In the General Audience, Pope Francis continued speaking about hope, encouraging pilgrims to “stand firm in hope” and “never lose heart.”
He asked them never to be bogged down by the world's negativity, but to “be faithful to your ideals, get up whenever you fall, and never despair.” In a few words he said, “live, love and believe!”
SUMMARY OF CATECHESIS IN ENGLISH
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
In our continuing catechesis on Christian hope, I would now like to reflect on how we teach the virtue of hope. So I will speak directly, person to person, especially to our young people, with a few words of guidance and encouragement. First and foremost, wherever the Lord has planted you, stand firm in hope; never lose heart! Trust in God’s fatherly care, the love of Jesus and the power of the Spirit to transform and renew all things.
Never yield to the negativity that tears things and people down, but keep building, trying to make this world conform ever more fully to God’s plan. Keep your eyes open to the beauty all around you, keep the lamp of faith burning in your heart, and trust in the fulfilment of God’s promises. Use your God-given gifts of mind and heart to help our human family to grow in freedom, justice and dignity.
Jesus has won the victory and he asks us to follow his example by bringing his love and mercy to a world wounded by sin, hatred and division. Be faithful to your ideals, get up whenever you fall, and never despair. In a word: live, love and believe! And with God’s grace, be beacons of hope to all around you.
I greet the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, particularly the groups from England, Scotland, Ireland, Denmark, Norway, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Australia, India, Indonesia, the Philippines and the United States of America.
I offer a particular greeting to the new students of the Venerable English College in Rome, and assure them of my prayers as they begin their studies for the priesthood.
I also welcome the physicians and medical professionals meeting in Rome, with prayerful encouragement for their efforts to cherish and defend God’s gift of life in the face of today’s pressing ethical challenges. Upon all of you, and your families, I invoke joy and peace in our Lord Jesus Christ.
