Marking the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi putting together the first Christmas crèche in a cave in Greccio, Italy, the Vatican publishing house compiled texts by Pope Francis about Nativity scenes and asked him to write a special introduction.
Pope Francis
The poor, whether “the oppressed, fatigued, marginalized, victims of war,” migrants, the hungry, those without work or left without hope, “are not one, two, or three, they are a multitude,” Pope Francis said during a Mass celebrated for World Day of the Poor Nov. 19 in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Meeting pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Ozamiz, Philippines, Nov. 17, Pope Francis said their visits to shrines in Europe dedicated to Mary should remind them that “being followers of Jesus always involves listening to his word, meditating on it in our hearts and then bringing that word to others” as Mary did when she visited her cousin Elizabeth.
“A Christian who is discontented, sad, dissatisfied, or worse still, resentful or rancorous, is not credible” and will not attract anyone to a relationship with Jesus and a life of faith, Pope Francis said Nov. 15 at his weekly general audience.
Embrace God’s unconditional love and live in a way that is based on and radiates hope, Pope Francis told Catholic young people.
Like keeping a bicycle upright when riding it, a balanced life of faith is possible only in motion, Pope Francis said.
After the “unspeakable tragedy” of the shooting rampage that left 18 victims dead and another dozen people injured in Lewiston, Maine, Pope Francis prayed that God would give the entire United States his “blessings of strength and peace.”
Since the Gospel message touches every aspect of a person’s life, it must be proclaimed in a way people can understand, Pope Francis said at his weekly general audience Oct. 25
Pope Francis will celebrate a memorial Mass Nov. 3 for Pope Benedict XVI and cardinals and bishops who have died in the past year. The Mass will take place at the main altar in St. Peter’s Basilica at 11 a.m., the Vatican announced.
Speaking to thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square Oct. 8 for the recitation of the Angelus prayer, Pope Francis said he is following events in Israel and Gaza “with apprehension and sorrow.”