The following is the text of the video message sent by the Holy Father Francis ahead of his upcoming Apostolic Trip to Bangladesh, from 30 November to 2 December 2017:

Message of the Holy Father

Dear Friends,

As I prepare to visit Bangladesh in a few days’ time, I wish to send a message of greeting and friendship to entire population. I look forward to the moment in which we shall be together.

I come as a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to proclaim his message of reconciliation, forgiveness and peace. My visit is to confirm the Catholic community in Bangladesh in its faith and witness to the Gospel that recognizes the dignity of every man and woman and calls us to open our hearts to others, especially to the poor and needy.

At the same time I wish to encounter the entire population. In a special way, I look forward to meeting with religious leaders at Ramna, in Dhaka. We live in times in which believers and men of goodwill in all places are called to promote reciprocal understanding and respect, and to sustain each other as members of one human family.

I know that there are many people in Bangladesh who are working hard to prepare for my visit and I thank them. I ask each of you for prayers so that my days with you may be a spring of hope and encouragement for all. Upon you and your families I invoke the divine blessings of joy and peace! See you before long!