New Pope 2013: ‘We are Responsible for the Protection of Each Other’ – Pope Francis
"Protect creation. Protect and respect the environment. Protect the people. Protect the children, the elderly, those in need, who are often the last we think about. Build sincere friendships in which we protect one another in trust, respect, and goodness. We are all responsible for protecting one another. We should all be protectors of God's gifts!"
Thus was the gist of the homily of Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic church, the first Latin American pope and first Jesuit Pope, who was officially and formally installed to his post as supreme pontiff on Tuesday before a billion very huge crowd at St Peter's Square in Vatican City.
Devoid of highfalutin or high-sounding words, the 76-year-old Pope Francis showed no signs of physical weariess even while or exhaustion even as he delivered his homily while standing. Up to the wordings and content of his homily, to the observers of the Catholic faith, Pope Francis echoed simplicity. He was down-to-earth and clear cut with his message, a message meant to cater to every layman's knowledge.
Prior to the start of his inaugural mass, Pope Francis paid his respects at the tomb of St Peter, along with 10 other companions, inside the Basilica. After which, along with the other bishops and mass servants, they formed a procession to go to the square to proceed with his inauguration.
It was prior to the homily that he received his pallum and Fisherman's Ring which symbolise his new papal powers.
Pope Francis urged the billion crowd present to witness his inaugural mass to avoid the "destruction" of nature, and to defend human relations.
"Whenever human beings fail to live up to this responsibility, whenever we fail to care for creation and for our brothers and sisters, the way is opened to destruction and hearts are hardened. Tragically, in every period of history there are 'Herods' who plot death, wreak havoc, and mar the countenance of men and women," he told the people in Italian.
Pope Francis, who was elected on March 13 by 114 other fellow cardinal electors from around the world, is heir not only to the throne of St Peter the Apostle, the first pope of the Catholic church, but also heir to the crisis reeking the religious institution, including sexual abuse committed by priests and corruptions allegations hounding the walls of the Roman Curia, which was left to him by Bendict XVI, who abdicated from the post on February 28 due to failing health reasons.
"Let us not allow omens of destruction and death to accompany the advance of this world! But to be 'protectors,' we also have to keep watch over ourselves! Let us not forget that hatred, envy and pride defile our lives! Being protectors, then, also means keeping watch over our emotions, over our hearts, because they are the seat of good and evil intentions: intentions that build up and tear down! We must not be afraid of goodness or even tenderness!" he said in his homily which was interrupted several times by applause from the crowd.
As with his previous messages to the people ever since becoming supreme leader of the Catholic church, Pope Francis implored everyone present to pray for him and his ministry.
For the full text of his homily, click here: http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2013/03/19/pope:_homily_for_inaugural_mass_of_petrine_ministry_[full_text]/en1-674758
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