Saints, Not Popes, Carry the Church Forward, Pope Francis Preaches

In his Tuesday morning homily at Casa Santa Marta, Pope Francis preached some powerful words about the importance of prayer, emphasizing that saints are more important for the Church than the clergy.

“Prayer works miracles,” the Holy Father said,” it works miracles for Christians, whether they be faithful laypeople, priests, or bishops who have lost compassion. The prayers of the faithful change the Church.”

“It’s not us popes, bishops, priests, or nuns who carry the Church forward,” he continued, “but saints!”

“Saints are those who dare to believe that God is the Lord and that He can do everything.”

His words echo the teaching of the late Pope St. John Paul II, who once wrote, “The greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven are not the ministers but the saints.”

Here’s a video of the relevant part of Pope Francis’ homily in Italian, with English subtitles:

[See also: 5 Child Saints Who Totally Put All of Us Adults to Shame]

[See also: The Haunting Stories of 5 Saints Who Battled Demons]