People who work all day and nurse loved ones at night are ‘hidden heroes’, says Francis The Pope says the family has always been the 'closest' hospital The hidden heroes of this world are those family members who still go to work and get the job done after staying up all night tending to a sick loved one, Pope Francis has said. In fact, the family “has always been the closest ‘hospital’. And still today in many parts of the world, a [real] hospital is a privilege for a few, and it’s often far away,” he said at his weekly general audience in St Peter’s Square. As part of a series of talks about the family and problems they face, the Pope looked at illness – a sign of the human frailty that spans from infancy to old age “when those aches and pains start coming”, he said. Often it is more difficult to see a loved one suffer than to deal with one’s own ailments, he said, because “it is love that makes us feel” the suffering and anxiousness of others even more. In fact, “how many times do we see at work – we’ve all seen it – a man or a woman whose face looks tired, they act tired” and when asked what’s wrong, they explain how they got little sleep after tending to a loved one who was ill, he said, straying from his prepared text. But despite all that, they go on with their day, the Pope said. “These things are heroic. This is the heroism of families; this is the hidden heroism that is done when someone is sick … and is done with tenderness and courage,” he said to applause. The Gospel is filled with accounts of Jesus encountering and healing the sick, he said. “He presents himself publicly as someone who fights against illness and who has come to heal humankind from every ill – illness of the spirit and illness of the body,” the Pope said. “It’s truly moving,” he said, to see how so many people would bring those who were ailing to Jesus. “If I think about today’s big cities, I have to wonder, where are the doors where the sick, hoping to be healed, can be brought?” he asked, citing the doorway in the Gospel according to Mark, where a whole town would gather waiting for Jesus. “Jesus never denied them care. He never walked by them, he never turned his face away,” and he never wasted time, the Pope said. He even put healing before the law, when he healed the man with the withered hand on the Sabbath. “The doctors of the law reproached Jesus because he healed on a Saturday. He did good on Saturday. But Jesus’s love was to give health, to do good and this always takes first place,” he said. Jesus gave his disciples the power to heal the sick and be near them. However, they got caught up in a blame game when they wondered whose fault it was that a man was born blind – was it caused by the man’s sin or his parents? But Jesus corrected them, saying neither had sinned and he cured the man. “Here is God’s glory! Here is the Church’s task! Help the sick and not get lost in gossip. Always help, console, alleviate, be close to the sick,” the Pope said. Jesus also healed those who did not belong to the people of Israel, like the pagan Canaanite whose child was possessed. Jesus tested her by saying he was only sent to tend to the lost sheep of Israel and asked whether it was right for him to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs. But “we all know that mothers fight for their children”, the Pope said, and the woman fought for her child, telling Jesus to “at least look at me as a dog”, and let some scraps fall from the table. This proved the woman was of great faith, and her daughter was healed. The Pope asked people to teach their children to be empathetic and caring toward people who are ill or suffering so they aren’t “numb” and insensitive to their plight, but know how to approach them and experience human limitations. He urged people and parishes to pray for people who are ill and their families, and to offer concrete assistance and care. “This Christian closeness, from family to family, is a real treasure for the parish, a treasure of wisdom that helps families in difficult moments and helps people understand the Kingdom of God better than lots of speeches. They are caresses from God.” Source: Catholic Herald
Pope Francis to FAO: Reducing waste is essential Reducing waste, sustainable food production, climate change and land protection. These were some of the themes Pope Francis touched on, as he addressed members of the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization. About 450 members gathered in the Vatican's Clementine Hall. There, the Pope reminded them that they have a responsibility that needs to be turned into action. POPE FRANCIS "May you respond concretely to the responsibility you have before the hungry. May all those who are hoping for agricultural development find a solution to their situation.” Access to food, he added, is a human right. So is the protection of the land where farmers produce crops for their livelihood. The Pope talked about a domino effect that comes when one promotes a throw away culture: lands are damaged and so is livestock. He also highlighted the challenges that emerge when climate change triggers mass migration, crop destruction and extreme weather. POPE FRANCIS "Before the misery of so many of our brothers and sisters, sometimes I think the issue of hunger and agricultural development has turned into one of the many problems that have emerged in this time of crisis.” It's estimated that worldwide, roughly 1.2 