Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop | Diocese of Honolulu

Pope Francis urged all to reflect and act on a deeper understanding of the values of charity and service during this Lenten season. In a message to a meeting of church humanitarian aid and development organizations in Latin America, the Pope focused on the theme of "given freely."

"Drawing from the Gospel, this concept of unconditional giving is one of the main teachings that Jesus delivered during his Sermons which spoke of the miracle of selfless generosity," said Pope Francis.

The Pope emphasized the importance of looking beyond the data involved in charitable aid to the deeper values of Christian giving. He encouraged individuals to meditate on the ways God has shown unconditional love and highlighted the significance of being able to give freely after receiving such gifts.

"He also reminds us that when we have received such gifts of love and forgiveness freely, we are then able to give the same to others more freely," reiterated Pope Francis.

Pope Francis concluded by stating that giving freely has lasting results, emphasizing the transformative power of selfless generosity during the Lenten season.