Pope Francis quote

“What does work is the combination of the epic struggle of the pioneers and the homely wisdom and endurance of the settlers. As one of your poets has put it, “strong and tireless wings” combined with the wisdom of one who “knows the mountains”. ”

— Pope Francis' quote from his speech to the Bishops of the United States of America, September 23, 2015. St. Matthew's Cathedral, Washington, D.C.

Here is the poem Pope Francis quoted from:

“In youth my wings were strong and tireless,
But I did not know the mountains.
In age I know the mountains
But my weary wings could not follow my vision—
Genius is wisdom and youth.”

— Edgar Lee Masters (2011-03-24), Spoon River Anthology, "Alexander Throckmorton"