Pope Francis had a stark warning for those who listened to his latest homily at St. Martha’s House, about the dangers of today’s rising secularism: Don’t fall into the pit of progressivism, which puts the emphasis on the collective instead of on the spirit of the individual.

Specifically, the pope spoke against “adolescent progressivism,” Vatican Radio reported. He said that those who were tempted to fall in line with such popular, worldly beliefs should resist and overcome. Hold on to faith, he said, and don’t take the bite of the “progressive” apple – a label he defined as a cultural and political move toward a single-minded purpose that may not bring benefits for all.

“The spirit of worldliness also exists today, today also brings us this desire to be progressive, following a single thought,” the pontiff said, The Blaze reported.

He advised believers to sidestep the “spirit of the word that negotiates everything.” In other words, some things are absolutes, he suggested. The pope also counseled followers of the faith to stand fast on principle, and avoid compromising on values, just to be accepted by the world, The Blaze reported.

More of his message: “Globalized uniformity,” as sought by those of progressive mind who want to instill a total equality around the world, is something to avoid, not embrace, because that principle comes from secular minds and replaces an individual’s allegiance to God with something more earthly.

He also said, The Blaze reported: “And this is a contradiction — we do not negotiate values, but faithfulness. And this is the fruit of the devil, the prince of this world, who leads us forward with the spirit of worldliness.”

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