After checking if the microphone was working, the pope started his Angelus Catechesis.
Francis has made another appeal to the International Community to prevent more deaths in the Mediterranean. In recent weeks, dozens of refugees have drowned whilst trying to reach the coasts of Europe in search for a better life
POPE FRANCIS
“I address an urgent appeal for the international community to act decisively and quickly in order to avoid the recurrence of these tragedies and to guarantee security and respect for the rights and dignity of all.”
He also expressed his grief over these shipwrecks and assured that he is praying for the dead, for the disappeared and their families.
Before, Pope Francis spoke about the compassion of Christ. He explained that Jesus does not look at human beings from a distance but quite the opposite.
POPE FRANCIS
“The gaze of Jesus is not a neutral look, or worse, cold and distant, because Jesus always looks with the eyes of the heart. His heart is so tender and full of compassion that he knows how to grasp also the most hidden needs of the people.”
To the 25,000 pilgrims who attended the Angelus prayer, the Pope said that the three verbs of the pastor are 'see', 'feel sorry' and 'teach', just as Jesus acted with the multitudes that followed him.
Christ always teaches the truth with compassion.
POPE FRANCIS
“We all need the word of truth, to guide us and enlighten the path. Without the truth, which is Christ himself, it is not possible to find the right orientation of life.”
Finally, Pope Francis recalled that by moving away from Christ, existence is transformed into disappointment and dissatisfaction while, on the other hand, it grows in love.