Vatican City, Jun 6, 2017 / 13:24 pm
Pope Francis said Tuesday that truthfulness is the weapon against the temptation of hypocrisy, which destroys the community with lies and flattery.
"The hypocrite is capable of destroying a community. While speaking gently, he ruinously judges a person. He is a killer," said the Pope during his homily at Mass June 6 at the chapel of the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta.
Pope Francis reflected on the Gospel passage in which the Pharisees and Herodians, who tried to ensnare Christ with his words, began by flattery.
"The hypocrite always uses language to flatter," said the Pope, explaining that they will exaggerate the truth, "feeding into one's vanity."