"Words can be kisses", but also "swords", Pope writes in a new book

Silence, like words, can be a language of love, Pope Francis wrote in a very short introduction to a new book in Italian.

"Silence is one of the languages ​​of God and it is also a language of love", wrote the pope in the book Do not speak ill of others, by the Capuchin father Emiliano Antenucci.

The Italian priest, encouraged by Pope Francis, promotes devotion to Mary with the title "Our Lady of Silence".

In the new book, Pope Francis quoted Saint Augustine: “If you are silent, you are silent for love; if you speak, speak out of love “.

Not speaking ill of others is not "just a moral act," he said. “When we speak ill of others, we dirty the image of God that is in every person”.

"The correct use of words is important," wrote Pope Francis. "Words can be kisses, caresses, medicines, but they can also be knives, swords or bullets."

The words, he said, can be used to bless or curse, "they can be closed walls or open windows."

Repeating what he has said on many occasions, Pope Francis said he compared people who drop "bombs" of gossip and slander to "terrorists" who wreak havoc.

The Pope also cited the familiar phrase of Saint Teresa of Calcutta as a lesson in holiness accessible to every Christian: “The fruit of silence is prayer; the fruit of prayer is faith; the fruit of faith is love; the fruit of love is service; the fruit of service is peace “.

"It starts with silence and comes to charity towards others," he said.

The Pope's brief introduction ended with a prayer: "May Our Lady of Silence teach us to use our language correctly and give us the strength to bless everyone, peace of heart and the joy of living".