Pope warns of 'terrorism of gossip', venerates relic of St Januarius

Naples Cathedral

Pope Francis venerated the relic of St Januarius during his visit to Naples Cathedral on Saturday. According to tradition, the vial of blood sometimes liquifies around 19 March. On this occasion, after the Pope kissed the reliquary, Cardinal Sepe announced the blood of St Januarius "is already halfway liquefied". Pope Francis responded, saying if the blood only half liquefied "it means the Saint thinks we're only half converted .. We must keep going."

Earlier, the Pope had a convivial meeting with a group of priests, religious and seminarians. He began saying "I prepared a speech, but speeches are boring" before launching into a 40 minute off-the-cuff reflection on priestly and religious life. Pope Francis reminded the priests, religious, seminarians and deacons present to put Jesus at the centre of their life and not personal problems with their bishop, other priests or members of their community.

He said "If the centre of your life is someone you have a problem with, you'll have no joy" and when there's no joy in life of priest or nun, 'people can smell it'. To seminarians, he said "If Jesus isn't centre of your life, postpone ordination", while he urged religious men and women to nurture a deep relationship with Mary saying "if you don't know the Mother, you won't know the Son".

Pope Francis also spoke of the danger of attachment to worldly goods. He said when priests or nuns are attached to money, they unconsciously prefer people with money. Those who are ordained and consecrated must always have a preferential option for the poor.

He also tested those present asking how many could remember the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Too many of us can't, he said. He spoke of a convent that remodeled and put TVs in every room, which hindered community life. "Community life isn't easy" Pope Francis admitted. Often because "the devil sows jealously" which is revealed in the 'terrorism of gossip', that can destroy others. This, he stated "is the greatest sign of the devil's work".

But all of these dangers can be avoided by three simple things, Pope Francis concluded: Adoration, love of the Church and apostolic zeal. Warning that the Church isn't an NGO, Pope Francis said "I leave you with three things: adore Jesus, love the Church, be a missionary".

Following his encounter with the clergy and religious of Naples, Pope Francis held private meeting with the sick and disabled in the Jesuit Church in Naples.

Source: VIS