Pope Francis Recommends the Virtue of Temperance "In every situation, one behaves wisely" which "combines well with Gospel values such as smallness, discretion, modesty, meekness." FULL TEXT
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POPE FRANCIS - GENERAL AUDIENCE
Saint Peter's Square - Wednesday, 17 April 2024 -
This morning's General Audience took place at 9.00 in St. Peter's Square, where the Holy Father Francis met the groups of pilgrims and faithful from Italy and all over the world.
In the speech in Italian, the Pope, continuing the cycle of catechesis on "The vices and virtues", focused his reflection on the theme Temperance (Reading: Sir 5,2; 6,4; 14,14).
After summarizing his catechesis in the different languages, the Holy Father addressed particular greetings to the faithful present. The General Audience concluded with the recitation of the Pater Noster (Our Father in Latin) and the Apostolic Blessing.
_______________________________________
The following text includes parts that were not read out loud, but should be considered as such.
Cycle of Catechesis. Vices and Virtues. 15. Temperance
Dear brothers and sisters, good morning!
Today I will talk about the fourth and final cardinal virtue: temperance. With the other three, this virtue shares a history that goes far back in time and does not only belong to Christians. For the Greeks, the practice of the virtues had happiness as its objective.
The philosopher Aristotle wrote his most important treatise on ethics, addressing it to his son Nicomachus, to instruct him in the art of living. Why does everyone seek happiness, even though so few achieve it? This is the question. To answer this question, Aristotle confronts the theme of the virtues, among which enkráteia, that is, temperance, takes a prominent place. The Greek term literally means “power over oneself”. So, temperance is a power over oneself. This virtue is thus the capacity for self-mastery, the art of not letting oneself be overcome by rebellious passions, of establishing order in what Manzoni calls “the jumble of the human heart”.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that “temperance is the moral virtue that moderates the attraction of pleasures and provides balance in the use of created goods”. The Catechism continues, “It ensures the will’s mastery over instincts and keeps desires within the limits of what is honorable. The temperate person directs the sensitive appetites toward what is good and maintains a healthy discretion, and does not follow the base desires, but restrains the appetites” (1809).
Therefore, temperance, as the Italian word says, is the virtue of the right measure. In every situation, one behaves wisely, because people who act always moved by impulse or exuberance are ultimately unreliable. People without temperance are always unreliable. In a world where many people boast about saying what they think, the temperate person instead prefers to think about what he says. Do you understand the difference? Not saying whatever comes into my mind, like so… no: thinking about what I have to say. He does not make empty promises but makes commitments to the extent that he can fulfill them.
Also with pleasures, the temperate person acts judiciously. The free course of impulses and total license accorded to pleasures end up backfiring on us, plunging us into a state of boredom. How many people who have wanted to try everything voraciously have found themselves losing the taste for everything! It is better, then, to seek the right measure: for example, to appreciate a good wine, to taste it in small sips is better than swallowing it all in one go. We all understand this.
The temperate person knows how to weigh words and dose them well. He thinks about what he says. He does not allow a moment’s anger to ruin relationships and friendships that can then only be rebuilt with difficulty. Especially in family life, where inhibitions are lower, we all run the risk of not keeping tensions, irritations, and anger in check. There is a time to speak and a time to be silent, but both require the right measure. And this applies to many things, for instance staying with others and staying alone.
If the temperate person knows how to control his own irascibility, this does not mean we always find him with a peaceful and smiling face. Indeed, at times it is necessary to be indignant, but always in the right way. These are the words: the just measure, the right way. A word of rebuke is at times healthier than a sour, rancorous silence. The temperate person knows that nothing is more uncomfortable than correcting another person, but he also knows that it is necessary; otherwise, one offers free reign to evil. In some cases, the temperate person succeeds in holding extremes together: he affirms absolute principles, asserts non-negotiable values, but also knows how to understand people and shows empathy for them. Shows empathy.
