Pope Francis delivered his Angelus address to an estimated 10,000 people gathered outside the Papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo. The Pope reflected on the Sunday Gospel which recounted the parable of the Good Samaritan.
Recounting the parable, the Holy Father reflected on Jesus’ choice of a Samaritan as a protagonist, saying that Samaritans at the time were despised because of different religious traditions. And yet, the Pope said, “Jesus shows that the heart of that Samaritan is good and generous and that – unlike the priest and the Levite – he puts into practice the will of God, who desires mercy more than sacrifices.
“God always wants mercy for everyone and not condemnation. He wants the mercy of the heart because he is merciful and well understands our suffering, our difficulties and even our sins. He gives to all of us this merciful heart! The Samaritan does just this: he simply imitates the mercy of God, mercy toward those in need.”
The Pope compared the example of the Good Samaritan to St. Camillus de Lellis, who founded the Ministers of the Sick and is also patron of the sick and healthcare workers. Sunday was the 400th anniversary of his death.
“I greet with affection all the sons and spiritual daughters of St. Camillus, who live his charism of charity and daily contact with the sick,” the Holy Father said. “You are like good Samaritans! I pray that doctors, the infirm and those who work in hospitals and care centers will be animated by the same spirit. Let us entrust this intention to Mary Most Holy.”
Prior to the recitation of the Angelus, the Holy Father entrusted World Youth Day and those attending to Our Lady of Aparecida, the patroness of Brazil. Pope Francis will leave for Brazil next week. “Let us pray then for this great pilgrimage that is beginning, that Our Lady of Aparecida, patroness of Brazil, guide the steps of the participants and open their hearts to welcome the message Christ will give them.”
