Pope Francis came to Bari, Italy, Sunday with a message of peace, meeting with bishops of the Mediterranean region and offering Mass in the Basilica of Saints Nicholas.
Basing his homily at Mass on the day’s Gospel, Matthew’s account of the Sermon on the Mount, the Holy Father recalled Jesus’ words that were revolutionary at the time they were spoken – and still have the need for acceptance today: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
“The worship of God is contrary to the culture of hatred,” the Pope said. “And the culture of hatred is fought by combatting the cult of complaint.