The Son of God comes down from heaven and comes to earth to bring us to heaven! This is what we need to meditate on, contemplate, what we need to reflect on during #Christmas.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 30, 2020
Pope Francis
Wednesday 30 December 2020
The Son of God comes down from heaven and comes to earth to bring us to heaven!
We were thought of before we learned how to think; we were loved before we learned how to love
The #prayer of thanksgiving begins by recognizing that we were thought of before we learned how to think; we were loved before we learned how to love. If we view life like this, then “thank you” becomes the driving force of our day. #GeneralAudience
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 30, 2020
I pray in particular for those who have lost their lives and for their families
Yesterday, an earthquake in Croatia caused victims and caused serious damage. I express my closeness to the wounded and to those who have been affected by the quake and I pray in particular for those who have lost their lives and for their families.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 30, 2020
The Son of God was born an outcast, in order to tell us that every outcast is a child of God
The Son of God was born an outcast, in order to tell us that every outcast is a child of God. He came into the world as each child comes into the world, weak and vulnerable, so that we can learn to accept our weaknesses with tender love.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 29, 2020
Humanity’s ruin is that everyone goes their own way
While humanity’s ruin is that everyone goes their own way, in the nativity scene everyone converges upon Jesus, Prince of Peace in the night of the world. #Nativityscene
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 28, 2020
A special year dedicated to the Family
I have decided to declare a special year dedicated to the Family #Amorislaetitia, which will be inaugurated on the next Solemnity of Saint Joseph. Let us entrust this journey with families all over the world to the Holy Family of Nazareth.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 27, 2020
Loving actions change history: even the ones that are small, hidden, everyday
We too can change evil into good each day. Loving actions change history: even the ones that are small, hidden, everyday. For God guides history through the humble courage of those who pray, love and forgive.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 26, 2020
Saint Stephan is the first martyr, the first of a host of brothers and sisters who continue to bring the light into the darkness
Saint Stephan is the first martyr, the first of a host of brothers and sisters who continue to bring the light into the darkness – while he was on the receiving end of the stones of hatred, reciprocated with words of forgiveness. He thus changed history.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 26, 2020
Gratitude to everyone, especially for the gift of prayer
In the past few days I have received Christmas greetings from Rome and other parts of the world. Since it is impossible to respond to everyone, I express my gratitude to everyone, especially for the gift of prayer, which I willingly reciprocate.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 26, 2020
May Christmas be an opportunity for all of us to rediscover the family as a cradle of life and faith, a place of acceptance and love, dialogue, forgiveness, fraternal solidarity and shared joy, a source of peace for all humanity
May Christmas be an opportunity for all of us to rediscover the family as a cradle of life and faith, a place of acceptance and love, dialogue, forgiveness, fraternal solidarity and shared joy, a source of peace for all humanity.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 25, 2020
The Son of God consecrated familial love
By his birth in the flesh, the Son of God consecrated familial love. My thoughts at this moment turn to families: to those who cannot come together today and to those forced to remain at home.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 25, 2020
In everyone, I see reflected the face of God, and in those who suffer, I see the Lord pleading for my help
Every other person is my brother or my sister. In everyone, I see reflected the face of God, and in those who suffer, I see the Lord pleading for my help. I see him in the sick, the poor, the unemployed, the marginalized, the migrant and the refugee.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 25, 2020
We come from every continent, from every language and culture, with our own identities and differences, yet we are all brothers and sisters
Thanks to this Child, all of us can speak to God and call him “Father”. We can all call one another brothers and sisters. We come from every continent, from every language and culture, with our own identities and differences, yet we are all brothers and sisters.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 25, 2020
To become resigned to violence and injustice would be to reject the joy and hope of Christmas
“To us a child is born” (Is 9:6). He came to save us! He tells us that pain and evil are not the final word. To become resigned to violence and injustice would be to reject the joy and hope of Christmas.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 25, 2020
The birth of Jesus is the “newness” that enables us to be reborn each year and to find, in him, the strength needed to face every trial
The birth of Jesus is the “newness” that enables us to be reborn each year and to find, in him, the strength needed to face every trial. #Christmas
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 25, 2020
You, my Saviour, teach me to serve
To us a son is given. Jesus, you are the Child who makes me a child. You, my Saviour, teach me to serve. You who did not leave me alone, help me to comfort your brothers and sisters, for, from this night forward, all are my brothers and sisters. #Christmas
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 24, 2020
This day, God amazes us and says to each of us: “You are amazing”
God came into the world as a child to make us children of God. What a magnificent gift! This day, God amazes us and says to each of us: “You are amazing”. #Christmas
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 24, 2020
God came among us in poverty and need, to tell us that in serving the poor, we will show our love for him
God came among us in poverty and need, to tell us that in serving the poor, we will show our love for him. From this night onward, as a poet wrote, “God’s residence is next to mine, his furniture is love” (Emily Dickinson, Poems, XVII). #Christmas
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 24, 2020
The Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord
Follow the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord - Midnight Mass - Saint Peter's Basilica at 19:30 (CET) https://t.co/Ek22HaeB8U pic.twitter.com/vv2Bcpn1jB
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 24, 2020
Christmas is the feast of God's love for us
Christmas is the feast of God's love for us: the divine love that inspires, directs and corrects change, and defeats the human fear of leaving "safety" to cast us back onto the "mystery".
