And in the desert people of faith are needed who, by the example of their own lives, point out the way to the Promised Land and keep hope alive.

Pope Francis

The Joy of the Gospel

Topic: Belief & Faith

In the desert we rediscover the value of what is essential for living; thus in today’s world there are innumerable signs, often expressed implicitly or negatively, of the thirst for God, for the ultimate meaning of life. And in the desert people of faith are needed who, by the example of their own lives, point out the way to the Promised Land and keep hope alive.’ In these situations we are called to be living sources of water from which others can drink. At times, this becomes a heavy cross, but it was from the cross, from his pierced side, that our Lord gave himself to us as a source of living water. Let us not allow ourselves to be robbed of hope!

Pope Francis

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on 17 December 1936, is the head of the Catholic Church, the bishop of Rome, and the sovereign of the Vatican City State. He has the distinction of being the first pope to be a member of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), and he is the first from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere. Additionally, he is the first pope born or raised outside Europe since the 8th-century papacy of Syrian pope Gregory III.

Before becoming Pope, Francis led a significant career within the Church, known for his humility, emphasis on God's mercy, concern for the poor, and commitment to interfaith dialogue. His papacy has been marked by a shift towards more open and compassionate stances on social issues such as immigration, the environment, and the importance of inclusivity within the Church.

Pope Francis continues to be a transformative figure in the Catholic Church, encouraging dialogue, compassion, and a renewed focus on social justice. His groundbreaking leadership as the first Jesuit pope and his connections to various firsts in the history of the Papacy reflect a commitment to bridging gaps and fostering understanding across different cultures and traditions. His teachings and actions resonate with millions around the world, making him one of the most influential religious leaders of our time.

Christianity
Evangelii Gaudium

Pope Francis. The Complete Encyclicals, Bulls, and Apostolic Exhortations. Vol. 1, Ave Maria Press, 2016. Evangelii Gaudium -the Joy of the Gospel (number 86).

Pope Francis

Theme: Belief and Faith