Francis deplores 'ugly sin' of apathy

Vatican City, March 28 (IANS/AKI) Apathy is "an ugly sin" and "a horrible disease", Pope Francis said on Tuesday, urging Catholics to embrace life joyfully.

"Apathy is an ugly sin and a horrible disease which paralyses us," Francis said in a sermon as he celebrated mass at the Vatican hotel.

"It paralyses us and stops us from walking."

Sloth is worse than having a lukewarm heart, he explained.

"It causes one to live without the desire to move forward or to do something in life, it causes one to lose the memory of joy,"

When God sees apathy he urges those people to get going and live life, "be it beautiful or difficult," Francis said.

"Do not be afraid, go ahead carrying your mat."

--IANS/AKI

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