Pope Francis: Be beacons of hope to all around you

Source: Vatican Radio

“Wherever the Lord has planted you, stand firm in hope. Never lose heart.” Those were Pope Francis’ words today, at his General Audience with pilgrims in St Peter's Square, as he continued his reflections on Christian hope. This week the Holy Father focused his attention on teaching the virtue of hope, offering his guidance and encouragement especially to young people.

“Never to yield to the negativity that tears things and people down, but keep building, try to make this world conform ever more fully to God’s plan,” he said.

“Never despair. Build on who you are; if you're on the ground, get up. If you're sitting, get up and go. If boredom paralyzes you, fill your life with good works.”

The Pope continued: “God does not disappoint: if he has placed hope in our hearts, he does not want to frustrate it with continued frustration. Everything is born to bloom in an eternal spring.”

Pope Francis went on to invite Christians to use their “God-given gifts of mind and heart to help our human family to grow in freedom, justice and dignity.”

“Peace, is in the midst of men, do not listen to the voice of those who spread hate and divisions.... Jesus gave us a shining light in the darkness: defend it, protect it."

Pope Francis encouraged the crowds to dream, and concluding his catechesis, he said: “live, love and believe! And with God’s grace, be beacons of hope to all around you.”

At the end of the audience, Pope Francis prayed in particular for Mexico, which suffered a devastating earthquake yesterday.