After two intense months filled with international trips and a Summit on sexual abuse, Pope Francis once again has begun his visits to Roman parishes.
This time he celebrated Mass with the parishioners at St. Crispin from Viterbo church, on the outskirts of Rome.
During his homily, Pope Francis warned of hypocrisy and gossiping; and the great harm it brings.
He said it is easy for one to see and be critical of other peoples faults, rather than notice their own defects.
POPE FRANCIS
“The Lord wants to teach us not to criticize others, not to look at the faults of others. First look at your own faults. 'However, Father, I have none!' Ah, congratulations! I assure you that if you do not realize them here, you will find them in purgatory! It is better to see them here.”
The pope observed that hypocrisy leads to gossiping. He said the tongue has the power to destroy like an atomic bomb.
POPE FRANCIS
“'No, Father, it's just there are so many bad people, who have so many flaws.' Okay, be brave, and say it to their face: 'You are bad because you are doing this and this.' Say it to their face, not behind their back, but to their face. 'However, he won't listen to me.' If this is the case, then say it to someone who can help remedy and correct this problem. However, do not say it by gossiping. This is because gossip does not solve anything. It makes things worse and leads you to war.”
Pope Francis even gave some advice in avoiding gossip. He told them to pray for the person; and ask God to help overcome this problem. This was before he jokingly told them this.
POPE FRANCIS
“When you feel like talking about someone, bite your tongue. Very hard! This is because your tongue will then swell and you won't be able to speak. It's a practical medicine, it's very practical.”
During the distribution of communion, the pope was surprised by two little girls. They were eager to greet him whilst he was praying.
Afterward, the parish priest presented this painting to the pope. It is dedicated to the theme of immigration, a theme close to his heart.
As the pope left the church, as usual, he greeted all the sick people waiting for him in the front row.
