Speaking with the Spanish-language outlet Vida Nueva, the Pope said he remains undeterred by the opposition and is resolute in his mission to unmask what he calls the "prophets of confusion."

During the interview, which coincided with his visit to Lisbon for World Youth Day, Pope Francis expressed his views about various issues within the Church and the broader world.

One significant topic he discussed was the prospect of a Third Vatican Council.

Francis asserted that the time is not yet ripe for such a council, primarily because the Second Vatican Council's implementations have not been fully realised. He further criticised ideological movements within the Church that adopt a "restorationist air" while being plagued by corruption.

Royal court culture in the Curia

Francis acknowledged that his reform efforts to date in the Church have revealed "a certain impotence," in that there's only so far "over the limit" it's possible to go. He admitted that "I have not yet dared to put an end to the culture of a [royal] court in the Curia."

Addressing the criticisms he has faced for his inclusive approach, such as regularly meeting transgender individuals during his Wednesday audience, the Pope drew inspiration from Jesus in the Gospels.

"The first time they came and saw me, they left crying, saying I had given them a hand, a kiss, as if I had done something exceptional for them," he said. "But they are children of God! He still loves you just the way you are. Jesus teaches us not to set limits."

A stone in the shoe of imperialism

When questioned about his stance on World Youth Day and pastoral approaches, Pope Francis expressed concern over any approach driven solely by ideology, be it from the left, right or centre.

He emphasised that such approaches are inherently flawed and detrimental to the youth. In particular, the Pope singled out right-wing ideologies, cautioning against the dangers posed by groups linked to them.

On the international front, Pope Francis declared himself a staunch opponent of imperialism in all its forms. He decried the strength of imperialism, asserting that America is a victim of various empires.

According to the Pope, the solution lies in empowering people to be the "protagonists of their own destiny," but he cautioned against resorting to populism.

"I speak badly of any empire, of whatever sort," the pope said. "For this reason, I know that I am a stone in the shoe for more than one when I report these situations, so they have to somehow drive away the pain of the stone."

Sources

CruxNow

Catholic Herald

CathNews New Zealand

During the 37th World Youth Day (WYD) in Lisbon, the Pope commended representatives of aid and charitable centres, urging them to continue making life a gift of love and joy.

Addressing the gathering, Pope Francis emphasised the significance of "concrete love" and rejected the notion of "abstract love."

Francis passionately remarked "Concrete love is that which gets its hands dirty, and each one of us can ask: is the love I feel for everyone here, what I feel for others, concrete or abstract? When I shake hands with a person in need, with a sick person, with a marginalised person, do I do it quickly so that they do not 'infect' me?"

He called on individuals to ask themselves if I am disgusted by poverty, and warned against living what he described as "distilled lives" which exist only in our imaginations and not in reality.

Be an "inspiration to others"

The Pope instead called for living in a way that "leaves a mark" and can be an "inspiration to others."

Expressing gratitude to the charity workers for their invaluable contributions, Pope Francis encouraged them not to lose heart and to persevere in their mission. He offered a touch of humour, saying "And if you get discouraged, have a glass of water and keep going," as he deviated from his prepared speech to connect with the audience on a personal level.

Love, the Pope emphasised, is a path to happiness in the afterlife and a source of joy on Earth. By embracing love and compassion, individuals can expand their hearts and find meaning in their lives.

Pope Francis urged young people to embrace this approach, stating "All of us can do it and everyone needs it, here and throughout the world."

The Pope then appealed for people to get close to the most vulnerable.

"While we are all fragile and in need, the Gospel's compassionate outlook leads us to see the needs of the most vulnerable. It likewise impels us to serve the poor - the excluded, the outcast, the discarded, the little ones, the defenceless - those most beloved of God, who made himself poor for" the Pope said.

The Pope called on the faithful to live their lives by offering a gift of love. "Loving is a gift for all! Please, carry on making life a gift of love and joy."

Sources

Independent Catholic News

Vatican News

CathNews New Zealand

The Parque Tejo, a new venue created for the event, covers 100 hectares (250 acres) and has no shade or structures. Some participants had to wait up to 20 minutes to refill their water bottles as temperatures reached 38 degrees Celsius.

Some arrived more than eight hours before the pope appeared in the early evening, riding in an open popemobile that took more than half an hour to snake through the crowd.

A tractor with a water tank sprayed the crowd, and a succession of bands and speakers from a huge stage with the backdrop of a cross tried to keep the participants' minds off the heat at an event that has been dubbed the Catholic Woodstock.

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