The following is the text of the video message sent by the Holy Father Francis ahead of his upcoming Apostolic Trip to Myanmar, from 26 to 30 November 2017:

Message of the Holy Father

Dear friends,

As I prepare to visit Myanmar, in just a few days’ time, I wish to send a word of greeting and friendship to all the people. I cannot wait to be able to meet you.

I come to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, a message of reconciliation, forgiveness and peace. My visit is intended to confirm the Catholic community of Myanmar in its faith in God and witness of the Gospel, which teaches the dignity of every man and woman, and demands that we open our hearts to others, especially the poorest and most in need.

At the same time, I wish to visit the nation with a spirit of respect and encouragement for every effort intended to build harmony and cooperation in the service of the common good. We live in a time in which believers and men of good will increasingly feel the need to grow in mutual understanding and respect, and to support each other as members of the single human family, as we are all children of God.

I know that many in Myanmar are working hard to prepare for my visit, and I thank them. I ask each one of you to pray that the days in which I will be with you may be a source of hope and encouragement for all. I invoke divine blessings of joy and peace upon you and your families! See you soon!