The gift of the temperate person is therefore balance, a quality as precious as it is rare. Indeed, everything in our world pushes to excess. Instead, temperance combines well with Gospel values such as smallness, discretion, modesty, meekness. The temperate person appreciates the respect of others but does not make it the sole criterion for every action and every word. He is sensitive, he is able to weep and is not ashamed, but he does not weep over himself. In defeat, he rises up again; in victory, he is capable of returning to his former reserved life. He does not seek applause but knows that he needs others.
Brothers and sisters, it is not true that temperance makes one grey and joyless. On the contrary, it lets one enjoy the goods of life better: staying together at the table, the tenderness of certain friendships, confidence with wise people, wonder at the beauty of creation. Happiness with temperance is the joy that flourishes in the heart of those who recognize and value what counts most in life. Let us pray to the Lord that He might give us this gift: the gift of maturity, of age, of emotional maturity, of social maturity. The gift of temperance.
_____________________________
And our thoughts, at this moment, [the thoughts] of all of us, go to the peoples at war. We think of the Holy Land, of Palestine, of Israel. We think of Ukraine, tormented Ukraine. We think of the prisoners of war... May the Lord move wills so they may all be freed. And speaking of prisoners, those who are tortured come to mind. The torture of prisoners is a horrible thing, it is not human. We think of so many kinds of torture that wound the dignity of the person, and of so many tortured people... May the Lord help everyone and bless everyone.
______________________
The following text includes parts that were not read out loud, but should be considered as such.
Cycle of Catechesis. Vices and Virtues. 15. Temperance
Dear brothers and sisters, good morning!
Today I will talk about the fourth and final cardinal virtue: temperance. With the other three, this virtue shares a history that goes far back in time and does not only belong to Christians. For the Greeks, the practice of the virtues had happiness as its objective.
The philosopher Aristotle wrote his most important treatise on ethics, addressing it to his son Nicomachus, to instruct him in the art of living. Why does everyone seek happiness, even though so few achieve it? This is the question. To answer this question, Aristotle confronts the theme of the virtues, among which enkráteia, that is, temperance, takes a prominent place. The Greek term literally means “power over oneself”. So, temperance is a power over oneself. This virtue is thus the capacity for self-mastery, the art of not letting oneself be overcome by rebellious passions, of establishing order in what Manzoni calls “the jumble of the human heart”.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that “temperance is the moral virtue that moderates the attraction of pleasures and provides balance in the use of created goods”. The Catechism continues, “It ensures the will’s mastery over instincts and keeps desires within the limits of what is honorable. The temperate person directs the sensitive appetites toward what is good and maintains a healthy discretion, and does not follow the base desires, but restrains the appetites” (1809).
Therefore, temperance, as the Italian word says, is the virtue of the right measure. In every situation, one behaves wisely, because people who act always moved by impulse or exuberance are ultimately unreliable. People without temperance are always unreliable. In a world where many people boast about saying what they think, the temperate person instead prefers to think about what he says. Do you understand the difference? Not saying whatever comes into my mind, like so… no: thinking about what I have to say. He does not make empty promises but makes commitments to the extent that he can fulfill them.
Also with pleasures, the temperate person acts judiciously. The free course of impulses and total license accorded to pleasures end up backfiring on us, plunging us into a state of boredom. How many people who have wanted to try everything voraciously have found themselves losing the taste for everything! It is better, then, to seek the right measure: for example, to appreciate a good wine, to taste it in small sips is better than swallowing it all in one go. We all understand this.
The temperate person knows how to weigh words and dose them well. He thinks about what he says. He does not allow a moment’s anger to ruin relationships and friendships that can then only be rebuilt with difficulty. Especially in family life, where inhibitions are lower, we all run the risk of not keeping tensions, irritations, and anger in check. There is a time to speak and a time to be silent, but both require the right measure. And this applies to many things, for instance staying with others and staying alone.
If the temperate person knows how to control his own irascibility, this does not mean we always find him with a peaceful and smiling face. Indeed, at times it is necessary to be indignant, but always in the right way. These are the words: the just measure, the right way. A word of rebuke is at times healthier than a sour, rancorous silence. The temperate person knows that nothing is more uncomfortable than correcting another person, but he also knows that it is necessary; otherwise, one offers free reign to evil. In some cases, the temperate person succeeds in holding extremes together: he affirms absolute principles, asserts non-negotiable values, but also knows how to understand people and shows empathy for them. Shows empathy.
