No words as Pope Francis visits Auschwitz death camp in silence

The pontiff visits camp where 1.1 million people were killed and later meets a group of former inmates

Harriet Sherwood in Kraków
Friday 29 July 2016 05.04 EDT
Last modified on Friday 29 July 2016 07.06 EDT

Pope Francis has visited the Nazi death camps of Auschwitz-Birkenau, walking beneath the infamous gates emblazoned with the words arbeit macht frei, work sets you free.

After arriving at the museum and memorial to the 1.1 million people killed at Auschwitz-Birkenau during the second world war, the pope sat alone on a bench for several minutes of sombre contemplation and prayer.

Francis had said he wanted his visit – the third by a pope – to be conducted in silence. “I would like to go to that place of horror without speeches, without crowds – only the few people necessary. Alone, enter, pray. And may the Lord give me the grace to cry.”

His only public words were written in the Auschwitz guest book: “Lord, have pity on your people. Lord, forgive so much cruelty.”

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/29/no-words-as-pope-francis-visits-auschwitz-death-camp-in-silence

1:12 video at link.