"Humility never comes without humiliation. And we see Jesus humiliated on the cross,” said Francis.

Pope Francis said silence and prayer is the way to overcome our darkest moments, rather than resorting to pills or alcohol to escape from our woes. His comments came during his homily at the morning Mass celebrated on Tuesday at the Santa Marta residence. Taking his cue from the day’s fir

The pope talked about the many ways in which we hide the light of faith, through jealousy and arguments, by plotting evil against our neighbors or simply by putting off until tomorrow the good that we should do today.

The Holy Father reflected on the “logic” of Christian faith—the fundamental way of thinking that arises from real assent to the truth claims that Christianity advances—a logic he described as one of “the day after tomorrow,” that looks forward to the resurrection of the body.

Pope Francis recalled that when he was visiting prisoners in the jails in Buenos Aires, he always saw lines of women waiting to enter. “They were moms. But they were not ashamed; their flesh was there inside.

The word of God presents a clear central contrast between closing and opening.

“You have heard that it was said, you shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

Pope Francis warned on Thursday against an excessive rigidity in the church.

Christians, he said, must be salt and light, but never self-serving.

He described them as the roadmap for Christian life.