Hypocrisy, like that of the scribes and Pharisees of Jesus’ time, is not the only temptation that continues to plague religious communities, Pope Francis said. Pride also is a great danger. “We disciples of Jesus should not seek titles of honour, authority or supremacy,” the Pope has said. “I tell you, it personally pains me to see people who psychologically live running after the vanity of honours.”
Before reciting the Angelus prayer, Pope Francis spoke about the day’s reading from the Gospel of St Matthew, in which Jesus tells the people to “do and observe” everything the scribes and Pharisees say, “but do not follow their example, for they preach but they do not practice”.