At times we can be self-absorbed. Lord, help us to open our hearts to others and to serve those who are most vulnerable.

In my own experience, including when I ask for advice, I would ask a collaborator, a friend, I also like to hear the opinion of a woman because they have such wealth. They look at things in a different way.

If, hypothetically, Western Catholicism were to review the issue of celibacy, I think it would do so for cultural reasons, not so much as a universal option.

In this case [the Charlemagne Prize], I don't say (I was) forced, but convinced by the holy and theological headstrongness of Cardinal [Walter] Kasper, because he was chosen, elected by Aachen to convince me. And I said yes, but in the Vatican. And I said I offer it for Europe, as a co-decoration for Europe, a prize so that Europe may do what I desired at Strasburg; that it may no longer be "grandmother Europe" but "mother Europe."

Where there is calumny, there is Satan himself.

We have, in a sense, lorded it over nature, over Sister Earth, over Mother Earth, i think man has gone too far.

Dear young people, you have many plans and dreams for the future. But, is Christ at the center of each of your plans and dreams?