This is how Pope Francis entered St. Peter's Basilica, as peaceful music played and people took photos.
The Pope was celebrating a special Mass to remember the cardinals and bishops who died in the last year. During his homily, he honored the service of 'sacred ministersâ? who had recently died.
POPE FRANCIS
'We look back with gratitude to the vocation of these sacred ministers. As the word indicates, to minister is primarily to serve. While we ask for them the reward promised to the 'good and faithful servants,' we are called to renew the call to serve in the Church.â?
Death, and how Christians must approach it, became a focus of his homily. He said that while it may appear 'dark and distressing,â? we can look to how Jesus died for humanity as guidance.
POPE FRANCIS
'This style of God, who saves us by service and destruction, has much to teach us. We would expect a divine triumphant victory, but Jesus shows us a humble victory. Raised on the Cross, He let the evil and death rage against Him as He continued to love. For us it is difficult to accept this reality. It is a mystery, but the secret of this mystery of extraordinary humility is all about the power of love.â?
And because of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice, the Pope explained, people can die with peace in their hearts.
POPE FRANCIS
'The Lord's Passover is sufficient for us to be free from the worries of ephemera, which pass and vanish into thin air. We need only Him, where there is life, salvation, resurrection and joy. Then we will be servants according to His heart: not employees, but beloved children who give their lives to the world.â?
Pope Francis then departed from St. Peter's Basilica to continue his day, while his words remained with the those who heard him.
ATO
CTV
S
BN
Up:ATO
