I don't live in the papal residence. I live in a simple apartment behind the Vatican gas station.

Education, work, and access to health care for all are key elements for development and the just distribution of goods, for the attainment of social justice, for membership in society, and for free and responsible participation in political life.

Challenges exist to be overcome! Let us be realists, but without losing our joy, our boldness and our hope-filled commitment. Let us not allow ourselves to be robbed of missionary vigour!

Let us never lose hope! God loves us always, even with our mistakes and sins.

Lord, help us to recognize you in the sick, poor and suffering.

Christians are those who let God clothe them with goodness and mercy, with Christ, so as to become, like Christ, servants of God and others.

Wars are always madness: all is lost in war, all is to be gained in peace.