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 24, 2020
Jesus shows us the way of tenderness to be close to each other, to be human
If the #pandemic has forced us to be more distant, Jesus, in the crib, shows us the way of tenderness to be close to each other, to be human. Let us follow this path. #Christmas #GeneralAudience
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 23, 2020
Hope and peace
May the joyous expectation of the coming of the Saviour who became man, like us, fill our hearts with hope and peace. #Advent
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 22, 2020
Those who fail to view a crisis in the light of the Gospel simply perform an autopsy on a cadaver
Those who fail to view a crisis in the light of the Gospel simply perform an autopsy on a cadaver. They see the crisis, but not the hope and the light brought by the Gospel. https://t.co/L2y9Memill
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 21, 2020
Jesus does not wait until we are good to love us
Jesus does not wait until we are good to love us, but gives Himself freely to us.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 21, 2020
Let us do something for someone who has less: not the umpteenth gift for ourselves and our friends, but for a person in need whom no-one thinks of!
Instead of complaining in these difficult times about what the pandemic prevents us from doing, let us do something for someone who has less: not the umpteenth gift for ourselves and our friends, but for a person in need whom no-one thinks of! #Angelus
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 20, 2020
Service means caring for the vulnerable members of our families, our society, our people
#Solidarity finds concrete expression in service, which can take a variety of forms in an effort to care for others. And service means caring for the vulnerable members of our families, our society, our people. #HumanSolidarityDay
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 20, 2020
Signs of hope
The Christmas tree and the Nativity scene are signs of hope, especially in this difficult time. Let us be sure we do not stop at the sign, but get to the meaning, that is, to Jesus, to the love of God that He revealed to us, the infinite goodness that he made shine on the world.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 19, 2020
I encourage you to dedicate time to prayer
I encourage you to dedicate time to prayer, meditating in the light of the Word of God, so that the Holy Spirit who inhabits it might illuminate the path to follow and transform our hearts, as we await the birth of Our Lord Jesus. #Advent
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 18, 2020
Loving our neighbour as ourselves means being committed to building a world in which everyone has access to the goods of the earth, in which all can develop as individuals and as families, and in which fundamental rights and dignity are guaranteed to all
Loving our neighbour as ourselves means being committed to building a world in which everyone has access to the goods of the earth, in which all can develop as individuals and as families, and in which fundamental rights and dignity are guaranteed to all. #MigrantsDay
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 18, 2020
The confident expectation of the Lord allows us to find comfort and courage in the dark moments of our lives
“Our soul waits for the Lord: he is our help and shield. Yes, our heart is glad in him” (Ps 33:20-21). The confident expectation of the Lord allows us to find comfort and courage in the dark moments of our lives. #Advent
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 17, 2020
The events of this year teach us the importance of caring for each other and creation
The events of this year teach us the importance of caring for each other and creation. Therefore I have chosen, as the theme for the Message for the 54th #WorldPeaceDay, "The culture of care as a journey of peace". https://t.co/oIFRche7sz
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 17, 2020
I ask God to inspire, in the hearts of all, respect for the life of our brothers
I ask God to inspire, in the hearts of all, respect for the life of our brothers, especially the most fragile and helpless, and to give strength to those who receive them and care for them, even when this demands heroic love.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 16, 2020
We are all sinners who need to be touched by God's mercy
#Prayer during the time of #Advent helps us to remember we are not more righteous or better than others, but that we are all sinners who need to be touched by God's mercy. #GeneralAudience
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 16, 2020
To pray is to light a candle in the darkness
