Francisco: A regime that is not service is a dictatorship

Antonella Palermo – Vatican City

What is the deeper meaning of the symbol of the keys with which Peter is represented in iconography and spoken about in the Scriptures? They are keys to open, not to close. This was the message expressed by Francis in the Angelus of the Solemnity of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, in which he twice emphasized that “an authority that is not service is dictatorship.”

Humility, persistence and patience are the keys

The Pope explains that the keys represent the ministry of authority that Jesus entrusted to the whole Church. The pontiff pauses at a fundamental aspect to emphasize that the Kingdom of Heaven is not an inaccessible castle, but a porous environment.

In fact, Peter’s keys are the keys to a Kingdom, which Jesus does not describe as a safe or armored box, but with other images: a small seed, a precious pearl, a hidden treasure, a handful of yeast (cf. Matthew 13:1-33), that is, as something precious and rich, yes, but also small and inconspicuous. Therefore, to obtain it it is not necessary to activate security mechanisms and locks, but to develop qualities such as patience, attention, perseverance, humility.

Help everyone find their way

Francis explains that Peter first had to convert to open the door to Jesus and, he remembers, “it was not easy for him”. In keeping with the spirit of Christ’s message, the apostle survived until his martyrdom “without tiring and despite falling many times”.

The mission that Jesus entrusts to Peter is not to close the doors of the house and allow only a select few guests to enter, but to help everyone find their way, while remaining faithful to the Gospel of Jesus. For everyone: everyone, everyone, everyone can enter.

Pedro wasn’t perfect, but he was humble and honest

As always, the Angelus Sunday catechesis concludes with a series of questions posed by the Pope for personal and community understanding. Among these central questions: Are we welcoming mentors to others? “And in doing so, do I allow myself to be “polished,” softened, molded” by Jesus and his Spirit, who dwells in me? It is always Peter’s example, even in his limitations, that illuminates us.

Peter received the keys to the kingdom not because he was perfect, but because he was humble and honest and the Father had given him clear faith (Matthew 16:17). Therefore, trusting in God’s mercy, he was able to support and strengthen his brothers as well, just as he was told (cf. Luke 22:32).