Don't Fear Death

Pope Francis seemed unfazed by the frosty wind battering St. Peter's Square, donning his papal coat and white scarf during his General Audience. This Wednesday, he continued his series on the Creed, and spoke with intensity about making a sense out of death and suffering.  

POPE FRANCIS 

“Among us, commonly, there is a wrong way to look at death. Death affects us all, and questions us deeply. Especially when it hits close to home, or happens to children, the most defenseless, in a way that seems to us 'scandalous.'” 

The Pope explained that when people think of death as the end of everything, it becomes a threat that makes people react with fear. 

POPE FRANCIS

“If we take up this wrong vision of death, we have no choice but to hide it, deny it, or to trivialize it, so that it doesn't scare us.” 

That's why the Pope said that those who live their lives thinking of others, are not afraid of death. Their good deeds and actions have not been useless. To emphasize his point, he asked the pilgrims to repeat it. 

POPE FRANCIS 

“Those who live out mercy are not afraid of death. Do you agree? Let's say it together, so we don't forget. Those who live out mercy are not afraid of death!” 

Despite the cold temperatures, the General Audience took place at St. Peter's Square, instead of Paul VI Hall, the usual location for the event during this time of the year. 

“I love you.” 

Link