Pope says it is not impossible for a rich person to enter heaven

October 15, 2012 - It is very difficult but not impossible for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God, said Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday. “God can win the heart of a person who has many goods,” the pontiff said before reciting the weekly midday Marian “Angelus’ prayer with some 30,000 people in St. Peter’s Square. Addressing them from his studio window overlooking the vast square, the Pope commented on Sunday’s Gospel episode about the observant rich man who turned sad when Jesus told him to give up his wealth and follow Him. “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God' , Jesus said, adding “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of the needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” But soon Jesus adds, “'For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God'. The Pope said, “God can gain the heart of a person with many possessions and push him towards solidarity and sharing with those in need and the poor, so that he can enter the logic of giving.” “This way, he can get on the path of Jesus Christ who, as the Apostle Paul wrote, 'for your sake became poor although he was rich, so that by his poverty you might become rich'. The Pope cited the case of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Elizabeth of Hungary and St. Charles Borromeo saying the history of the church is full of examples of rich people who have used their goods in an evangelical way, thus achieving even holiness. Later in comments in English the Holy Father urged all to have the courage to ask the Lord to be able to do more, especially for the poor, the lonely, the sick and the suffering.