The Evangelical Pope | Love?

Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris / Getty Images

Each week we let Saint Pope John Paul II share meaningful signposts to spark socio-economic resolves through justice and righteousness combined with mercy and compassion; in short, love.

               “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to answer everyone who asks you and give the reason for your hope. But do this with gentleness and respect …

               __ 1 Peter 3:15 (New International Version)

Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris – 30 May 2000 | Love?

‘Love’ is a heartfelt and common question that we all ponder!

This inquiry acts as a catalyst for unlocking the intrinsic nature of the human heart, bestowing significance upon existence. It is through this inquiry that the true scope of humanity is determined. Within this question, the individual must fully articulate his essence and, in doing so, transcend his own limitations.

Human life possesses intrinsic value and significance when it serves as a response to the inquiry: “Do you love?” It is only under such circumstances that life can be deemed worthy of living. ¹

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Paris – 21 August 1997 | Those who love are not calculating. They do not seek their own gain.

They work quietly and freely for others, recognizing everyone's infinite value. In Christ, no one is inferior or superior. All are members of one body, seeking each other’s happiness and wishing to create an inclusive world.

Through gestures of concern and active participation, we show our neighbor our desire to help him realize his potential for personal and communal good.

Brotherhood rejects the desire for power and resists its temptation. ²

Extracted from:

1. VOYAGE APOSTOLIQUE À PARIS ET LISIEUX (30 MAI-2 JUIN 1980)

MESSE DANS LA CATHÉDRALE NOTRE-DAME DE PARIS, HOMÉLIE DU SAINT-PÈRE JEAN-PAUL II, Paris Vendredi 30 mai 1980

https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/fr/homilies/1980/documents/hf_jp-ii_hom_19800530_parigi-francia.html

…

2. APOSTOLIC JOURNEY OF HIS HOLINESS JOHN PAUL II
O PARIS, ON THE OCCASION OF THE 12th WORLD YOUTH DAY (AUGUST 21-24, 1997)

MEETING WITH YOUTH, MEDITATION OF JOHN PAUL II, Champ de Mars, Thursday, 21 August 1997

https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/speeches/1997/august/documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_19970821_meditation.html