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
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 5 months ago
Pope Francis speaking plainly is a blessing to the church and the world.
The latest from america
A Reflection for Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent, by Ashley McKinless
A Homily for the Fifth Sunday of Lent, Father Terrance Klein
During his long and fruitful pontificate, St. John Paul II embraced the entire world, which stands yet again in need of his blessing, Cardinal Pietro Parolin said.
Father Marko Rupnik, a well-known priest and artist, has been accused of sexually, spiritually and psychologically abusing more than 20 women.