billion people live in extreme poverty, with limited access to food, water and housing. Before heading off, the Pope took a group picture, seated right in the middle. Source: Rome Reports --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Three moving Vatican videos, one mission: Stopping physical and spiritual hunger They are meant to be more than just videos. It's a way to highlight reality and inspire reflection. They are videos based in Iraq, Ecuador and Burkina Faso. All of them deal with hunger and what is being done to stop it, from a practical level to an emotional one. MSGR. GIAMPIETRO DAL TOSO Pontifical Council Cor Unum, Secretary "There are so many forms of poverty. There's the lack of food, but also the lack of affection. Then there's a lack of God. They are all forms of poverty and their absence triggers an interior imbalance.” These videos will be seen by millions of people in the city of Milan. For six months, millions of people from all over the world are expected to visit it for the 2015 Expo. Food sustainability is at the core of the conference. The Vatican has a pavilion which showcases these three videos. MSGR. GIAMPIETRO DAL TOSO Pontifical Council Cor Unum, Secretary "We wanted to show and highlight what the Church is doing to respond to this problem of hunger.” From a water production program in Burkina Faso to promote agriculture and healthy living, to a food bank initiative in Ecuador, where food sustainability and production is the goal. Last but not least, the third video is based in Erbil, highlighting the plight persecuted Christians are enduring in Iraq. MSGR. GIAMPIETRO DAL TOSO Pontifical Council Cor Unum, Secretary "We wanted to show the reality these minority groups are going through in Iraq, especially the Christian minority. We want to show what is being done to respond to this serious emergency.” In addition to the three videos, the first wall of the Vatican pavilion will show a set of photographs from all over the world, highlighting the social realities, strengths and challenges different communities face. Source: Rome Reports
Prime Minister of Poland gives Pope a small apple tree This is how Pope Francis welcomed Poland's prime minister Ewa Kopacz to the Vatican. During their short meeting, both leaders talked about international matters, including the conflict in Ukraine. Of course they also discussed details of the next World Youth Day which will take place in Poland in July 2016. As a gift, the prime minister gave the Pope a typical polish tree. Pope Francis gave her in turn a medallion of St. Martin of Tours and a copy of Evangelii Gaudium. "Thank you very much.” "It comes from paradise on Earth.” As the Pope usually does with world leaders, he asked her to pray for him. "Thank you. Thank you very much. Pray for me.” "Thank you”. Source: Rome Reports
Pope to Priests: If you focus on bureaucracy, our Mother Church becomes a step mom Tablets, cell phones and cameras...they were all focused on Pope Francis to mark this special meeting in Rome's Basilica of St. John Lateran. The Pope led a meditation in the World Retreat of Priests, which included more than 1,000 priest and Bishops from 90 countries. The retreat was organized by the International Catholic Charismatic Renewal. As part of his reflection, the Pope said it's healthy for them to be together and even to have heated discussions. POPE FRANCIS "A Church where no discussions take place, is a dead Church. Do you know where no discussions take place at all? In cemeteries, there no one discusses anything. No one.” The Pope touched on many issues. He reflected on the priestly ministry, it's highs, lows and mission. He called on priests to be close to their flock and to show mercy, especially when administering Confession. POPE FRANCIS "Please, not a Church without Jesus and without mercy...no! Don't scare our faithful. When this happens...when the heart of a priest is bureaucratic and focused on laws, the Mother Church of so many faithful turns into a step mom.” The Pope also talked about the importance of giving good homilies that come from the heart. It's a space to talk about Jesus, he said, and not to give lectures. POPE FRANCIS "Don't forget that homilies are not conferences. It's not a catechism course.” More than an hour had passed but the Pope was ready for more. He gave priests a chance to ask some questions. Responding to a priest from Peru, the Pope said, it's important to be close to those who face poverty and to never look down at them, for that he added would be an ideology. When addressing a European priest, the Pope said he would be willing to unite the Feast of Jesus' Resurrection with all Christians. Perhaps the second Sunday of April. He then told this African priest, that he is indeed planning on visiting Africa, possibly visiting the Central African Republic, Uganda and Kenya. Afterwards the Pope celebrated Mass with the group. A Mass marked by the spontaneous spirit the Charismatic Renewal is known for. The Pope got to know the movement well, during his time in Buenos Aires. Source: Rome Reports
The Pope said it's healthy for them to be together and even to have heated discussions. POPE FRANCIS "A Church where no discussions take place, is a dead Church. Do you know where no discussions take place at all? In cemeteries, there no one discusses anything. No one.” This can be applied to the forum I suppose . A forum with no heated discussion is dead.