To pray is to light a candle in the darkness. #Prayer rouses us from the tepidness of a purely horizontal existence, lifts our gaze to higher things, makes us attuned to the Lord, allows God to be close to us; it frees us from our solitude and gives us hope.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 15, 2020
The time we are given to welcome the Lord who comes to encounter us
#Advent is the time we are given to welcome the Lord who comes to encounter us, and also to verify our longing for God, to look forward and prepare ourselves for Christ’s return.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 14, 2020
Poor and frail among us
I bless the statuettes of Jesus, which will be placed in the Nativity scene. When you pray at home, before the Nativity scene with your families, allow yourselves to be drawn by the tenderness of Baby Jesus, born poor and frail among us, in order to give us his love.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 13, 2020
Word of salvation
The Virgin Mary silently awaited God's Word of salvation; she welcomed it; she listened to it; she conceived it. In her, God became close. This is why the Church calls Mary a “Cause of our joy”. #Angelus
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 13, 2020
The current pandemic and climate change affect above all the lives of the poor
The current pandemic and climate change affect above all the lives of the poor. We must promote a culture that places at its center human dignity and the common good. For this reason the Holy See joins in the objective of net zero emission. https://t.co/k2cRGfqtrC
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 12, 2020
Blessing and gift
Looking at the image of Our Lady of #Guadalupe, we see these three realities reflected: abundance, blessing and gift. God always gives Himself in abundance in His blessings.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 12, 2020
Hope and joy
Accompanied by the Mother of Jesus on the journey towards Christmas, in these times that are difficult for many, let us make an effort to rediscover the great hope and joy brought to us by the coming of the Son of God into the world. #Advent
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 11, 2020
Everyone is called to contribute with courage and determination to the respect for the fundamental rights of every person
Everyone is called to contribute with courage and determination to the respect for the fundamental rights of every person, especially the "invisible": of the many who are hungry and thirsty, who are naked, sick, outcast or imprisoned.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 10, 2020
A question of patience
God listens to the cry of those who invoke Him. Even our reluctant questions, those that remain in the depths of our heart. The Father wishes to give us the Holy Spirit, which inspires every #prayer and transforms everything. It is a question of patience, of supporting the wait.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 9, 2020
150 years after the proclamation of St Joseph as Patron of the Catholic Church
150 years after the proclamation of St Joseph as Patron of the Catholic Church, I would like to share some personal reflections on this extraordinary figure, so close to our own human experience.https://t.co/GOQ2CVmOm4
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 8, 2020
“No” to sin and “Yes” to Grace
The uncontaminated beauty of our Mother is incomparable, but at the same time it attracts us. Let us entrust ourselves to her and say “no” to sin and “yes” to Grace once and for all. #Angelus
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 8, 2020
Thanks for your tenderness
I want to be close to all doctors and nurses during this time in which the pandemic calls us to be near all men and women who suffer. Thank you for drawing near to them, thanks for your tenderness, thanks for your professionalism in taking care of the sick.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 7, 2020
We are converted to the degree in which we open ourselves up to the beauty, the goodness, the tenderness of God
Conversion is a grace that we need to forcefully ask God for. We are converted to the degree in which we open ourselves up to the beauty, the goodness, the tenderness of God. Thus let us leave what is false and fleeting for what is true, beautiful and everlasting. #GospelOfTheDay
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 6, 2020
Now Love in person awaits us
Just as before our birth, our loved ones awaited us, so now Love in person awaits us. If we are awaited in Heaven, why should we be caught up with earthly concerns? Why should we waste time complaining about the night, when the light of day awaits us?
