During today’s General Audience, Pope Francis concluded his cycle of catechesis on the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church. He spoke about the Holy Spirit as the “ever-flowing source of Christian hope,” highlighting that the Holy Spirit is what fans the flame of hope in believers, encouraging them to both have and radiate hope for humanity. This message was shared with thousands of pilgrims in attendance.
Pope Francis stated that Christians find their hope in the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that the Holy Spirit propels the Church and lets it advance on the sea of history. “The Holy Spirit is the ever-gushing source of Christian hope,” he said. He quoted Saint Paul, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” He further clarified that hope is not an empty word or a vague desire but a certainty, founded on God’s fidelity to His promises, and described it as an active virtue that helps make things happen.
He emphasized, “The Christian cannot be satisfied with having hope; he or she must also radiate hope, be a sower of hope. It is the most beautiful gift that the Church can give to all of humanity, especially at times in which everything seems to be dragging down the sails.” Pope Francis referenced the Apostle Peter’s words to the first Christians, encouraging them to give reasons for their hope with gentleness and reverence, suggesting that love, not just arguments, is the key to convincing others.
He concluded the General Audience with a prayer for the Holy Spirit to help us “abound in hope by virtue of the Holy Spirit.”
Pope Francis’s General Audience, Vatican, December 11th, 2024.
