In an exclusive interview with the ESNE television network, Pope Francis delved into biblical passages that narrate the dialogue between Jesus and His disciples, reiterating his vision for the Church to be a “humble servant in the world.”
By Vatican News
During the conversation with Noel Díaz at Casa Santa Marta in 2021, Pope Francis touched on various themes such as unwavering trust in God, acknowledging one’s weaknesses as a sinner, urging priests to serve all, expressing admiration for modern-day martyrs, and highlighting concerns for migrants. The interview, originally meant for a documentary, is scheduled to air on ESNE this Friday.
Pope Francis during a 2021 interview with ESNE founder Noel Díaz
Below is the full transcript of Noel Díaz’s interview with Pope Francis:
Q. Today, you are the successor of this man called Simon. What does this Scripture remind you of, Holiness?
Pope Francis: Many things! Jesus calls Simon amidst the people, not apart from them. He emphasizes the importance of priests being among the people, rooted in their origin, to avoid elitism. The signs and miracles of Jesus showcase His authority and strength, instilling confidence in His followers.
When Peter acknowledges his limitations and sins, Jesus sees his humility and makes him a fisher of men. The anointing of a priest is not for power but to be a shepherd. This resonates with me deeply.
Q. He puts aside the boat…
Yes, he leaves everything behind.
Q. And how do you feel about taking Peter’s place?
I feel that the Lord has chosen and accompanied me despite my flaws, just like He did with Peter. His care for me is evident.
Q. How wonderful! The next passage I want to share with you is from the Gospel of Matthew, when the Apostle Peter makes his confession…
Jesus challenges His disciples to share their thoughts about Him, leading to Peter’s confession of faith. This interaction signifies a profound connection and understanding between Jesus and His followers.
Welcome to a profound and enlightening dialogue with Jesus, where He challenges us to define our beliefs and speaks to us by name. It is a moment of truth and revelation that cannot be ignored.
In this sacred exchange, Peter emerges as a significant figure, chosen by Jesus to be the cornerstone of the group. His confession of faith is bold and unwavering, as he declares Jesus to be the Son of God. It is a moment of pure conviction, where Peter lays his whole self on the line.
Jesus acknowledges Peter’s courage and reveals that his faith is a divine revelation, not based on human knowledge. He affirms Peter’s faith by declaring, “On this rock I will build my Church,” recognizing the unwavering faith of Peter as a solid foundation for the Church.
However, Peter’s journey is not without challenges. When he tries to dissuade Jesus from His path to the Cross, Jesus rebukes him, reminding him that the way of the Cross is the only way to salvation. It is a powerful moment of correction and reaffirmation of faith.
Jesus reminds us that even the highest authorities in the Church are not immune to error. He warns against placing our trust in worldly possessions or power, as they are the forces of hell that can lead us astray. The true strength lies in the revelation of the Father and the unwavering faith in Jesus.
As we reflect on the Scriptures, we are reminded of the profound commitment required to follow Jesus. Just as Peter was called to feed His sheep and face challenges, we too are called to embrace the path of sacrifice and humility, knowing that our ultimate reward lies in the eternal promise of salvation.
May we find inspiration in the unwavering faith of Peter and the profound teachings of Jesus, as we navigate the challenges of the secular world and stay true to our beliefs. Let us hold firm to the rock of faith, knowing that the forces of evil will not prevail against the truth revealed by the Father.
The Promise of the Cross
The Lord promises Peter His own way, the way of the Cross, the way of total surrender, the way of putting one’s trust in Him alone.
It’s intriguing how Peter, after confessing Jesus as the Son of God through the power of the Holy Spirit, quickly loses his bearings when the topic of the Cross comes up. He tries to persuade Jesus against it, falling into worldly thinking. This reminds us of our own tendencies to forget the Lord’s teachings and gossip about others instead.
Despite our shortcomings, the Lord always takes care of us, even in the face of martyrdom. He holds our hand and guides us through every trial.
Speaking of martyrdom, let’s acknowledge the modern-day martyrs – those who sacrifice their lives for their faith, those who are persecuted and imprisoned for being Christians. They are our brothers and sisters in Christ, part of the victorious Church of martyrs, not the Church with riches in banks.
Martyrdom is not just about giving up one’s life; it is also about bearing witness to Jesus in everyday actions. Every believer who testifies to their faith is a martyr in the true sense of the word.
As we reflect on these thoughts, may the Lord open our hearts to His Word. I offer my heartfelt blessings to all of you, praying for your well-being and spiritual growth. And please keep me in your prayers as well.
Q. This represents the migrants, whom I told I would ask for your blessing.
Let us not forget the migrants, those who are far from their homeland, seeking refuge and longing for their loved ones. I extend my blessings to all migrants in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
