Pope Francis on St John Paul II: ‘I learned from him’
In a newly published book, Pope Francis answers questions about himself and St John Paul II, saying he learned the importance of joy and mercy from his predecessor, and they are in “total harmony” on the subject of priestly ministry.
Pope at Audience: Sorrow is rooted in love for God
Pope Francis during his weekly General Audience in the Paul VI hall, reflects on the second Beatitude: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted”, and he explains that there are two types of sorrow.
Pope’s message for World Day of the Sick
“Come to me, all you who labour and are burdened” is the theme of the World Day of the Sick, which is observed on 11 February, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. In caring for the sick, Pope Francis is encouraging in healthcare workers the human warmth and personalised approach of Christ, the Good Samaritan.
Pope at Mass: there is no humility without humiliation
Commenting on the day’s Gospel, Pope Francis exhorts Christians to follow the path of humiliation as indicated by Jesus and John. He also urges pastors not to give in to worldliness, to the “temptation to climb”.
Pope urges healthy use of technology to prevent human trafficking
Following the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking, Pope Francis says people must be educated about the healthy use of technology, with studies showing that criminal organisations increasingly use the internet to lure victims.
Pope urges global finance leaders to reduce economic inequality
Pope Francis is calling on the architects of the global financial system to reduce rising income inequality by prioritising the needs of the poor who are left behind by the globalisation of indifference.