Pope Francis encourages faithful to endure criticism and loss for Gospel

Pope Francis has urged Christians not to be afraid of suffering criticism, economic loss, and persecution for being faithful to what the Church teaches. He underlined how Jesus’ words “do not be afraid” still apply today. The pope explained how Jesus told his disciples not to be afraid shortly after telling them about the persecutions that they would have to undergo for the Gospel, something, he noted, that still applies today. The only true fear one should have is of throwing one’s life away chasing things that do not ultimately matter.