Due to continued restrictions on large crowds, the pope held his General Audience in the study where he normally meets with political leaders. There were still no pilgrims.
In his catechesis, he reflected on what the Bible says about the prayer of simple people.
He looked at the first chapters of Genesis, which show the spread of evil and violence after the fall of Adam and Eve.
POPE FRANCIS
Their eyes are opened, and they realize that they are naked, with nothing. Don't forget this: the tempter doesn't pay well.
Pope Francis said that while Cain murdered Abel out of envy, and arrogance ruined the Tower of Babel, other people were capable of praying to God with sincerity and with a different approach to human destiny.
POPE FRANCIS
Prayer sows life—simple prayer. That's why it's very important to teach children to pray.
The pope said the first prayer to teach children is the sign of the cross. He recommended helping children learn it correctly.
POPE FRANCIS
It hurts when I see children and say, 'Make the sign of the cross,' and they do this. They don't know how to do it correctly. Teach them to make the sign of the cross. It's the first prayer. Children must learn to pray. Maybe they'll forget or choose a different path, but that prayer will remain in their hearts, because it's a seed of life, the seed of dialogue with God.
Before giving the final blessing, the pope reminded the faithful of the memorial celebration of St. Paul VI this week. He also proposed taking the time to prepare for Pentecost, coming up on Sunday.
JMB
Translation: CT
