There are saints in the Roman Curia, among the cardinals, priests, religious, sisters and laity. They work hard, and also do things that are often hidden. I know some who concern themselves with feeding the poor or who give up their free time to work in a parish. As always, the ones who aren't saints make the most noise ... a single tree falling makes a sound, but a whole forest growing doesn't.

And with the grace of Baptism and of Eucharistic Communion I can become an instrument of God's mercy, of that beautiful mercy of God.

I believe that it is truly important for everyone to confront in dialogue the historical reality of the Reformation, its consequences and the responses it elicited. Catholics and Lutherans can ask forgiveness for the harm they have caused one another and for their offenses committed in the sight of God. Together we can rejoice in the longing for unity which the Lord has awakened in our hearts, and which makes us look with hope to the future.

For the sake of peace, religious beliefs must never be allowed to be abused in the cause of violence and war.

Human life must always be defended from its beginning in the womb and must be recognised as a gift of God that guarantees the future of humanity.

When we do not adore God, we adore something else. Money and power are false idols which often take the place of God.

Young people are just as attracted to the truth as they are convenience and expediency.