Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Speaking about a nuclear test ban treaty

Yesterday in New York, His Excellency, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States, addressed the IX Conference on Facilitating the Entry into Force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test Ban Treaty.


Statement by His Excellency, Paul Richard Gallagher
Secretary for Relations with States

Mister President,
Mister Executive Secretary,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to convey to you the greetings of Pope Francis, who, on the occasion of the III Conference on the Humanitarian Impact of Nuclear Weapons, stated that a global ethic is needed if we are to reduce the nuclear threat and work towards nuclear disarmament. Now, more than ever, technological, social and political inter-dependence urgently calls for an ethic of solidarity (cf John Paul II, Encyclical Sollicitudo Rei Socialis, 38), which encourages peoples to work together for a more secure world, and a future that is increasingly rooted in moral values and responsibility on a global scale.

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty can play a significant role in strengthening this global ethic. The CTBT requires not only that each State Party undertake not to carry out, to refrain from causing, encouraging, or in any way participating in the carrying out of any nuclear weapon test explosion or any other nuclear explosion, and to prohibit and prevent any such nuclear explosion, as stated in its Article 1. The Treaty requires also the collaboration of all States Parties in the implementation of the CTBT Verification Regime, which is an effective deterrent to any type of development of nuclear weapons, as well as an important early warning instrument in civil and scientific sectors, one capable of favouring a better response to natural catastrophes.

At the basis of this global ethic, there must be an awareness and determination that in order to respond adequately to the challenges of the twenty-first century, it is essential to replace the logic of fear and mistrust with the ethic of responsibility, and so foster a climate of trust which values multilateral dialogue through consistent and responsible cooperation between all the members of the international community.

This responsibility becomes all the more necessary at a time when, as the Holy Father pointed out in the encyclical Laudato Si’, mentioning among other things nuclear technology, never has humanity had such power over itself, yet nothing ensures that it will be used wisely, particularly when we consider how it is currently being used (LS, 104). The nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, whose seventieth anniversary we mark this year, has become the symbol of the boundless destructive power of man when he makes distorted use of scientific and technical advances, and serves as a perpetual warning to humanity to forever repudiate war and ban nuclear arms and all weapons of mass destruction (Post-Angelus Address, 9 August 2015).

It is our duty towards humanity as a whole, and especially to the poor and to future generations, to use the unprecedented power which science and technology provide for the service of the common good, and for promoting a genuine culture of peace.

Mr President,

When the Holy See ratified the CTBT on 18 July 2001, it reiterated its longstanding view that the banning of tests and the further development of nuclear weapons, disarmament and non-proliferation are closely linked and must be achieved as quickly as possible under effective international control. Today, while commending those States who have decided to ratify the Treaty, my Delegation wishes to repeat its appeal to the remaining States whose ratification is necessary for the Treaty to enter into force, thereby demonstrating courageous leadership and a high sense of political responsibility at the service, once again, of the common good, and the promotion of a genuine culture of peace.

This is also one of the best ways to strengthen the promotion of two interdependent issues: nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation, as well as to strengthen the fight against nuclear terrorism. The entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty will act as a cornerstone in the foundation of a global structure to support a nuclear weapons free world and to guarantee a cooperative security based on an ethic of responsibility. The Holy See gives its full moral support to the solemn act of ratification as an indispensible aspect of the concrete realization of a culture of life, peace and prosperity which can ensure a better tomorrow.

Thank you, Mr President.

General Audience after Cuba and the US

This morning's General Audience began at 10:00am in Saint Peter's Square where the Holy Father, Pope Francis met with groups of pilgrims and the faithful from Italy and from every other part of the world.

Before arriving in Saint Peter's Square, at 9:00am, the Pope met with the sick and disabled who were gathered in the Paul VI Hall.

In his speech, the Pope provided a meditation on his recent Apostolic Voyage to Cuba and the United States, including a visit to the United Nations Headquarters and the VIII World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia.

After having summarized his catechesis in various languages, the Holy Father addressed greetings to each group of pilgrims in attendance.

The General Audience concluded with the chanting of the Pater Noster and the Apostolic Blessing.


Greetings of the Holy Father, Pope Francis
addressed to the sick and disabled in the Paul VI Hall

Good morning!

I greet you all.  Today's audience will be in two parts: here and in the Square.  Since it seems that the weather is not too good, we decided that you should stay here, quiet, more comfortable, and you can see the audience on the large screens.  Thank you all for your visit, and I ask you to please pray for me.  Illness is hard, and there are doctors - they are very good! - nurses, medicines, all kinds of things, but it always seems to be difficult.  But there is faith, faith that encourages us, and the thoughts that come to mind: God made himself sick for us - he sent his Son, who took on all our illnesses, including the cross.  Gazing on Jesus, with his patience, our faith is strengthened.

And always when we are sick, we draw close to Jesus, we take Jesus' hand.  He knows what it is to suffer, He understands and He consoles us and gives us strength.

Now, I will give you all a blessing, asking that the Lord may bless you and stay close to you.  But first, let us pray to Our Lady.

Hail Mary ...


Catechesis of the Holy Father, Pope Francis
for the General Audience

Dear brothers and sisters, good morning!

Today's audience will be in two parts: here in the Square and in the Paul VI Hall, where many sick people are following us on the large screens.   I see that the weather is not so good, so we chose to allow them to gather in a place where they would be covered and more comfortable.  Let us all say hello to them.

In recent days, I completed an Apostolic trip to Cuba and to the United States of America.  This trip was born out of a long-time desire to participate in the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia.  This original nucleus was widened to include a visit to the United States of America and to the Headquarters of the United Nations, and then also to Cuba, which began the first part of the journey.  I wish to renew my gratitude to President Castro, to President Obama and to Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for the welcome they extended to me.  I also wish to thank the bishops and all their collaborators for the work they did and for their love for the church which made it all possible.

A Missionary of Mercy: this is how I introduced myself in Cuba, a land that is rich in natural beauty, in culture and in faith.  The mercy of God is greater than any wound, than any conflict, than any ideology; and with this eye of mercy, I was able to embrace all the Cuban people, both at home and abroad, beyond every division.  The symbol of this profound unity of the Cuban soul is the Virgin of Charity of Cobre, who was proclaimed as the Patroness of Cuba one hundred years ago.  I made a pilgrimage to the Shrine of this Mother of hope, Mother who guides us along the journey of justice, peace, freedom and reconciliation.

I was able to share with the Cuban people the hope of the fulfillment of the prophecy of Saint John Paul II - that Cuba would be opened to the world and that the world would be opened to Cuba.  Never again closed, never again exploiting the poor - dignified freedom.  This is the path that makes the hearts of so many Cuban youth vibrate: not a path of evasion or of easy money but of responsibility and service to others, of caring for those who are weak.  A journey that draws strength from its Christian roots and from its people who have suffered so much.  A journey along which I encouraged especially the priests and all the consecrated persons as well as students and families.  May the Holy Spirit, with the intercession of Blessed Mary, help the seeds that we have planted to grow.

From Cuba to the United States of America: this was a symbolic step, a bridge which, thank God, is being rebuilt.  God always wants to build bridges: we are the ones who build walls!  Walls fall down, always!

And in the United States, there were three stops: Washington, New York and Philadelphia.

In Washington, I met with political authorities and with common people, with bishops, priests and consecrated people, with the poor and the marginalized.  I remember that that country's greatest treasure, and that of her people is their spiritual and ethical heritage.  In this way, I tried to encourage the progress of social construction in fidelity to its fundamental principle: that all men are created by God, equal and with inalienable rights, including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  These values, shared by all, find their fulfillment in the gospel, as was demonstrated by the canonization of Father Junipero Serra, a Franciscan priest, the great evangelizer of California.  Saint Junipero shows us the way to joy: the path that leads to sharing the love of Christ with others.  This is the Christian way, but also the way of every person who has experienced love: do not keep it four yourself but share it with others.  Upon this religious and moral base, the United States of America were born and have grown, and upon this base, they have been able to continue being a land of freedom, of welcome and of cooperation toward the construction of a more just and fraternal world.

