Pope Francis visits Roman parish, laments abortion

April 07, 2014

Pope Francis spent three hours visiting a parish in Rome's Magliana neighborhood on April 6.

Before hearing confessions and celebrating Mass, Pope Francis met with different groups from the parish, including youth, the sick and elderly, engaged couples, and parents of the recently baptized. In a meeting with former prisoners and drug addicts, the Pope “lamented the culture of waste, pointing out as an example the killing of unborn children in their mother’s womb,” according to Vatican Radio.

During his Sunday evening homily, Pope Francis preached on the raising of Lazarus.

“Only the power of Jesus can help us come out of these tombs of sin in each and every one of us,” he said. “But sometimes we are too attached to these tombs and are reluctant to leave them. This is when our soul starts to stink; this is the stench of sin.”

Following the Mass, a pocket-sized edition of the Gospels was distributed to those present.

 

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Further information:

• Visit to the Roman Parish of St. Gregory the Great (VIS)
• Pope Francis visits Parish of San Gregorio Magno (Vatican Radio)
• Visita pastorale alla parrocchia romana San Gregorio Magno (Holy See Press Office)