Reforming the social structures which perpetuate poverty and the exclusion of the poor first requires a conversion of mind and heart.

On the ordination of women, the church has spoken and said no. John Paul II, in a definitive formulation said that door is closed.

Before I give you a blessing, I ask you for a favor: I want you to bless me.

Do not forget this: the Lord never wearies of forgiving! We are the ones who weary of asking for forgiveness.

Oh, how I would like a poor Church, and for the poor.

I am always wary of decisions made hastily. I am always wary of the first decision, that is, the first thing that comes to my mind if I have to make a decision. This is usually the wrong thing. I have to wait and assess, looking deep into myself, taking the necessary time.

I don't like to speak of Islamic violence, because every day, when I browse the newspapers, I see violence, here in Italy... this one who has murdered his girlfriend, another who has murdered the mother-in-law... and these are baptized Catholics! There are violent Catholics!