In New York, I was able to visit the Headquarters of the United Nations, and to greet the personnel who work there.  I spoke with the Secretary General and with those who have presided over the most recent General Assemblies as well as the Security Council.  Speaking to Representatives of the various member nations, in the footsteps of my predecessors, I renewed the encouragement of the Catholic Church for that Institution and for its role in the promotion of growth and peace, recalling especially the need for unanimous and continued commitment to caring for creation.  I also reaffirmed the call to stop and to prevent all violence against ethnic and religious minorities and against civilian populations.

We prayed for peace and fraternity at the Ground Zero Memorial, together with representatives of various religions, the relatives of many of those who have died and with the people of New York, who are so rich in their cultural varieties ... and we prayed for peace and justice during a Mass celebrated in Madison Square Garden.

Both in Washington and in New York, I met some really charitable and informative people, examples of the enormous service that the Catholic community - priests, religious men and women and lay people - have to offer.

The culmination of the trip was the Meeting with Families in Philadelphia, where the horizon was expanded to include the entire world, through the prism, so to speak, of the family.  The family, the fertile covenant between a man and a woman, is the response to the great challenge facing our world, a twofold challenge: fragmentation and standardization, two extremes which coexist and support one another.  Together, they support the consumerist economic model.  Family is the answer because it is the cell of a society that balances the personal and community dimensions, and which at the same time can provide a model for sustainable management of the goods and resources of creation.  The family is the principal agent of an integrated ecology, since it is the primary social subject, which contains within itself the two basic principles of human civilization on earth: the principle of communion and the principle of fertility.  Biblical humanization presents us with this icon: the human couple, united and fruitful, placed by God in the garden of the world in order to cultivate it and to care for it.

I want to express my fraternal and sincere gratitude to Archbishop Chaput of Philadelphia, for his commitment, for his piety, for his enthusiasm and for his great love for the family, expressed through the organization of this gathering.  Upon closer inspection, it is by no accident, but rather providential that the message, indeed the testimony of the World Meeting of Families took place at this moment in the United States of America, in the country which during the last century experienced the greatest economic and technological development without renouncing its religious roots.  Now, these same roots call us to begin with the family in order to re-think and to change the model for our development, for the good of the entire human family.

The above catechesis was then summarized in various languages and the Holy Father offered greetings to each group of pilgrims present.  To English-speaking pilgrims, the Holy Father said:

I greet the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, including those from England, Scotland, Denmark, Norway, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, New Zealand, India, Sri Lanka, Japan, the Philippines, American Samoa, Canada and the United States. I ask you to pray for the Synod on the Family, and to be witnesses of God’s presence in the world through your family life. God bless you all!

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Speaking at the UN Summit for Development

This week at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the Summit for the Adoption of the Post-2015 Development Agenda is taking place.  His Excellency, Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States addressed a statement to the delegates on Saturday, September 26, 2015.


Statement presented by His Excellency, Paul Richard Gallagher
Secretary for Relations with States
to the UN Summit for the Adoption of the Post-2015 Development Agenda

Distinguished Co-Chairs,

The Holy See wishes to congratulate the International Community for adopting the Post-2015 Development Agenda. Indeed, the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the World Summit is an important sign of hope (Pope Francis, Address to the United Nations Organization, New York, 25 September 2015).

The Holy See appreciates the Agenda’s focus on the eradication of poverty and hunger, based on the centrality of the human person and the related commitment to ensure that no one is excluded. Yesterday Pope Francis reminded us that economic and social exclusion is a complete denial of human fraternity and a grave offence against human rights and the environment (Address to the United Nations Organization, 25 September 2015).

The 2030 Agenda should be built, he said, on the foundations of a right understanding of universal fraternity and respect for the sacredness of every human life, of every man and every woman, the poor, the elderly, children, the infirm, the unborn, the unemployed, the abandoned… This common home of all men and women must also be built on the understanding of a certain sacredness of created nature (Address to the United Nations Organization, 25 September 2015).

In this way, the pillars of integral human development: “housing, dignified and properly remunerated employment, adequate food and drinking water; religious freedom and, more generally, spiritual freedom and education – have a common foundation – the right to life and, more generally, what we could call the right to existence of human nature itself (Address to the United Nations Organization, 25 September 2015).

The 2030 Agenda for Development could be effective and practical if it provides immediate access, on the part of all, to essential material goods and respect for one’s freedom to attain essential spiritual goods.

That poverty has many forms means that sustainable development can neither be conceived nor measured in mere economic and statistical terms. Various aspects of the 2030 Agenda pertain to human activity as such, and for this reason they entail an ethical dimension with attention to spiritual, moral and religious values, (The Holy See Position Part III Preparatory Committee of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, Rio de Janeiro, 13-15 June 2012 (cf Benedict XVI, Encyclical Letter Caritas in Veritate, 36 and 37)), namely those categories which transcend the language of mathematics and biology, and take us to the heart of what is human (Pope Francis, Encyclical Letter Laudato Si’,11).

For our own sake and that of future generations, we need models of development that do not compromise human dignity and the health of our environment. In the words of Pope Francis, “we must avoid every temptation to fall into a declarationist nominalism which would assuage our consciences. We need to ensure that our institutions are truly effective in the struggle against all these scourges (Address to the United Nations Organization, 25 September 2015).

The number and complexity of the problems require that we possess technical instruments for measuring progress. But there are two risks. On the one hand, we might become content with the merely bureaucratic exercise of drawing up long lists of good proposals – goals, objectives and statistical indicators (Address to the United Nations Organization, 25 September 2015).  On the other hand, we might delude ourselves into thinking that a single theoretical and aprioristic solution will provide an answer to all the challenges (Address to the United Nations Organization, 25 September 2015).  In the end, it must never be forgotten that political and economic undertakings are prudential activities, guided by a perennial concept of justice and constantly conscious of the fact that, above and beyond our plans and programmes, we are dealing with real men and women who live, struggle and suffer, and are often forced to live in great poverty, deprived of all rights (Address to the United Nations Organization, 25 September 2015).

Distinguished Co-Chairs,

It is widely recognized that achieving each of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals, and the many related targets, is a formidable challenge. We must avoid diverting precious resources from the pursuit of the most fundamental goals. In this regard, the Holy See has already made its reservations clearly known and is on record concerning certain targets as well as expressions.

Distinguished Co-Chairs,

In adopting this Agenda, the international community has chosen solidarity over egoism: solidarity with the excluded of today, solidarity with the poor of tomorrow, solidarity with future generations.

The family, the natural and fundamental unit of society, is the primary agent of sustainable development, and therefore the model of communion and solidarity among nations and international institutions. A shared concern for the family and its members is a sure contributor to poverty reduction, better outcomes for children, equality between girls and boys, women and men, as well as improved work-family-rest balance, and stronger intra- and inter-generational bonds. It would do us well not to forget the ample evidence that family-friendly policies – including respect for religion and the right of parents to educate their children – contribute effectively to the achievement of development goals, including the cultivation of peaceful societies.

Solidarity and cooperation are not mere sentiments; for them to be genuine, they must move us to action. Thus our choice must mean the determination to mobilize the resources needed to achieve our commitment. It must mean building capacities in poorer countries at the earliest stages to ensure success. It must mean sharing with the poor countries the technological know-how that can help them emancipate their people from extreme poverty, without placing heavy costs on the developed countries. It must mean, on the part of all, justice, the rule of law, a strong commitment to fight corruption, and a genuine spirit of service for the sake of the common good.

Consequently, as we commit to the task of achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda, we must start with the conviction of our common origin, our history, our common destiny (Address to the United Nations Organization, 25 September 2015).  We are a single human family in need of one another, with shared responsibilities and with a common destiny inseparably linked to our planet, our common home for which we all must care.

