Vatican City, Nov 22, 2015 / 09:37 am
In a world which employs "weapons of fear" and manipulation, the strength of Christ's kingdom is founded in truth and love, Pope Francis said in his Sunday angelus address, during which he also remembered today's persecuted Christians.
"The strength of Christ's reign is love," the pontiff said Nov. 22, centering his reflection on the Solemnity of Christ the King. Rather than oppressing us, Jesus' Kingship "frees us from our weaknesses and miseries," and encourages us on the path of "reconciliation and forgiveness."
"Christ is not a king who dominates us, who treats us as like subjects, but who elevates us to his own dignity."
Speaking to the crowds gathered in St. Peter's Square ahead of the Angelus, Pope Francis took a look at the account in John's Gospel in which Jesus tells Pontius Pilate of his kingdom which is "not of this world."