Vatican City, Sep 8, 2013 / 08:55 am
Pope Francis spoke to crowds gathered in St. Peter's Square for Sunday's Angelus, encouraging them to follow Christ on the way of the cross.
"Following Jesus does not mean participating in a triumphal procession!" he said on Sept. 8. "It means sharing his merciful love, entering into his great work of mercy for each person and for all mankind. And this forgiveness passes through the cross."
The Pope reflected on the gospel, in which Jesus "insists on the conditions to be his disciple: to not place anything before love of him, to take up one's own cross, and to follow him."
Although there are many who want to follow Jesus, especially when there are miracles, "Jesus does not want to deceive anyone," explained Pope Francis.