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Gossip can also kill, because it kills the reputation of the person! It is so terrible to gossip! At first it may seem like a nice thing, even amusing, like enjoying a candy. But in the end, it fills the heart with bitterness, and even poisons us.
Pope Francis
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Gossip may seem harmless, but it ultimately harms the reputation of others and can lead to personal bitterness.

This quote by Pope Francis emphasizes the destructive nature of gossip, illustrating how it can destroy individuals' reputations and relationships. Initially perceived as entertaining, gossip can sour one's heart, leading to bitterness and negativity, indicating that it ultimately harms both the subject of the gossip and the gossipers themselves.

Themes

GossipReputationBitternessRelationshipsHarmNegativity

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about the dangers of social media, this quote could highlight the impact of online gossip.

More from Pope Francis

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I join the March for Life in Washington with my prayers. May God help us respect all life, especially the most vulnerable.
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No one must say that they cannot be close to the poor because their own lifestyle demands more attention to other areas. This is an excuse commonly heard in academic, business or professional, and even ecclesial circles. While it is quite true that the essential vocation and mission of the lay faithful is to strive that earthly realities and all human activity may be transformed by the Gospel, none of us can think we are exempt from concern for the poor and for social justice
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We face so many challenges in life: poverty, distress, humiliation, the struggle for justice, persecutions, the difficulty of daily conversion, the effort to remain faithful to our call to holiness, and many others. But if we open the door to Jesus and allow him to be part of our lives, if we share our joys and sorrows with him, then we will experience the peace and joy that only God, who is infinite love, can give.
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More and more people work on Sundays as a consequence of the competitiveness imposed by a consumer society.
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This Christmas may we be consistent in living the Gospel, welcoming Jesus into the centre of our lives.
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