Some thoughts about euthanasia

It is expected that the legislation known as the Assisted Dying Bill (C-14) will pass the Canadian House of Commons in the very near future and then move on to the Senate for further discussion.  The Supreme Court of Canada has declared that its decision to legalize assisted dying in this country will take effect next Monday (June 6) so the rush is on.  In the meanwhile, some information which has recently been published by the Cardinal Archbishop of Quebec City might be of assistance.

An Open Letter

penned by His Eminence, Gérald Cyprien Lacroix

Archbishop of Quebec City (Canada)

'Assistance in Dying' : No Deadline for Dignity

On June 6th, the Supreme Court of Canada’s decision concerning medical assistance in dying will take effect with or without a federal law to control it.

The adoption of bill C-14 or the Carter decision’s coming into effect will certainly give place to appeals within the court system to widen the use of euthanasia in Québec, available to its citizens for the past 5 months. Pressures will also be felt to provide assisted suicide as defined by Bill C-14: the prescribing or providing by a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner of a substance to a person, at their request, so that they may self-administer the substance and in doing so cause their own death.

Today, I wish to address myself especially to the persons that have a grievous and irremediable medical condition, (including an illness, disease or a disability) that causes enduring suffering that is intolerable (This description corresponds to the Canadian Supreme Court’s decision to amend our criminal code by June 6th to offer medical assistance in dying).

The life you have received, the breath that sustains you, the personality that characterizes you are imprinted with beauty, nobility and greatness. The love you have received, the love you have given are always present and make you – like all of us – people that are vested with great dignity in all circumstances. What you have been, what you are today require, among other things, respect, accompaniment and appropriate care to help you grow to the very end.

To respect the sanctity of life, the Catholic Church firmly opposes euthanasia and assisted suicide. She deplores that all the scenarios put forward by the federal government eventually allow a growing number of people to ask to end their life.

Oftentimes, I repeat that the Church’s position is not to highlight the value of suffering. Yes, faith can give a sense to suffering, but Christians, just like Jesus, wish to avoid suffering when possible: Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done (Luke 22:42). I am firmly convinced that God loves us with an eternal love, just as we are here and now, and until our death when he will receive us with open arms. Just listen to our emeritus Archbishop Maurice Couture’s recent conference on our diocesan web television ECDQ.tv to be convinced of it.

Until June 6th, I collectively challenge all of us. You surely know a person who can recognize him or herself in the Québec and (soon to be) Canadian criteria for access to medical assistance in dying. Listen to that person express to the very end his or her suffering and fear. Tell that person that he or she has a great worth in your eyes and will always be able to count on your presence. Remind him or her of your unconditional love.

The calls for assistance in dying usually disappear when suffering people are well accompanied. Doctors and palliative care personnel have so many times spoken of this with me. I thank them for pursuing their role in this new legislative context in Québec. Their efforts to relieve physical and moral suffering carry real fruits and investments in palliative care must continue. For those who oppose euthanasia – still a majority – , their conscientious objection must be protected. If a doctor does not wish to refer a patient to his medically provoked death, the doctor’s wish must be respected without being questioned.

I also want to thank the caregivers. The present debate puts us at risk of forgetting their dedication, courage and strength, but also their sense of presence to others and their respect for life. These persons have a great need to be recognized and supported.

My personal journey in accompanying people in end of life situations confirms to me that it is dangerous to allow permission to provoke the death of another person, even with his or her consent. Not only does the law dictate, but it educates and gives a demand of the right and a suggestion of duty. With time, customs are affected and the rarity of the gesture cedes way to habit. In my humble opinion, it is very sad progress. We have the responsibility, the mission to accompany with gentleness and tenderness the life of those who are close to us who suffer, and that, without recourse to a law that promotes death. In this context, we are invited to prevent this suicidal mode by choosing to recognize the dignity of life.

Gérald C. Cardinal Lacroix
Archbishop of Québec
May 30, 2016

There can be no true peace unless life is defended and promoted

A reflection on euthanasia by Father Thomas Rosica, CSB

CEO of the Salt+Light Catholic Media Foundation

An afternoon meeting with university students

Yesterday afternoon, Pope Francis met with members of the Pontifical Foundation Scholas Occurrentes at the conclusion of their World Congress.  The Foundation is an international project based in Argentina that brings together schools and educational networks from different cultures and religious backgrounds.

The informal meeting, which consisted in testimonials, music, videos and a “question and answer” session between Pope Francis and those present, took place in the Vatican Synod Hall.  It took place following a three-day meeting which featured representatives of  the Foundation from across the globe gathered in the Pontifical Academy of Sciences in the Vatican to talk about the theme: University and School: Wall or Bridge.

