Pope Francis: Radio Maria gives Christian hope

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis met on Thursday with members of the “Worldwide Family of Radio Maria” who are meeting in Rome for their Sixth World Congress. The Congress has for its theme “On the Roads of the World with Mary.”

In his address, the Holy Father noted Radio Maria’s objective of “assisting the Church in the work of evangelization,” a task they perform in their own unique way, “being close to the concerns and dramas of the people with words of comfort and hope, the fruit of faith and of a commitment to solidarity.”

Pope Francis said the spread of Radio Maria – which is now present in approximately seventy countries on all five continents – “constitutes ‘good news’ for everyone” because “when one has the courage to propose high-profile content starting from a clear Christian perspective” it can expect to be well-received, even by those who may be coming into contact with the Gospel for the first time.

He called on Radio Maria “to persevere in [their] commitment – which has become a true mission – with fidelity to the Gospel and to the Magisterium of the Church,” and by continuing “to listen to society and to people, especially the poorest and the most marginalized.” The Pope also encouraged them “to always cultivate the ‘interior garden’ of prayer, of listening to the Word of God, and of availing [themselves] of good reasoning in order to deep [their] faith” – that is, he said, by doing those very things they propose to their listeners.”

Pope Francis concluded his address by reminding the members of the Worldwide Family of Radio Maria of “the great and unique” gift they offer to those they serve: the gift of Christian hope, “which is much more than a simple spiritual consolation, because it is grounded in the power of the Resurrection” and “witnessed to by faith and works of charity.”