People in every nation enhance the social dimension of their lives by acting as committed and responsible citizens.

We forget to remain focused on the things that really matter.

If God, in the Christmas mystery, reveals himself not as One who remains on high and dominates the universe, but as the One who bends down, descends to the little and poor earth, it means that, to be like him, we should not put ourselves above others, but indeed lower ourselves, place ourselves at the service of others, become small with the small and poor with the poor. It is regrettable to see a Christian who does not want to lower himself, who does not want to serve. A Christian who struts about is ugly: this is not Christian, it is pagan.

Being a Christian is not just about following commandments: it is about letting Christ take possession of our lives and transform them.

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."

Maybe it's a little crazy, but it's good to have it, but I just don't like [prizes or honors].

The Saints were not superhuman. They were people who loved God in their hearts, and who shared this joy with others.