By Charles Igwe
During his Angelus address on Sunday, September 22, Pope Francis emphasized that true power is found in caring for others, particularly the weakest, rather than in dominating them. Reflecting on the day’s Gospel, the Pope highlighted Jesus’ teaching that greatness is rooted in service, not strength.
“Jesus teaches us that true power does not lie in the dominion of the strongest but in care for the weakest,” Pope Francis said, addressing thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square. “True power is taking care of the weakest; that makes you great.”
The Pope connected this message to the tragic death of Juan Antonio López, a Catholic environmental activist in Honduras who was killed after leaving his church on September 14. López, a defender of the poor and the environment, was known for his work in his diocese, where he led celebrations of the Word of God in areas seldom visited by priests.
“I join in the mourning of the Church and the condemnation of all forms of violence,” Pope Francis said, expressing solidarity with those whose basic rights are violated. He called attention to the struggles and sacrifices made by those working for the common good, especially in response to the needs of the poor and the cry of the earth.
Reflecting further on the Gospel passage from Mark 9:30-37, where Jesus predicts his death and resurrection, the Pope noted how the disciples were preoccupied with power and status rather than understanding the significance of Jesus’ words. When Jesus questioned them about their conversation, they remained silent, as they had been arguing about who among them was the greatest.
This silence, Pope Francis observed, revealed a stark contrast to Jesus’ message of self-giving love. “While Jesus confided in them the meaning of his very life, they were talking about power,” he remarked.
Jesus responded by teaching that “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all,” using the example of embracing a child—symbolizing those who are powerless and in need. The Pope reminded the faithful that power often leads people to forget their reliance on others, making them dominating rather than serving.
“Then we become people who dominate, not servants, and the first to suffer as a result are the last: the little ones, the weak, the poor,” Pope Francis concluded.