Among the public were personalities like Salma Hayek, George Clooney and Richard Gere.

The meeting aims to mark the beginning of an interactive initiative launched by Scholas Occurentes with the creation of a website, askpopefrancis.scholasoccurrentes.org where it will be possible to ask questions of Pope Francis.  This virtual exchange will result in a book, to be published by Mondadori.

During the meeting Pope Francis also received the gift of an olive tree; he autographed surfboards and of course answered questions.

Greetings of His Holiness, Pope Francis

for university students

Pope Francis
Thank you for being here.  I am happy to greet you and I hope that all of this has not been too boring; but rather that it was a climate of communication, a climate of encounter, a climate of bridge building that unites us and a challenge for our world, a world that is still at risk of individuation and separating us from one another ... and when people are separated, families are separated, friends are separated, and separation can sow enmity, and even hatred.  Instead, when we are united, there is social friendship, fraternity; and there is a culture of encounter, that defends us from any kind of culture of throw away culture.  Thank you for this, and for all that you do in this regard.

Response of Pope Francis to various questions asked by students
First.  I never thought about leaving because of a responsibility ... I'll tell you a little secret: I never thought that they would have elected me.  It was a surprise for me ... But from that moment, God has given me peace that has endured until today.  This helps me to keep going.  This is the grace that I have received.  On the other hand, by nature I am unaware, and so we go on.

Look, I believe that building a better world can be summed up in the things we have spoke of here together.  Do you agree?  That is to say, that every person can be recognized in his or her identity.  But we cannot have an identity if we don't belong.  Seek always to provide a sense of belonging.  One of you asked me: if a boy or a girl does not belong, how is it possible to help?  At the very least, offer that person a virtual belonging, so that he or she can feel ... in that way, he or she will have an identity.  A person without identity has no future.  Therefore it is urgent, it is urgent that we offer a sense of belonging for every person, but that they all feel that they belong to a group, a family, an organization, to something, and this can give them an identity.  Identity, belonging.

Another thing: the language of gestures.  Strive to develop a language of gestures.  Sometimes, we like to talk, to speak ... Sometimes, the language of gestures is different.  It is not enough to talk.  We risk selling smoke, and this is no good.  The language of gestures, sometimes in a hug, a smile ... I liked what you said: This smile can't be touched by anyone!  A smile that gives hope, a look in the eyes, gestures of approval, of patience, of tolerance, gestures.

Stop aggressions, bullying - bullying - is an aggression that hides a profound cruelty, and the world is cruel, the world is cruel.  Wars are monuments of cruelty.

A Sister from one of the African countries, which is at war, sent me some photographs; I have them here ... They show the cruelty of war.  A slain child.  A child!  Is it possible to understand such bullying?  If this is going on (the cruelty of war), how will it ever be possible to stop the bullying?  And this same cruelty against a child, a child who in turn can be cruel toward another ... If we sow cruelty.  One child massacres another by hitting him in the head, and this is what was going on last month.

Then, to build a new world, a better world, we need to eradicate all forms of cruelty.  War is a cruelty.  But this kind of war is still more cruel, because it involves the lives of innocent people.

Then, listen to others.  The capacity to listen, not to discuss right away, to ask, and this is dialogue, dialogue is a bridge.  Dialogue is a bridge.  Don't be afraid to talk in dialogue.  It's not a matter of playing the part of Saint Lorenzo-Lanús today and seeing eventually who wins.  It's a matter of agreeing to the possibilities of going forward together.  With dialogue, we all win, no one looses.  In discussion, there is either one who wins and one who loses, or both have to forgive one another.  Dialogue is meek, the capacity to listen, to place ourselves in someone else's shoes, to build bridges.  And during our dialogue, even if I might think otherwise, do not discuss but rather, seek to persuade meekly.

As you can see, all these are behaviours that have emerged from the questions you have asked.  And pride eradicates them all.  Because pride and arrogance always end up badly.  Arrogance always ends badly.  So, I answer this question: how can we build a better world?  By following this path.  Our world needs to lower the level of aggression.  It needs tenderness, it needs meekness, it needs listening, we all need to journey together.  Otherwise, these other things will happen, even today, because all these attitudes I've spoken of will be missing.  I don't know whether I've responded well to your questions.

Parting words
I want to thank all of you for your collaboration, your work and your patience.  Let us be mindful of the children throughout the world, with their cultural diversities, various languages, races and religions.

And let us turn toward God with the most ancient blessing, still valid and used in the three monotheistic religions: May the Lord bless you and protect you; may he make the splendour of his face shine upon you and show you his grace; may he reveal his face to you and give you peace.  Amen.

Thank you very much for everything, and please pray for me, please, because I need your prayers.

