During his nine and a half months leading the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has demonstrated his skill at communicating the Gospel message in simple and direct language.
At times, he also has demonstrated that actions speak louder than words. Below are some memorable papal quotes and photos from 2013.
CNS photo/L’Osservatore Romano
“Remain steadfast in the journey of faith. Listen carefully, young people, swim against the tide; it’s good for the heart, but it takes courage.”
– During his homily at Mass April 28 in St. Peter’s Square, where he administered the sacrament of confirmation to 44 people, including two teenagers from the United States
“Jesus speaks in the silence of the mystery of the Eucharist and reminds us each time that following him means going out of ourselves and making our lives not something we ‘possess,’ but a gift to him and to others.”
– In his homily at Mass May 30 celebrating the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ
“The church is the great family of children of God. Certainly it has human aspects from the members who comprise it, pastors and faithful. They have defects, imperfections, sins. Even the pope has them — and he has many — but what is beautiful is that when we become aware that we are sinners, we find the mercy of God. God always forgives. Don’t forget this. God always forgives.”
– At his weekly general audience May 29
“Having this familiar relationship with the Lord is like keeping the window of our life open so that he can make his voice heard.”
– Speaking about the importance of prayer to youth and young adults in Assisi, Italy, Oct. 4
“Francis of Assisi tells us we should work to build peace. But there is no peace without truth! There cannot be true peace if everyone is his own criterion, if everyone can always claim exclusively his own rights, without at the same time caring for the good of others, of everyone, on the basis of the nature that unites every human being on this earth.”
– Speaking March 22 to the Vatican diplomatic corps