The gift of the temperate person is therefore balance, a quality as precious as it is rare. Indeed, everything in our world pushes to excess. Instead, temperance combines well with Gospel values such as smallness, discretion, modesty, meekness. The temperate person appreciates the respect of others but does not make it the sole criterion for every action and every word. He is sensitive, he is able to weep and is not ashamed, but he does not weep over himself. In defeat, he rises up again; in victory, he is capable of returning to his former reserved life. He does not seek applause but knows that he needs others.
Brothers and sisters, it is not true that temperance makes one grey and joyless. On the contrary, it lets one enjoy the goods of life better: staying together at the table, the tenderness of certain friendships, confidence with wise people, wonder at the beauty of creation. Happiness with temperance is the joy that flourishes in the heart of those who recognize and value what counts most in life. Let us pray to the Lord that He might give us this gift: the gift of maturity, of age, of emotional maturity, of social maturity. The gift of temperance.
_____________________________
And our thoughts, at this moment, [the thoughts] of all of us, go to the peoples at war. We think of the Holy Land, of Palestine, of Israel. We think of Ukraine, tormented Ukraine. We think of the prisoners of war... May the Lord move wills so they may all be freed. And speaking of prisoners, those who are tortured come to mind. The torture of prisoners is a horrible thing, it is not human. We think of so many kinds of torture that wound the dignity of the person, and of so many tortured people... May the Lord help everyone and bless everyone.
______________________
Special Greetings
I extend a warm welcome to the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, especially the groups from England, Ireland, Finland, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Korea and the United States of America. In the joy of the Risen Christ, I invoke upon you and your families the loving mercy of God our Father. May the Lord bless you!
I extend a warm welcome to the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, especially the groups from England, Ireland, Finland, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Korea and the United States of America. In the joy of the Risen Christ, I invoke upon you and your families the loving mercy of God our Father. May the Lord bless you!
Je salue cordialement les personnes de langue française, particulièrement les pèlerins provenant des paroisses et des établissements scolaires de France. Apprenons à cultiver la vertu de la tempérance pour savoir contrôler nos paroles et nos actes, afin d’éviter des situations de conflits inutiles, et promouvoir la paix dans notre société. Que Dieu vous bénisse !
[Rivolgo il mio cordiale saluto alle persone di lingua francese, in particolare ai pellegrini provenienti dalle parrocchie e dagli Istituti scolastici di Francia. Impariamo a coltivare la virtù della temperanza, in modo da poter controllare le nostre parole e le nostre azioni per evitare conflitti inutili e promuovere la pace nella nostra società. Dio vi benedica!]
I extend a warm welcome to the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, especially the groups from England, Ireland, Finland, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Korea and the United States of America. In the joy of the Risen Christ, I invoke upon you and your families the loving mercy of God our Father. May the Lord bless you!
Liebe Brüder und Schwestern deutscher Sprache, indem wir versuchen, die Tugenden zu leben, legen wir die Gewohnheiten des alten Menschen ab, um den neuen Menschen anzuziehen, der nach dem Bild Gottes geschaffen ist (vgl. Eph 4,22-24). Auf diese Weise dürfen wir schon jetzt von dem neuen Leben kosten, an dem der Auferstandene uns Anteil gibt.
[Cari fratelli e sorelle di lingua tedesca, cercando di vivere le virtù, abbandoniamo le abitudini dell’uomo vecchio per rivestirci dell’uomo nuovo, creato secondo Dio (cfr. Ef 4,22-24). In questo modo, possiamo già pregustare la nuova vita di cui il Risorto ci rende partecipi.]
Saludo cordialmente a los peregrinos de lengua española. Pidamos a Cristo resucitado que nos enseñe a vivir con sobriedad y en acción de gracias por tantos dones que recibimos de su generosidad. Que Jesús los bendiga y la Virgen Santa los cuide. Muchas gracias.
