Bp. O’Connell and the Pope

by | Sep 24, 2015 | Eastern Province

OCONNELL Francis

Bp. O’Connell and the Pope

http://www.cruxnow.com/papal-visit/2015/09/23/pope-to-us-bishops-its-about-love-as-much-as-doctrine/

In a speech to 300 US bishops in an historic Washington cathedral, Pope Francis encouraged the prelates to soften their approach to the faithful while continuing their mission of spreading the loving message of Jesus Christ.

“Harsh and divisive language does not befit the tongue of a pastor; it has no place in his heart,” he said. “Although it may momentarily seem to win the day, only the enduring allure of goodness and love remains truly convincing.”

In a lengthy speech delivered in Italian at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, Francis said he did “not come to judge you or to lecture,” but “in the freedom of love, to speak to you as a brother among brothers.”

SPEECH TEXT:
Pope Francis addresses US bishops