At general audience, Pope Francis pleads for Ukraine's children

CNA Newsroom, Nov 27, 2024 / 09:45 am

Pope Francis called on Italian children to pray for their Ukrainian peers facing a harsh winter amid ongoing war at his general audience on Wednesday.

“Think of the Ukrainian children and young people who suffer at this time without heating in a very harsh winter,” the pope said on Nov. 27, addressing youngsters gathered around him in St. Peter’s Square at the start of the weekly event.

The pontiff broadened his appeal for peace: “Let us not forget the tormented Ukrainian people, who suffer so much,” he urged. “And let’s also pray for peace in the Holy Land, Palestine, Israel, where people are also suffering so much.”

The joy of the Holy Spirit

In his continuing catechesis on the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church, Pope Francis reflected on the fruits of the Spirit listed by St. Paul in his Letter to the Galatians: “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal 5:22-23).

Francis explained the distinction between the fruits of the Spirit, which require cooperation between grace and human freedom, and charisms, which are bestowed directly by the Spirit for the good of the Church.

“The fruits always express the creativity of the person, in which’ faith works through love,’ sometimes in a surprising and joyful way,” he said.

While not everyone receives the call to be apostles or prophets, the pontiff reminded the faithful that all Christians are called to be “charitable, patient, humble workers for peace.”

Pope Francis gave particular attention to joy among these fruits, describing it as “a feeling of fullness and fulfillment.”

He emphasized its unique renewal through a personal encounter with God’s love: “The joy of the Gospel, unlike any other joy, can be renewed every day and become contagious.”

Drawing on the example of St. Philip Neri, known as the “saint of joy,” Pope Francis spoke of the 16th-century priest’s profound love for God, which at times seemed so overwhelming it “might burst in his chest.” St. Philip’s joy, the pope noted, was “a fruit of the Spirit in the fullest sense.”

Francis recalled the saint’s words to the children of his oratory: “My children, be cheerful; I do not want qualms or melancholy; it is enough for me that you do not sin.”

“The word ‘Gospel’ means glad tidings,” the pope explained, adding that it “cannot be communicated with a long face and somber countenance, but with the joy of those who have found the hidden treasure and the precious pearl.”

He concluded by quoting St. Paul’s exhortation to the Philippians: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near” (Phil 4:4-5).