Let me admit that Pope Francis has not, to my knowledge, used the phrase “less is more.” However, his emphasis on priests keeping their homilies concise—he recommends about 10 minutes—certainly conveys that less is indeed better. The Greek philosopher Pythagoras puts it even more elegantly: “Do not say a little in many words, but a great deal in a few.”
Pope Francis encourages priests to embrace the KISS (Keep-It-Short-And-Simple) principle when delivering homilies. Short, focused homilies are far more impactful and engaging for congregants. In contrast, excessively long, meandering, and unclear sermons risk losing people’s attention and diluting the Gospel message. Matters are made worse when a priest—something that happens all too often in some of our churches—takes it upon himself to showcase his dancing skills at the pulpit to the applause and ululations of the women in the congregation! Lord, have mercy! Such moments leave you walking out of Church, wondering what you were there for!
The Pope is absolutely right in recommending concise homilies. By keeping them short and to the point, priests can better connect with their audience, communicate essential teachings, and foster a deeper spiritual experience—without overwhelming or tiring their listeners. This approach aligns perfectly with Pope Francis’s broader vision of making the Church more accessible and attentive to the needs of the faithful.
