For those who embrace Christ’s love, death is not the end, pope writes

For those who recognise Christ as the saviour, death is not an end or a form of “annihilation,” Pope Francis wrote in his general audience catechesis.

It is a kind of “sister” that introduces the faithful departed to true life.

The general audience talks have been focusing on “Jesus Christ our hope,” starting with a look at the Bible stories of Jesus’ infancy.

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The pope’s catechesis 26 February looked at Jesus’ presentation at the temple and how Simeon was also a “pilgrim of hope” who recognised God’s presence and welcomed it with joy.

The pope quoted the Canticle of Simeon, which begins, “Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation,” which means Simeon is ready to die in peace now that he has seen the Messiah.

“Filled with this spiritual consolation, the elderly Simeon sees death not as the end, but as fulfilment, fullness; he awaits it like a ‘sister’ that does not annihilate but introduces to the true life that he has already foretasted and in which he believes,” Pope Francis wrote.

Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican press office, told reporters that the pope prepared the catechesis “weeks in advance,” pre-empting speculation that the pope’s reflection on the Canticle of Simeon, which is used as a prayer at the time of death, was somehow connected to the pope’s current condition or hospitalisation.

Pope Francis has been hospitalised since 14 February and was diagnosed 18 February with double pneumonia.