Alejandro Tullio🌎

Pope Leo made it clear in Paysandu he knows how to talk symbolism of Latin America, making Uruguyans reach cloud nine when he reflected on the meaning of mate and adding: "Mate has even reached Rome!" "Let us consider a symbol found in every home in this country, in every place of study and work, and at every gathering of friends. I am referring to mate, that drink so characteristic of South America, whose profound meaning you can explain better than I can. Surely, many of you enjoyed mate on your way to this celebration today and will have some again on your journey home. ... Mate has even reached Rome! Mate is a sign of familiarity, friendship and encounter. It teaches us to share and to be together, strengthening the bonds that unite us as brothers and sisters. It is a sign of welcome, integration and shared values. 'Drinking mate' is a ritual rich in symbolism, in which dialogue takes place without words and every detail holds its own meaning. I also think of those moments when one drinks mate alone, silently and prayerfully. In those moments of solitude, how often have so many of you entrusted to God your concerns and needs, your deepest desires and longings!" Video: Vatican Media