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 5, 2020
Come, Lord Jesus, make our distracted hearts watchful
Come, Lord Jesus, make our distracted hearts watchful. Awaken within us the desire to pray and the need to love.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 4, 2020
Inclusion of the vulnerable must also entail efforts to promote their active participation
To help our society to “build back better”, inclusion of the vulnerable must also entail efforts to promote their active participation. #IDPD https://t.co/JIIJgNx76E
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 3, 2020
Inclusion should be the “rock”
Inclusion should be the “rock” on which to build programmes and initiatives of civil institutions meant to ensure that no one, especially those in greatest difficulty, is left behind. #IDPD
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 3, 2020
We will train ourselves to be watchful
The first step of faith is to tell God that we need him, that we need him to be close to us. Thus, if we ask Jesus to come close to us, we will train ourselves to be watchful.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 3, 2020
Prayers
I want to assure my prayers for #Nigeria. Last Saturday more than one hundred farmers were brutally killed. May God welcome them in His peace and comfort their families, and convert the hearts of those who commit similar atrocities which gravely offend His name.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 2, 2020
God’s grace changes lives
God’s grace changes lives: He takes us as we are, but He never leaves us as we are. #GeneralAudience
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 2, 2020
Slavery is rooted in a notion of the human person that allows people to be treated like an object
Today, as in the past, slavery is rooted in a notion of the human person that allows people to be treated like an object, it tramples their dignity. Slavery makes us "un-dignified" because it takes way everyone's dignity.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 2, 2020
Before meetings, studying, work, and before making decisions, in the important moments or times of trial: Come, Lord Jesus!
Let us frequently repeat the traditional #Advent prayer: “Come, Lord Jesus” (Rev 22:20): before meetings, studying, work, and before making decisions, in the important moments or times of trial: Come, Lord Jesus!
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) December 1, 2020
The firm rejection of the death penalty shows to what extent it is possible to recognize the inalienable dignity of every human being
Let us keep in mind that not even a murderer loses his personal dignity — God Himself guarantees it (see EV 9). The firm rejection of the death penalty shows to what extent it is possible to recognize the inalienable dignity of every human being. #FratelliTutti #NoDeathPenalty
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) November 30, 2020
He came down toward us
#Advent is the Season in which we remember God's nearness, that He came down toward us.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) November 30, 2020
Praying and loving, that is what it means to be watchful
Praying and loving, that is what it means to be watchful. When the Church worships God and serves our neighbour, it does not live in the night. However weak and weary, she journeys towards the Lord. Let us now call out to him. Come, Lord Jesus, we need you! https://t.co/nZPQIdeu1T
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) November 29, 2020
A continuous call to hope
#Advent is a continuous call to hope: it reminds us that God is present in history to lead it to its ultimate goal and to its fullness, which is the Lord Jesus Christ.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) November 29, 2020
Conversion
Conversion is precisely this: instead of being on the wrong road, we go on God's road. https://t.co/w5f5Kbxn9P
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) November 28, 2020
We must always be careful to remain on the road
All of us love Jesus, all of us want to follow him, yet we must always be careful to remain on the road. For with our feet, with our bodies, we can be with Him, but our hearts can wander far afield and so lead us off the road. #Consistory
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) November 28, 2020
A saving Word
The proclamation of the passion, death and resurrection (Mk 10:32-45) is a saving Word necessary for the Church in every age. We too, Pope and Cardinals, must always see ourselves reflected in this Word, it is painful, but it also heals, liberates and converts us. #Consistory
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) November 28, 2020
Cardinals
Follow the Ordinary Public Consistory for the creation of new Cardinals - Saint Peter's Basilica at 16 (CET) https://t.co/FTKcnquY2k pic.twitter.com/z0EZEGDCyd
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) November 28, 2020
We do not live aimlessly and without destination
We do not live aimlessly and without destination. We are awaited. We are precious. God has prepared for us the most worthy and beautiful place: Paradise.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) November 28, 2020
So that the violence might ceases
I invite everyone to pray for #Ethiopia where armed clashes have intensified and are causing a serious humanitarian situation. I appeal to the parties in conflict so that the violence might ceases, life may be safeguarded and the populations can regain #peace.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) November 28, 2020
God is patient
God is more patient than we are, and those who knock with faith and perseverance on the door of his heart will not be disappointed. #Prayer
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) November 27, 2020
