Liturgical leaders in the church must serve as humble guides to prayer rather than be strictly focused on the application of rules, Pope Francis said.

For those who recognize Christ as the saviour, death is not an end or a form of "annihilation," Pope Francis wrote in his general audience catechesis. It is a kind of "sister" that introduces the faithful departed to true life.

While priests and lay leaders visualize linear growth and a mass enthusiastic embrace of every new spirituality-building initiative, cultivating a more evangelistic congregational flock requires embracing trial and error.