More than by fear of going astray, my hope is that we will be moved by the fear of remaining shut up within structures which give us a false sense of security, within rules which make us harsh judges, within habits which make us feel safe, while at our door people are starving and Jesus does not tire of saying to us: 'Give them something to eat.'

Things from the heart don't have an explanation.

Preparation for marriage is very important. It's very, very important because I believe it is something that in the Church, in common pastoral ministry, at least in my country, in South America, the Church it has not valued much.

Politics is the most important of the civil activities and has its own field of action, which is not that of religion.

We can coexist well [with Muslims]. But there are fundamentalist groups.

I allow myself to honor the man who fought in moments when he had no strength to impose himself, until he managed to impose himself. [Joseph] Ratzinger. Cardinal Ratzinger deserves applause.

Advent is a journey towards Bethlehem. May we let ourselves be drawn by the light of God made man.