When a priest asked Francis how he was feeling, the pontiff showed his dark sense of humour, replying, "Still alive."

"Even though some wanted me dead. I know there were even meetings among priests who thought the pope was in worse shape than what was being said. They were preparing the conclave," he continued.

"Patience! Thank God I'm well," he added.

The comment was a sign of the acute interest in the pope's health.

It also reflected on speculation about what would happen if he succumbed to severe illness.

After his 10-day hospital stay, Italian media speculated that Francis might resign and noted the need for norms to regulate a second retired pope.

Francis has previously said resigning "didn't even cross my mind."

Conservative criticism of Francis turned to outrage after Francis in July cracked down on the celebration of the old Latin Mass.

Francis noted that there was a "big Catholic television station that continually speaks poorly about the pope."

He didn't name it but it could have been a reference to the EWTN media conglomerate, which has been critical of the papacy.

"I personally might merit attacks and insults because I'm a sinner, but the church doesn't deserve this; it's the work of the devil," he said.

Making a second, but related point, Francis told Slovakian Jesuits that the Catholic Church suffers from a temptation to return to attitudes and practices of the past. An attitude that blocks pastoral outreach to many who are marginalized.

"We are suffering this today in the church: the ideology of going backwards.

"It is an ideology that colonizes minds. It is a form of ideological colonization.

"Today, he said, many in the church are afraid of accompanying people "with sexual diversity.

"That is why today we look back to the past: to seek security.

"It frightens us to celebrate before the people of God who look us in the face and tell the truth. It frightens us to go forward in pastoral experiences," the pope said.

"This is the evil of this moment. Namely, to seek the path in rigidity and clericalism, which are two perversions," he said.

Francis made the comments during a private meeting with the Slovakian Jesuits. The comments were made public by the Jesuit journal La Civilita Cattolica.

Sources

• AP News
• Catholic News

He encouraged Slovak Catholics to open their hearts to "a faith that becomes compassion" that "identifies with those who are hurting, suffering and forced to bear heavy crosses."

It is "a faith that does not remain abstract, but becomes incarnate in fellowship with those in need. A faith that imitates God's way of doing things, quietly relieves the suffering of our world and waters the soil of history with salvation," Francis said.

"The world needs Christians who are "signs of contradiction," who demonstrate the beauty of the Gospel rather than hostility toward others."

He invited Slovakians to be Christians who are "bringers of the sweet fragrance of hospitality and solidarity".

Reflecting on Mary as a "model of faith" for Catholics in Slovakia, Francis noted that despite being chosen to be the mother of God, Mary did "not consider it a privilege," nor did she lose her humility.

Instead, she accepted "the gift she had received as a mission to be carried out" and set out on a journey to take God's love to those in need."

In making this journey, the Pope told Slovakians that like Mary they overcome the temptation to a passive faith, content with this or that ritual or ancient tradition.

"Instead, you leave yourselves behind and set out, carrying in your backpacks the joys and sorrows of this life, and thus make your life a pilgrimage of love toward God and your brothers and sisters. Thank you for this witness!"

Francis said Mary's prophetic faith shows "God's presence in human history; even in moments of trial and suffering.

Faith "cannot be reduced to a sweetener to make life more palatable," he said.

Mary's faith is also compassionate and she understands the suffering endured by humanity, Francis finished.

She is a mother who "dries our tears, comforts us and points to Christ's definitive victory."

He made the comments while celebrating Mass in Šaštin, on the final day of his apostolic trip to Slovakia.

Source

• National Catholic Reporter
• Image: Herald Malaysia

The pope will visit four cities in Slovakia on Sept. 12-15, after travelling to Budapest in neighbouring Hungary to celebrate the closing Mass of the International Eucharistic Congress.

According to Slovakian media, health minister Vladimír Lengvarský said at a press conference on July 20 that "the condition for participation in Holy Masses and other events will be full vaccination."

Lengvarský said that this decision was established in cooperation with the Slovakian bishops' conference.

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