Pope Francis Challenges “Keyboard Warriors” to Spread Gospel

Pope Francis has called on “keyboard warriors” to leave behind online disputes and step out from behind their desks to spread the Gospel message.

Giving his Wednesday Angelus on April 12 in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis encouraged Christians to actively engage in sharing the Gospel’s good news with the world.

He emphasized that the Gospel cannot be spread while remaining stationary, confined to an office or computer, participating in online arguments like “keyboard warriors” or relying on recycled ideas from various sources.

“The Gospel is proclaimed by moving, by walking, by going.”

He also cautioned against “misdirected zeal,” which focuses on following outdated, human-created norms within the Christian community.

He warned that some may claim to have genuine evangelical zeal, but in reality, they might be seeking personal glory or pursuing their own beliefs.

Pope Francis also reflected on two verses from St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians, where the apostle associates zeal for the Gospel with footwear, signifying the need for movement and action in spreading the message. The pope explained that evangelical zeal serves as the foundation for proclamation, with messengers acting as the feet of the Church, which is the body of Christ.

The pope also took the opportunity to remind the audience that Divine Mercy Sunday would be observed on April 16. He stressed God’s unending mercy, which welcomes, supports, and never abandons anyone.

Pope Francis invited everyone to experience the Easter season with their focus on the risen Christ, who sacrificed himself for humanity’s redemption.

🙏 Pray with Pope Francis!