Pope Francis to children: to avoid doing bad things, you must go against the current

In a happy and confident atmosphere, Pope Francis answered the questions of several children in a brief meeting held in the square adjacent to the Basilica of San Zeno, in Verona (Italy) where the Pontiff is developing his second apostolic journey of 2024 within from Italy.

Before a colorful and joyfully noisy crowd of boys and girls, Pope Francis answered three questions posed by three representatives of these little faithful.

To the question of how to maintain faith in times of difficulty, Pope Francis has pointed out that “in order not to do bad things, you must go against the current, do what perhaps not many do. How can you go against the current? Do not be afraid to go against the currents if you want to do a good thing. Do we have to be afraid “no”.

Pope Francis: “When Jesus speaks, he makes us feel good”

Pope Francis, in a catechetical tone, in constant dialogue with his young audience, has also explained the way in which the call of Jesus can be heard, another of the concerns raised.

Thus, he made a parallel between the well-being that children feel when they are with their parents or do good deeds, and that which is perceived when God challenges each person’s heart:

“When you are with mom or dad, do you feel good?” said the Pontiff, addressing the children, who responded with a resounding “yes”, which delighted Pope Francis, who added the reason: “You feel that there is love. When you do a good deed, for example: if you have two candies, you give one to the other or you give alms, do you feel good?” new affirmative response from the little ones.

Then, Pope Francis changed the meaning of the question: “And when, for example, you tell a lie, do you feel good?”, to which they responded with equal firmness a resounding “no.” Thus, the Pope continued with his explanation: “When Jesus speaks, he makes us feel good, he makes us feel joy in our hearts. Thus we are able to feel the call of Jesus, because he makes us feel good.”

“If the devil comes to tell you anything, how do you feel?” he asked again, to which the young people responded “badly.” Then, the Pontiff reiterated: “When Jesus comes we feel good.”

The children also asked about how they can be agents of peace in their environment.

Pope Francis framed his response by naming some of the conflicts that plague humanity today: “You know that the world is at war, there are many wars: Ukraine, the Holy Land, Africa, Myanmar” to ask again: “And Jesus, do you preach war or peace? Again, the boys answered with their voices the correct thing: “Peace.” Thus, the Pontiff once again questioned those present: “If you argue with your schoolmate, will it be a sign of peace?” to which they responded with another enthusiastic “no.”

“Let’s say it together: We must be a sign of peace,” invited the Pontiff.

At the conclusion of the brief meeting, Pope Francis came out into the crowd waving and “high-fiving” in a festive manner with many of the children and young people, who did not stop singing and dancing.