Pope calls for public conversion of those involved in organized crime

February 23, 2015

Pope Francis received pilgrims from an Italian diocese he visited in June and renewed his call for the conversion of those involved in organized crime.

“External gestures of religiosity that are not accompanied by a real and public conversion are not enough to be considered in communion with Christ and His Church,” Pope Francis said on February 21 to pilgrims from the Diocese of Cassano all’Jonio.

He added:

External gestures of religiosity are not enough to credit as believers, those who with the malice and arrogance typical of criminals, make lawlessness their lifestyle. To those who have chosen the path of evil and are affiliated to criminal organizations I renew the pressing invitation to conversion. Open your heart to the Lord! The Lord is waiting for you and the Church welcomes you if your willingness to serve the good is as clear and public as was your choice to serve evil.

The Pope also paid tribute to the work of the Emmanuel Community and called upon the faithful to “oppose the culture of death and be witnesses to the Gospel of Life.”

“The light of the Word of God and the support of the Holy Spirit will help you to look with new and welcoming eyes towards the many new forms of poverty which cast many young people and families into despair,” he said.

 

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Further information:

• Udienza ai partecipanti al Pellegrinaggio della Diocesi di Cassano all’Jonio (Holy See Press Office)
• Pope renews call to conversion for members of organized crime (Vatican Radio)