Vatican City, Jun 18, 2016 / 05:10 am
Recognizing the needs of others is a sign of genuine conversion, which only happens when the heart is ready to be changed by Jesus, Pope Francis said Saturday.
"True conversion happens when we welcome the gift of grace," the Pope said during his catechesis for this month's Jubilee Year of Mercy audience in St. Peter's Square. "A clear sign of its authenticity is that we recognize the needs of our brothers and sisters, and we are ready to meet them."
In off-the-cuff remarks, the pontiff spoke of the challenge many feel in the face of this need for conversion, and how only Jesus can bring about real change.
"How often do we tell ourselves: I must change, I cannot continue like this. On this path, my life will not bear fruit. It will be a useless life, and I will not be happy."