Distinguished Co-Chairs,

I would like to conclude by paraphrasing a passage from the Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et Spes of the Second Vatican Council: the joys and the hopes, the grief and the anguish of the people of our time, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted, these are the joys and hopes, the grief and anguish of us all. Indeed, nothing genuinely human must ever fail to raise an echo in our hearts (cf Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World Gaudium et Spes, 1).

Thank you.

Communicating mercy

This morning, the Vatican Press Centre published the theme for the next World Day of Social Communications.


Communication and Mercy: a fruitful encounter

The choice of theme this years has clearly been determined by the Celebration of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, and the Holy Father undoubtedly desired that World Communications Day would provide the appropriate occasion to reflect on the deep synergy between communication and mercy.

In the Bull of Indiction of the Jubilee Year, in paragraph 12, the Pope affirms that: The Church is commissioned to announce the mercy of God, the beating heart of the Gospel, which in its own way must penetrate the heart and mind of every person. He adds: Her language and her gestures must transmit mercy, so as to touch the hearts of all people and inspire them once more to find the road that leads to the Father.

It is helpful, in this regard, to remember that our reflection is situated in the context of an awareness that communication is a key element for the promotion of a culture of encounter.

The Pope, on this occasion, refers to the language and gestures of the Church but the context makes it clear that all men and women in their own communications, in their reaching out to meet others, ought to be motivated by a deep expression of welcome, availability and forgiveness.

The Theme highlights the capacity of good communication to open up a space for dialogue, mutual understanding and reconciliation, thereby allowing fruitful human encounters to flourish. At a time when our attention is often drawn to the polarized and judgmental nature of much commentary on the social networks, the theme invokes the power of words and gestures to overcome misunderstandings, to heal memories and to build peace and harmony.

Once again, Pope Francis is reminding us that, in its essence, communication is a profoundly human achievement. Good communication is never merely the product of the latest or most developed technology, but is realized within the context of a deep interpersonal relationship.

World Communications Day, the only worldwide celebration called for by the Second Vatican Council (Inter Mirifica, 1963), is marked in most countries, on the recommendation of the bishops of the world, on the Sunday before Pentecost (in 2016, this will be May 8th).

The Holy Father's message for World Communications Day is traditionally published in conjunction with the Memorial of St. Francis de Sales, patron of writers (January 24).

Monday, September 28, 2015

Debriefing on the way home

During the flight from Philadelphia to Rome at the conclusion of the Apostolic Voyage to Cuba and the United States of America, Pope Francis met with journalists aboard the plane and held a press conference.


Press Conference held by His Holiness, Pope Francis
during the flight from Philadelphia to Rome

Father Lombardi
Holiness, welcome.  Thank you for taking the time once again following a trip that has been very demanding and tiring.  So, we will begin right away to ask questions.  The first person who will ask is this young woman, how wrote the article in the Times about you and then prepared very well for your trip to America.  Ask your question in English and Matteo will translate it into Italian, so that He will understand.

Holy Father
Good evening everyone, and thank you very much for your work; you were here and there!  I was in a car, but you!  ... Thank you very much.

Elizabetta Dias, Time Magazine
Thank you, Holy Father: my name is Elisabetta Dias, I am a correspondent for Time Magazine.  I am curious to know: this was your fist visit to the United States.  What if anything about the United States surprised you, and what was most different from your expectations?

Holy Father
Yes, this was my first visit: I have never been here before.  I was surprised by the warmth, people's warmth, so friendly: something that is beautiful and also different.  In Washington, there was a warm welcome but it was a bit more formal; in New York, it was a bit more exuberant; and in Philadelphia, it was very expressive.  Three different expressions of the same welcome.  I was very taken with people's goodness, by their welcome; and during the religious ceremonies, there was great piety, religiosity.  We saw people praying, and this was very touching, and very very beautiful.

Elizabetta Dias
Did you find a challenge in the United States that you did not expect?  Anything provocative?

Holy Father
No, thank God, no, no.  All was well.  There were no problems.  No challenge, no provocation.  No, no.  Everyone was educated ... No one was insulting, nothing ugly.  No ... But we need to continue our work with these believing people just as we have worked with them until now, accompanying people as they grow, in their beautiful experiences and in their times of difficulty; accompanying people in moments of joy and of sorrow and difficulty, when there is no work, when there are sicknesses ... The Church's challenge today is to be the same as we always have been: close to people, close to the people of the United States, with closeness.  Ours is not a Church that is distant from her people, no.  Close by, close.  This is a challenge that the Church in the United States has understood very well!  They have understood it, and they want to face it.

Father Lombardi
Now, let us hear the second question from David O'Reilly of the Philadelphia Inquirer, one of the largest newspapers in Philadelphia, where we have been visiting in these past few days.

David O'Reilly, Philadelphia Inquirer
Holy Father, Philadelphia, as you know, has had a very difficult time with sex abuse.  It's still an open wound in Philadelphia.  So, I know many people in Philadelphia were surprised that you offered bishops comfort and consolation and I think many in Philadelphia would ask you why did you feel the need to offer compassion to the bishops?

Holy Father
In Washington, I spoke to all the US bishops … they were all there, no?  I felt the need to express compassion because something really terrible happened.  And many of them suffered who did not know of this.  I used words from the bible, from the Book of Revelation: You are coming from a great tribulation.  What happened was a great tribulation, but also the emotional suffering.  What I said today to the victims of abuse.  I wouldn't say that it was an apotheosis but almost a sacrilege.  We know abuses are everywhere: in families, in neighbourhoods, in schools, in gymnasiums.  But when a priest abuses, it is very serious because the vocation of a priest is to make that boy, that girl grow toward the love of God, toward maturity and toward good.  Instead, this is squashed and this is nearly a sacrilege and he betrays his vocation, the calling of the Lord.  For this reason, the Church is strong on this and one must not cover these things up.  Those who covered this up are guilty.  There were even some bishops who covered this up.  It is a terrible thing and the words of comfort were not to say: Don't worry; that was nothing … no, no, no … but it was so bad that I imagine that you cried hard … that was the sense of what I meant and today I spoke strongly.

Father Lombardi
Thank you very much.  Now, let us ask Maria Antonietta Collins and Andrés Beltramo Alvarez to come forward for the next questions.

Maria Antonietta Collins
Holy Father, you have spoken a lot about forgiveness, that God forgives us and that we often ask for forgiveness.  I would like to ask you, having visited the seminary today: are there many priests who have committed sexual abuse against minors who have not asked pardon from their victims?  Do you forgive them?  And on the other hand, do you understand the victims and their relatives who cannot or don't want to forgive?

Holy Father
If a person has done wrong, if he is conscious of what he has done and does not say sorry, I ask God to be mindful of him.  I forgive him, but he doesn't or can't receive forgiveness, he is closed off from forgiveness.  If that priest is closed off from forgiveness, he won't receive it because he has locked the door from the inside.  And all that remains is to pray that the Lord will open the door.  To forgive, you must be willing to forgive, but not everyone can receive forgiveness, and not everyone knows how to receive it, and some are just not willing to receive it.  What I'm saying is difficult.  That is how you explain how there are people who at the end of their lives are hardened, badly, without receiving the tenderness of God.

Maria Antonietta Collins
If victims or relatives are unable to forgive or if they do not want to forgive, do you understand their reluctance?

Holy Father
Yes, I understand … I understand, I pray for them and I don't judge.  Once, in one of those meetings, I met several people and I met a woman who told me: When my mother found out that I had been abused, she became blasphemous, she lost her faith and she died an atheist.  I understand that woman. I understand her, and God who is even better than I am, understands her.  I'm sure that that woman has been received by God, because what was abused, destroyed, was her own flesh, the flesh of her daughter.  I understand her.  I don't judge someone who can't forgive.  I pray and I ask God … God is a champion at finding paths and solutions.  I ask him to fix it.

Father Lombardi
Andrés Beltramo, from Notimex, perhaps you should ask your question in Italian so that you can help all of us.

