Christian life always includes the Cross, Pope says

March 04, 2014

Christians will always face opposition, and sometimes persecution, “because the world does not tolerate the divinity of Christ,” Pope Francis told the congregation at his morning Mass on March 4.

Persecution has a been a recurring reality for the Church, the Pope said. While the faithful readily think of the persecutions against the early Church, and the 20th century persecutions by Nazis and Communists, the reality remains today, the Pope reminded his congregation: “And I tell you that today there are more martyrs than during the early times of the Church.”

Some Christians suffer for owning a Bible, the Pope said; some cannot wear a crucifix. He suggested that Catholics attending Mass should be mindful of those who cannot do so, and ask themselves whether they are prepared to carry the Cross. The Cross, he said, is always a part of the Christian life.

 

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Further information:

• Pope Francis: There are Christians nowadays condemned for having a Bible (Vatican Radio)