The Vatican media has released the prologue penned by Pope Francisco for the latest book by journalist Austen Ivereigh, ‘First Belongs to God: In Retreat with Pope Francis,’ published by Messenger Publications and Loyola Press. In his text, the pontiff denounces “the deterioration of our common home and mass movements of people as symptoms of the ‘crisis of man’s non-belonging’ to God.”
In his prologue, the Pope addresses the issue of self-sufficiency, emphasizing the importance of making room for the Lord and recognizing life as a gift from the Father. He expresses concern that the rejection of our belonging to God and others is at the root of deadly crises, such as the ecological crisis, wars, and injustices against the poor and the fragile. The Pope also advocates for the teachings of the Church as channels of grace and promotes the Spiritual Exercises as a way to “recharge our batteries.”
According to Pope Francisco, a Christian retreat is very different from “wellness” vacations, with the focus being on God and the Good Shepherd. Love and service are identified as the two axes of the Spiritual Exercises, and the pontiff urges individuals not to distance themselves from the pains and cries of our time, but to enter into them and open channels of grace.
This prologue offers insights into the Pope’s perspective on the spiritual well-being of individuals and the world, as well as his encouragement for active engagement and compassion.