Take and eat

Here is the text of the reflection I shared with all those who came to celebrate the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of the Lord with us this weekend: inspired by my recent visit with the Missionaries of Charity.

Fed with special food

This past week, I travelled to Washington, DC in order to celebrate a very special occasion: the Final Profession of one of the Missionaries of Charity.  Michelle Harney’s family and I were present in the lower crypt of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Tuesday afternoon to witness the moment when she spoke her vows.  The entire celebration was very beautiful: truly an expression of the heartfelt joy that is experienced by people of faith who know without a doubt that they are exactly where the Lord wants and needs them to be.

After nine years of formation and preparation, Sister Mary Eucharistica, MC – that’s her religious name - will soon be setting out for her new mission: to be present to the poorest of the poor in the city of Nairobi (Kenya).  While her parents and family members are understandably concerned that she will be so far away, she herself is radiant with the joy of a new bride, one who knows beyond the shadow of a doubt that she is being sent to care for God’s people, especially those who are far too often excluded by society.  There, she will endeavor to respond to the invitation of Jesus: Give them something to eat (Lk 9:13).

At times, she may very well wonder how she will feed all those who will come knocking at her door.  The disciples asked the same question: We have no more than five loaves and two fish and this would never have been enough to feed the crowds.  I’m sure that this same dilemma has been faced by many others before: mothers and fathers who struggle at times to find the right advice and guidance to be offered to their children; grandparents, aunts and uncles who worry about others in their families who face so many challenges and yet who seem to have set aside the faith that they were taught in childhood.  Thankfully, Jesus never abandons his disciples.  He is always close to us, and he will always be ready to help us, to encourage us and to remind us that if we are willing to give of ourselves, even just a little, he will transform our meagre offerings and there will be more than enough to feed the crowds.

Every Missionary of Charity is called to offer his or her life in service to the poorest of the poor, and they are happy to do so, but the only way that they can renounce everything is to remain focused on Jesus and to always strive to repeat within their own hearts the wisdom that was passed on to the believers in Corinth by Saint Paul: the Lord Jesus … took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, broke it and ‘this is my Body that is for you.  Do this in memory of me’ (1 Cor 11:24).

Jesus entrusted us with this memorial of his life-giving sacrifice, and asked us to learn from him so that we in turn can learn each day how to give of ourselves out of love for others.  Having drunk from the chalice that is filled with His blood, we remember and we marvel at the extent to which He was willing to go in order to convince us that we are loved with infinite love.  Strengthened by this special food that is offered on the altar, we too can go – even to the ends of  the earth – to be missionaries of charity, willing to joyfully proclaim the good news that Jesus came to share: God the Father created us out of love.  He loves us with infinite love and he waits with infinite patience for us to realize this truth and to joyfully celebrate it.

Jubilee of Deacons

At 10:30am today, the Holy Father, Pope Francis celebrated Mass in Saint Peter's Square to mark the Jubilee of Deacons.

It is also worthy of note that for this Sunday, we should know that since the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of the Lord was celebrated in Rome on Thursday of this past week, the readings used for this homily are based on the texts for the 9th Sunday of Ordinary Time.

Homily of His Holiness, Pope Francis

for the Jubilee of Deacons

A servant of Jesus Christ (Gal 1:10). We have listened to these words that the Apostle Paul, writing to the Galatians, uses to describe himself. At the beginning of his Letter, he had presented himself as an apostle by the will of the Lord Jesus (cf Gal 1:1). These two terms – apostle and servant – go together. They can never be separated. They are like the two sides of a medal. Those who proclaim Jesus are called to serve, and those who serve proclaim Jesus.

The Lord was the first to show us this. He, the Word of the Father, who brought us the good news (Is 61:1), indeed, who is the good news (cf Lk 4:18), became our servant (Phil 2:7). He came not to be served, but to serve (Mk 10:45). He became the servant (diakonos) of all, wrote one of the Church Fathers (Saint Polycarp, Ad Phil. V, 2). We who proclaim him are called to act as he did, merciful, zealous, walking according to the charity of the Lord who made himself the servant of all (ibid.). A disciple of Jesus cannot take a road other than that of the Master. If he wants to proclaim him, he must imitate him. Like Paul, he must strive to become a servant. In other words, if evangelizing is the mission entrusted at baptism to each Christian, serving is the way that mission is carried out. It is the only way to be a disciple of Jesus. His witnesses are those who do as he did: those who serve their brothers and sisters, never tiring of following Christ in his humility, never tiring of the Christian life, which is a life of service.

