Pope Francis speaks of Christians who put God in a corner and wash their hands of Him.

He pointed out a video he saw from New Year's Eve, in which people fulfilled worldly desires, instead of those of God.

He said the fires of war have been recently ignited in the world.

He said indifference to others is a way of not loving God.

He explained authority is not a mandate but rather the fruit of testimony and coherence.

He said Jesus did not come simply to preach, but to be with His people. He asked Christians to not forget this part of His mission.

He said Jesus offers the world the medicine of mercy.

In his homily at Casa Santa Marta, the pope reminded Christians of the gratuitousness of God's choice and the call to guard the gift received.

Fr. Gonzalo Aemilius, the Uruguayan new secretary for the pope was present.

Pope Francis suggested reading the Beatitudes to learn how to live in a Christian way.

“May the Lord grant us the grace of sending us a prophet, such as a neighbor, a son, a mother, a father, who slaps us a little when we are slipping,” he said.

Pope Francis invited Christians to imagine if they had died on the cross instead of Jesus.

He offered Mass for victims of the coronavirus, and asked for it to be live-streamed so everyone could participate.

He celebrated Mass live-streamed from his private chapel to pray for the sick.

He warned against the globalization of indifference.

“Drastic measures aren't always good,” he said. “Don't leave God's faithful people alone,” he added.

He remembered how some feel indignant because God doesn't act in spectacular ways.

He said this before beginning Mass at Casa Santa Marta.

"Do not carry this cross of hatred, of rancor, which is neither Christian nor human," he advises.

“They gave their lives in service of these people,” said the pope.

“We can't be physically close for fear of contagion, but we can have an attitude of nearness,” he said.