Pope Francis: Charisms are Gifts of the Spirit for Unity and Service

Pope Francis continued his catechesis cycle on the Holy Spirit, highlighting the vital role of charisms—gifts given by the Spirit for unity and service within the Church. During the General Audience on Wednesday, November 20, the Pope delved into the reflection on these gifts, inviting the faithful to consider them as essential tools for the common good, all rooted in God’s love.

Charisms: Gifts for the Edification of the Church

In his reflection, the Pope quoted Saint Paul’s words to the Corinthians, emphasizing the diversity of charisms and how the Spirit bestows these gifts upon each person uniquely, yet for a common purpose: service to the community. “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good,” the Pope noted, adding that these charisms are not personal privileges but treasures meant to enrich the Church as a whole.

Charisms for the Common Good

The Pope explained that charisms have two essential characteristics: first, they are given “for the common good,” not only for personal sanctification but for the building up of the Church. Secondly, they are distributed uniquely to each individual according to the will of the Spirit, which distinguishes them from sacraments and virtues, which are shared universally among the faithful. “Charisms are the ‘jewels’ or adornments that the Holy Spirit distributes to make the Bride of Christ more beautiful,” the Pope stated.

Promotion of the Laity and the Dignity of Women

Pope Francis also highlighted the importance of charisms in promoting the laity, particularly women. He emphasized that the dignity of the laity should not only be understood in sociological or institutional terms but also in its biblical and spiritual dimension. “Laity are not merely collaborators with the clergy; they have their own charisms and gifts,” he asserted, reinforcing the essential role of the laity in the Church’s mission.

The Spirit in Unity and Love

The Pope also sought to address potential misunderstandings about charisms. He acknowledged that some Christians may feel excluded or disappointed, believing they do not possess charisms. However, he clarified that charisms are not limited to extraordinary manifestations but are often ordinary gifts with extraordinary value when inspired by love and the Spirit. Citing St. Augustine, the Pope said: “If you love, it is nothing what you have. Charity multiplies charisms; it makes one person’s charism the charism of all.”

Finally, the Pope emphasized that charity is the greatest path, as it enables all charisms to be shared within the unity of the Church. “Charity makes me love the Church,” he said, “and in unity, all charisms become mine, just as mine belong to everyone.”

Remembering Our Love: A Letter from a Ukrainian Student

At the end of the audience, Pope Francis read aloud a letter sent by a Ukrainian university student to mark the thousandth day of the war in Ukraine. The young man asked the Pope to speak not only about their suffering but also about the love that has emerged amidst the pain.

“When you speak of our thousand days of suffering,” the student wrote, “speak also of our thousand days of love.” The Pope read with emotion excerpts from the letter, which expressed how, despite the hardship, pain has led to a deeper love and a stronger faith. “Pain is not just a path to anger and despair; if it is based on faith, it is a good teacher of love,” the student wrote, concluding with the request that the Pope share with the world both their suffering and their love.

The Canonization of Acutis and Frassati

At the end of the General Audience, Pope Francis announced that two young laypeople, Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, will be canonized during the Jubilee 2025. Carlo Acutis, known for his love of the Eucharist and passion for computing, and Pier Giorgio Frassati, a young man dedicated to prayer and serving the poor, will be raised to the altars during the event. Additionally, the Pope announced that on February 3, a World Meeting on Children’s Rights will be held in the Vatican, titled “Let Us Love and Protect Them.”

The Pope’s General Audience on November 20 reaffirmed that charisms, far from being personal privileges, are gifts of the Spirit meant to serve the common good and build up the Church. Pope Francis called for a rediscovery of the importance of charisms in the life of the laity and emphasized the importance of living in unity and love, following the example of saints such as Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati. Charity, as the path to share these gifts, becomes the key to living true unity within the Church.