Rome, Italy, Apr 24, 2016 / 04:10 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis encouraged Christians to courageously venture into the metaphorical deserts of the world during a surprise visit to an Earth Day celebration in Rome Sunday.

“There are so many deserts in the cities, in the lives of people who have no future, because there are…always prejudices and fears,” the Pope said in off-the-cuff remarks.