Angelus

Pope at Angelus: how God loves – welcomes, protects and respects others

  St Peter's Square, Vatican

Dear brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!

Today, on the fourth Sunday of Advent, the Gospel presents the scene of the Annunciation (cf. Lk 1:26-39). Explaining to Mary how she will conceive Jesus, the angel tells her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you” (v. 35). Let us pause for a moment on this image, shadowRead more »

Pope at Angelus: Let us value silence, sobriety and listening

  Saint Peter's Square, The Vatican

Dear brothers and sisters, buongiorno!

On this second Sunday of Advent, the Gospel speaks to us about John the Baptist, the precursor of Jesus (cf. Mk 1:1-8), and it describes him as “the voice of one crying in the desert” (v. 3). The desert, an empty place, where you do not communicate; and the voice, a means to speak – these seem like two contradictory images… Read more »

Pope at Angelus: Do I find time to perform some tangible act of disinterested service?

  Saint Peter's Square, The Vatican

Dear brothers and sisters, buongiorno and happy feast day!

Today, the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, the Gospel presents us with the scene of the Annunciation (cf. Lk 1:26-38). It demonstrates two of Mary’s attitudes that help us understand how she may have guarded the unique gift she received – a heart completely free from sin. These two attitudes are amazement regarding the works of God and fidelity in the simple things… Read more »

Pope at Angelus: Let us not be distracted by the many pointless things

  The Chapel of the House of Saint Martha, The Vatican

Dear brothers and sisters, buongiorno!

Today too I will not be able to read everything: I am getting better, but my voice is still not good. Monsignor Braida will read the catechesis.

Today, first Sunday of Advent, in the brief Gospel the liturgy offers us (cf. Mk 13: 33-37), Jesus addresses a simple and direct exhortation to us, three times: “Watch” (vv… Read more »

Pope at Angelus: Do we believe in the power of love?

  Casa Santa Marta, The Vatican

Dear brothers and sisters, blessed Sunday!

Today I cannot appear at the window because I have this problem of inflammation of the lungs, and Monsignor Braida will read the reflection. He knows them well because it is he who writes them, and he always does it so well! Thank you very much for your presence.

Today, the last Sunday of the liturgical year and Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, the Gospel speaks to us about the final judgement (Mt 25: 31-46) and tells us that it will be based on charityRead more »

Pope at Angelus: Am I dedicating time to the care of the heart?

  Saint Peter's Square, The Vatican

Dear brothers and sisters, happy Sunday!

Today’s Gospel offers us a story regarding the meaning of life of each person. It is the parable of the ten virgins, called to go out to meet the bridegroom (cf. Mt 25:1-13). Living is this: a grand preparation for the day when we will be called to go to Jesus! However, in the parable of the ten virgins, five are wise and five foolish… Read more »

Pope at Angelus: Be committed to living first yourself what you say

  Saint Peter's Square, The Vatican

Dear brothers and sisters, buongiorno!

From the Gospel of today’s liturgy, we hear some of Jesus’ words about the scribes and pharisees, the religious leaders of the people. Regarding these people in authority, Jesus uses very severe words, “for they preach, but do not practice” (Mt 23:3) and “they do all their deeds to be seen by others” (v… Read more »

Pope at Angelus: Holiness is a journey to be made together

  Saint Peter's Square, The Vatican

Dear brothers and sisters, buongiorno, and happy feast day!

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints. In the light of this feast day, let us pause and think a little on holiness, in particular on two of the characteristics of true holiness: it is a gift – it is a gift, it cannot be bought – and at the same time it is a journey. gift and a journey… Read more »

Pope at Angelus: What image do I carry inside myself?

  Saint Peter's Square, The Vatican

Dear brothers and sisters, buongiorno!

The Gospel of today’s Liturgy tells us about some pharisees who join with the Herodians to set a trap for Jesus. They were always trying to set traps for Him. They go to Him and ask: “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” (Mt 22:17). It is a ruse: if Jesus legitimizes the tax, He places Himself on the side of a political power that is ill-supported by the people, whereas if He says not to pay it, He can be accused of rebellion against the empire… Read more »

Pope at Angelus: Sinners yes, corrupt no!

  Saint Peter's Square, the Vatican

Dear brothers and sisters,

Today, the Gospel speaks about two sons. Their father asks them to go to work in the vineyard (cf. Mt 21:28-32). One of them responds “yes”, right away, but then does not go. The other, says “no”, but then repents and goes.

What is there to say about the behaviour of these two? What quickly comes to mind is that going to work in the vineyard requires sacrifice, and sacrifice costs… Read more »