Angelus

Pope at Angelus: The Epiphany calls us to seek Jesus, not to remain indifferent

  Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City

Dear brothers and sisters, happy Feast of the Epiphany!

Today the Church celebrates the manifestation of Jesus, and the Gospel concentrates on the Magi, who at the end of a long journey reach Jerusalem to adore Jesus.

If we look closely, we will discover something a bit stranger: while these wise men from far away come to find Jesus, those who were close by do not take one step towards the grotto in Bethlehem… Read more »

Pope at Angelus: Imitate the God of love, be messengers of hope

  Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City

Dear brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!
And well done, you are brave, with the rain! Happy Sunday!

Today the Gospel (cf. Jn 1:1-18), talking to us about Jesus, Word incarnate, tells us that “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (Jn 1:5). It reminds us, then, how powerful is God’s love, which is not overcome by anything and which, despite obstacles and rejections, continues to shine and illuminate our path… Read more »

Pope at Angelus: Families, sit around the table and talk

  Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City

Dear brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!

Today we celebrate the Holy Family of Nazareth. The Gospel tells of when Jesus, at the age of twelve, at the end of the annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem, went missing from Mary and Joseph, who found Him afterwards in the Temple conversing with the teachers (cf. Lk 2:41-52). The Evangelist Luke reveals the state of mind of Mary who asks Jesus, “Son, why have you done this to us? … Read more »

Pope at Angelus: God always forgives

  Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City

Dear brothers and sisters, happy feast day! Happy feast day to everyone.

Today, immediately after Christmas, the liturgy celebrates Saint Stephen, the first martyr. The account of his stoning is found in the Acts of the Apostles (cf. 6:8-12; 7:54-60) and presents it to us while, dying, he prays for his killers. And this gives us pause for thought: in fact, even though at first sight Stephen seems to be helplessly suffering violence, in reality, as a truly free man, he continues to love even his killers and to offer his life for them, like Jesus (cf. Jn 10:17-18; Lk 23:34); he offers his life so that they may repent and, having been forgiven, be given eternal life… Read more »

Pope: Place your hopes in God’s infinite mercy

  Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City

Dear brothers and sisters, good morning and happy feast day!

Today, on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, the Gospel tells us about one of the most important, most beautiful moments in the history of humanity: the Annunciation (cf. Lk 26-38), when Mary’s “yes” to the Archangel Gabriel permitted the Incarnation of the Son of God, Jesus. It is a scene that inspires the greatest wonder and emotion because God, the Most High, the Omnipotent, by means of the Angel converses with a young girl from Nazareth, asking for her collaboration for His plan of salvation… Read more »

Pope at Angelus: Be vigilant and turn your gaze to Heaven

  Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City

Dear brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!

The Gospel of today’s liturgy (Lk 21:25-28, 34-36), first Sunday of Advent, speaks to us about cosmic upheavals and anxiety and fear in humanity. In this context, Jesus addresses a word of hope to His disciples: “Stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand” (v. 28). The Master’s concern is that their hearts do not grow drowsy (cf… Read more »

Pope at Angelus: Listening to the Lord brings light into our hearts and into our lives

  Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City

Dear brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!

Today the Gospel of the liturgy (Jn 18:33-37) shows us Jesus before Pontius Pilate. He has been handed over to the Roman procurator to be condemned to death. However, a brief dialogue begins between the two, between Jesus and Pilate. Through Pilate’s questions and the Lord’s answers, two words in particular are transformed, acquiring new meaning… Read more »

Pope at Angelus: One day, we will all be united in Christ

  Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City

Dear brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!

In the Gospel of today’s liturgy, Jesus describes a great tribulation: “the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light” (Mk 13:24). Faced with this suffering, many might think of the end of the world, but the Lord seizes the opportunity to offer a different interpretation, saying: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” (Mk 13:31)… Read more »

Pope at Angelus: Offer tenderness and steer clear of hypocrisy

  Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City

Dear brothers and sisters, good Sunday!

Today the Gospel of the liturgy (cf. Mk 12:38-44) tells us about Jesus who, in the temple of Jerusalem, denounces before the people the hypocritical attitude of some scribes (cf. vv. 38-40).

These latter were accorded an important role in the community of Israel: they read, transcribed and interpreted the Scriptures… Read more »

Pope at the Angelus: The source of everything is love

  Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City

Dear brothers and sisters, good Sunday!

The Gospel of today’s liturgy (Mk 12:28-34) tells us about one of the many discussions Jesus had at the temple of Jerusalem. One of the scribes approaches Him and questions Him: “Which is the first of all the commandments?” (v. 28). Jesus responds by putting together two fundamental words of the Mosaic law: “You shall love the Lord your God” and “You shall love your neighbour” (vv… Read more »