Vatican City, Aug 30, 2017 / 04:44 am (CNA/EWTN News).- On Wednesday Pope Francis told pilgrims to ignore gloomy people that drag others down, and stressed the need to maintain a healthy dose of the joy experienced in our first encounter with Christ, which he said must serve as a constant motivation to spread the good news.

“Do not listen to deluded and unhappy people; don't listen to those who cynically recommend not to cultivate hope in life,” the Pope said Aug. 30.