The fight against poverty and hunger must be fought constantly and on many fronts, especially in its causes.

When we meet a person truly in need, do we see the face of God?

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.

An example I often use to illustrate the reality of vanity, is this: look at the peacock; it's beautiful if you look at it from the front. But if you look at it from behind, you discover the truth... Whoever gives in to such self-absorbed vanity has huge misery hiding inside them.

How many young people, how many young people of our Europe, whom we have left empty of ideals, who do not have work... they take drugs, alcohol, or go there to enlist in fundamentalist groups.

God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy.

I would like to say something just about the Mexican people. It is a population that has a wealth, such great wealth, a people that surprises.