I know many, including some on this forum, have "concerns" over Pope Francis. The more I read, see and hear from him, the more I am convinced he is the pope for our time today, just as the previous recent popes have been. I trust that the Holy Spirit was present and at work during the conclave that led to his election as Supreme Pontif. When I read these twitter posts and view the video, I trule sense a man on a mission - an urgent one of looking for the lost sheep even if it means leaving the other 99 alone for awhile. I sense a man and a priest who so completely trusts in God's mercy, that he wants everyone no matter who/what they have done to experience it too. I sense he is here now to prepare us for the events that are about to unfold. Here are two that struck me deeply: #Pope to priests: when tired, sinning, don't be afraid of God; He's tender, merciful. Cry & tell him you're 'scum,' He responds with love #Pope to priests: if you forgive too many ppl & sins at confession, tell the Lord it's his fault, He's the one who gave you the bad example See them all, plus full video here: https://storify.com/CatholicNewsSvc/pope-francis-speaks-to-priests
Yes! But also remember, there is good and bad heated discussions. No one should be intent on supporting derogatory; inflammatory; anti-progressive spiritual discussions. The Pope talks quite a bit more about peace and unity among other directive spiritual paths of enlightenment. God Bless!
Pope to Scouts: You are called to collaborate in the pastoral life of the Church Pope Francis met this morning with thousands of members of the Association of Italian Catholic Guides and Scouts (AGESCI) in St. Peter’s Square. In his address, the Holy Father thanked the scouts, as well as their leaders and chaplains, saying that they are “a precious part of the Church in Italy.” Listen to Junno Arocho's report Vatican Radio Audio “You offer an important contribution to the families in their educational mission to children, youth and young adults,” he said. The Pope expressed his hope that the scouts may always feel as a part of the greater Christian community. He also noted that they can bring new fervor to the evangelization and the capacity to build bridges in a society that has the “habit of building walls.” “You are called to find ways to integrate yourselves in the pastoral care of the particular Church, establishing relationships of respect and collaboration at all levels with your bishops, with pastors and other priests, educators and members of other ecclesial associations present in the parish and in the same territory, and not be content with a ‘decorative’ presence on Sundays or major events.” Concluding his address, Pope Francis encouraged them to continue working together with local groups in their parishes in order to foster a “richer and more complete personality.” Source: Vatican Radio ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oscar award winner, Ennio Morricone composes 'Mass' for Pope Surrounded by impressive frescoes in Rome's main Jesuit Church, the choir, musicians and audience got ready to listen to a Mass composed by Oscar winning movie soundtrack composer, Ennio Morricone. It's a piece the Italian composer developed, specifically in honor of Pope Francis. It's titled 'Mass for Pope Francis.' It was composed to mark the 200th anniversary of the restoration of the Jesuit Order. Together with Rome's Symphony Orchestra, the Academy of Santa Cecilia Choir and Rome's Teatro del Opera, the melodies filled the church. Cellos, trumpets and flutes were played as 38 musicians synchronized their musical talent to give life to the piece. ANDREA DI MARIO Trumpeter, Rome Symphony Orchestra "I became a trumpet player because my father was a musician. So it was a lot easier for me to start playing and practicing with the trumpet. I've been part of this Orchestra for many years now. I've collaborated with Ennio Morricone and Rome's Symphony Orchestra for many years.” For some of the Choir singers the real highlight is being able to express their work publically with