This generation, and many others, have been led to believe that the devil is a myth, a figure, an idea, the idea of evil... But the devil exists and we must fight against him.

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.

Inequality is the root of social evil.

Anyone who wants to be pope doesn't care much for themselves, God doesn't bless them. I didn't want to be pope.

The Cross isn't an ornament, mere symbol. It's the mystery of God's love, that He died for our sins.

I believe that Catholics involved in politics carry the values of their religion within them, but have the mature awareness and expertise to implement them. The Church will never go beyond its task of expressing and disseminating its values, at least as long as I'm here.

A small step, in the midst of great human limitations, can be more pleasing to God than a life which appears outwardly in order but moves through the day without confronting great difficulties.