Pope Francis kicked off his last general audience of the season with a visit to the sick and the elderly at Paul VI Hall.
POPE FRANCIS
'It's too hot outside for the sick, for yourselves, and then there's the problem with the rain. It's better for you to watch the audience from this big screen. Is that okay?â?
Outside, pilgrims scrambled with their umbrellas to shelter themselves as well. Still, Pope Francis had no problem riding, uncovered, on his Popemobile throughout the Square.
When the Pope reached the altar, he asked for prayers for the sick and the elderly. His catechesis focused on membership to the Catholic Church, saying that it becomes like a first and last name. He also explained that the Christian identity derives from that membership.
POPE FRANCIS
'No one becomes a Christian on their own, is this clear? No on becomes a Christian on their own. There are no Christians made in laboratories. A Christian is part of a population that comes from far away, he belongs to the Church community.â?
The Pope said that the Church is a united family, where people learn how to become disciples of the Lord. But, he added that Christians should be thankful to those who came before them, as well as the people who teach along the way, be it parents, priests or nuns.
POPE FRANCIS
'I often remember the face of the nun that taught me the catechesis. She's probably in Heaven, because she was a saint. But I always remember her, and I am thankful for this nun.â?
The Pope went on to say that its not possible to believe in God and Christ, but not in the Church, calling it an 'absurd dichotomy.â? He added that each person's relationship with God is personal, but not private, and is further enriched by looking after the unity and Communion that Christ intended for his Church.
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