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Today during his general audience, Pope Francis drew attention to the rich diversity within the universal Church, saying that such differences are in fact a sign of unity.
“Dear Brothers and Sisters: in the Creed, we confess that the Church is 'one.' When we consider the rich diversity of languages, cultures and peoples present in the Church throughout the world, we realize that this unity is a God-given gift,” the Pope said told pilgrims in St. Peter's Square on Sept. 25.
“In effect, the Church is one and it is in that same unity, even though it is dispersed throughout the world and there are many diversities.”
Pope Francis highlighted his recent trip to Rio de Janeiro for the gathering of youth during World Youth Day as a place where he experienced the paradigm of unity and diversity in the Church.
During the global event, the Pope recalled, there were “so many faces, so many languages, so many places of provenance, but just one Church.”
“Like a big family, united like brothers in one same faith and hope, in charity and in the sacraments, in the apostolic ministry instituted by Christ.”
Pope Francis then challenged the crowds, asking them “Do we live like that or are we closed up in ourselves or in our own group? Do we worry about others, even if they are far? Do we pray for them, especially for persecuted Christians?”
The Pope noted that there are times when tension and conflict arise, wounding the Church’s unity – but “it is we that provoke it” through our “chit-chat” and gossip.
A Christian, he said, should not speak badly about others, adding that it is good “that he first bites his tongue and then talks.”
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