4,000 people filled the Paul VI Audience Hall and welcomed Pope Francis with applause and live music.
The audience members are part of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service, known as CHARIS—a group focused on baptism, Christian unity and service to the poor. It was established just five years ago by the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life.
The Pope first wanted an update on how their work is going.
POPE FRANCIS
How are the Local Communion Services progressing? What messages are they sending us? What is the health of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the world? Is it growing in ecclesial maturity?
Pope Francis then encouraged the members to live their mission selflessly with the simple act of smiling.
POPE FRANCIS
People who live the renewal thoroughly know how to smile. They know how to smile. And this smile will help you to be vigilant in not falling into the temptation of power games and rejecting the desire to overpower and rule.
Prior to closing the meeting, Pope Francis once again called for an end to war. He held a moment of silent prayer for peace before greeting audience members in his wheelchair.
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