such a powerful underlying message. PIERLUIGI PAULUCCI Academy of Santa Cecilia (Rome) "I've been collaborating with Morricone for many years, but tonight is special. It's more than just a concert because it triggers so much emotion. It's the international debut to a Mass dedicated to Pope Francis, whom I admire very much.” Being able to share the experience with one of the most renowned composers in the world, makes the experience all that more memorable. ANDREA DI MARIO Trumpeter, Rome Symphony Orchestra "He is an extraordinary musician. He is someone who has been able to interpret all genres of music.” PIERLUIGI PAULUCCI Academy of Santa Cecilia (Rome) "Above everything, I think he sets a great example. He has given the musical world quite a lot.” For some of the audience members, the experience was about more than just music. ELDA BERNARDI "It was a wonderful experience. Perfect lyrical fusion.” Morricone has composed the soundtrack of many films including, The Mission and Cinema Paradiso. But he decided to leave the big screen for a bit, to compose a gift for Pope Francis. Source: Rome Reports
Interesting if true : http://sputniknews.com/society/20150613/1023317090.html Pope Francis suggested to establish a common date to celebrate Easter, one of main Christian holidays, an Italian newspaper said. ROME (Sputnik) — Francis said that he had already proposed to fix the same date of Easter to patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew I and to patriarch of Moscow Kirill. "[Roman Catholic] Church is willing to establish a fixed date for Easter, so it can be celebrated on the same day by all Christians, Catholic, Protestant or Orthodox," the pope said Friday during the International retreat for priests in Rome, as cited by the Corriere della Sera newspaper. Putin Satisfied After Meetings With Italy's Renzi, Pope Francis The date to celebrate the Resurrection was fixed during the Council of Nicaea in 325. It changes from year to year as the holiday falls on the Sunday following the first full moon of spring. Catholics use the Gregorian calender to calculate the date of Easter, while the Orthodox Church uses the Julian calendar, so usually they celebrate the holiday on different days. Although in 30 percent of cases the date of Easter is the same for Catholics and Orthodox. Read more: http://sputniknews.com/society/20150613/1023317090.html#ixzz3d548dTCw
The above article could be a foreshadowing of a Garabandal prophecy : WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1961: FIRST CLARIFICATION OF THE VERY IMPORTANT REVELATION OF OCTOBER 1, 1961: THE FUTURE AND DEFINITIVE "PERFECT UNITY OF ALL CHRISTIANS". ( Albecht Weber with Conchita in 1965 ) The conversations between the deceased Father Luis and the visionaries have, it appears to us, always held a very positive ecumenical trait. On the Feast, then, of the Divine Motherhood of Mary, Fr. Luis and Conchita spoke about this extraordinary prophecy already partly revealed by Our Lady on the previous October 1: "Ah, the Churches will be reunited? . . . “Yes, they will be reunited! . . ." Conchita rejoiced over this formidable prophetic news. In November 1965, the visionary, as she had already done many times since October 11, 1961, confirmed the accuracy of that great revelation to the German editor, Albrecht Weber. She also clarified somewhat what the Blessed Virgin had told her concerning the great Church event to come. "She (Our Lady) again told us that the divided (Churches) will reunite. There will be only one 'religion.' A better translation: "The Christian Churches will then be One in the Catholic Church." In the light of such a prophetic revelation, the meaning and scope of the "one, Catholic, apostolic and Roman Church" that the visionaries, in ecstasy, had professed for the first time on August 1, 1961, at the time of the recitation of the Creed, acquired their full significance. [Excerpted from 'Garabandal' Book, page 107] This would simply be the fulfillment of John 10:16: And I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd.
