Pope Francis: General Audience summary

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis held a General Audience on Wednesday in St. Peter’s Square. In remarks to pilgrims and tourists gathered for the occasion, the Holy Father continued his series of catecheses on Divine Mercy, focusing specifically on the proper disposition expected by Christian faith toward the goods of the world. Below, please find the English-language summary of Pope Francis’ catechesis, which was delivered in Italian

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Dear Brothers and Sisters:  Continuing our weekly catecheses inspired by this Holy Year of Divine Mercy, we now consider the Bible’s teaching on the right use of wealth and power.  The Scriptures show that these serve the common good if used in accordance with the demands of justice, charity and mercy.  Used selfishly and arrogantly, they become a source of corruption and death, as we see in the story of Naboth, unjustly put to death so that King Ahab might take possession of his property.  Jesus tells us that we show our greatness not by domineering but by humbly serving one another.  Just as the Lord sent the prophet Elijah to call Ahab to repentance, he sent his Son to show the power of his mercy which triumphs over sin and injustice.  Jesus is the true King, whose saving power is shown in the cross.  During this Holy Year let us ask him to draw near to sinners, to show us his mercy, and to redeem the many situations of injustice in our world by the power of his grace and forgiveness.

Following the summary, the Holy Father greeted English-speaking pilgrims and visitors

I greet the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, especially those from England, Scotland, Ireland, Sweden, Gabon, Mozambique and the United States of America.  With prayerful good wishes that the present Jubilee of Mercy will be a moment of grace and spiritual renewal for you and your families, I invoke upon all of you joy and peace in our Lord Jesus Christ.  God bless you all!