Pope Francis: "We ask God for the courage of humility"

Papa Francesco, this afternoon, he arrived in basilica of San Paolo fuori le Mura for the celebration of the Second Vespers of the solemnity of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle, at the conclusion of the 55th Week of Prayer for Christian Unity on the theme: "In the East we saw his star appear and we came here to honor him".

Pope Francis said: "Fear does not paralyze the path towards Christian unity“, Taking the path of the Magi as a model. "Even along our path towards unity, it can happen that we arrest ourselves for the same reason that paralyzed those people: disturbance, fear," Bergoglio said.

“It is the fear of novelty that shakes the acquired habits and certainties; it is the fear that the other will destabilize my traditions and established patterns. But, at the root, it is the fear that inhabits the heart of man, from which the Risen Lord wants to free us. Let us allow his Easter exhortation to resound on our journey of communion: "Do not be afraid" (Mt 28,5.10). We are not afraid to put our brother before our fears! The Lord wants us to trust each other and to walk together, despite our weaknesses and sins, despite the mistakes of the past and mutual wounds ”, added the Pontiff.

The Pope then underlined that, to achieve Christian unity, the courage of humility is needed. “Full unity for us too, in the same house, can only come through the adoration of the Lord. Dear brothers and sisters, the decisive stage of the journey towards full communion requires a more intense prayer, the adoration of God, ”he said.

“The Magi, however, remind us that in order to adore there is a step to be taken: we must first prostrate ourselves. This is the way, to bend down, to put aside our demands to leave only the Lord at the center. How many times has pride been the real obstacle to communion! The Magi had the courage to leave prestige and reputation at home, to lower themselves to the poor little house in Bethlehem; thus they discovered a great joy ”.

"Get down, leave, simplify: let's ask God for this courage tonight, the courage of humility, the only way to get to worship God in the same house, around the same altar ”, concluded the Pope.