Even today we raise our hand against our brother... We have perfected our weapons, our conscience has fallen asleep, and we have sharpened our ideas to justify ourselves as if it were normal we continue to sow destruction, pain, death. Violence and war lead only to death.

Every expression of true beauty can be acknowledged as a path leading to an encounter with the Lord Jesus.

Lent is a time of grace, a time to convert and live out our baptism fully.

I want to remind priests that the confessional must not be a torture chamber but rather an encounter with the Lord’s mercy which spurs us on to do our best. A small step, in the midst of great human limitations, can be more pleasing to God than a life which appears outwardly in order but moves through the day without confronting great difficulties. Everyone needs to be touched by the comfort and attraction of God’s saving love, which is mysteriously at work in each person, above and beyond their faults and failings.

I ask all people of goodwill to help build a culture of encounter, solidarity and peace

Charity that does not change the situation of the poor isn't enough.

Resolve not to be overcome by evil, but to combat evil with good.