Andrés Beltramo, Notimex
Father, thank you.  First of all, for the moment, we have all heard you speak so much about the process toward peace in Columbia, between the FARC and the government.  Now, there is an historic agreement.  Do you feel as though you have played a part in the establishment of that agreement?  You have said that you were thinking about going to Columbia once this agreement was reached: now there are many Columbians who are waiting for you … And another, small question: What do you think, after having experienced such an intense voyage? Are you happy with the aircraft?  Thank you, Father.

Holy Father
First: when I heard the news that the agreement would be signed in March, I said to the Lord: Lord, help us to get to March, so that such a beautiful thing can come about, because little things were still missing, but the willingness was still there, on both parts.  It's been done.  Even in a little group, it exists, all three are in accord.  We have to reach March, the definitive agreement, which is a point of international justice..  You know this.  I was very happy and I felt as though I was part of it in the sense that I had always desired this, and I had spoken twice with President Santos about the problem, and the Holy See - not only I - the Holy See is so open to helping whenever possible.

The other thing:  This is a little personal, but I have to be sincere.  When the aircraft leaves after a visit, my mind is filled with the faces of so many people, and I have the desire to pray for them and to say to the Lord: I came to do something, to do good; I hope I haven't done something bad; if I have, please forgive me, but take care of all those people who were watching me, who thought about the things I spoke about, who heard, even those who criticized me, all of them …  Does he hear this prayer, I don't know.  It comes to me, but it's a bit - excuse me - a bit personal, don't write about this in the newspapers …

Father Lombardi
Thank you very much.  Thomas Jansen from Cic, the German Catholic agency.

Thomas Jansen, Cic
Holy Father, I want to ask one thing about the migration crisis in Europe: many countries are building new barbed-wire fences.  What do you have to say about this development?

Holy Father
You used a word: crisis.  We are entering into a state of crisis after a long process.  For years, this process has exploded because of wars which have forced these people to leave and to flee as wars have raged for years.  Hunger: there has been hunger for years.  When I think of Africa … this is a bit simplistic, but I see it as an example.  When I think about Africa, the exploited continent, they went to find slaves there, then its great resources.  It's the exploited continent, and now the wars, some tribal, some not, but they have economic interests behind them.  I think that instead of exploiting a continent or a nation, we should make investments there instead so the people are able to work and this crisis would have been avoided.  It's true, as I said in Congress, it's a refugee crisis that hasn't been seen since World War II.  It's the biggest crisis.

You asked me about barriers.  You know what happens to all walls.  All of them: all walls fall down.  Today, tomorrow or in 100 years, they will fall.  It's not a solution.   Walls are not a solution.  At this moment, Europe is in difficulty, that's true.  We have to be intelligent.  We have to find solutions.  We must encourage dialogue between different nations, in order to find the walls.  Walls are never solutions, but bridges are, always, always.  I don't know.  What I think is that walls can last a short time or a long tim.  The problem remains but there is more and more hatred.  That's what I think.

Father Lombardi
Jean-Marie Guénois, from Figaro, part of the French group

Jean-Marie Guénois, Figaro
Holy Father, obviously, you cannot anticipate the discussions that the Synod Fathers will have, we are perfectly aware of that, but I would like to know, before the Synod, in your pastor's heart, do you really want a solution for those who are divorced and remarried?  I also want to know if your Motu Proprio on the process for nullity has closed the debate, in your opinion.  Finally, how would you respond to those who are afraid that with this reform, there will be a de-facto creation of a so-called Catholic divorce?  Thank you.

Holy Father
Let us begin with the last part.  In the reform of the procedure, the process, I have closed the door to the administrative path which was the way through which divorce could have entered.  You could say that those who think this is Catholic divorce are wrong because this most recent document has closed the door to divorce by which it could have entered.  It would have been easier by the administrative path.  There will always be a judicial path.  Continuing with the third question: the document … I don't remember the third question, but you can correct me ...

Jean-Marie Guénois
Yes, the question was on the notion of Catholic divorce and whether the Motu Proprio has closed any discussion at the Synod on this theme.

Holy Father
This was a question that was posed by the majority of the Synod Fathers at last year's Synod: streamlining the process, because there have been processes that have lasted for 10-15 years.  One sentence, and another sentence; and then, there is an appeal, an appeal, and then another appeal … It never ends.  The double sentence, when the first one was valid and when it wasn't appealed, was introduced by Pope Lambertini, Benedict XIV, because in Central Europe - I won't say which country - there were a few abuses, and to resolve the matter, he introduced this new procedure.  But it is not something essential to the process.  Processes change; jurisprudence changes for the better, it always gets better.  At that time, it was something that needed to be done.  Then, Pius X wanted to streamline and make some changes, but he didn't have time or the chance to do anything.  The Synod Fathers asked for it: the streamlining of the process of matrimonial nullity.  And I'll stop there.

This document, this Motu Proprio facilitates the processes and the timing, but it is not a divorce, because marriage is indissoluble when it is a sacrament, and this, the Church cannot change.  It is doctrine, an indissoluble sacrament.  The legal procedure is to prove that what seemed to be a sacrament was not in fact a sacrament: through lack of freedom, for example, or a lack of maturity or because of mental illness …There are so many possible reasons, after studying the case, an investigation to say: No, this was not a sacrament, for example, because that person wasn't free.  Another example that is not so common, but in certain places in society it is common - at least in Buenos Aires it was - marriages when the woman was pregnant.  You have to get married

 In Buenos Aires, I counselled my priests strongly, I almost prohibited them from celebrate weddings in these conditions. We called them speedy weddings, eh? They were to cover up appearances. And the babies were born, and some worked out but there was no freedom and then things went wrong little by little they separated and said: I was forced to get married because we had to cover up this situation and this is a reason for nullity. So many of them.

Cases of nullity, you have, you can find them (the reasons) on the internet they're all there; there are many, eh? Then, the issue of the second weddings, the divorcees, who enter into a new union. You read what, you have the Instrumentum laboris. Based on what is put in discussion, it seems a bit simplistic to me to say that the Synod is the solution for these people and that they can have communion. That's not the only solution. No, what the Instrumentum laboris proposes is a lot more, and also the problem of the new unions of divorcees isn't the only problem. In the Instrumentum laboris there are many. For example, young people don’t get married. They don’t want to get married. It's a pastoral problem for the Church. Another problem: the affective maturity for a marriage. Another problem: faith. Do I believe that this is for ever? Yes, yes, yes, I believe. But do you believe it? the preparation for a wedding: I think so often that to become a priest there's a preparation for 8 years, and then, its not definite, the Church can take the clerical state away from you. But, for something lifelong, they do four courses! 4 times… Something isn't right. It’s something the Synod has to deal with: how to do preparation for marriage. It’s one of the most difficult things.

There are many problems, they're all listed in the Instrumentum laboris.  But, I like that you asked the question about 'Catholic divorce.' That doesn't exist. Either it wasn't a marriage, and this is nullity - it didn't exist. And if it did, it's indissoluble. This is clear. Thank you.

Father Lombardi
Thank you very much Holy Father.  Now it's Terry Moran's turn, from ABC News, one of the large American networks.

Terry Moran, ABC News
Holy Father, thank you, thank you very much and thank you to the Vatican staff as well. Holy Father, you visited the Little Sisters of the Poor and we were told that you wanted to show your support for them and their case in the courts. And, Holy Father, do you also support those individuals, including government officials, who say they cannot in good conscience, their own personal conscience, abide by some laws or discharge their duties as government officials, for example in issuing marriage licenses to same sex couples. Do you support those kinds of claims of religious liberty?

Pope Francis
I can’t keep in mind all cases that can exist about conscientious objection. But, yes, I can say that conscientious objection is a right that is a part of every human right. It is a right. And if a person does not allow others to be conscientious objectors, he denies a right.  Conscientious objection must enter into every juridical structure because it is a right, a human right. Otherwise we would end up in a situation where we select what is a right, saying this right has merit, this one does not. It (conscientious objection) is a human right. It always moved me when I read, and I read it many times, when I read the Chanson de Roland when the people were all in line and before them was the baptismal font and they had to choose between the baptismal font or the sword. They had to choose. They weren’t permitted conscientious objection. It is a right and if we want to make peace we have to respect all rights.

