The Joy of Christ in Every Circumstance

In the final public event of his one-day visit to Corsica, Pope Francis presided over Holy Mass in Ajaccio’s Piazza d’Austerlitz. In his homily, the Holy Father called for spiritual renewal and joyful expectation of Christ’s coming, inviting the faithful to prepare with humility, hope and acts of charity amid the world’s challenges.

Spiritual Renewal and Conversion

Inspired by the words of John the Baptist, who announced the coming of the Messiah, Pope Francis invited those present to embrace the message of spiritual renewal and conversion. In this time of Advent, the Pope reflected on the question that the crowd asked John the Baptist: “What should we do?” This question, the Pope noted, did not come from those considered righteous, such as the Pharisees and scribes, but from those who were seen as “outcasts,” such as tax collectors and soldiers. These people, burdened by a past of dishonesty and violence, were seeking to change their ways and were ready to receive the call to transformation.

Pope Francis reminded the faithful that the Gospel message does just that: it stirs the conscience of the most vulnerable, including the poor and the marginalized, drawn by Christ to be saved and not condemned. In today’s world, as in the past, the call to conversion is open to all, regardless of past failures. The question, “What should we do?” invites us all to reflect and prepare with humility for Christ’s coming.

Joyful Expectation versus Suspicion

The Pope highlighted two very different ways of awaiting the Messiah: with suspicion and with joyful expectation. Speaking first of suspicion, which he described as rooted in anxiety, distrust and preoccupation with worldly things, the Pope noted that this prevents us from experiencing joy. The more we focus on ourselves, the more we lose sight of God’s providence. The solution to this attitude, Pope Francis stressed, lies in faith and prayer.

Speaking of waiting for the Messiah with joy, the Pope encouraged the faithful to embrace a joyful expectation of the coming of the Lord. Christian joy, he explained, “is neither superficial nor ephemeral.” On the contrary, it is a joy rooted in the heart and built on a solid foundation. He recalled the words of the prophet Zephaniah, who called on his people to rejoice because the Lord was in their midst, bringing victory and salvation. “The coming of the Lord brings us salvation: that is the reason for our joy,” the Pope said. This joy, he explained, does not consist in forgetting the difficulties of life, but in finding strength and peace in the presence of God.

The Work of the Local Community

Concluding his homily, Pope Francis acknowledged the great work of the local community of Ajaccio and in particular of the Confraternities, whose charitable actions and devotion enrich the life of the Church. He urged the faithful to continue to serve those in need, embodying the joyful spirit of Christ in their works of mercy.

As the Advent season progresses, Pope Francis urged the faithful to cultivate peace and hope, especially for young people preparing for Baptism and the sacraments. He reminded them that joy is the “style” of the Church’s proclamation, bringing the light of Christ to a world that so needs it.

A Message for the Young and the Elderly

In frequent off-the-cuff remarks, the Pope invited the faithful to always care for the elderly, who carry with them the wisdom of the people. And commenting on the number of children present at the Mass, he also called for special care for young people, pointing to the many young people suffering from wars around the world, and in particular to the children of Ukraine, who, according to the Pope, “have forgotten how to smile.”

The Joy of Christ in the Midst of All Affliction

In his closing, the Holy Father addressed the challenges facing the world today. “There are many reasons for sadness and despair in the world today,” he said, listing “extreme poverty, wars, corruption and violence.” However, he continued, the word of God never ceases to encourage us. Despite suffering, “the Church proclaims an unwavering hope that does not disappoint,” for the Lord is near, and in His presence we find the strength to work for peace and justice. Joy in Christ, the Pope concluded, remains the source of our joy “at all times and in the midst of all affliction.”