Vatican City, Feb 2, 2018 / 10:50 am
Pope Francis told consecrated men and women Friday that they are called to have real encounters with their brothers and sisters, and that technology should never have a higher priority than time spent with God and others.
"Today's frantic pace leads us to close many doors to encounter, often for fear of others," the Pope said Feb. 2. "Only shopping malls and internet connections are always open."
"Yet that is not how it should be with consecrated life: the brother and the sister given to me by God are a part of my history, gifts to be cherished. May we never look at the screen of our cellphone more than the eyes of our brothers or sisters, or focus more on our software than on the Lord."
Pope Francis cautioned against getting trapped by the "life of this world," pointing out how consecrated life, and vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, are about turning away "from fleeting riches to embrace the One who endures forever."