It has been reported (January 19) that Pope Francis, in a youth gathering at a Catholic university in Manila last week, was moved by a question posed by a 12-year-old girl who had been abandoned. It has been stated that the girl broke down in tears and could not finish her prepared address.

The Pope responded spontaneously by hugging her and, later, put aside most of his own prepared speech.

This incident gives us a clear example of how the Church should act when faced with realities in life. Responding to existential situations, very often, implies moving away from written norms and dogmas in order to be more humane and compassionate.

The Church has its own doctrine by which all members are expected to abide. But, as Jesus Himself states, “the sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath” (Mark:2,27).

Unless, therefore, we keep man at the centre of our mission and, rather than be enslaved by the norms and regulations, exert our full effort to see how to adjust such rules to real, existential situations, we shall not be able to alleviate him from his miserable condition. It is not enough for those involved in pastoral work, be they priests, members of religious order or lay people, to be knowledgeable in the doctrine of the Church, though this is essential.

Pastors, enlightened by the Holy Spirit and guided by the Church’s doctrine, should be able to apply such doctrine to the day-to-day problems that crop up in life. Very often there is no immediate solution and, therefore, starting from where we are, the Church, as a mother, accompanies us on our pilgrimage and together, in time, we shall be able to see light and find the right solution.