General audience Archives

Pope Francis: Martyrs an example of hope, strength amidst persecution

June 28, 2017

Jesus warned his disciples of the hostility they would encounter being a witness to the Gospel, and that is still true today as Christians are persecuted everywhere, Pope Francis said during his weekly general audience. The example of the martyrs, who showed strength and hope in the face of hostility, can inspire Christians facing violence or hostility.

We don’t earn God’s love, it’s freely given, Pope Francis says

“God does not love us because there is some reason that causes love. God loves us because He Himself is love, and love tends to spread and give by its nature,” Pope Francis said to the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s square for his weekly general audience.

Dare to call God ‘Father,’ Pope Francis says at audience
- Vatican
- June 7, 2017
“Calling God by the name “Father” is not something that can be taken for granted,” Pope Francis said during his general audience. “We are tempted to use the highest titles, that are respectful of his transcendence. But calling him “Father” puts us in confidence with Him, like a child talking to his dad, knowing that he is loved and cared for by him.”
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The Holy Spirit is our wind and hope is our sail, pope says
- Vatican
- May 31, 2017
“The Spirit is the wind pushing us forward, keeping us going,” Pope Francis said during his general audience at St. Peter’s Square May 31. Hope “collects the wind of the Spirit and transforms it into energy,” the pope continued, adding that we must share that hope not only with those who need it the most, but also with God’s creation.
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Pope: Every man is a story of love that God writes on this earth
- Vatican
- May 17, 2017
Jesus “is someone who knows us, sees our pain and disappointment, and who is moved by us and calls us by name,” Pope Francis said during his general audience May 17. “Every man is a story of love that God writes on this earth.”
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