The Pope tells families to stand-up to ideological attacks (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Sunday evening urged parents and families to stand up to “ideological colonizations that poison the soul.” He was speaking to some 25,000 faithful from the dioceses of Rome for the opening of the Diocese’s annual Ecclesial Convention, dedicated this year to the theme of the family. Present with Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square for the occasion were many Catholic families as well as the Cardinal Vicar Agostino Vallini and a high percentage of the 350 parish priests of Rome. During his address to those present, Pope Francis touched on many issues including the need for a “spiritual rebirth” for the city of Rome which is currently shaken by a corruption scandal involving municipal authorities. But his focus was mostly on the family and on the Synod of Bishops on the Family to be held in the Vatican in October, and he appealed to the many parents present to safeguard their children from ideological attacks against the institution of the family and all that is sacred which – he said – “are so hurtful and destroy society, the Nation, families”. “This is why – he continued – we are in need of a spiritual and moral rebirth”. Pope Francis elaborated on the beauty and diversity of male and female characteristics and – he said “complementarity and reciprocity” within families are very important for the healthy growth of children who must not be afraid of differences and must witness the joy of conjugal love in order to grow and develop with confidence and security. But he also turned his attention to couples who separate urging them never to forget their duties as parents. “Do not speak ill of each other” he said: that’s how children learn how to be hypocritical and to take advantage of others. The Pope also had words for the over 600 thousand grandparents who live in Rome and whom – he said - must be loved and respected. And he appealed to families to consider the option of old-age homes for grandparents only as a last resort. And noting that a fourth of the population in Rome is elderly, the Pope asked: “Are grandparents treated with respect? I am sure they are at the moment – he continued – because what with the current lack of employment, it is to them and to their pensions that one turns for help”. Source: Vatican Radio
Catholic, Orthodox Christian and atheist to present Pope’s encyclical The environment encyclical Laudato Si will be published on Thursday A Catholic, an Orthodox Christian and an atheist are to present the encyclical Laudato Si, Pope Francis has said. The Pope, speaking during an audience with priests in Rome, said the line-up would reflect the fact that “we need unity to protect creation”. The Pope’s encyclical on the environment, entitled Laudato Si, on the care of our common home, will be presented at a press conference in the Vatican’s synod hall on Thursday. Yesterday the Pope told pilgrims assembled in St Peter’s Square: “I invite you to accompany this event with a renewed attention to the situation of environmental degradation, but also of recovery in one’s own region. “This encyclical is addressed to everyone: let us pray so that all may receive its message and grow in responsibility toward the common home that God has entrusted to us all.” “Laudato si” is the introductory phrase to eight verses of St Francis of Assisi’s famous prayer thanking God for the gifts of creation. It is medieval Italian, not Latin. “Praised be you, my Lord, with all your creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun, who is the day, and through whom you give us light,” one of the first lines says. The prayer also praises God for the gifts of “Sister Moon”, “Brother Wind,” “Sister Water”, “Brother Fire” and “Sister Mother Earth”. US Fr Michael Perry, minister general of the Order of Friars Minor, said the canticle was “not just a flowery song about how we should live with nature. It is challenging us to revise our entire way of living our lives” in accordance with Gospel values, he said. “If someone is starving somewhere in the world, we are responsible.” The canticle is a call for people to recognise that they are sons and daughters of God and brothers and sisters to one another, he said, “part of one family that embraces all creation: trees, sun, rivers, wind, fire – all of these because they all give glory to God.” Source: Catholic Herald
Francis portrayed as Rocky in fight against climate change A climate group has released an unofficial trailer ahead of the Pope's encyclical on the environment An unofficial film trailer has been released ahead of Pope Francis’s upcoming encyclical on the environment which will be issued on Thursday. The trailer, which has already received nearly 60,000 views on YouTube, was created by Brazilian climate action group Observatório do Clima and shows the pontiff taking part in the fight against climate change. In the trailer, a Pope Francis look-a-like engages in Rocky-style boxing training and confronts an eye-patching wearing Bond villain. The much-anticipated encyclical, Laudato Si, will be published on Thursday. A Catholic, an Orthodox Christian and an atheist will present the encyclical in the synod hall at the Vatican. The Pope told an audience of priests in Rome that the line-up would reflect the fact that “we need unity to protect creation”. Source: Catholic Herald
Pope meets Czech Church delegates on Jan Hus anniversary (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Monday met with representatives of the Czechoslovak Hussite Church and the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren, on the occasion of the six hundredth anniversary of the death of the reformer Jan Hus. Vatican Radio Audio In his prepared remarks to the delegation from the Czech Republic, Pope Francis told them that this meeting marking the 600 anniversary of Jan Hus was an opportunity to renew and deepen relations between their Church communities. Jan Hus was a key predecessor to the Protestant movement of the sixteenth century and was burnt at the stake for heresy. The Holy Father recalled the words of his predecessor Pope St. John Paul II, about this Church reformer when he expressed his "deep regret for the cruel death imposed on him. Pope Francis continued by saying that it was necessary to continue to study the person and work of Jan Hus, because today he had become an incentive for dialogue to all Christians and to society, even beyond the borders of the Czech nation. Recalling his Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, and the work of the Second Vatican Council, the Pope reiterated the importance of Church renewal and unity especially, he said, in the area of evangelization at a time when many men and women seem indifferent to the joyful news of the Gospel. In conclusion, Pope Francis said that “in answering the call of Christ to continual conversion, of which we all need, we can move forward together on the path of reconciliation and peace.” Source: Vatican Radio
