"It will do us good too, like John the Baptist, to cultivate the virtue of stepping aside at the right moment, testifying that the reference point of life is Jesus ". And again: "Let us think of how important this is for a priest, who is called to preach and celebrate not out of protagonism or interest, but to accompany others to Jesus".

Pope Francis said this at the Angelus, speaking of Saint John the Baptist and his "spirit of service".

A veiled mention of the possibility of a step backwards , like that of Benedict XVI, if health conditions worsen with age? Vatican correspondents are discussing it, and it's not the first time.

In his intervention at the Angelus, Bergoglio recalled how John "puts his disciples in the footsteps of Jesus. He is not interested in having a following for himself, in obtaining prestige and success, but he bears witness and then takes a step back, because many have the joy of meeting Jesus. We can say, he opens the door and goes away».

"With his spirit of service - continued the Holy Father -, with his ability to make room, John the Baptist teaches us an important thing: freedom from attachments".

(Unioneonline/lf)

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