Pope Francis urges Filipinos to love, share their faith with others

Pope Francis urged Filipinos to love and share their faith with others as he commemorated 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines on Sunday.

During Mass at the St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, the Pope stated that faith has been strong among Filipinos ever since the Christian message arrived in the country.

“We see it in your eyes, on your faces, in your songs and in your prayers. In the joy with which you bring your faith to other lands,” he said.

“Here in Rome, Filipino women are ‘smugglers’ of faith! Because wherever they go to work, they sow the faith. It is part of your genes, a blessed ‘infectiousness’ that I urge you to preserve,” the Pope added.

With this, he reminded everyone to stay compassionate and show their love for others, especially in trying times.

“The Gospel message of God’s closeness cries out to be expressed in love for our brothers and sisters. For this reason, he asks the Church to care for those who are hurting and living on the fringes of life,” he said.

“The Church is called not to judge but to welcome; not to make demands, but to sow seeds; not to condemn, but to bring Christ who is our salvation,” he added.

As a way to continue the strength of Christianity throughout the world, Pope Francis encouraged everyone “to proclaim the Gospel, to serve and to love.”

“How beautiful and attractive is a Church that loves the world without judging, a Church that gives herself to the world,” he said.

“May it be so, dear brothers and sisters, in the Philippines and in every part of the earth.”

Pope Francis added that the love from God is what keeps everyone going from day to day, and so should be shared to others.

“The Gospel tells us that whoever believes in Him will not perish. In Jesus, God spoke the definitive word about our life: you are not lost, you are loved. Loved forever,” he said.

“The more we love, the more we become capable of giving. That is also the key to understanding our life. It is wonderful to meet people who love one another and share their lives in love.”

Several Filipinos in Italy attended the Mass.

Read Pope Francis’ full message here.

— Franchesca Viernes/BM, GMA News