Rome Newsroom, Aug 4, 2023 / 04:35 am
At a gathering with Portuguese charity workers Friday morning, Pope Francis went off script to insist that Christian love must be tangibly lived out in the world and not remain a figment of people’s fantasies.
“There is no abstract love; it does not exist,” the pope said. “Concrete love is the one that gets its hands dirty.”
Stating that it was difficult for him to continue reading his prepared text, the Holy Father delivered the impromptu remarks after hearing testimonials from ministry representatives, including a service that helps expectant mothers and their babies, a community formed to aid those suffering from cancer, and an “all-round” charity center.
The pope contrasted the witness of these ministries, which he said were part of a reality “that leaves a mark” and “is an inspiration to others,” to people who avoid contact with the poor and the marginalized and instead look for a “distilled life” that is only fantasy.