Pope FrancisVerified account

Grandparents are the uniting link between generations to transmit to the young the experience of life and faith. Therefore, I have decided to institute the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly which will be held annually on the fourth Sunday of July.

The pandemic has confirmed how necessary it is to protect the right to health for the weakest: I hope that the leaders of the nations may unite forces to cure those who are ill with Hansen's disease and for their inclusion in society.

When we read the Gospel by ourselves with an open heart, a little of its light and beneficial power always reaches us, enlightening, healing, consoling. #GospelOfTheDay Mk 1:21-28

The Lord looks for us where we are, he loves us as we are, and he patiently walks by our side. With his word, he wants to change us, to invite us to live fuller lives and to put out into the deep together with him.

The culture of life is the heritage that Christians want to share with everyone. Every human life, unique and unrepeatable, is priceless. This must be courageously proclaimed ever anew through word and action.

The history of evangelization began with the Lord’s own passionate desire to call and enter into friendly dialogue with everyone, just as they are (Jn 15:12-17). http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/missions/documents/papa-francesco_20210106_giornata-missionaria2021.html …

The words of the Sacred Scripture were not written to remain imprisoned on papyrus, parchment or paper, but to be received by a person who prays, making them blossom in his or her heart. #Prayer #WordOfGod

Today we celebrate #RemembranceDay. To remember is an expression of humanity; it means being attentive because these things can happen again, starting with ideological proposals that are intended to save a people and end up destroying humanity.

The word of God is the antidote to our fear of having to face life. In speaking to us, the Lord reminds us that we are in his heart, that we are precious in his eyes, and that he holds us in the palm of his hand.

We are branches of the same vine, we are communicating vessels: the good and the bad each one does is poured out on the others. To the extent that we remain in God we draw closer to others, and to the extent that we draw closer to others we remain in God. #ChristianUnity

I wish to thank all those who, during this Week, have prayed and will continue to pray for #ChristianUnity.

Let us not ignore God’s word! It is a love letter, written to us by the One who knows us best. In reading it, we again hear his voice, see his face and receive his Spirit. #SundayOfTheWord

May the Word of God sown in the soil of our hearts, lead us in turn to sow hope through closeness to others. Just as God has done with us. #SundayOfTheWord

Prior to every word of ours about God, there is his word to us, his Word who continues to tell us: “Do not be afraid, I am with you. I am at your side and I will always be there”. #SundayOfTheWord http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2021/documents/papa-francesco_20210124_omelia-domenicadellaparoladidio.html …

Jesus speaks of God to everyone, wherever they find themselves: he speaks “walking along the shore”,to fishermen who were “casting their nets” (Mk 1:16).He speaks to people in the most ordinary times and places. Here we see the universal power of the Word of God. #SundayOfTheWord

The #WordOfGod consoles and encourages us. At the same time it summons us to conversion, challenges us, frees us from the bondage of our selfishness. For His word has the power to change our lives and to lead us out of darkness into the light.

The #WordofGod took on a face. The invisible God let Himself be seen, heard and touched (see 1 Jn 1:1-3). The word is effective only if it is “seen”, if it engages us in experience, in dialogue. Thus, the invitation to “come and see” was, and continues to be, essential.

I would like to devote this Message for World Communications Day this year to the invitation to “come and see” (Jn 1:46). In order to tell the truth we need to go and see, listen to people and confront reality. #WCD http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/communications/documents/papa-francesco_20210123_messaggio-comunicazioni-sociali.html …

During this time of serious hardship, this #Prayer is even more necessary so that unity might prevail over conflicts. Our good example is fundamental: it is essential that Christians pursue the path toward full visible unity. #ChristianUnity