With the chilly weather setting in Rome, Pope Francis made his way along the Popemobile, blessing children who were dressed for the cold breeze. In his catechesis, the Pope said that Church ministers should carry out their vocation with kindness, gentleness, patience, prudence and attention towards others.
POPE FRANCIS
'This is the alphabet. These words should be the starting base of every minister. It should be the foundation of every Bishop, priest and deacon.â?
To steer away from vanity, the Pope said ministers should remember that their qualities are gifts and not tools for arrogance.
POPE FRANCIS
'One doesn't become a bishop, priest or deacon because they're more intelligent, greater or better than others, but rather it's a gift. A gift of love given by God through the power of the Holy Spirit, for the good of the people.â?
With about 15,000 people in St. Peter's Square, the Pope also addressed the death of 43 Mexican students who went missing and were later killed, as they were heading to a protest.
POPE FRANCIS
'It's here that the dramatic reality of criminality becomes visible. It lies behind the sale and business of drug trafficking. I'm with you and your families.â?
With the persecution of Christians in different parts of the world, especially in the Middle East, the Pope made an appeal, so that local governments and international entities take action to protect them.
POPE FRANCIS
'May this trigger a vast mobilization of conscience, that helps persecuted Christians.â?
As a sign of Christian unity, he along with thousands of people in the Square, said the Lord's prayer, asking for the protection of the persecuted.
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