Pope Benedict XVI Quotes

I'm involved in quite a few ministries as a bridge builder, trying to match generous givers and donors to other ministries. Based on my past, I'm also involved in mainly the prison ministry. I go to jails and prisons and share my story, trying to give them some hope.

Jesus teaches us to forgive and I've got to trust him on that one.

We need religion as a guide. We need it because we are imperfect. Our government needs the church, because only those humble enough to admit they are sinners can bring to democracy the tolerance it requires in order to survive.

Forgiveness is God's command.

'Tis easier for the generous to forgive, than for offence to ask it.

Even though we are deceived, still believe. Though we are betrayed, still forgive. Love completely even those who hate you.

Only the brave know how to forgive... a coward never forgave; it is not in his nature.

Humanity is never so beautiful as when praying for forgiveness, or else forgiving another.

We're only here to love God and each other. I'm not saying I've never gotten angry at anyone. I do. But you've got to forgive and move on.

God forgives us... who am I not to forgive?

I'm currently in an interesting correspondence with a nun about forgiveness.

I believe in trusting men, not only once but twice - in giving a failure another chance.

All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, that is love, compassion and forgiveness the important thing is they should be part of our daily lives.

To be a clergyman, and all that is compassionate and virtuous, ought to be the same thing.

Thankfully, while our self-righteousness reaches far, God's grace reaches farther.

I try to be as real and honest about everything and very genuine with people and say, 'Listen, I'm a Christian, and I'm not perfect. I screw up every day, but I think that's what grace is all about.'

The world, more suffering than sinning, turns toward Pope Francis as in a conversation people turn to the person who is making sense of things.

I think it's important to remember that Christianity was based in love and tolerance and forgiveness and acceptance.

I want to build friendships. I want to come across as being a good illustration of what Jesus is like.

To forgive and to be forgiven are the two points of holy magnificence and holy modesty; round these two centres the whole doctrine of largesse revolves.

Confession is something we will never outgrow, even if we become the saints God made us to be. Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa of Calcutta were revered even during their lifetime; but both made frequent use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

And you know, when you've experienced grace and you feel like you've been forgiven, you're a lot more forgiving of other people. You're a lot more gracious to others.

I have to go on being a priest and bishop, that is, to celebrate God and what God has done in Jesus, and to offer in God's name whatever I can discern of God's perspective on the world around - something which involves both challenge and comfort.

Only the brave know how to forgive...

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek To be consoled as to console, To be understood as to understand, To be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, It is in dying that we are born to eternal life.