This General Audience was Pope Francis' last catechesis on apostolic zeal. But, as he did the day before while presiding over Mass for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Pope did not read some of his prepared speech, as he was clearly having a difficult time breathing.
He still delivered most of his message that was focused on “being open” to mission and the Gospel, just as Jesus' disciples were.
POPE FRANCIS
Christians are open to God's word and to service to others. Closed Christians always end up badly. Because they are not Christians. They are ideologists—ideologists of closure. A Christian must be open to proclaiming the word and welcoming brothers and sisters.
The Pope also emphasized the importance of self-reflection.
POPE FRANCIS
Let us ask ourselves: Do I really love the Lord so much that I want to proclaim him? Do I want to become his witness or am I content to be his disciple?
Before closing, Pope Francis once again called for an end to the violence in Gaza. He stressed prioritizing life-saving humanitarian aid.
POPE FRANCIS
I urge all parties involved to resume negotiations and call on everyone to make an urgent commitment to get humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza who are exhausted and in real need.
Despite his difficulty breathing, the Pope still took the time to greet pilgrims after the audience.
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