Pope Francis says he Experienced Joy in Hospital "Christian joy is trust in God in every situation of life."
MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS
TO THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE SECOND SYNODAL ASSEMBLY OF CHURCHES IN ITALY
[Paul VI Hall, March 31 – April 3, 2025]
______________________
Dear brothers and sisters!
Welcome back to Rome for the Second Synodal Assembly of the Churches in Italy. It is the last stage of the pastoral and social journey that you have undertaken over the last five years. So many initiatives, so many meetings, so many good practices: everything comes from the Spirit, who “introduces the Church into the fullness of truth (cf. Jn 16:13), unifies her in communion and ministry, provides and directs her with different hierarchical and charismatic gifts, and embellishes her with his fruits” (Lumen Gentium, 4).
I return to the title of the Propositions: “That joy may be complete”. Christian joy is never exclusive, but always inclusive, it is for everyone. It is fulfilled in the folds of everyday life (see Evangelii gaudium, 5) and in sharing: it is a joy with broad horizons, which accompanies a welcoming style. It is a gift from God – let us always remember this –; it is not an easy joy, it does not arise from comfortable solutions to problems, it does not avoid the cross, but flows from the certainty that the Lord never leaves us alone. I also experienced it in hospital, and now in this time of convalescence. Christian joy is trust in God in every situation of life.
In these days you will have the opportunity to study and vote on the Propositions, the fruit of what has emerged so far and a turning point for the future of the Churches in Italy. Let yourselves be guided by the creative harmony that is generated by the Holy Spirit. The Church is not made up of majorities or minorities, but of the holy faithful people of God who walk in history enlightened by the Word and the Spirit. Go forward with joy and wisdom! I bless you. Please, continue to pray for me. Thank you and good work!
Rome, St. John Lateran, March 28, 2025
FRANCIS
TO THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE SECOND SYNODAL ASSEMBLY OF CHURCHES IN ITALY
[Paul VI Hall, March 31 – April 3, 2025]
______________________
Dear brothers and sisters!
Welcome back to Rome for the Second Synodal Assembly of the Churches in Italy. It is the last stage of the pastoral and social journey that you have undertaken over the last five years. So many initiatives, so many meetings, so many good practices: everything comes from the Spirit, who “introduces the Church into the fullness of truth (cf. Jn 16:13), unifies her in communion and ministry, provides and directs her with different hierarchical and charismatic gifts, and embellishes her with his fruits” (Lumen Gentium, 4).
I return to the title of the Propositions: “That joy may be complete”. Christian joy is never exclusive, but always inclusive, it is for everyone. It is fulfilled in the folds of everyday life (see Evangelii gaudium, 5) and in sharing: it is a joy with broad horizons, which accompanies a welcoming style. It is a gift from God – let us always remember this –; it is not an easy joy, it does not arise from comfortable solutions to problems, it does not avoid the cross, but flows from the certainty that the Lord never leaves us alone. I also experienced it in hospital, and now in this time of convalescence. Christian joy is trust in God in every situation of life.
In these days you will have the opportunity to study and vote on the Propositions, the fruit of what has emerged so far and a turning point for the future of the Churches in Italy. Let yourselves be guided by the creative harmony that is generated by the Holy Spirit. The Church is not made up of majorities or minorities, but of the holy faithful people of God who walk in history enlightened by the Word and the Spirit. Go forward with joy and wisdom! I bless you. Please, continue to pray for me. Thank you and good work!
Rome, St. John Lateran, March 28, 2025
FRANCIS
Comments