Christianity is not a stunning yet artificial spectacle like a fireworks display but is about cultivating hope, Pope Francis said on Thursday.
"The Kingdom of God is not a spectacular religion always seeking novelty, revelation, messages," Francis said in a sermon as he celebrated mass at the Vatican hotel.
"It is not like a firework display that lights up the sky for a moment before fizzling out."
Christians should not be tempted by "religious spectacle" that does not offer real hope, the pontiff said.
"Our salvation lies in the hope of the man who sows the grain and the woman who makes the bread: a hope that grows," he stated.
"We must cultivate hope...in this way Christianity gains strength."
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