Pope Francis: 'We must imitate creativity and simplicity' in evangelization

While Pope Francis was unable to read his prepared reflection, he asked Monsignor Campanelli to continue his catechesis on apostolic zeal, specifically looking at the gift of the Holy Spirit in sharing the faith.

SUMMARY OF THE POPE'S CATECHESIS IN ENGLISH:

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

In our continuing catechesis on apostolic zeal, we now reflect on how the preaching of the Gospel always takes place in the power of the Holy Spirit. As the Gift of God, the Spirit prepares, sustains and fosters growth and new life in the Church. Yet, in every activity of evangelization, the primacy always belongs to God the Father, who sent his Son among us and bestowed the gift of the Holy Spirit upon the Church.

In our witness to the Risen Christ, we are called to imitate the creativity and simplicity that are the hallmark of the Spirit’s work. May the fire of the Holy Spirit continue to burn within us, strengthen us in unity and missionary zeal, as we strive to be joyful witnesses of our salvation in Christ, even to the ends of the earth.

I welcome all the English-speaking pilgrims, particularly the groups from Malta, Australia, Japan, Indonesia and the United States of America. Upon all of you and upon your families, I invoke the joy and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you!