Dirijo uma cordial saudação aos peregrinos de língua portuguesa, especialmente a quantos vieram do Brasil, convidando todos a permanecer fiéis a Cristo Jesus. Vele sobre o vosso caminho a Virgem Maria e vos ajude a ser sinal de confiança e esperança no meio dos outros. Sobre vós e vossas famílias desça a Bênção de Deus.
[Rivolgo un cordiale saluto ai pellegrini di lingua portoghese, in particolare a quanti sono venuti dal Brasile, invitando tutti a rimanere fedeli a Cristo Gesù. Vegli sul vostro cammino la Vergine Maria e vi aiuti ad essere segno di fiducia e di speranza in mezzo agli altri. Su di voi e sulle vostre famiglie scenda la Benedizione di Dio.]
أُحَيِّي المُؤمِنينَ النَّاطِقينَ باللغَةِ العربِيَّة. السَّعادَةُ معَ القناعَةِ هي فَرَحٌ يُزهِرُ في قلبِ الَّذين يَعرِفونَ ويُقَدِّرونَ ما هو الأهَمُّ في الحياة، حتَّى يَستَمتِعُوا بها بشكلٍ أفضل. باركَكُم الرّبُّ جَميعًا وحَماكُم دائِمًا مِن كُلِّ شَرّ!
[Saluto i fedeli di lingua araba. La felicità con la temperanza è letizia che fiorisce nel cuore di chi riconosce e dà valore a ciò che più conta nella vita, affinché possa gustarla meglio. Il Signore vi benedica tutti e vi protegga sempre da ogni male!]
Serdecznie pozdrawiam pielgrzymów polskich. Bóg obdarował Wasz naród bogatą historią i kulturą, wielkimi Świętymi oraz piękną ziemią ojczystą. Dziękując za te dary, pielęgnujcie wewnętrzną wolność ducha, która potrafi z umiarkowaniem korzystać z dóbr duchowych i materialnych, z kultury i sztuki, oraz rezygnować z tego, co niszczy życie i godność osoby ludzkiej. Z serca Wam błogosławię.
[I cordially greet the Polish pilgrims. God has given your nation a rich history and culture, great Saints and a beautiful homeland. Giving thanks for these gifts, cultivate an interior freedom of spirit that knows how to use spiritual and material goods, culture and art with temperance, and renouncing everything that destroys the life and dignity of the human person. I bless you from the bottom of my heart.]
* * *
I extend a cordial welcome to the Italian-speaking pilgrims. In particular, I greet the Josephite Religious of Murialdo and the Priests of the Dioceses of Milan and Andria who are celebrating significant anniversaries of priestly ordination, encouraging them in their adherence to Christ and in their service to their brothers.
I warmly welcome the faithful of Trevinano, Agerola, Triggiano and the Confraternities of Taranto, as well as the ANSPI group of Avellino and the Association of Rural Landscapes of Historical Interest of Arezzo. I urge everyone to be generous protagonists of goodness and evangelical hospitality.
Finally, my thoughts go to the sick, the elderly, the newlyweds and the young people, especially the many students who cheer us up with their presence. My wish to each one that, starting from the Eternal City and returning to your respective living environments, you bear the testimony of a renewed commitment to active faith, thus contributing to making the light of the risen Christ shine in the world.
Source: Vatican.va with Screenshot[Rivolgo il mio cordiale saluto alle persone di lingua francese, in particolare ai pellegrini provenienti dalle parrocchie e dagli Istituti scolastici di Francia. Impariamo a coltivare la virtù della temperanza, in modo da poter controllare le nostre parole e le nostre azioni per evitare conflitti inutili e promuovere la pace nella nostra società. Dio vi benedica!]
I extend a warm welcome to the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, especially the groups from England, Ireland, Finland, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Korea and the United States of America. In the joy of the Risen Christ, I invoke upon you and your families the loving mercy of God our Father. May the Lord bless you!
Liebe Brüder und Schwestern deutscher Sprache, indem wir versuchen, die Tugenden zu leben, legen wir die Gewohnheiten des alten Menschen ab, um den neuen Menschen anzuziehen, der nach dem Bild Gottes geschaffen ist (vgl. Eph 4,22-24). Auf diese Weise dürfen wir schon jetzt von dem neuen Leben kosten, an dem der Auferstandene uns Anteil gibt.
