Prayers of saints, not decisions of bishops, restore Church, Pope says

January 12, 2016

"It's the prayers of the faithful that bring change to the Church," Pope Francis told a congregation at Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae on January 12. "It's not us-- popes, bishops, or priests-- who carry the Church forward, but the saints."

The Pope was preaching on the day's Scripture reading, which retold the story of Hannah, praying tearfully before God. The Pope called attention to the reaction of Eli, the priest, who initially thought that Hannah was drunk. "How easily do we judge people!" the Pope remarked. "When the heart lacks compassion, when always thinks evil."

 

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Further information:

• Pope Francis: "the prayers of the faithful work miracles" (Vatican Radio)