Pope Francis stressed that the Christian joy “does not come from comfortable solutions to problems” or “avoid the cross”, something that, he said, has experienced so much during the 38 days that he was admitted to the Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital in Rome as now in the convalescence that is happening in Santa Marta, his residence in the Vatican.
“It is a gift from God,” let’s always remember, “it is not an easy joy, it does not come from comfortable solutions to problems, it does not avoid the cross, but springs from the certainty that the Lord never abandons us alone. I experienced this in my hospitalization, and now in this time of convalescence,” said the pontiff in his message to the participants of the second synodal assembly of the churches in Italia in Italia Vatican from March 31 to April 3.
Receive the main news of ACI Press by WhatsApp and Telegram
It is increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social networks. Subscribe to our free channels today:
In a message signed on March 28 but published today, the Holy Father said that Christian joy “is never exclusive, but always inclusive”, since it is “for all.”
“It takes place in the folds of everyday life and in sharing: it is a joy with broad horizons, which accompanies a cozy style,” he emphasized in the message.
Thus, he explained that Christian joy is not “a simple passing joy or an easy solution to problems”, but “arises from the certainty that the Lord does not leave us alone.”
Speaking specifically about meetings about the Synod on Sinodality, whose conclusions the Pontiff has urged to apply in all dioceses in a triennial plan until 2028, Pope Francis urged the participants to be guided by the Holy Spirit in their deliberations and to move forward with “joy and wisdom”.
“During these days they will have the opportunity to deepen and vote the propositions, the result of what has emerged so far and axis for the future of the churches in Italy,” he asked.
He added: “Let yourself be guided by the creative harmony generated by the Holy Spirit. The Church is not formed by majorities or minorities, but by the Holy People Faithful of God who walks in history illuminated by the Word and the Spirit.”
Victoria Cardiel
Victoria Cardiel is a journalist specialized in social and religious information issues. Since 2013, he has covered all the news of the Vatican for various media, such as the Spanish news agency Europa Press, or the weekly of the Archdiocese of Madrid, Alfa and Omega.