On Sunday, Pope Francis concluded his family visit to Asti with a Mass on the Solemnity of Christ the King. In his homily, he touched on his family ties to the area.
POPE FRANCIS
From these lands, my father left to emigrate to Argentina. In these lands, treasured for good products of the earth and for the genuine labor of its people, I have rediscovered the joy of my roots.
Reflecting on the Gospel, the Pope explained that Jesus does not present himself as a ruthless king but as a merciful one. He said that Jesus is ready to forgive all, even those in the Church who find fault in the institution.
POPE FRANCIS
We all think we know what is wrong in society. We talk every day about what is wrong in the world and in the Church. So many things are wrong in the Church. But do we do something? Do we get our hands dirty like our God nailed to the wood or do we keep our hands in our pockets and watch?
Pope Francis urged those present to be true to themselves and to not hide their flaws from God and others.
POPE FRANCISCO
Please don't use make-up spirituality: it's boring. Before God: soap and water only, no make-up. The soul just as it is. And from there comes salvation.
The Pope concluded by praying the Angelus in Asti. He prayed for peace in Ukraine and for families affected by the refugee camp fire in Gaza.
CA
TR: MG
