I think with great affection and deep gratitude of my venerable predecessor, Benedict XVI, who during these years of his pontificate has enriched and strengthened the Church with his teaching, his goodness, his guidance, his faith, his humility, and his gentleness, which will remain a spiritual heritage for all.

When a family loses its ability to dream, children don't grow, love doesn't grow and life loses strength, eventually it shuts off.

May we always say thank you to God, especially for his patience and mercy.

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

Our mission as Christians is to conform ourselves evermore to Jesus as the model of our lives.

When we are generous in welcoming people and sharing something with them-some food, a place in our homes, our time-not only do we no longer remain poor: we are enriched.

We must always walk in the presence of the Lord, in the light of the Lord, always trying to live in an irreprehensible way.