Pope Francis, known for his candid and sometimes controversial remarks, recently addressed a group of nuns, urging them to radiate joy, avoid gossip, and resist engaging with the devil. The address, delivered on January 4th to the Union of St. Catherine of Siena of the Missionaries of the School, offered a blend of encouragement and cautionary advice, underscoring the importance of positive communication and spiritual vigilance.
A Call for Friendliness and a Warning Against “Vinegar Faces”
The Pope’s message emphasized the importance of presenting a welcoming and approachable demeanor. He cautioned against displaying a “vinegar face,” a metaphor for an unfriendly and uninviting expression. He stressed that such negativity doesn’t attract people to the faith and urged the nuns to cultivate an atmosphere of openness and warmth. “Many times in my life I have encountered nuns with a vinegar face, and this is not friendly, this is not something that helps to attract people,” Francis stated, according to reports from The Holy See, The Times, and the Catholic News Agency. He reiterated the importance of “holiness, preparation, and friendliness” as essential qualities for their vocation.
The Dangers of Gossip: A Plea for Positive Communication
Beyond outward appearances, Pope Francis also addressed the insidious nature of gossip. He characterized it as a destructive force that “kills” and “poisons,” imploring the nuns to refrain from engaging in it. Recognizing the potential challenge of this request, he acknowledged that asking this of women is “heroic,” yet encouraged them to strive for this higher standard of communication. “And in order to contemplate to hand down to others, speaking well and friendliness are necessary, and there is a great enemy of this, which is gossip,” he said. “Please, distance yourself from gossip. Gossip kills, gossip poisons.”
Spiritual Warfare: Avoiding Dialogue with the Devil
In a more spiritual vein, the Pope warned the nuns against engaging in conversation with the devil. He drew a distinction between conversing with all people, as Jesus did, and interacting with the devil, whom Jesus avoided. Francis advised the nuns to follow this example, stating, “The Lord has taught us that He conversed with everyone, apart from one person who does not converse with the Lord, never: the devil.” He cautioned that the devil seeks to infiltrate communities through temptations like jealousy, and urged them to resist these influences. “You do not converse with the devil. Do you understand? You do not converse with the devil.”
A History of Bluntness and Controversy
This latest address is consistent with Pope Francis’s history of using direct language, which has sometimes generated controversy. Past incidents include accusations of using homophobic slurs in private conversations, although the Vatican has issued apologies and clarifications on his behalf, emphasizing his message of inclusivity and welcoming “everyone” into the Church. The Pope’s outspoken nature, while occasionally drawing criticism, often underscores his commitment to addressing complex issues directly.
A Charge to Be Messengers of Joy and Friendliness
Concluding his address, Pope Francis urged the nuns to continue their work with openness, courage, and a commitment to holiness, preparation, and friendliness. He specifically thanked them for their dedication to working with youth and encouraged them to be bearers of joy and positivity. “Continue to carry it forward with your openness and courage, ready to renew yourselves where necessary, with holiness of life, preparation and friendliness.” He closed with a request for their prayers and a lighthearted reminder to pray “for, not against” him.
FAQs about Pope Francis’ Address to Nuns
Q: What was the main message of Pope Francis’ address?
A: The Pope’s central message was a call for nuns to embody joy and friendliness, avoid gossip, and resist the influence of the devil.
Q: Why did the Pope warn against “vinegar faces”?
A: He used this term to describe an unwelcoming demeanor, emphasizing the importance of radiating positivity and approachability to attract people to the faith.
Q: What did Pope Francis say about gossip?
A: He described gossip as a destructive force that kills and poisons, urging the nuns to avoid it entirely.
Q: Why did the Pope advise against conversing with the devil?
A: He explained that Jesus avoided conversation with the devil, and urged the nuns to follow this example, resisting the devil’s temptations.
Q: How does this address reflect Pope Francis’s communication style?
A: This address is consistent with his tendency towards direct and sometimes controversial language, reflecting his commitment to addressing challenging topics openly.
