From Vatican News:
A “missionary land.” This was how Pope Francis described the Diocese of Rome on Saturday morning.
He met in the city’s Cathedral Basilica of St. John Lateran for his annual encounter with the clergy of Rome….
… He invited them to ask questions freely and sincerely, fielding about thirty questions.
Pope Francis spoke about the necessity of evangelization in a pagan context, emphasizing the importance of bearing credible witness.
He then responded to questions about blessing homosexual couples, stating that the doctrine on the Sacrament of Marriage between a man and a woman has not changed, saying that people are blessed, not sin.
To a question from an African-born priest, he said that African culture does not accept these blessings because there are different sensitivities. He added that this has been clarified with Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, Archbishop of Kinshasa and President of SECAM (Symposium of the Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar).
Pope Francis stated that many do not read well the texts of the Church. Good listening is required, he emphasized, noting that conflicts must be managed but not hidden.
The Pope then urged the priests of Rome to always forgive. “I always forgive; one must always have mercy,” he said.
On the topic of permanent deacons, he said they must be among the people, serving those in need.
In conclusion, Pope Francis recalled that homilies should be brief, about 7/8 minutes, direct, and must capture the spirit of the Word of God.
