In his last General Audience before the end of 2023, Pope Francis began a new cycle of catechesis on virtues and vices. In this case, he focused on temptations. The Pope was clear: the door must always be closed to the devil.
POPE FRANCIS
Beware. The devil is a seducer. Never dialogue with him because he is more powerful than any of us and he will make us pay for it. When a temptation comes, never dialogue, close the door, close the window, close your heart, so we can defend ourselves from this seduction.
Pope Francis also discussed Jesus in the desert and how he knew how to overcome the temptations of the devil.
POPE FRANCIS
Jesus never dialogued with the devil. He expelled him and when he was tempted in the desert, he did not respond by dialoguing. He simply responded with the words of Sacred Scripture, with the word of God.
In his greeting to the Polish-speaking pilgrims, the Pope thanked those who offer their help to the victims of the war.
POPE FRANCIS
At the end of the year, we thank God for all the good we have received, including those things done by the hands of so many people in support of the victims of war in Ukraine and elsewhere in the world. We pray with confidence that the Prince of Peace will grant us hope, love and true peace.
Pope Francis also did not forget to call for an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as he has done in every public appearance since October 7.
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