Terry Moran
Would that include government officials as well?

Pope Francis
It is a human right and if a government official is a human person, he has that right. It is a human right.

Father Lombardi
Thank you very much.  Now, we give the microphone to Stefano Maria Paci, from the Italian group Sky News.

Stefano Maria Paci, Sky News
Holiness, you used very strong words at the UN to denounce the world’s silence on the persecution of Christians, who are deprived of their homes, thrown out, deprived of their possessions, enslaved and brutally killed. Yesterday, President Hollande announced the beginning of a bombing campaign by France on ISIS bases in Syria. What do you think of this military action?  Also, the mayor of Rome, the city of the Jubilee, declared that he came to the World Meeting of Families because you invited him.  Can you tell us how it went?

Pope Francis
I will start with your second question.  I did not invite Mayor Marino. Is that clear?  I didn’t do it and I asked the organizers and they didn’t invite him either. He came. He professes to be a Catholic and he came spontaneously. That’s the first thing. But it is clear, heh? And now about bombardments. Truly, I heard the news the day before yesterday, and I haven’t read about it. I don’t know much about the situation. I heard that Russia took one position and it wasn’t clear yet about the United States.  I truly don’t know what to say because I haven’t fully understood the situation. But, when I hear the word bombing, death, blood … I repeat what I said in Congress and at the UN, to avoid these things. But, I don’t know, I can’t judge the political situation because I don’t know enough about it.

Father Lombardi
Thank you.  Now, Miriam Schmidt, from Dpa (Deutsche Presseagentur), the German news agency.

Miriam Schmidt, German DPA Agency:
Holy Father, I wanted to ask a question about the relationship of the Holy See with China and the situation in that country which is also quite difficult for the Catholic Church. What do you think about that?

Pope Francis
China is a great nation that offers the world a great culture, so many good things. I said once on the plane when were flying over China when we were coming back from Korea that I would very much like to go to China. I love the Chinese people and I hope there is a possibility of having good relations, good relations. We’re in contact, we talk, we are moving forward but for me, having a friend of a great country like China, which has so much culture and has so much opportunity to do good, would be a joy.

Father Lombardi
Thank you very much ... and now, we have Sagrario Ruiz de Apodaca.

Maria Sagrarios Ruiz de Apodaca, RNE
Thank you. Good evening, Holy Father. You have visited the U.S. for the first time, you had never been there before. You spoke to Congress, you spoke to the United Nations. You drew multitudes. Do you feel more powerful? And another question, we heard you draw attention to the role of religious women, of the women in the Church in the United States. Will we one day see women priests in the Catholic church as some groups in the U.S. ask, and some other Christian churches have?

Pope Francis
He’s telling me not to answer in Spanish (referring to Fr. Federico Lombardi.) The Sisters in the United States have done marvels in the field of education, in the field of health. The people of the United States love the Sisters. I don’t know how much they love the priests, (laughs) but they love the Sisters, they love them so much. They are great, they are great, great, great women. Then, one follows her congregation, their rules, there are differences. But they are great. And for that reason I felt the obligation to say thank you for what they have done. An important person in the government of the United States told me in the last few days: The education I have, I owe above all to the Sisters. The sisters have schools in all neighborhoods, rich and poor. They work with the poor and in the hospitals. This was the first. The second? The first I remember, the second?

Maria Sagrarios Ruiz de Apodaca, RNE
If you feel powerful after having been in the United States with your schedule and having been successful?

Pope Francis
I don’t know if I had success, no. But I am afraid of myself. Why am I afraid of myself? I feel always – I don’t know – weak in the sense of not having power and also power is a fleeting thing, here today, gone tomorrow. It’s important if you can do good with power. And Jesus defined power, the true power is to serve, to do service, to do the most humble tasks, and I must still make progress on this path of service because I feel that I don’t do everything I should do. That’s the sense I have of power.

Third, on women priests, that cannot be done. Pope Saint John Paul II after long, long intense discussions, long reflection said so clearly. Not because women don’t have the capacity. Look, in the Church women are more important than men, because the church is a woman. It is la chiesa, not il chiesa. The Church is the bride of Jesus Christ. And the Madonna is more important than popes and bishops and priests. I must admit we are a bit late in an elaboration of the theology of women. We have to move ahead with that theology. Yes, that’s true.

Father Lombardi
Now, we have the last question.  Here is Matilde Imberti, from Radio France.  Then we will conclude.

Matilde Imberti, Radio France
Holy Father, you have become a star in the United States. Is it good for the Church if the Pope is a star?

Pope Francis
The Pope must …  Do you know what title should be used to refer to the Pope? Servant of the servants of God. It’s a little different from the stars. Stars are beautiful to look at. I like to look at them in the summer when the sky is clear. But the Pope must be, must be the servant of the servants of God. Yes, in the media this is happening but there’s another truth. How many stars have we seen that go out and fall. It is a fleeting thing. On the other hand, being servant of the servants of God is something that doesn’t ever end.

Father Lombardi
Good, we've completed the list of those who were registered ... Now, thank you so very much for your availability.  We have spent at least 50 minutes in conversation and it was very consistent.  Congratulations to you for your endurance throughout the trip and also during this conversation with us.  We continue to follow you: we are not yet finished with this trip.  The trip is over but now we have the Synod, we have so many other things ... And we want to continue to follow you with much affection, esteem, appreciation, hoping to help you in your service to the servants of God.

Holy Father
Thank you for your work, for your patience, for your good intentions.  Thank you.  I am at your service.  I am praying for you, really.  Thank you for your help.  Enjoy the flight!

Shortly before 10:00am, the American Airlines flight carrying Pope Francis from his historic 10 day visit to Cuba and the United States landed at Rome’s Ciampino airport.

Upon landing, the Holy Father made his customary visit to the Rome's Basilica of Saint Mary Major to give thanks to the Blessed Mother for his visit.

According to Vatican news blog, Il Sismografo, the Pope spent several minutes in prayer in front of the image of Salus Populi Romani (Protectoress of the Roman People). According to legend, the image is one of several paintings believed to have been painted by Saint Luke. This is the Pope's 25th visit to the Basilica since his election. The 78 year old Pontiff has made it a custom to visit and pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary before and after every journey. 

Following his visit to the Basilica, the Pope returned to the Vatican. Pope Francis' next apostolic trip will be to Kenya, Uganda and the Central African Republic from November 25-30, 2015.

For Poland's World Youth Day

This morning, the Vatican Press Centre released the text of a Message that the Holy Father has sent to the youth of the world in preparation for the 31st World Youth Day which will be celebrated in Krakow (Poland) from July 26 to 31, 2016.


Message of the Holy Father, Pope Francis
in preparation for the World Youth Day 2016

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy (Mt 5:7)

Dear young people,

We have come to the last stretch of our pilgrimage to Krakow, the place where we will celebrate the 31st World Youth Day next year in the month of July. We are being guided on this long and challenging path by Jesus’ words taken from the Sermon on the Mount. We began this journey in 2014 by meditating together on the first Beatitude: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Mt 5:3). The theme for 2015 was: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God (Mt 5:8). During the year ahead, let us allow ourselves to be inspired by the words: Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy (Mt 5:7).

1. The Jubilee of Mercy

With this theme, the Krakow 2016 WYD forms part of the Holy Year of Mercy and so becomes a Youth Jubilee at world level. It is not the first time that an international youth gathering has coincided with a Jubilee Year. Indeed, it was during the Holy Year of the Redemption (1983/1984) that Saint John Paul II first called on young people from around the world to come together on Palm Sunday. Then, during the Great Jubilee of the year 2000, over two million young people from around 165 countries gathered in Rome for the 15th World Youth Day. I am sure that the Youth Jubilee in Krakow will be, as on those two previous occasions, one of the high points of this Holy Year!

