As it's very cold in Rome, Pope Francis now holds General Audiences inside the Paul VI Audience Hall. This allows him to arrive on foot and directly greet many people.
Today, the pope continued his catechesis series on the Eucharist by explaining the introductory rites. He said they are very important and that it's a mistake to consider them unnecessary and skip them.
POPE FRANCIS
“It's not a good idea to look at your watch and say... 'No, I'm still on time. I get there after the sermon, and that's following the rule.' It's important to ensure you don't arrive late, or you arrive early, to prepare the heart for this rite, this celebration of the community.”
In addition, the pope requested again that parents show their children how to correctly make the sign of the cross.
POPE FRANCIS
“Please, mothers, fathers, grandparents, show the children from the start, from the time they are young, to do the sign of the cross correctly. Explain to them that it's having the cross of Jesus as protection.”
This was Pope Francis' final audience before Christmas. Thus, these children sang a carol for him.
Also, performers from the Cuban circus showing here in Rome lately did a number for the Holy Father.
The circus' orchestra improvised a song dedicated to the pope, who turned 81 years old on Sunday.
