Article: Roman Catholic Church And The Last Days

"It is a request," he added, "that I can fulfill in the silence of prayer," but that would be better if "all the episcopal conference associated itself to the realization of this request. Mary will guide us in all our works and also in the way of fulfilling this desire of Pope Francis."

Cardinal Policarpo reflected on the fact that in the short span of this pontificate, strong lines are emerging that "challenge our pastoral ministry." And he reminded that the Pope’s power cannot be understood in the light of the powers of this world. "The crowds need to be loved, attracted by the love of the good shepherd. In that love, charged with joy and tenderness, he spoke to us immediately of the importance of tenderness in our pastoral relations."

The cardinal said that the Pope’s "predilection for young people" was seen immediately, as well as his "clear affirmation of the importance of the conciliar spirit, playing down tensions and currents <and> actualizing the hope of John XXIII in a springtime of the Church, which must flower from the seeds of the Council."