The Evangelist evidently wanted to warn those who read or hear about it that the Gospel is not a legend but the account of a true story, that Jesus of Nazareth is a historical figure who fits into that precise context.

- Angelus Address, 6 December 2009

The Gospel is, at its core, not only a word - Christ himself is the Gospel.

- Homily, 12 September 2009

By its very nature, the Gospel urges people of faith to offer themselves in loving service to their brothers and sisters without distinction and without counting the cost (cf. Luke 10:25-37). Love is the outward manifestation of the faith that sustains the community of believers and empowers them to be signs of hope for the world.

- Address to the New Ambassador of the Czech Republic,

27 September 2008