In his public catechesis on Wednesday, Pope Francis paused to reflect on one of the cardinal virtues: justice.
He explained the model of the just person: upright, simple and honest. He also pointed out that it is not only the “antidote against corruption” but also against other harmful behaviors, such as slander, false testimony, fraud or usury.
SUMMARY OF POPE FRANCIS' CATECHESIS IN ENGLISH:
Dear brothers and sisters:
In our continuing catechesis on the virtues, we now turn to justice, which the Catechism describes as “the constant and firm will to give their due to God and neighbour”. Justice is not only a virtue to be practiced by individuals; it is above all a social virtue, for it is directed to the creation of communities in which each person is treated in accordance with his or her innate dignity. Justice is thus the basis of peace. The practice of justice demands the practice of other virtues, such as honesty, integrity, respect for law and commitment to the common good.
Jesus calls blessed those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (cf. Mt 5:6). How greatly our world, riven by war and manifest inequality, needs men and women firmly committed to the pursuit of justice, so that the human family can live and flourish in unity, solidarity and peace.
I extend a warm welcome to the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, especially the groups from Sweden, Malta, Korea and the United States of America. In the joy of the Risen Christ, I invoke upon you and your families the loving mercy of God our Father. May the Lord bless you all!
CA
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