Christianity is a relationship, not an ideology, Pope says

Rome, Mar. 27 (CWNews.com) -

Christianity is not an ideology, but a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, Pope Benedict XVI (bio - news) told parishioners at a church in the eastern section of Rome on March 26.

On a pastoral visit to a parish in the Tor Tre Teste section, the Holy Father said that the 4th Sunday of Lent, Laetare Sunday, brings a joyful celebration not only because of the realization that Easter is drawing closer, but also because the day's Scripture readings remind Christians that "in spite of our unworthiness we are the recipients of God's infinite mercy."

Christ's death on the Cross, the Pope reminded his listeners, brings salvation from sin. "This is the Church's central message, unchanged over the centuries," he said. "It is the glory of the Cross that each Christian is called to understand, to live, and to bear witness to in his own life." In his lengthy homily, the Pope concentrated on the message of divine mercy, emphasizing that the parish is dedicated to God the Merciful Father. Pope Benedict read aloud a message that his predecessor, John Paul II, had been preparing to deliver on the feast of the Divine Mercy, which fell the day after his death.

The March 26 visit to Tor Tre Teste was the 3rd parish visit by Pope Benedict since his election last April 19. He spent the morning at the parish of God the Merciful Father, where he was greeted by Cardinal Camillo Ruini, his vicar for the Rome diocese, and Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, the titular pastor. The Pope returned to the Vatican in time for his midday Angelus audience.