Perhaps some of you are asking: what is this Jubilee Year that is celebrated in the Church? The scriptural text of Leviticus 5 can help us to understand the meaning of a jubilee for the people of Israel. Every fifty years they heard the sounding of a trumpet (jobel) calling them (jobil) to celebrate a holy year as a time of reconciliation (jobal) for everyone. During that time they had to renew their good relations with God, with their neighbours and with creation, all in a spirit of gratuitousness. This fostered, among other things, debt forgiveness, special help for those who had fallen into poverty, an improvement in interpersonal relations and the freeing of slaves.

Jesus Christ came to proclaim and bring about the Lord’s everlasting time of grace. He brought good news to the poor, freedom to prisoners, sight to the blind and freedom to the oppressed (cf Lk 4:18-19). In Jesus, and particularly in his Paschal Mystery, the deeper meaning of the jubilee is fully realized. When the Church proclaims a jubilee in the name of Christ, we are all invited to experience a wonderful time of grace. The Church must offer abundant signs of God’s presence and closeness, and reawaken in people’s hearts the ability to look to the essentials. In particular, this Holy Year of Mercy is a time for the Church to rediscover the meaning of the mission entrusted to her by the Lord on the day of Easter: to be a sign and an instrument of the Father’s mercy (Homily at First Vespers of Divine Mercy Sunday, 11 April 2015).

2. Merciful like the Father

The motto for this Extraordinary Jubilee is Merciful like the Father (cf Misericordiae Vultus, 13). This fits in with the theme of the next WYD, so let us try to better understand the meaning of divine mercy.

The Old Testament uses various terms when it speaks about mercy. The most meaningful of these are hesed and rahamim. The first, when applied to God, expresses God’s unfailing fidelity to the Covenant with his people whom he loves and forgives for ever. The second, rahamim, which literally means entrails, can be translated as heartfelt mercy. This particularly brings to mind the maternal womb and helps us understand that God’s love for his people is like that of a mother for her child. That is how it is presented by the prophet Isaiah: Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you (Is 49:15). Love of this kind involves making space for others within ourselves and being able to sympathize, suffer and rejoice with our neighbours.

The biblical concept of mercy also includes the tangible presence of love that is faithful, freely given and able to forgive. In the following passage from Hosea, we have a beautiful example of God’s love, which the prophet compares to that of a father for his child: When Israel was a child I loved him; out of Egypt I called my son. The more I called them, the farther they went from me... Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, who took them in my arms; I drew them with human cords, with bands of love; I fostered them like one who raises an infant to his cheeks... I stooped to feed my child (Hos 11:1-4). Despite the child’s wrong attitude, which deserves punishment, a father’s love is faithful. He always forgives his repentant children. We see here how forgiveness is always included in mercy. It is not an abstract idea, but a concrete reality with which he reveals his love as of that of a father or a mother, moved to the very depths out of love for their child... It gushes forth from the depths naturally, full of tenderness and compassion, indulgence and mercy (Misericordiae Vultus, 6).

The New Testament speaks to us of divine mercy (eleos) as a synthesis of the work that Jesus came to accomplish in the world in the name of the Father (cf Mt 9:13). Our Lord’s mercy can be seen especially when he bends down to human misery and shows his compassion for those in need of understanding, healing and forgiveness. Everything in Jesus speaks of mercy. Indeed, he himself is mercy.

In Chapter 15 of Luke’s Gospel we find the three parables of mercy: the lost sheep, the lost coin and the parable of the prodigal son. In these three parables we are struck by God’s joy, the joy that God feels when he finds and forgives a sinner. Yes, it is God’s joy to forgive! This sums up the whole of the Gospel. Each of us, each one of us, is that little lost lamb, the coin that was mislaid; each one of us is that son who has squandered his freedom on false idols, illusions of happiness, and has lost everything. But God does not forget us; the Father never abandons us. He is a patient Father, always waiting for us! He respects our freedom, but he remains faithful forever. And when we come back to him, he welcomes us like children into his house, for he never ceases, not for one instant, to wait for us with love. And his heart rejoices over every child who returns. He is celebrating because he is joy. God has this joy, when one of us sinners goes to him and asks his forgiveness (Angelus, 15 September 2013).

God’s mercy is very real and we are all called to experience it firsthand. When I was seventeen years old, it happened one day that, as I was about to go out with friends, I decided to stop into a church first. I met a priest there who inspired great confidence, and I felt the desire to open my heart in Confession. That meeting changed my life! I discovered that when we open our hearts with humility and transparency, we can contemplate God’s mercy in a very concrete way. I felt certain that, in the person of that priest, God was already waiting for me even before I took the step of entering that church. We keep looking for God, but God is there before us, always looking for us, and he finds us first. Maybe one of you feels something weighing on your heart. You are thinking: I did this, I did that .... Do not be afraid! God is waiting for you! God is a Father and he is always waiting for us! It is so wonderful to feel the merciful embrace of the Father in the sacrament of Reconciliation, to discover that the confessional is a place of mercy, and to allow ourselves to be touched by the merciful love of the Lord who always forgives us!

You, dear young man, dear young woman, have you ever felt the gaze of everlasting love upon you, a gaze that looks beyond your sins, limitations and failings, and continues to have faith in you and to look upon your life with hope? Do you realize how precious you are to God, who has given you everything out of love? Saint Paul tells us that God proves his love for us in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Rom 5:8). Do we really understand the power of these words?


I know how much the WYD cross means to all of you. It was a gift from Saint John Paul II and has been with you at all your World Meetings since 1984. So many changes and real conversions have taken place in the lives of young people who have encountered this simple bare cross! Perhaps you have asked yourselves the question: what is the origin of the extraordinary power of the cross? Here is the answer: the cross is the most eloquent sign of God’s mercy! It tells us that the measure of God’s love for humanity is to love without measure! Through the cross we can touch God’s mercy and be touched by that mercy! Here I would recall the episode of the two thieves crucified beside Jesus. One of them is arrogant and does not admit that he is a sinner. He mocks the Lord. The other acknowledges that he has done wrong; he turns to the Lord saying: Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. Jesus looks at him with infinite mercy and replies: Today you will be with me in Paradise (cf. Lk 23:32, 39-43). With which of the two do we identify? Is it with the arrogant one who does not acknowledge his own mistakes? Or is it with the other, who accepts that he is in need of divine mercy and begs for it with all his heart? It is in the Lord, who gave his life for us on the cross, that we will always find that unconditional love which sees our lives as something good and always gives us the chance to start again.

3. The amazing joy of being instruments of God’s mercy

The Word of God teaches us that it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). That is why the fifth Beatitude declares that the merciful are blessed. We know that the Lord loved us first. But we will be truly blessed and happy only when we enter into the divine logic of gift and gracious love, when we discover that God has loved us infinitely in order to make us capable of loving like Him, without measure. Saint John says: Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love ... In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another (1 Jn 4:7-11).

After this very brief summary of how the Lord bestows his mercy upon us, I would like to give you some suggestions on how we can be instruments of this mercy for others.


I think of the example of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. He said, Jesus pays me a visit every morning in Holy Communion, and I return the visit in the meagre way I know how, visiting the poor. Pier Giorgio was a young man who understood what it means to have a merciful heart that responds to those most in need. He gave them far more than material goods. He gave himself by giving his time, his words and his capacity to listen. He served the poor very quietly and unassumingly. He truly did what the Gospel tells us: When you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret (Mt 6:3-4). Imagine that, on the day before his death when he was gravely ill, he was giving directions on how his friends in need should be helped. At his funeral, his family and friends were stunned by the presence of so many poor people unknown to them. They had been befriended and helped by the young Pier Giorgio.

I always like to link the Gospel Beatitudes with Matthew 25, where Jesus presents us with the works of mercy and tells us that we will be judged on them. I ask you, then, to rediscover the corporal works of mercy: to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, assist the sick, visit the imprisoned and bury the dead. Nor should we overlook the spiritual works of mercy: to counsel the doubtful, teach the ignorant, admonish sinners, comfort the sorrowful, forgive offences, patiently bear with troublesome people and pray to God for the living and the dead. As you can see, mercy does not just imply being a good person nor is it mere sentimentality. It is the measure of our authenticity as disciples of Jesus, and of our credibility as Christians in today’s world.

