What Pope Francis Taught Me About Compassion And Love | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post

What Pope Francis Taught Me About Compassion And Love

Compassion and love are given at no cost; be that person with an open heart and mind.

1228
What Pope Francis Taught Me About Compassion And Love
YouTube

A few days ago, a video on Facebook surfaced online. It is the video that captured the compassionate ability of human beings, and in this case, that human being is the pope. Pope Francis was part of the Q &A session with the kids in a poor parish in the outskirts of Rome. Many children asked him questions about the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

At one point, a young boy, about 6-7 years old named Emanuele stepped up to the podium. He proceeded to ask the pope his question but was afraid and hesitant. The pope’s assistant encouraged him, and after several attempts, the pope said, “Come, come, come, Emanuele, come tell me in my ear” in Italian.

Emanuele finally had the courage to ask his question and whispered in the pope’s ear about whether his dead father, who was an atheist was able to go to heaven despite not being baptized and believing in God. This deceased man, although a non-believer had his four children baptized.

By his sound judgment, Pope Francis consoled Emanuele of his grief and told him that. “God’s heart is like a loving father” who never abandons his children. The video of the encounter can be found here. When I watched that video, my eyes started bawling. But most importantly, I learned that it takes courage to ask hard questions. I learned that it's important to be there for someone when he or she encounter a sad time in his or her life. I learned that an action, no matter what it is, can tell us a lot about the kind of people we come in contact with.

Through the example of the pope consoling a young boy who is grieving for his father, we can see the compassion in the pope that draws people towards him, especially children. Human compassion is what makes us unique because we are made for relationships. We are made to love. We are made to console each other during times of sadness.

We are human beings, and as human beings, it is our responsibility to make sure that not only our physical needs are being met but our emotional needs as well. The video of the boy’s encounter with the pope taught me more about myself as a human being, and that is to be-- more compassionate and willing to listen to the most vulnerable people of our human race. The pope’s loving actions is huge example that we should all learn from--regardless of religion or race.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190018
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14784
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457766
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26583
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments