanese bishops have now released the theme song of the visit. “Protect All Life” is the theme.
Releasing the theme song, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Japan (CBCJ) explained that each one has received the gift of life, created in the image of God, and is being led to our eternal homeland together with all people.
Creation, they said, is also designed and maintained by God “to be lived in” (Isaiah 45,18). Hence, in order to “protect all life”, we must respect not only each person’s dignity but also the environment. The second part of the final prayer in theme song concludes Pope Francis' 2015 Encyclical, “Laudato Si”.
The bishops expressed concern that the earth, “our common home”, is being trampled by humankind and groans with pain that overlap with the distress of all the abandoned people of the world.
The bishops noted that in Japan today, there is a multitude of problems related to life and peace in addition to issues such as economy, environment and relations with neighboring countries. Recovery from natural catastrophes and nuclear plant accidents remains a persisting problem.
“This theme of the Pope’s visit to Japan,” the bishops said, expresses their determination to proclaim the Gospel of life brought by Christ, and to pray and work for the peace of Christ.
Pope Francis will visit to Japan 0n 23 to 26 November, 2019.
