Pope: The Church Is Not a Social Organization; Emphasizes the Church Is "the Community of God"

Pope Benedict XVI told a group of pilgrims from southern Italy -- who visited the Vatican on July 2, 2011 -- that "the Church is not a social or philanthropic organization. She is the community of God."

According to the Catholic Culture website, the Pope welcomed the pilgrims from the Diocese of Altamura-Gravina-Acquaviva delle Fonti, led by their Bishop Mario Paciello.

The Church is "a mystery of love at the service of humanity, with a view to its sanctification," the Pope said.

He cautioned that any planning on the mission of the Church must start with that recognition.