Francis: Evangelize by Example, not Pushing Your Faith on Others

Pope Francis Preaching in Madison Square Garden, September 25, 2015 (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Antoine Mekary / ALETEIA)
Pope Francis Preaching in Madison Square Garden, September 25, 2015 (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Antoine Mekary / ALETEIA)

Unfortunately, English publications fail to make a distinction made in other languages so people confuse what Pope Francis says sometimes. Here’s a clarification that got big about this point.

Recently, Pope Francis answered questions from high school students and suggested they convert non-Catholics through their authenticity and example. In so explaining, he suggested they don’t push their faith on unbelieving students. This is generally a good, practical strategy. Unfortunately, some misread what he said. They read it just as not doing the latter without seeing the former. I want to point out what Francis said, then explain two points: practical evangelization and “proselytism.”

There’s more on Patheos.

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