Celebrating the feast day of Jesus' grandparents, Pope Francis not only urged people to honor their elders, but he asked them to think about what they will hand on to future generations.
Religious orders must never tolerate the abuse of children or vulnerable persons, and they must end the practice of moving alleged abusers to other countries, Pope Francis said.
Pope Francis said the goals he has achieved in more than nine years as pope were simply the fruit of the ideas discussed by the College of Cardinals prior to his election.
Like Sts. Peter and Paul, the church must go out to evangelize and not be bound by the chains of routine and spiritual mediocrity that stifles the Gospel message, Pope Francis said.
The Catholic Church professes marriage and family life to be a path to holiness -- a daunting concept -- but one that can start with a tiny step, Pope Francis said.
Elderly Christians are called to bear witness to the strength that comes from God, especially when moments of frailty and weakness make them dependent on others, Pope Francis said.
Christianity is not a set of rules and prohibitions designed to control people; it is a "life project capable of bringing fulfillment to every human heart," Pope Francis told 70 young leaders of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church.
When received with faith, the Eucharist not only nourishes and satisfies one's hunger for consolation and love, but gives Christians the strength to nourish others, Pope Francis said.
