Pope Francis Quotes

“Cardinal Ratzinger, who was already recognized as one of the greatest theologians of the 20th century, became Pope Benedict XVI at the age of 78. He emerged from the loggia of St. Peter’s on April 19, 2005, with arms outstretched in the style of his predecessor, greeting the crowds with these words: “Dear Brothers and Sisters: After the great Pope John Paul II, the Lord Cardinals have elected me, a simple and humble worker in the vineyard of the Lord.” A native of Germany, he took the name ‘Benedict’ with a view to revitalizing the faith and culture of Europe. The name is reminiscent of Pope Benedict XV, who led the Church during the turbulence of World War I, and St. Benedict of Nursia, known as a spiritual father and patron of Europe.”
― Michael J. Ruszala, Pope Francis: Pastor of Mercy

“He learned that a person’s self worth often comes from their work, which led him to become committed later in life to promote a just culture of work rather than simply encouraging charity or entitlement. He believes that people need meaningful work in order to thrive.”
― Michael J. Ruszala, Pope Francis: Pastor of Mercy

“Dear young people, please, don’t be observers of life, but get involved. Jesus did not remain an observer, but he immersed himself. Don’t be observers, but immerse yourself in the reality of life, as Jesus did.”   — Pope Francis, July 27, 2013 Youth Prayer Vigil at Rio”
― Michael J. Ruszala, Pope Francis: Pastor of Mercy

“thing the church needs most today is the ability to heal wounds and to warm the hearts of the faithful; it needs nearness, proximity. I see the church as a field hospital after battle. You have to heal... wounds. Then we can talk about everything else.”
― Michael J. Ruszala, Pope Francis: Pastor of Mercy

“Dear young people, please, don’t be observers of life, but get involved. Jesus did not remain an observer, but he immersed himself. Don’t be observers, but immerse yourself in the reality of life, as Jesus did.”   —”
― Michael J. Ruszala, Pope Francis: Pastor of Mercy

“we all have a duty to do good.”   It”
― Michael J. Ruszala, Pope Francis: Pastor of Mercy

“The Lord has redeemed all of us, all of us, with the Blood of Christ: all of us, not just Catholics. Everyone! ‘Father, the atheists?’ Even the atheists. Everyone! And this Blood makes us children of God of the first class. We are created children in the likeness of God and the Blood of Christ has redeemed us all. And we all have a duty to do good.”
― Michael J. Ruszala, Pope Francis: Pastor of Mercy

“Gossip and judgment destroy solidarity and break down the culture of cooperation.”
― Michael J. Ruszala, Pope Francis: Pastor of Mercy

“Dialogue and love mean recognizing the differences of others, accepting diversity. Only then can we call it a true community: by not attempting to subject others to my criteria and priorities, by not ‘absorbing’ others, but by recognizing them as valuable for what they are....”
― Michael J. Ruszala, Pope Francis: Pastor of Mercy

“Cardinal Bergoglio also believes that same-sex marriage is a serious step in the wrong direction. Bergoglio told Rabbi Skorka that same-sex marriage is an “‘anthropologic regression,’ a weakening of the institution that is thousands of years old and that was forged according to nature and anthropology.” Cardinal Bergoglio also insisted that same-sex marriage be disallowed since children deserve a male father and a female mother. He preached from the cathedral pulpit, “Let us not be naive: it is not a simple political struggle; it is an intention [which is] destructive of the plan of God. It is not a mere legislative project (this is a mere instrument), but rather a ‘move’ of the Father of Lies who wishes to confuse and deceive the children of God” (as quoted in Ch. 8 of Pope Francis by Matthew Bunson). To Bergoglio’s point, Christina de Kirchner responded with a full-page newspaper ad accusing the Cardinal of staying in the Dark Ages.”
― Michael J. Ruszala, Pope Francis: Pastor of Mercy

“She was also successful in enacting legislation allowing same-sex marriage. Cardinal Bergoglio, preaching as usual on matters of national importance from his pulpit in the beautiful Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral, strongly denounced both moves. He insisted that protecting the unborn child in all cases from abortion is necessary to secure an absolute value of human rights. He believed that if one is permitted to kill an unborn child in some cases, then human rights could be taken away in ‘special’ circumstances as well.”
― Michael J. Ruszala, Pope Francis: Pastor of Mercy

“In 2003, Néstor Kirchner, a highly charismatic figure, became president after a succession of two other short presidencies during the crisis. Cardinal Bergoglio denounced Kirchner’s economic policies because they exploited the poor. Further, the Kirchner government’s official economic numbers were likely manipulated in his favor, failing to do justice to the real situation facing the average Argentine. In response, Cardinal Bergoglio had the archdiocese collect its own statistics on inflation and unemployment in Argentina. Kirchner, in turn, lashed out against the Cardinal, calling him the “leader of the opposition.” The president decided to make other plans for the annual commemoration of the May Revolution, a day when the president traditionally attends the Te Deum service with the archbishop at the cathedral.”
― Michael J. Ruszala, Pope Francis: Pastor of Mercy

“Scripture tells us, “My son, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts. Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find mercy in the sight of God” (Sirach 3:17-18).”
― Michael J. Ruszala, Pope Francis: Pastor of Mercy

“As a priest and provincial, Father Bergoglio realized that the Gospel of Christ could not be reduced to any worldly ideology, especially one that is furthered by violent revolution.”
― Michael J. Ruszala, Pope Francis: Pastor of Mercy

“Pope Francis also encouraged the young people to see marriage as a true vocation, telling them, “It takes courage to start a family.” He also denounced the culture of divorce which has increased in recent decades: “You know that marriage is for a lifetime? ‘Yes, we love each other, but we’ll stay together as long as love lasts. When it’s over, we go our separate ways.’ That is selfishness.”
― Michael J. Ruszala, Pope Francis: Pastor of Mercy

“There is no room for gossip in the life of a Christian, and it arises from judging others. Gossip and judgment destroy solidarity and break down the culture of cooperation. Instead of gossiping, Pope Francis urges the people, “Go and pray for him! Go and do penance for her! And then, if it is necessary, speak to that person who may be able to seek remedy for the problem. But don’t tell everyone!”
― Michael J. Ruszala, Pope Francis: Pastor of Mercy

“The moral problem with abortion is of a pre-religious nature because the genetic code of the person is present at the moment of conception. There is already a human being. I separate the issue of abortion from any religious concept.... The right to life is the first human right. Abortion is killing someone who cannot defend himself.”
― Michael J. Ruszala, Pope Francis: Pastor of Mercy

“Dear young people, please, don’t be observers of life, but get involved. Jesus did not remain an observer, but he immersed himself. Don’t be observers, but immerse yourself in the reality of life, as Jesus did.”
― Michael J. Ruszala, Pope Francis: Pastor of Mercy