Dear Friends,
As the College of Cardinals prepares to sequester themselves on Wednesday, May 7th, I would like to reflect on a powerful quote by Pope Francis concerning our responsibilities to our brothers and sisters in today’s world:
"We must restore hope to young people, help the old, be open to the future, spread love. Be poor among the poor. We need to include the excluded and preach peace." — Pope Francis
These words are both timely and timeless. They remind us that in a world often marked by division, despair, and isolation, we are called to be agents of healing, hope, and inclusion.
1 Corinthians 13:13 beautifully connects this call with the enduring virtues of the Christian life:
“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”
In the spirit of Pope Francis’s call, here are six ways we can live out this message.
We can begin by building stronger communication within our families and faith communities. Many young people today feel disillusioned, anxious, or lost. Listening with compassion and offering mentorship can help guide them through these turbulent times.
Encourage them to develop faith—in a higher power, in themselves, and in their future. Just as importantly, urge them to include the excluded, cultivating a generation that chooses empathy over indifference.
Let us also renew our sensitivity toward the elderly. So many feel invisible, forgotten, or undervalued. Small acts of love—visiting, calling, involving them in conversations—can restore dignity and joy.
In my own family, I have seen how simple, consistent attention and affection can heal wounds and bring new life. This compassion-centered vision of intergenerational support is a foundation for a more sustainable and loving future.
The phrase “open our hearts to spread love” reminds me of Step 3 in Alcoholics Anonymous:
“Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.”
When we open our hearts to divine guidance, great things begin to happen—for ourselves and for those around us. Openness to the future requires humility, trust, and willingness to change. That kind of openness is itself an act of love.
These words echo the message of Christ:
"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." — Matthew 5:9 (KJV)
To spread love and preach peace doesn't always require grand gestures. Often, it begins with a smile, a kind word, or a moment of true presence. Loving our neighbor as ourselves is the Second Great Commandment—and it is still the greatest challenge and invitation of our time.
It is a blessing to serve, not only by giving food and clothing, but by being present—truly present—with the poor. When I coordinate meals in parks or homeless camps, I’m reminded of the value of solidarity. Not long ago, I was struggling myself—nearly losing my work due to addiction and alcohol.
Being among the poor reminds me that healing is possible and that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and loved.
Perhaps the most urgent challenge of our day is to include those who have been cast out—because of race, disability, addiction, poverty, or stigma. Our churches, recovery meetings, and spiritual communities must be places of radical welcome.
To include the excluded is not just good policy—it is the very heart of the Gospel.
Let us return once more to Pope Francis’s words:
"We must restore hope to young people, help the old, be open to the future, spread love. Be poor among the poor. We need to include the excluded and preach peace."
These are not abstract ideals—they are practical imperatives. We must help the poor, restore the old, preach to the young, include the excluded, and spread hope wherever it is needed.
Let us rise to this challenge—with faith, hope, and charity in our hearts.
Good morning.
What part of Pope Francis’s message speaks to you today? Share your thoughts in the comments below or forward this message to someone who might need encouragement.
Tags: faith, hope, charity, Pope Francis, Christian living, recovery, inclusion, Beatitudes, AA, service, Gospel
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