Dear young people, the Church expects great things of you and your generosity. Don’t be afraid to aim high.

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.

When it comes to the care of our common home, we are living at a critical moment of history.

The Christian life is not limited to prayer, but requires an ongoing dedication and courage born of prayer.

One of the more serious temptations which stifles boldness and zeal is a defeatism, which turns us into querulous and disillusioned pessimists, sourpusses.

I thank all missionaries, men and women who quietly work hard for the Lord and their brothers and sisters.

The Lord speaks to us through the Scriptures and in our prayer. Let us learn to keep silence before him, as we meditate upon the Gospel.