Pope Francis has given another interview, this time to the Belgian weekly “Tertio.”
The interview was done on the occasion of the conclusion of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, and published this morning.
In the interview, the Holy Father discusses issues ranging from mercy and the Jubilee year, to interreligious dialogue and war.
Responding to other inquiries, the Jesuit Pontiff also offers advice for young people, press, and priests.
Asked some wisdom for priests, he admitted his three-tier response is a bit Salesian, but comes from the heart:
- “One, Remember that you have a Mother who loves you, and do not stop loving your Mother, the Virgin.”
- “Second: let yourself be looked at by Jesus.”
- “Third, look for the suffering flesh of Jesus in our brothers: there you’ll encounter Jesus.”
To the young people, he encouraged them to seek meaning in life, to open their horizons and, acknowledging difficulties nowadays for them to find work, to not “retire at 20 years old.”
Turning to press, Francis reminded them of journalists’ great responsibility and despite temptations, to not be swayed to report falsities or half truths, because it can have dangerous consequences.
When asked if he would visit Belgium, Francis stressed that he does not plan to visit, but that he knows the country well. Everyone laughed when he mentioned that the nation’s most beautiful city, however, is not theirs of Brussels, but rather Bruges.
As soon as possible, ZENIT will bring you an English translation of the interview’s text.
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On the NET:
‘Tertio:’ http://www.tertio.be/magazines/878/artikels/%E2%80%9CRevolutie%20van%20tederheid%20bezweert%20cardiosclerose%E2%80%9D
