Speaking ill of others akin to terrorism: Pope

Pope Francis on Saturday said that gossiping and speak ill of others within religious communities is like terrorism.

He made the remark at a meeting with priests, nuns and novices at the Holy Rosary Church in Dhaka, on the last day of his visit to Bangladesh, reports Efe news.

The Pope once again stressed the danger of divisions in the Catholic community and the harm caused by gossip, something that has often featured in his addresses to audiences who have chosen religious paths.

The pontiff, during his impromptu speech, said they were like the shoots of the seeds planted by God, and asked them to take care of them as they grow and separate them from the bad seeds and weeds.

He then said that the church in Bangladesh has been very active in inter-religious dialogue and urged for the same within Catholic communities, asking them to be an example of harmony.

The Pope went on to say that he is filled with tenderness when meeting old priests and nuns who have a sparkle in their eyes due to having lived fulfilling lives.

He urged those at the meeting to seek out that look in the old nuns, who are always serving, and who have gleaming eyes as they have the knowledge of the Holy Spirit.

The speech was interrupted by applause and laughter from those present, and Pope Francis concluded by saying that when one is like wine and keeps maturing till the end, the eyes gleam with joy and fulfilment of the Holy Spirit.

The Pope reached Bangladesh on Thursday after spending three days in Myanmar.

On Friday, he met a group of Muslim Rohingya refugees here and referred to Myanmar's persecuted minority by name for the first time on his Asia tour.

He refrained from using the term while in Myanmar.

--IANS

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