During the Angelus the pope reflected on Jesus' authority, which was not like that of the Pharisees.
POPE FRANCIS
“Jesus preaches with his own authority, as someone who possesses a doctrine derived from Himself, and not like the scribes who repeated previous traditions and laws. They repeated 'words, words, words, only words,' as the great Mina sang.”
Pope Francis also announced that he has instituted a special day for the Church, World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. It will be celebrated every fourth Sunday of July, around the feast of St. Joachim and St. Anne, Jesus' grandparents.
POPE FRANCIS
“They remind us that old age is a gift and that grandparents are the link between generations, passing on the experience of life and faith to the youth. Grandparents are often forgotten, and we forget the richness of preserving our roots and of passing them on.”
He was joined by young people from Catholic Action in Rome. At the end of each January, a month dedicated to peace, they usually accompany the pope during the Angelus prayer.
Spending this time with him is the highlight of a period of activities dedicated to reflecting on the need for dialogue and forgiveness.
POPE FRANCIS
“Normally these kids would bring balloons to throw them into the air from the window, but today we are locked in here, so it won't be possible, but next year you will be able to do it for sure!”
Pope Francis also asked to live with intensity the feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, on Feb. 2. The gospel that day narrates the scene of the encounter between the old man Simeon and the Holy Family. For this reason, the pope said that this day can also be lived as the feast of the encounter between the elderly and the youth.
Javier Romero/PY