“The priest who seldom goes out of himself … misses out on the best of our people, on what can stir the depths of his priestly heart. … This is precisely the reason why some priests grow dissatisfied, lose heart and become in a sense collectors of antiquities or novelties — instead of being shepherds living with ‘the smell of the sheep.’ This is what I am asking you — be shepherds with the smell of sheep.”  
– Holy Thursday, March 28, 2013
 

“God never tires of forgiving us.” 
– First Angelus after becoming pope, March 2013

 

“I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security.” 
– Evangelii Gaudium, 49 

“Parents, can you ‘waste time’ with your children? It is one of the most important things you can do each day.” 
@Pontifex, Oct. 27, 2015

“Have the courage to be happy.” 
– World Youth Day message, 2016


“Our defence of the innocent unborn needs to be clear, firm and passionate, for at stake is the dignity of a human life, which is always sacred.” 
– Gaudete et Exsultate, 2018

 

“A ‘couch potato’ evangelization doesn’t exist, get up and go! Be always on the move. Go to the place where you must speak the Word.” 
– Homily, April 18, 2018

“Those who love do not stand idly by, but serve others. Those who love hasten to serve, hasten to dedicate themselves to the service of others.” 
– Address, 2023

“God sees how good you are. He alone knows what he has sown in your hearts.” 
– Angelus, 2023