Religious fundamentalism, even before it eliminates human beings by perpetrating horrendous killings, eliminates God himself, turning him into a mere ideological pretext.
Let us not close our hearts, let us not lose confidence, let us never give up: there are no situations which God cannot change, there is no sin which he cannot forgive if only we open ourselves to him.
The worship of the golden calf of old has found a new and heartless image in the cult of money and the dictatorship of an economy which is faceless and lacking any truly human goal.
The one thing that the Catholic Church desires, and that I seek as Bishop of Rome, “the Church which presides in charity”, is communion with the Orthodox Churches.
Christ leads us to go out from ourselves more and more, to give ourselves and to serve others.
Humility saves man: pride makes him lose his way.
The proclamation of the saving love of God comes before moral and religious imperatives. Today sometimes it seems that the opposite order is prevailing.
Migrants and refugees are not pawns on the chessboard of humanity.
We are a church of sinners but we must not be afraid of holiness. Do not be afraid to aim for holiness and turn yourselves over to the love of God. Holiness does not mean performing extraordinary things but carrying out daily things in an extraordinary way that is with love, joy and faith.
Wretched are those who are vindictive and spiteful.
Dear young people, don’t be afraid to marry. A faithful and fruitful marriage will bring you happiness.
Work is fundamental to the dignity of the person. Work, to use an image, ‘anoints’ with dignity, fills us with dignity, makes us similar to God who has worked and still works, who always acts.
Obsession with a consumerist lifestyle, above all when few people are capable of maintaining it, can only lead to violence and mutual destruction.
I’m overwhelmed by shame that the people who had the responsibility to take care of the tender ones violated that trust and caused them great pain.
Sadly, because President Obama has done such a poor job as President, you won’t see another black president for generations! I think he has set a very low bar and I think it’s a shame for the African-American people.
Many people who are forced into emigration suffer and often die tragically; many of their rights are violated, they are obliged to separate from their families and, unfortunately, continue to be subjected to racist attitudes and xenophobia.
I would love to be a well-educated black, because I believe they do have an actual advantage.
I have neither silver nor gold, but I bring with me the most precious thing given to me: Jesus Christ.
The imposition of anomalous models and lifestyles are alien to people’s identity and, in the end, are irresponsible.
For the sake of peace, religious beliefs must never be allowed to be abused in the cause of violence and war.