Vatican City : It is acceptable to sin often and seek forgiveness but not be corrupt and to no longer see the need to atone for one’s sins, Pope Francis said, reports IANS.
“One can sin often, and always return to God seeking forgiveness, never doubting that it will be obtained,” Pope Francis said on Friday. “It is especially when one becomes corrupt — when one no longer sees the need to be forgiven that problems begin,” he said.
He gave the biblical example of King David, who impregnates Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, an army officer fighting at the front, whose death in battle David then arranges to conceal his adultery.
“This is a moment in David’s life that makes us see a moment through which we all can pass in our life: it is the passage from sin to corruption.”
“This is where David begins, taking the first step towards corruption. He has the power, he has the strength. And for this reason, corruption is a very easy sin for all of us
who have some power, whether it be ecclesiastical, religious, economic, political… Because the devil makes us feel certain: ‘I can do it’.”
Meanwhile in Washington, a Fiat 500L used by Pope Francis during his visit last year to the US city of Philadelphia has been sold at auction for USD 82,000, with the proceeds going to various Catholic charities.
Church officials in the northeastern US city said the auction was the highlight of a gala black-tie event kicking off this year’s Philadelphia Auto Show. Some 19 bidders from across the United States vied for the vehicle yesterday, but no details were immediately released about the winning bidder for the Fiat, a sporty, diminutive five-door wagon. “What a magnificent spirit of generosity we witnessed this evening,” John McIntyre, auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, said after the sale, reports AFP.
“To be able to auction the papal Fiat in such a spirited environment while knowing that this incredible outcome allows us to spread Pope Francis’ message of love and care in a concrete way by supporting the charitable works of the Archdiocese is most gratifying,” Bishop McIntyre said.
