St. Zachary was a Benedictine monk from Greece who became a Cardinal and then Pope. In his time, there was much fighting all over Italy between one kingdom and another. Pope St. Zachary was the one who kept making peace and saving people from terrible wars. At times he risked his life to do it.
It was because the Saint was so gentle and kind that leaders did what he asked. Even for his enemies he would do favors and give them the kindest treatment possible. He never took revenge on them.
St. Zachary had special care for the churches of Rome. He loved to make them as beautiful as he could, out of love for Jesus dwelling on the altars.
Towards the poor, this holy Pope was a real father. He built big homes for them and for travelers. His loving heart could not bear to see people suffer. Once he heard that some businessmen had bought poor slaves in Rome and were going to sell them in Africa. He called those men and scolded them for being so cruel. Then he paid them the price they were asking for the slaves and set the poor slaves free.
When St. Zachary died, all the people were saddened to have lost such a good and saintly father.
St. Zachary had much respect for Our Lord’s presence in every church. Let us, too, have respect for the House of God and never talk or joke in church.
