In spite of the cold that is slowly arriving in Rome, the pope had his weekly encounter with pilgrims in St. Peter's Square. That's why the little ones arrived bundled up.
During his catechesis, the pope spoke of the Christian attitude toward death.
He explained that in the Gospel Jesus demonstrated that it is normal to feel pain at the loss of a loved one, and it is not contrary to hope. He also said that one should not be afraid of death because it does not have the last word.
POPE FRANCIS
'Death is a mystery, it shows the transience of life. It teaches us that our pride, anger and hatred are only vanity; that we do not love enough, that we do not seek what is essential. It also tells us that the good and love that remains in our life is what we sow.'
The pope recalled that it is normal for people to feel helpless before the enigma of death. Also he said that faith teaches us that God is stronger than death.
POPE FRANCIS
'I invite you now, perhaps close your eyes and think about the moment of our death. Let each person think of his or her own death. Imagine that moment, which will come, when Jesus will take us by the hand and tell us, 'Come, come with me. Arise.' Think about it. Jesus Himself will come, and will take each one of us by the hand with His tenderness, His meekness and His love.'
Before concluding, the pope delivered a message of solidarity to Somalia, after the bombing of two trucks in Mogadisco that cost more than 300 lives.
POPE FRANCIS
'I implore the conversion of the violent and send my encouragement to those, who with enormous difficulties, are working for peace in that tortured land.'
Many of the pilgrim groups in attendance had come for the canonization last Sunday and were finishing up their week in Rome.