A world without hunger, poverty, violence and war
Lord, Father of our human family, you created all human beings equal in dignity: pour forth into our hearts a fraternal spirit. Move us to create healthier societies and a more dignified world, a world without hunger, poverty, violence and war. #FratelliTutti
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) November 26, 2020
When we pray, God grants us the grace we need
When we pray, God opens our eyes renews and changes our hearts, heals our wounds and grants us the grace we need. #GeneralAudience #Prayer
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) November 25, 2020
If we want a better world, that will be a peaceful home and not a battlefield, we all need to do a lot more for the dignity of each woman
Too often, women are insulted, beaten, raped, forced to prostitute themselves.... If we want a better world, that will be a peaceful home and not a battlefield, we all need to do a lot more for the dignity of each woman.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) November 25, 2020
Monday 28 December 2020
Let us care for the needs of every man and woman, young and old, with fraternal spirit of care and closeness
Let us care for the needs of every man and woman, young and old, with the same fraternal spirit of care and closeness that marked the Good Samaritan. #FratelliTutti
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) November 24, 2020
We were not created to dream about vacations or the weekend, but to make God’s dreams come true in this world
We were not created to dream about vacations or the weekend, but to make God’s dreams come true in this world. God made us capable of dreaming, so that we could embrace the beauty of life. The works of mercy are the most beautiful works in life.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) November 23, 2020
Let us not give up on great dreams
Dear young people, let us not give up on great dreams. The Lord does not want us to narrow our horizons or to remain parked on the roadside of life. He wants us to race boldly and joyfully towards lofty goals. #takeupthecross https://t.co/RG9dMvwXEt
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) November 22, 2020
His final wishes: the good we do to one of our least brothers and sisters – hungry, thirsty, strangers, in need, sick, imprisoned – we do to Him
Before pouring out His love for us on the cross, Jesus shares His final wishes. He tells us that the good we do to one of our least brothers and sisters – hungry, thirsty, strangers, in need, sick, imprisoned – we do to Him (Mt 25:37-40). #GospelOfTheDay
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) November 22, 2020
World Youth Days
Today, #ChristTheKing Sunday, the Cross and the icon of Mary, Salus Populi Romani, symbols of World Youth Days, begins a new pilgrimage which will lead to Lisbon in 2023. #takeupthecross
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) November 22, 2020
You can’t remain outside the places that are shaping the present and future
Dear young people, the effects of our actions and decisions affect you personally. Therefore, you can’t remain outside the places that are shaping the present and future. You’re either part of them or history will pass you by. #FrancescoEconomy https://t.co/SozNfxjdu8
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) November 21, 2020
Thank you, contemplative sisters and brothers, because you are support for the weak, beacons that signal the port, torches that illuminate the dark night, sentinels who announce the new day
Today we remember Mary’s Presentation in the Temple and celebrate #ProOrantibus Day. Thank you, contemplative sisters and brothers, because you are support for the weak, beacons that signal the port, torches that illuminate the dark night, sentinels who announce the new day.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) November 21, 2020
We reaffirm our support to human fraternity as the solution to erase violence, discrimination and hatred in the name of religion
A pleasure to speak by phone yesterday with my brother @alimamaltayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. We reaffirm our support to human fraternity as the solution to erase violence, discrimination and hatred in the name of religion. Religions have nothing to do with these. #FratelliTutti
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) November 20, 2020
Every child needs to be welcomed and defended
Every child needs to be welcomed and defended, helped and protected, from the moment of their conception. #WorldChildrensDay
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) November 20, 2020
Sunday 27 December 2020
The earth and its poor urgently demand a sound economy and a sustainable development
The earth and its poor urgently demand a sound economy and a sustainable development. Therefore, we are called to rethink our mental and moral priorities so that they are in conformity with God’s commandments and the common good.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) November 19, 2020
Everything that happens
“Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart” (Lk 2:19). Everything that happens to her ends up in her heart so that it might pass through the sieve of #prayer and be transfigured by it. #GeneralAudience
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) November 18, 2020
An outstretched hand can always be enriched by the smile of those who quietly and unassumingly offer to help
Even a smile that we can share with the poor is a source of love. An outstretched hand can always be enriched by the smile of those who quietly and unassumingly offer to help, inspired only by the joy of living as one of Christ’s disciples.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) November 17, 2020
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