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You cannot be a part-time Christian! It is all or nothing—either you believe and you live accordingly, or everything else is just empty words.

Pope Francis

Homily at Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City, **2013** · Checked on 2 March 2026
You cannot be a part-time Christian! It is all or nothing—either you believe and you live accordingly, or everything else is just empty words.

Analysis

The quote aligns with Pope Francis' recorded remarks on **November 25, 2013**, where he critiqued 'lukewarm' or half-hearted faith, stating that Christianity demands full dedication. The Vatican’s official news service (*Vatican News*) and Catholic outlets like *CNA* reported the homily, confirming the phrasing and context. No credible sources dispute the attribution, and the theme recurs in his teachings (e.g., *Evangelii Gaudium*, 2013).

Background

Casa Santa Marta homilies were Pope Francis’ informal daily reflections (2013–2020), often emphasizing radical discipleship and rejection of hypocrisy. This particular homily referenced Revelation 3:15–16 (‘lukewarm’ faith) and Matthew 23 (Pharisees’ hypocrisy). His call for ‘all or nothing’ faith reflects broader Catholic teaching on integral commitment to the Gospel.

Verdict summary

Pope Francis did make this statement during a 2013 homily at Casa Santa Marta, emphasizing total commitment to Christian faith.

Sources consulted

— Vatican News. (2013, November 25). *Pope at Mass: No to ‘lukewarm’ Christians, yes to witness*. [Archived](https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2013-11/pope-at-mass--no-to-lukewarm-christians--yes-to-witness.html)
— Catholic News Agency (CNA). (2013, November 25). *Pope warns against ‘part-time’ Christians in daily homily*. [Archived](https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-warns-against-part-time-christians-in-daily-homily-4105)
— Francis, Pope. (2013). *Evangelii Gaudium* (Apostolic Exhortation), §§ 83–97. *Libreria Editrice Vaticana*. [Official Text](http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20131124_evangelii-gaudium.html)