During the public catechesis Pope Francis tried to address a complex theological question—the relationship of the Virgin Mary and the Holy Spirit.
The pope wanted to highlight some ideas that have deeply permeated the general piety of the church but that, from his point of view, can lead to certain misunderstandings.
One of these ideas is that of Mary as the spouse of the Holy Spirit.
“Like all images, even this one of the ‘spouse of the Holy Spirit’ should not be absolutised,” he said.
“It is necessary to take that piece of truth that it contains, and it is a very beautiful truth. She is a bride but, before that, she is a disciple of the Holy Spirit. Bride and disciple.”
At the end of the catechesis, the pope prayed for peace in the world and showed sadness over the killing of Palestinian civilians.
“Let’s not forget that group of Palestinians machine-gunned, innocent—Let us pray for peace.”
While he is in Rome, the pontiff has his focus on Baku, where the climate summit is taking place.
He spoke about it on Sunday during the Angelus prayer with the faithful, and even Azerbaijan sent the Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, to ask for a greater commitment to fight climate change and its consequences among the most needy.