Pope Francis receives Colombian President (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Monday received the president of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos. A statement from the Press Office of the Holy See says the Pope and the President held cordial discussions, during the course of which they touched on a number of topics, including the good state and history of bilateral relations an dthe ongoing contribution of the Catholic Church to Colombian society. Below, please find the full text of the official English translation of the Statement released by the Press Office. *********************************** Today in the Vatican Apostolic Palace the Holy Father received in audience the president of the Republic of Colombia, His Excellency Mr. Juan Manuel Santos Calderón, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, secretary for Relations with States. During the cordial discussions the good relations between the Holy See and the Republic of Colombia were evoked, underlining the contribution the Catholic Church has given and continues to guarantee in favour of the human, social and cultural progress of the population. Among the issues considered, special attention was given to the state of the reconciliation process in the country, the complexity of the negotiations that this entails, and the prospects that could open the way to achieving a peace agreement. Finally, there was an exchange of views on the regional political and social situation, with attention to the efforts made towards promoting stability in the countries of the area, their harmonious and equitable development, and a culture of legality. Source: Vatican Radio ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pope to Russian Orthodox Church: Let us pray, so that everything can get accomplished 2015-06-15 "Good morning, your Holiness.” It was a meeting between Pope Francis and Metropolitan Hilarion from the Russian Orthodox Church. With the help of a translator, the head of the Department of External Church Relations, met with the Pope, for a brief meeting. After their one on one discussion, the Pope met the rest of the delegation, some of whom work directly with Cardinal Kurt Koch, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. Even though it was a closed door meeting, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the role Russia plays in it, was surely discussed. Especially in light of President Putin's recent visit with Pope Francis. "Let's pray so that everything can get accomplished.” As a gift, Hilarion gave the Pope a Russian icon of Jesus. "It's a replica of an ancient Russian icon, of Our Savior.” Worldwide, there are an estimated 150 million Russian Orthodox Christians. http://www.romereports.com/pg161830...y-so-that-everything-can-get-accomplished--en
Pope: Concern for poor is sign of Gospel, not red flag of communism http://vatican.com/news/frame.aspx?url=http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1502602.htm VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Focusing on poverty and sacrificing for the poor are the heart of the Gospel, not signs of communism, Pope Francis said at his morning Mass. Furthermore, if Christians don't dig deep and generously open up their wallets, they do not have "genuine faith," the pope said June 16 during the Mass in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae. He said people often hear, "Oh, this priest speaks about poverty too much, this bishop talks about poverty, this Christian, this sister talk about poverty. Well, they're a bit communist, aren't they?" But "poverty is precisely at the heart of the Gospel. If we were to remove poverty from the Gospel, people would understand nothing about Jesus' message," he said, according to Vatican Radio. Being fully Christian means being rich in spirit, faith, the Word, wisdom and zeal -- things that Jesus has taught and offered all people, he said. Make sure, however, that this huge amount of "wealth in the heart" also impacts the wallet, he said, because "when the faith doesn't reach your pockets, it is not a genuine faith." Pope Francis said the "theology of poverty" is based on the fact that Jesus -- in his divine richness -- became poor; he lowered himself and sacrificed himself to save humanity. The Beatitude, "Blessed are the poor in spirit," means "letting oneself be enriched by the poverty of Christ and not wanting to be rich with those riches that are not from Christ," he said. Christian giving goes beyond plain charity, which is good, but isn't the "Christian poverty" believers are called to embrace, he said. "Christian poverty is: I give to the poor what is mine, not the excess, but also what is necessary" for one's own well-being. Christians do this because they know that sacrificing in such a way enriches them, he said. "And why does the poor person enrich me? Because Jesus said that he himself is in the poor." When people strip themselves of the material, "Jesus works within" them and they are enriched; when people give to the poor, Jesus is also working in the poor, "in order to enrich me when I do this," the pope said. The clearest sign Jesus left of how giving enriches others, the pope said, is the gift of himself in the Eucharist. "He becomes 'bread' for us." That is why the "theology of poverty" is the heart of the Gospel and not "an ideology. It is precisely this mystery, the mystery of Christ who lowered himself, was humiliated, made himself poor in order to enrich us." END