If you want me to be very specific, I would suggest that for the first seven months of 2016 you choose a corporal and a spiritual work of mercy to practice each month. Find inspiration in the prayer of Saint Faustina, a humble apostle of Divine Mercy in our times:

Help me, O Lord,
that my eyes may be merciful, so that I will never be suspicious or judge by appearances, but always
look for what is beautiful in my neighbours’ souls and be of help to them;
that my ears may be merciful, so that I will be attentive to my neighbours’ needs, and not
indifferent to their pains and complaints;
that my tongue may be merciful, so that I will never speak badly of others, but have a word of
comfort and forgiveness for all;
that my hands may be merciful and full of good deeds;
that my feet may be merciful, so that I will hasten to help my neighbour, despite my own fatigue
and weariness;
that my heart may be merciful, so that I myself will share in all the sufferings of my neighbour”
(Diary, 163).


The Divine Mercy message is a very specific life plan because it involves action. One of the most obvious works of mercy, and perhaps the most difficult to put into practice, is to forgive those who have offended us, who have done us wrong or who we consider to be enemies. At times how hard it seems to forgive! And yet pardon is the instrument placed into our fragile hands to attain serenity of heart. To let go of anger, wrath, violence, and revenge are necessary conditions to living joyfully (Misericordiae Vultus, 9).

I meet so many young people who say that they are tired of this world being so divided, with clashes between supporters of different factions and so many wars, in some of which religion is being used as justification for violence. We must ask the Lord to give us the grace to be merciful to those who do us wrong. Jesus on the cross prayed for those who had crucified him: Father, forgive them, they know not what they do (Lk 23:34). Mercy is the only way to overcome evil. Justice is necessary, very much so, but by itself it is not enough. Justice and mercy must go together. How I wish that we could join together in a chorus of prayer, from the depths of our hearts, to implore the Lord to have mercy on us and on the whole world!

4. Krakow is expecting us!

Only a few months are left before we meet in Poland. Krakow, the city of Saint John Paul II and Saint Faustina Kowalska, is waiting for us with open arms and hearts. I believe that Divine Providence led us to the decision to celebrate the Youth Jubilee in that city which was home to those two great apostles of mercy in our times. John Paul II realized that this is the time of mercy. At the start of his pontificate, he wrote the encyclical Dives in Misericordia. In the Holy Year 2000 he canonized Sister Faustina and instituted the Feast of Divine Mercy, which now takes place on the Second Sunday of Easter. In 2002 he personally inaugurated the Divine Mercy Shrine in Krakow and entrusted the world to Divine Mercy, in the desire that this message would reach all the peoples of the earth and fill their hearts with hope: This spark needs to be lit by the grace of God. This fire of mercy needs to be passed on to the world. In the mercy of God the world will find peace and mankind will find happiness! (Homily at the Dedication of the Divine Mercy Shrine in Krakow, 17 August 2002).

Dear young people, at the Shrine in Krakow dedicated to the merciful Jesus, where he is depicted in the image venerated by the people of God, Jesus is waiting for you. He has confidence in you and is counting on you! He has so many things to say to each of you ... Do not be afraid to look into his eyes, full of infinite love for you. Open yourselves to his merciful gaze, so ready to forgive all your sins. A look from him can change your lives and heal the wounds of your souls. His eyes can quench the thirst that dwells deep in your young hearts, a thirst for love, for peace, for joy and for true happiness. Come to Him and do not be afraid! Come to him and say from the depths of your hearts: Jesus, I trust in You!. Let yourselves be touched by his boundless mercy, so that in turn you may become apostles of mercy by your actions, words and prayers in our world, wounded by selfishness, hatred and so much despair.

Carry with you the flame of Christ’s merciful love – as Saint John Paul II said – in every sphere of your daily life and to the very ends of the earth. In this mission, I am with you with my encouragement and prayers. I entrust all of you to Mary, Mother of Mercy, for this last stretch of the journey of spiritual preparation for the next WYD in Krakow. I bless all of you from my heart.

From the Vatican
15 August 2015
Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Francis

The flight home

During the flight which began last night in Philadelphia and travelled to Rome, at the moment when he left the airspace above the United States, and while he passed over Canada, France before arriving in Italy this morning, the Holy Father sent the following messages:


United States of America
Departure - September 27

The Honorable Barack H. Obama
President of the United States of America
Washington

As I depart the United States for my return flight to Rome, I wish to express my deep appreciation to you and your fellow citizens for your gracious welcome and to renew the assurance of my prayers fo the good of all the American people.

Francis



Canada
September 27

His Excellency, the Right Honourable David Johnston
Governor-General of Canada
Ottawa

As my flight carries me over Canada on my return to Rome, I extend my best wishes to Your Excellency and your fellow citizens, with prayers for the nation. I invoke upon you the divine blessings of peace and prosperity.

Francis


France
September 28

His Excellency, François Hollande
President of the French Republic
Paris

I renew my best wishes to Your Excellency and your fellow citizens as I fly over France on my return from Cuba and the United States, and I assure you of my prayers for the French people.

Francis


Italy
Arrival - September 28

His Excellency, the Honourable Sergio Mattarella
President of the Republic of Italy
Palazzo del Quirinale
00187  Rome

Returning from my pastoral voyage to Cuba and to the United States, I express my heartfelt greetings to you, Mister President, and to the beloved Italian people, along with a special prayer to God for the good and the progress of the entire nation.

Francis



The aircraft carrying the Holy Father back from his Apostolic voyage to Cuba and to the United States landed at Rome's Ciampino airport at 9:58am local time, following an 8-hour flight.

Before returning to the Vatican, the Pope went, as is his custom, to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major to thank Mary, the Salus Populi romani for his safe return from the Apostolic voyage to Cuba, the United States, his visit to the United Nations and his participation in the World Meeting of Families.

Sunday, September 27, 2015

A parting word

Following the Mass celebrated on the Benjamin Franklyn Parkway, in the evening hours of this day, Pope Francis travelled to the Philadelphia International Airport where he was welcomed by the Vice President of the United States, Mister Joe Biden.

Before departing aboard the return flight to Rome, in a hangar at the airport, the Pope met with the members of the Organizing Committee, the volunteers and the benefactors of the World Meeting of Families and, having spent a moment listening to songs and testimonials, he addressed a few words to those who were present.


Greetings of the Holy Father, Pope Francis
in the hangar at the Philadelphia International Airport

Dear friends,

My days with you have been brief. But they have been days of great grace for me and, I pray, for you too. Please know that as I prepare to leave, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and hope.

I am grateful to all of you and to the many others who worked so hard to make my visit possible and to prepare for the World Meeting of Families. In a particular way I thank the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the civil authorities, the organizers, and all the many volunteers and benefactors who assisted in ways large and small.

I also thank the families who shared their witness during the Meeting. It is not so easy to speak openly of one’s life journey! But their honesty and humility before the Lord and each of us showed the beauty of family life in all its richness and diversity. I pray that our days of prayer and reflection on the importance of the family for a healthy society will inspire families to continue to strive for holiness and to see the Church as their constant companion, whatever the challenges they may face.

At the end of my visit, I would also like to thank all those who prepared for my stay in the Archdioceses of Washington and New York. It was particularly moving for me to canonize Saint Junípero Serra, who reminds us all of our call to be missionary disciples, and I was also very moved to stand with my brothers and sisters of other religions at Ground Zero, that place which speaks so powerfully of the mystery of evil. Yet we know with certainty that evil never has the last word, and that, in God’s merciful plan, love and peace triumph over all.

Mister Vice-President, I ask you to renew my gratitude to President Obama and to the Members of Congress, together with the assurance of my prayers for the American people. This land has been blessed with tremendous gifts and opportunities. I pray that you may all be good and generous stewards of the human and material resources entrusted to you.

