Meeting a pilgrimage of Catholics and Lutherans from Germany, Pope Francis said he does not like “the contradiction of those who want to defend Christianity in the West and, on the other hand, are against refugees and other religions.” Answering questions from young people in the group on Oct. 13, the pope said, “The sickness, or you can say the sin, that Jesus condemns most is hypocrisy.” He added, “You cannot be a Christian without living like a Christian,” he said. “You cannot be a Christian without practicing the Beatitudes. You cannot be a Christian without doing what Jesus teaches us in Matthew 25,” which is to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and welcome the stranger. “It’s hypocrisy to call yourself a Christian and chase away a refugee or someone seeking help, someone who is hungry or thirsty, toss out someone who is in need of my help,” he said. “If I say I am Christian, but do these things, I’m a hypocrite.”
Check Your Hypocrisy
Pope Francis greets people during his general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)
Show Comments ()
1
Comments are automatically closed two weeks after an article's initial publication. See our comments policy for more.
Lisa Weber
8 years ago
Pope Francis speaking plainly is a blessing to the church and the world.
The latest from america
Bishop W. Shawn McKnight of Jefferson City has issued a decree prohibiting certain hymns due to theological error or their composition by persons credibly accused of abuse.
A Homily for the Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, by Father Terrence Klein
If we have grown up Catholic, or even if our conversion or reversion was a few years ago, it is very easy to start taking salvation for granted.
On election day, voters in 10 states will vote on ballot initiatives related to abortion. If the past two years are any indication, I fear the pro-life movement can expect yet another round of bruising electoral defeats.