*Pope: Give primacy to God

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square during the Wednesday general audience June 4, 2014. Credit Daniel Ibáñez / CNA
.- Pope Francis on Saturday visited the Italian city of Caserta, encouraging the people of the region to place God at the center of their lives.
“Giving primacy to God means having the courage to say no to evil, violence, oppression; to live a life of service to others and in favor of lawfulness and the common good,” Pope Francis said July 26.

The Pope stressed the importance of the presence of Jesus, saying his presence “transforms our lives and makes us sensitive to the needs of our brothers.” Jesus’ presence “invites us to accept every other presence, including that of foreigners and immigrants.”

He added that God is “the true treasure.”
“He who becomes a friend of God loves his brothers, is committed to safeguarding their lives and well-being, and also respects the environment and nature,” Pope Francis said.

 Everyone should be “servants of the truth,” living a gospel-inspired life that is shown in “the gift of self” and in giving attention to the poor and excluded.