Gossip

September 25, 2013. (Romereports.com) During his weekly general audience, Pope Francis talked about unity within the Church. He explained that having Catholic communities in different cultures and environments is a strength that needs to be nourished and protected. He also warned against the damage that comes with petty gossip.  

POPE FRANCIS

“You can't imagine just how much parishes and communities are affected by gossip. It causes pain, gossip causes pain. A Christian who is on the verge of gossiping, should bite his tongue Am I right? A Christian must bite his tongue! This would do good, because when the tongue swells one cannot speak or gossip.” 

With thousands of people gathered in St. Peter's Square, the Pope made it a point to ask the crowd very direct questions. He specifically addressed  their commitment to strengthen the unity of the Church at home and abroad. 

POPE FRANCIS

“I will ask you all a question. Everyone answer in silence, in your hearts. How many of you pray for persecuted Christians? Do you? Respond to your heart. Do I pray for my brothers and sisters who cannot openly practice or defend their faith?" 

The Pope also added that as a unified Church, people shouldn't limit themselves to small church groups. He explained that it's that very unity that allows Christians to feel at ease and at home, in any parish around the world. 

September 25, 2013. (Romereports.com) During his catechesis for Wednesday's General Audience, Pope Francis explained that unity is the fundamental aspect that define the Church. The Pope added that the rich diversity of cultures within the Church is an example of how we canovercome differences through the shared belief in our faith. The Pope made a special appeal to pray for Christians under the threat of persecution.   

The Pope explained that to keep the Church as a great family, we must show our appreciation for this unity, and to cherish the harmony that comes from our diversity. 

SUMMARY OF THE CATECHESIS IN ENGLISH: 

Dear Brothers and Sisters: 

In the Creed, we confess that the Church is “one.” When we consider the rich diversity of languages, cultures and peoples present in the Church throughout the world, we realize that this unity is a God-given gift, grounded in our common Baptism and our sharing in the Church’s one faith and sacramental life. Like a great family, we are united to all our brothers and sisters in Christ, wherever they may be. 

We might ask ourselves how much we appreciate and express in our daily lives, and particularly in our prayer, this reality of our unity and solidarity in the communion of the Church. The world needs our witness to God’s plan for the unity, reconciliation and peace of the whole human family. Let us ask the Lord to enable us, and Christians everywhere, to work to overcome our tensions and divisions, to strive, as Saint Paul bids us, to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (cf. Eph 4:3), and to cherish the harmony which the same Spirit creates from the richness of our diversity.