Pope told old friend why he loves St. Thomas More prayer

Francis shared his secret for good humor with a woman he has known since his days as a cardinal: “For the past 40 years, I have prayed the prayer to St. Thomas More every day.”

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Pope Francis is known to love a good joke. But what’s the secret behind his joyful attitude? As José Manuel Nieto reports for Cadena COPE, the Pope himself revealed it in a conversation with Lydia Jiménez, director of the Secular Institute Cruzadas de Santa María.

During their talk, Jiménez remarked on the Pope’s ever-present joy: “Holy Father, you always have such good humor!” Smiling, Francis shared his secret: “For the past 40 years, I have prayed the prayer to St. Thomas More every day.”

A long-standing connection

As José Manuel Nieto explains, Pope Francis and Lydia Jiménez have known each other for years. When he was still Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he stayed at a house belonging to her institute while leading spiritual exercises for Spanish bishops.

At the time, he was more reserved, but over the years, he stayed in contact with Jiménez and took an interest in the institute’s mission.

The prayer for good humor

St. Thomas More, known for his faith, courage, and sense of humor even in the face of martyrdom, left behind a powerful legacy. His Prayer for Good Humor, which the Pope has recited daily for decades, is a heartfelt plea for joy and serenity in everyday life.

Pope Francis often emphasizes the importance of approaching challenges with a sense of humor and trust in God. His spirituality is deeply rooted in this perspective, which he shares with the world through his messages of hope and encouragement.

He has spoken of his affection for St. Thomas More’s prayer on various occasions, also in books.

“If one doesn’t have a sense of humor, it’s very difficult to be happy,” highlights Francis in the book-interview God is Young, released March 21, 2018. In his conversations with Italian journalist Thomas Leoncini, he describes a sense of humor as a quality which should never be lacking in a Christian “because it’s linked to the capacity to enjoy life, to be enthusiastic.”

Find the prayer here.

A life of dedication recognized

Lydia Jiménez has dedicated her life to education and Christian formation. As COPE’s article highlights, she was recently awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross, the highest honor the Church grants to a layperson for outstanding service.

The Secular Institute Cruzadas de Santa María, founded in 1965, is active in 12 countries and has over 250 consecrated women who live their faith while remaining in secular professions. Their mission is to support and guide Christians in their daily lives, particularly in education.

A concern for young people

Beyond her pastoral work, Jiménez has also voiced her concerns about the mental health of young people. As noted in COPE, she believes that “young people need to be heard, to feel encouraged, and to know that we believe in them.”

This exchange between Pope Francis and Lydia Jiménez is a testament to the power of faith in daily life. As St. Thomas More, known for his wit, famously said before his execution: “Wait a moment — I need to put my collar straight.” It’s a message that continues to resonate in the Pope’s daily prayer and in the lives of those, like Jiménez, who have made faith and service their calling.