(WATCH) Pope Francis: “The Church Doesn’t Need Blood Money”

Aleteia - published on 03/02/16

To Church benefactors whose money is acquired through exploitation and mistreatment, Pope Francis says: “Take your check and burn it!”

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis went off script today in a stinging denouncement of Church “offerings” acquired through exploitation, human trafficking, and modern slavery.

The pope’s remarks came during the March 2 Wednesday general audience, as he reflected on the relationship between God the Father’s mercy and correction.

In this video, Pope Francis is commenting specifically on God’s word to the rulers of Sodom and Gomorrah, as recorded by the prophet Isaiah (1:11-17).

“I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of he-goats […] Bring no more vain offerings […] When you spread forth your hands, even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood. Wash yourselves clean; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow.”

To read Pope Francis’ full Wednesday audience address delivered in St. Peter’s Square, click here.

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