Pope Francis: Crisis can lead to renewal

Source: Vatican News

In his annual meeting with the Roman Curia on Monday, Pope Francis reflected on how a crisis, such as the current pandemic, can be beneficial, if we make it an opportunity for conversion and renewed authenticity, by allowing ourselves to be led by the Spirit with courage and humility. On the other hand, if the crisis is seen as a conflict, it will create discord, competition and enemies.

Pope Francis noted that in "contemplating the mystery of the Incarnation, before the child lying in a manger, but also the Paschal Mystery, in the presence of the Crucified One, we find our proper place only if we are defenceless, humble and unassuming."

In the Urbi et Orbi Blessing and prayer service on March 27 in the deserted St Peter's Square, Pope Francis noted that the coronavirus "has exposed our vulnerability and uncovered those false and superfluous certainties" and "uncovered once more "our belonging to one another as brothers and sisters."

This is also stressed in Fratelli tutti, his Encyclical devoted to the theme of fraternity and social friendship. One great lesson that we learn from Jesus' birth, he said, is that Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the Magi and all came together, in one way or another, in solidarity, fraternity and friendship. Dreams, the Pope said, are not built in isolation but together, in a community, bringing the richness of our beliefs and convictions.

Read the Pope's full address to the Curia here: www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2020/december/documents/papa-francesco_20201221_curia-romana.html