Francis told a national Italian church conference in Florence that Catholics must realise: "We are not living an era of change, but a change of era."

"These times of ours demand that we experience problems as challenges and not like obstacles: The Lord is active and at work in the world."

He spoke against seeking solutions in "conservatism or fundamentalism, in the restoration of obsolete conduct and forms that no longer have the capacity of being significant culturally".

In a 49-minute address, the Pope said Church reform does not end in "the umpteenth plan to change structures".

"It means instead grafting yourself to and rooting yourself in Christ, leaving yourself to be guided by the Spirit - so that all will be possible with genius and creativity."

Pope Francis warned the national church against two specific temptations, tying modern day struggles to two ancient heresies: Pelagianism and Gnosticism.

Speaking to Pelagianism, which holds that humans can achieve salvation on their own without divine help, the Pontiff said that in the modern day it "brings us to have trust in structures, in organisations, in perfect plans, however abstract".

"The norm gives to the Pelagian the security of feeling superior, of having a precise orientation. In this is found its force, not in the lightness of the breath of the Spirit."

Speaking to Gnosticism, which widely held that people should shun the material world in favour of the spiritual realm, Francis identified such thinking today with that which "brings us to trust in logical and clear reasoning . . . which however loses the tenderness of the flesh of the brother".

Francis also gave a meditation on the face of Jesus, and of a God who is emptied, stating that this is also the face of the oppressed which "looks to us".

Outlining three aspects of Christian humanism, Francis asked the Italians to adopt an outlook of humility, disinterest in personal praise or power, and of living a life of the beatitudes.

"I want a happy Church with the face of a mother, who understands, accompanies, caresses," the Pope said.

Sources

• National Catholic Reporter
• Catholic Herald
• Image: VoA News

The archbishop and Fr Paolo Brogi were returning to Florence in the Archbishop's car when the aggressor reportedly asked to speak with Betori, but the secretary who was also the driver rebuffed him.

In response, the assailant pulled out a 7.65 calibre pistol and fired on the priest, injuring him in the abdomen, before threatening the archbishop with the weapon.

He said something starting with the words "you shouldn't say," but Betori could not make out the end of the sentence, police said.

The gunman tried to fire on Betori but either his gun jammed or he thought better of it, investigators say.

Brogi was injured in the stomach and underwent emergency surgery overnight to repair his small intestine and is out of danger.

Police have started a manhunt for the assailant, thought to be a 70 year old homeless and mentally unstable man. Witnesses say he was unshaven and wearing a wool cap.

Police have stepped up protection for Betori, who said he was "full of pity" for his aggressor.

Sources

• Yahoo News
• Image: Caritas Diocesana di Fienze