Vatican City, May 2, 2016 / 08:55 am
It is the Holy Spirit who gives Christians the ability to be witnesses of the Gospel in their daily lives, Pope Francis said Monday during Mass at the Santa Marta residence's chapel. However, with that witness comes persecution.
"The Christian, with the strength of the Spirit," the Roman Pontiff said, "gives witness to the living Lord, to the Risen Lord, to the Lord's presence in our midst, that the Lord celebrates with us His death, His Resurrection, each time we come to the altar."
"The Christian too gives witness, aided by the Spirit, in his daily life, through the way in which he acts. It is the continuous witness of the Christian. But many times this witness provokes attacks, provokes persecution."
During his May 2 homily, Pope Francis spoke of the witness Christ shares through his Spirit, and the witness of the faithful – especially in periods of persecution.