"How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life”
I have come to encourage you on the road of the Gospel. It is certainly a narrow road, but it is a regal road, one that is sure, tried by generations of Christians, taught by the saints… It is the road on which, like you, your brothers in the universal Church are trying to walk. This road does not lead to resignation, to renunciation or abandonment. It does not end up in a weakening of the moral sense, and it would wish that civil law itself help to raise up the human person. It does not seek to bury itself, to remain unnoticed; on the contrary, it demands the joyful audacity of the apostles. Thus, it banishes all faintheartedness, while being perfectly respectful towards those who do not share the same ideal…
The great Pope St. Leo said, “Christian, recognize your dignity!” And I, his unworthy successor, I tell you, my brothers and sisters: Recognize your dignity! Be proud of your faith, of the gift of the Spirit whom the Father has given you. I come among you as a poor man whose only wealth is faith, a pilgrim of the Gospel. Give to the Church and the world the example of your unfailing fidelity and your missionary zeal. I want my visit to you to be … a call to new energy before the many tasks presented to you.