Pope Francis started off his weekly general audience by making his way through St. Peter's Square on the popemobile, blessing crowds every few minutes.
The day's Gospel reading dealt with avoiding sin. Before giving his catechesis, the Pope asked for forgiveness for the scandals of the Church, though he didn't specify exactly what matter he was referring to.
POPE FRANCIS
'Before starting the catechesis, on behalf of the Church, I want to ask for forgiveness for the scandals of the Church, be it in Rome or in the Vatican. I ask for forgiveness.â?
Keeping in line with the theme of the family, the Pope focused on why it's key for parents to foster the faith of their children. That includes not trying to take the place of God.
POPE FRANCIS
'Children's spontaneous trust in God should never be violated, especially through the presumptuous notion that we can substitute the Lord.â?
Among the thousands of pilgrims in St. Peter's Square, there was a group of 33 miners from Chile. The miners were trapped underground for 70 days back in 2010. The Pope thanked them for their courage and for keeping hope alive.
POPE FRANCIS
'I think that any one of you could come up here and tells us what hope is all about. Thank you for trusting in God.â?
Since the Synod of the family is currently underway, with hundreds of Bishops from all over the world, the Pope also asked for prayers as Bishops discuss how the Church can improve its outreach to broken families.
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