He said just like people of God from the Book of Numbers, some Christians today are afraid to hope and prefer failure.
The president of Italy, Sergio Matarella, attended the Mass.
He asked Christians if they are truly faithful to God or instead do what they want?
Pope Francis spoke about three proposals Christ gave his disciples: don't judge, be generous and don't gossip.
He invited Christians to ask God for humility and not to be vain.
He warned seriously against the danger of selectively forgetting the good parts of the faith journey.
He invited Christians not to procrastinate; and take out five minutes a day to examine their conscience in order to convert their heart to God.
He said God also suffers in people's pain because He has feelings.
He invited Christians to consider the question God asks everyone “Where is your brother?”
The pope used the martyrdom of John the Baptist as an example for everyone.
He said in order to help people open their hearts and convert to God one must be meek and humble.
He used the example of St. John Bosco, whose feast day it is.
The pope criticized those Christians who can recite the Creed but give into “vanity, pride and attachment to money.”
The pope explained that people only grow when facing difficulties and can accept life's challenges.
He said that in order to truly love God, Christians must love one another, including their enemies.
He offered the Mass for Arch. Giorgio Zur who had lived in Casa Santa Marta with him.
He explained that you cannot destroy others with gossip.
The pope also referred to St. Joseph who was a “man of dreams” but not a dreamer.
He recommended Christians to meditate on chapter nine of St. John's Gospel.
