My people are poor and I am one of them.

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.

It [abortion] is a crime, an absolute evil.

We don't have to expect everything from those who govern us; that would be juvenile.

Today we celebrate Earth Day. I exhort everyone to see the world through the eyes of God the Creator: the earth is an environment to be safeguarded, a garden to be cultivated. The relationship of mankind with nature must not be conducted with greed, manipulation and exploitation, but it must conserve the divine harmony that exists between creatures and Creation within the logic of respect and care, so it can be put to the service of our brothers, also of future generations.

I had the habit of not accepting prizes or honors, but always, not out of humility, but because I don't like them.

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