I thank the Lord that I was able to witness the faith of God’s people in this country, as manifested in our moments of prayer together and evidenced in so many works of charity. Jesus says in the Scriptures: Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me. Your care for me and your generous welcome are a sign of your love for Jesus and your faithfulness to him. So too is your care for the poor, the sick, the homeless and the immigrant, your defense of life at every stage, and your concern for family life. In all of this, you recognize that Jesus is in your midst and that your care for one another is care for Jesus himself.

As I leave, I ask all of you, especially the volunteers and benefactors who assisted with the World Meeting of Families: do not let your enthusiasm for Jesus, his Church, our families, and the broader family of society run dry. May our days together bear fruit that will last, generosity and care for others that will endure! Just as we have received so much from God –gifts freely given us, and not of our own making – so let us freely give to others in return.

Dear friends, I embrace all of you in the Lord and I entrust you to the maternal care of Mary Immaculate, Patroness of the United States. I will pray for you and your families, and I ask you, please, to pray for me. May God bless you all. God bless America!


At the conclusion of this gathering, following the final blessing and having individually greeted some of the volunteers and the benefactors, the Holy Father, the Holy Father met privately with Vice President Joe Biden and his family in the DOW Chemical Terminal.

Also present at the airport for the departure ceremony, along with the Vice President of the United States, were some other civil and ecclesiastical authorities and a representation of the faithful.

After the presentation of military honours and the introductions of respective delegations, the Holy Father's aircraft - an American Airlines B777 - departed for Rome at 7:45pm local time.

Closing Mass with Families

This afternoon, the Holy Father took his leave of the Seminary of Saint Charles Borromeo, which has served as the Papal residence during his stay in Philadelphia.  Before travelling along the Benjamin Franklyn Parkway to the location of the Mass, Pope Francis made an unscheduled stop at Saint Joseph University, which is run by the Jesuits, to meet with Rabbi Abraham Skorka and to bless a statue in honour of the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council's Declaration Nostra Aetate.

Having then reached the Benjamin Franklyn Parkway, the Holy Father made his way in the popemobile around the perimeter of the avenue which was thronged with families, greeting the faithful and hugging and kissing many children.


At 4:00pm, His Holiness presided over the Eucharistic Celebration marking the conclusion of the VIII World Meeting of Families.


Homily of His Holiness, Pope Francis
for the closing Mass of the
VIII World Meeting of Families

Today the word of God surprises us with powerful and thought-provoking images. Images which challenge us, but also stir our enthusiasm.

In the first reading, Joshua tells Moses that two members of the people are prophesying, speaking God’s word, without a mandate. In the Gospel, John tells Jesus that the disciples had stopped someone from casting out evil spirits in the name of Jesus. Here is the surprise: Moses and Jesus both rebuke those closest to them for being so narrow minded! Would that all could be prophets of God’s word! (cf Num 11:29)  Would that everyone could work miracles in the Lord’s name!

Jesus encountered hostility from people who did not accept what he said and did. For them, his openness to the honest and sincere faith of many men and women who were not part of God’s chosen people seemed intolerable. The disciples, for their part, acted in good faith. But the temptation to be scandalized by the freedom of God, who sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous alike (Mt 5:45), bypassing bureaucracy, officialdom and inner circles, threatens the authenticity of faith. Hence it must be vigorously rejected.

Once we realize this, we can understand why Jesus’ words about causing scandal are so harsh. For Jesus, the truly intolerable scandal is everything that breaks down and destroys our trust in the working of the Spirit!

Our Father will not be outdone in generosity and he continues to scatter seeds. He scatters the seeds of his presence in our world, for love consists in this, not that we have loved God but that he loved us first (1 Jn 4:10). That love gives us the profound certainty that we are sought by God; he waits for us. It is this confidence which makes disciples encourage, support and nurture the good things happening all around them. God wants all his children to take part in the feast of the Gospel. Jesus says, Do not hold back anything that is good, instead help it to grow! To raise doubts about the working of the Spirit, to give the impression that it cannot take place in those who are not part of our group, who are not like us, is a dangerous temptation. Not only does it block conversion to the faith; it is a perversion of faith!

Faith opens a window to the presence and working of the Spirit. It shows us that, like happiness, holiness is always tied to little gestures. Whoever gives you a cup of water in my name will not go unrewarded, says Jesus (cf Mk 9:41). These little gestures are those we learn at home, in the family; they get lost amid all the other things we do, yet they do make each day different. They are the quiet things done by mothers and grandmothers, by fathers and grandfathers, by children, by brothers and sisters. They are little signs of tenderness, affection and compassion. Like the warm supper we look forward to at night, the early lunch awaiting someone who gets up early to go to work. Homey gestures. Like a blessing before we go to bed, or a hug after we return from a hard day’s work. Love is shown by little things, by attention to small daily signs which make us feel at home. Faith grows when it is lived and shaped by love. That is why our families, our homes, are true domestic churches. They are the right place for faith to become life, and life to grow in faith.

Jesus tells us not to hold back these little miracles. Instead, he wants us to encourage them, to spread them. He asks us to go through life, our everyday life, encouraging all these little signs of love as signs of his own living and active presence in our world.

So we might ask ourselves, today, here, at the conclusion of this meeting: How are we trying to live this way in our homes, in our societies? What kind of world do we want to leave to our children (cf Laudato Si’, 160)? We cannot answer these questions alone, by ourselves. It is the Spirit who challenges us to respond as part of the great human family. Our common house can no longer tolerate sterile divisions. The urgent challenge of protecting our home includes the effort to bring the entire human family together in the pursuit of a sustainable and integral development, for we know that things can change (cf LS, 13). May our children find in us models and incentives to communion, not division! May our children find in us men and women capable of joining others in bringing to full flower all the good seeds which the Father has sown!

Pointedly, yet affectionately, Jesus tells us: If you, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! (Lk 11:13). How much wisdom there is in these few words! It is true that, as far as goodness and purity of heart are concerned, we human beings don’t have much to show! But Jesus knows that, where children are concerned, we are capable of boundless generosity. So he reassures us: if only we have faith, the Father will give us his Spirit.

We Christians, the Lord’s disciples, ask the families of the world to help us! How many of us are here at this celebration! This is itself something prophetic, a kind of miracle in today’s world, which is tired of inventing new divisions, new hurts, new disasters. Would that we could all be prophets! Would that all of us could be open to miracles of love to benefit our own families and all the families of the world, and thus overcome the scandal of a narrow, petty love, closed in on itself, impatient of others! I leave you with a question for each of you to answer – because I said the word impatient: at home do we shout at one another or do we speak with love and tenderness? This is a good way of measuring our love.

And how beautiful it would be if everywhere, even beyond our borders, we could appreciate and encourage this prophecy and this miracle! We renew our faith in the word of the Lord which invites faithful families to this openness. It invites all those who want to share the prophecy of the covenant of man and woman, which generates life and reveals God! May the Lord help us to be sharers in the prophecy of peace, of tenderness and affection in the family. May his word help us to share in the prophetic sign of watching over our children and our grandparents with tenderness, with patience and with love.

Anyone who wants to bring into this world a family which teaches children to be excited by every gesture aimed at overcoming evil – a family which shows that the Spirit is alive and at work – will encounter our gratitude and our appreciation. Whatever the family, people, religion or region to which they belong!

May God grant that all of us may be prophets of the joy of the Gospel, the Gospel of the family and family love, as disciples of the Lord. May he grant us the grace to be worthy of that purity of heart which is not scandalized by the Gospel! Amen.


At the conclusion of the Mass, following a word of greeting from the Archbishop of Philadelphia, His Excellency, Charles Joseph Chaput, OFM Cap.; the President of the Pontifical Council for the Family, His Excellency, Vincenzo Paglia announced that the IX World Meeting of Families will take place in Dublin (Ireland) in 2018.

Then the Pope presented copies of the Gospel of Luke to five families, one from every continent: Kinshasa (Africa); La Habana (America); Hanoi (Asia); Sydney (Australia) and Marseille (Europe), and also to a family from Damascus (Syria).

Following the final blessing, the Holy Father travelled by car to the Philadelphia International Airport for his return trip to Italy.