Pope Francis: The cross is not worn because of superstition or for decoration

The cross “cannot be reduced to an object worn for superstition or as a decorative necklace,” Pope Francis said during a meeting with the faithful on Sunday at the Angelus Prayer in the Vatican. He greeted the Poles present there.

Addressing the faithful gathered in Saint Peter’s Square, Francis said that “the cross is a sacred sign of God’s love, a sign of Jesus’ sacrifice.”

– Let us make the cross hung on the wall in the house or the small one we wear around our necks a sign of our desire to join Christ in service with love for our brothers and sisters, especially the smallest and weakest – the Pope called.

– If we want to be Jesus’ disciples, we are called to follow him, giving our lives unconditionally for the sake of love for God and neighbor, he added.

Francis recalled that on September 1, the Catholic Church and other Christian churches celebrate the World Day of Prayers for the Protection of Creation. He noted that in connection with them, various initiatives are taking place around the world, including in Port-Louis in Mauritius, where he said recently there was an environmental disaster. About 1,000 tons of crude oil leaked from the tanker there.

Francis called for an end to tensions in the Mediterranean Sea.

– I am following with concern the tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, which have increased due to various outbreaks of instability. I am making an appeal for constructive dialogue and respect for the international rule of law in order to resolve the conflicts that threaten the peace of nations in this region, he said.

There is a dispute between Turkey and Greece over the right to exploit raw materials in the Mediterranean Sea.

The Pope noted that pilgrims from various countries, including Poland, came to Saint Peter’s Square. – I can see Polish flags, I greet the Poles – he added.

On Wednesday, September 2, for the first time in almost six months, the Pope will have a general audience with the faithful. Its place will be the inner courtyard of Saint Damasius in front of the Apostolic Palace.

From March on, Francis gave a catechesis broadcast by the Vatican media and sent greetings from the papal library.

From Rome Sylwia Wysocka

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