Pope talks about the need of having strong father figures in society




(Romereports.com) During Wednesday's general audience, the Pope called on men to improve their role in the family. He talked about the importance of having positive father figures to strengthen the family unit. 


He then highlighted the key role fathers have in people's lives, by reflecting on how Jesus referred to God, as 'Abba' or Father. Following this example, he also called on Catholics to think of God as a Father. 

Benedict XVI
“The word 'Abba' was used by Jesus to express his loving relationship with the Father; our own use of this word is the fruit of the presence of the Spirit of Christ within us.”

With roughly 20,000 people in St. Peter's Square, the Pope reflected on the letters of St. Paul, by explaining that Christian prayer is interconnected with the Holy Spirit. He said, it's a way in which people, as children of God, can communicate with the Father.
Benedict XVI
“Let us open our hearts even more fully to the working of the Spirit within us, so that our prayer may lead us to greater trust in the Father.”

As usual, dozens of groups from around the world gathered in St. Peter's Square to greet the Pope. Among them, was this choir of young Asian girls, who briefly sang for the Pope.
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