While the virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance are the marks of a righteous individual, the virtues of faith, hope and love emphasise a connection to other people fuelled by belief in God and reliance on prayer, Pope Francis said.
“The Christian is never alone. He or she does good not because of a titanic effort of personal commitment, but because, as a humble disciple, he or she walks behind the master Jesus,” the pope said on 24th April at his weekly general audience.
Pope Francis continued his audience talks about virtue, distinguishing between the “cardinal”-meaning “hinge”-virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance, which are essential for living a righteous life, and the “theological” or New Testament virtues of faith, hope and charity.
The cardinal virtues were espoused and promoted by ancient philosophers well before the development of Christianity, the pope said.
“Honesty was preached as a civic duty, wisdom as the rule for actions, courage as the fundamental ingredient for a life that tends toward the good and moderation as the necessary measure not to be overwhelmed by excesses.”
Christianity, he said, did not replace that ethical heritage, but “enhanced, purified, and integrated” it with the teachings of Jesus about faith, hope and love.
Picture: Pope Francis gives his blessing at the end of his weekly general audience as Msgr. Luis Maria Rodrigo Ewart, an aide, holds the pope’s prayer book in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, 24th April 2024. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)