During the Angelus this Sunday, the pope reflected on the Gospel of the day, and he warned against the consequences of speaking badly about others.
POPE FRANCIS
Gossip is a plague more awful than Covid! Let's make an effort: no gossip.
Gossip closes the heart to others. It hinders the unity of the Church. The great gossiper is the devil, who always goes around saying awful things to others, because he is the liar who seeks to separate the Church, to distance brothers and sisters and to not build community.
The pope said the most Christian attitude to adopt when someone does something wrong is one of fraternal correction—speaking to them, not to judge, but to help them see their error.
POPE FRANCIS
How many times have we had this experience: someone comes and says, “Listen, you were mistaken about this. You should change a little in this regard.” Perhaps in the beginning we get angry, but then we say “thank you,” because it's a gesture of fraternity, communion, help and rehabilitation.
Before leaving, the pope greeted these seminarians from the U.S., who returned to Rome after the pandemic lockdown. They're from the North American College.
I greet the seminarians from the Pontifical North American College.
He also sent a greeting to women with multiple sclerosis, who traveled on foot from Siena to Rome. He thanked them for their courage.
JMB
Translation: CT