Rejoice at the good in other faiths, Pope tells audience
October 01, 2012
Catholics should rejoice at the good works done by non-Catholics, Pope Benedict XVI told his Angelus audience on Sunday, September 30.
Reflecting on the day’s reading from the Gospel of St. Mark, the Holy Father reminded the faithful that Jesus told St. John not to interfere when people other than Christ’s disciples cast out demons in Jesus’ name. The Pope observed that “one can have difficulty in appreciating and recognizing—in a spirit of profound communion—the good things done” by those of other faiths. Citing St. Augustine, the Pope said: "Just as one can find that which is not Catholic in the Catholic Church--that is, in the Church--one can also find something that may be Catholic outside of the Catholic Church.” In any case the faithful should applaud the good that is done, the Pope said.
The Pope held his Sunday audience in the courtyard of his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo. The Pontiff is expected to end his annual stay there this coming week, returning to Rome.
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Further information:
- Pope: Sunday Angelus focuses on generosity, honesty (Vatican Radio)
- Pope: “Even in the Catholic Church we find things that are not Catholic” (Vatican Insider)
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