Pope in address to Cardinals this evening: “Herod fears for his throne; he is agitated by what he feels is beyond his control, tries to take advantage of the Magi's desire, and attempts to manipulate their search for his own benefit. Herod is ready to lie, he is willing to do anything. Fear, in fact, blinds. The joy of the Gospel, however, liberates. It makes us prudent, yes, but also bold, attentive, and creative; it suggests paths different from those already traveled. This [encounter] for me is one of the many expressions in which we can truly experience the newness of the Church. The Holy Spirit is alive and present among us. How wonderful it is to be together in the boat! That image that Cardinal Radcliffe offered us in his reflection this afternoon, as if to say: let's stay together. There may be something that frightens us; there is doubt: but where are we going? How will it all end? But if we place our trust in the Lord, in his presence, we can accomplish so much.”