[Cari fratelli e sorelle di lingua tedesca, cercando di vivere le virtù, abbandoniamo le abitudini dell’uomo vecchio per rivestirci dell’uomo nuovo, creato secondo Dio (cfr. Ef 4,22-24). In questo modo, possiamo già pregustare la nuova vita di cui il Risorto ci rende partecipi.]
Saludo cordialmente a los peregrinos de lengua española. Pidamos a Cristo resucitado que nos enseñe a vivir con sobriedad y en acción de gracias por tantos dones que recibimos de su generosidad. Que Jesús los bendiga y la Virgen Santa los cuide. Muchas gracias.
Dirijo uma cordial saudação aos peregrinos de língua portuguesa, especialmente a quantos vieram do Brasil, convidando todos a permanecer fiéis a Cristo Jesus. Vele sobre o vosso caminho a Virgem Maria e vos ajude a ser sinal de confiança e esperança no meio dos outros. Sobre vós e vossas famílias desça a Bênção de Deus.
[Rivolgo un cordiale saluto ai pellegrini di lingua portoghese, in particolare a quanti sono venuti dal Brasile, invitando tutti a rimanere fedeli a Cristo Gesù. Vegli sul vostro cammino la Vergine Maria e vi aiuti ad essere segno di fiducia e di speranza in mezzo agli altri. Su di voi e sulle vostre famiglie scenda la Benedizione di Dio.]
أُحَيِّي المُؤمِنينَ النَّاطِقينَ باللغَةِ العربِيَّة. السَّعادَةُ معَ القناعَةِ هي فَرَحٌ يُزهِرُ في قلبِ الَّذين يَعرِفونَ ويُقَدِّرونَ ما هو الأهَمُّ في الحياة، حتَّى يَستَمتِعُوا بها بشكلٍ أفضل. باركَكُم الرّبُّ جَميعًا وحَماكُم دائِمًا مِن كُلِّ شَرّ!
[Saluto i fedeli di lingua araba. La felicità con la temperanza è letizia che fiorisce nel cuore di chi riconosce e dà valore a ciò che più conta nella vita, affinché possa gustarla meglio. Il Signore vi benedica tutti e vi protegga sempre da ogni male!]
Serdecznie pozdrawiam pielgrzymów polskich. Bóg obdarował Wasz naród bogatą historią i kulturą, wielkimi Świętymi oraz piękną ziemią ojczystą. Dziękując za te dary, pielęgnujcie wewnętrzną wolność ducha, która potrafi z umiarkowaniem korzystać z dóbr duchowych i materialnych, z kultury i sztuki, oraz rezygnować z tego, co niszczy życie i godność osoby ludzkiej. Z serca Wam błogosławię.
[I cordially greet the Polish pilgrims. God has given your nation a rich history and culture, great Saints and a beautiful homeland. Giving thanks for these gifts, cultivate an interior freedom of spirit that knows how to use spiritual and material goods, culture and art with temperance, and renouncing everything that destroys the life and dignity of the human person. I bless you from the bottom of my heart.]
* * *
I extend a cordial welcome to the Italian-speaking pilgrims. In particular, I greet the Josephite Religious of Murialdo and the Priests of the Dioceses of Milan and Andria who are celebrating significant anniversaries of priestly ordination, encouraging them in their adherence to Christ and in their service to their brothers.
I warmly welcome the faithful of Trevinano, Agerola, Triggiano and the Confraternities of Taranto, as well as the ANSPI group of Avellino and the Association of Rural Landscapes of Historical Interest of Arezzo. I urge everyone to be generous protagonists of goodness and evangelical hospitality.
Finally, my thoughts go to the sick, the elderly, the newlyweds and the young people, especially the many students who cheer us up with their presence. My wish to each one that, starting from the Eternal City and returning to your respective living environments, you bear the testimony of a renewed commitment to active faith, thus contributing to making the light of the risen Christ shine in the world.
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