Revere and have compassion on the poor, Pope says in video appeal

April 29, 2015

In a video message to homeless actors at a performance that took place under the auspices of the Diocese of Rome’s Caritas organization, Pope Francis called for compassion on the poor.

Recalling Gospel passages and quoting St. Gregory of Nyssa and St. Augustine, Pope Francis cited the example of several Roman saints, including St. Lawrence, as he called upon the Diocese of Rome to become a “more attentive mother,” compassionate to the poor and weak.

Pope Francis also called upon parishes to “kneel in reverence” before the poor, in whom we “touch the flesh of Christ.”

 

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Further information:

• Videomessaggio del Santo Padre ai partecipanti alla serata “Se non fosse per te”, spettacolo proposto dagli ospiti dei centri di accoglienza della Caritas della Diocesi di Roma (Holy See Press Office)
• Pope: Christians should kneel before the poor (Vatican Radio)