Holy Father Pope Francis invited the 14 new Cardinals to follow Jesus, to eliminate vain and self-centered discussion in the Church, in order to further the interests of the Father. The Pontiff drew inspiration from the Gospel of Mark (10:32-45) read during the Ordinary Public Consistory. “The disciples are walking with Jesus to Jerusalem having just heard the prediction of his passion the third time. Jesus walks ahead of them.” His Holiness Pope Francis defines this moment as important and crucial, one in which the heart can speak and reveal the intentions and tensions within us”.
As reported by Vatican news, Holy Father Pope Francis remarked that “Jesus gave us the principle to eliminate vain and self-centered discussions from the community of disciples in order to bring out the best in their hearts. Jesus’ teaching is that of conversion. Conversion allows the Church to seek the Father’s, rather than personal, interests. The moment of truth happens when we come face to face with those in distress. Keeping their faces before us helps us carry out the Church’s mission; losing sight of those faces we get bogged down in the pursuit of our own interests and securities.”
His Holiness Pope Francis concluded his remarks by exhorting that “This is the highest honor that we can receive, the greatest promotion that can be awarded us: to serve Christ in God’s faithful people.”
