Vatican City, Sep 26, 2014 / 10:03 am (CNA).- Christ as Redeemer cannot be understood save through a willingness to take up the cross, said Pope Francis during his homily for Mass on Friday morning.

The Christian, he said Sept. 26, addressing the congregation gathered in the chapel of the Santa Martha residence, is like the “Cyrene” – referring here to Simon of Cyrene – who helped Christ carry his own Cross.