How do we become good and faithful servants (cf Mt 25:21)? As a first step, we are asked to be available. A servant daily learns detachment from doing everything his own way and living his life as he would. Each morning he trains himself to be generous with his life and to realize that the rest of the day will not be his own, but given over to others. One who serves cannot hoard his free time; he has to give up the idea of being the master of his day. He knows that his time is not his own, but a gift from God which is then offered back to him. Only in this way will it bear fruit. One who serves is not a slave to his own agenda, but ever ready to deal with the unexpected, ever available to his brothers and sisters and ever open to God’s constant surprises. One who serves is open to surprises, to God’s constant surprises. A servant knows how to open the doors of his time and inner space for those around him, including those who knock on those doors at odd hours, even if that entails setting aside something he likes to do or giving up some well-deserved rest. One who serves is not worried about the timetable. It deeply troubles me when I see a timetable in a parish: From such a time to such a time. And then? There is no open door, no priest, no deacon, no layperson to receive people … This is not good. Don’t worry about the timetable: have the courage to look past the timetable. In this way, dear deacons, if you show that you are available to others, your ministry will not be self-serving, but evangelically fruitful.

Today’s Gospel also speaks to us of service. It shows us two servants who have much to teach us: the servant of the centurion whom Jesus cures and the centurion himself, who serves the Emperor. The words used by the centurion to dissuade Jesus from coming to his house are remarkable, and often the very opposite of our own: Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof (7:6); I did not presume to come to you (7:7); I also am a man set under authority (7:8). Jesus marvels at these words. He is struck by the centurion’s great humility, by his meekness. And meekness is one of the virtues of deacons. When a deacon is meek, then he is one who serves, who is not trying to mimic priests; no, he is meek. Given his troubles, the centurion might have been anxious and could have demanded to be heard, making his authority felt. He could have insisted and even forced Jesus to come to his house. Instead, he was modest, unassuming and meek; he did not raise his voice or make a fuss. He acted, perhaps without even being aware of it, like God himself, who is meek and humble of heart (Mt 11:29). For God, who is love, out of love is ever ready to serve us. He is patient, kind and always there for us; he suffers for our mistakes and seeks the way to help us improve. These are the characteristics of Christian service; meek and humble, it imitates God by serving others: by welcoming them with patient love and unflagging sympathy, by making them feel welcome and at home in the ecclesial community, where the greatest are not those who command but those who serve (cf Lk 22:26). And never shout, never. This, dear deacons, is how your vocation as ministers of charity will mature: in meekness.

After the Apostle Paul and the centurion, today’s readings show us a third servant, the one whom Jesus heals. The Gospel tells us that he was dear to his master and was sick, without naming his grave illness (v. 2). In a certain sense, we can see ourselves in that servant. Each of us is very dear to God, who loves us, chooses us and calls us to serve. Yet each of us needs first to be healed inwardly. To be ready to serve, we need a healthy heart: a heart healed by God, one which knows forgiveness and is neither closed nor hardened. We would do well each day to pray trustingly for this, asking to be healed by Jesus, to grow more like him who no longer calls us servants but friends (cf Jn 15:15). Dear deacons, this is a grace you can implore daily in prayer. You can offer the Lord your work, your little inconveniences, your weariness and your hopes in an authentic prayer that brings your life to the Lord and the Lord to your life. When you serve at the table of the Eucharist, there you will find the presence of Jesus, who gives himself to you so that you can give yourselves to others.

In this way, available in life, meek of heart and in constant dialogue with Jesus, you will not be afraid to be servants of Christ, and to encounter and caress the flesh of the Lord in the poor of our time.

At the conclusion of the Mass, before reciting the Angelus, the Holy Father, Pope Francis spoke the following words to those who were present:

Greetings of His Holiness, Pope Francis

prior to the recitation of the Angelus

At the conclusion of this celebration, I wish to offer a special greeting to you, dear deacons, who have come from Italy and from various other countries.  Thank you for your presence here today, but above all for your presence in the Church!

I greet all pilgrims, especially those from the Schützen Association of European History; those who are participating in the Forgiveness Walk organized by the Celestine Movement; the National Association for the Protection of Renewable Energy, committed to the work of educating others in the care of creation.

I also remember today's National Day of Relief, focused on helping people to live the final days of their earthly existence well; and the traditional pilgrimage that is taking place today in Poland at the Marian Shrine of Piekary: may the Merciful Mother support the families and the youth who are preparing for the celebration of World Youth Day in Krakow.

Next Wednesday, June 1, on the occasion of the International Day of Children, the Christian community in Syria, both Catholics and Orthodox, will celebrate a common moment of prayer for peace which will be led by children.  The children of Syria invite children all over the world to be united with them in offering a prayer for peace.

Let us pray for this intention, and ask for the intercession of the Virgin Mary, while we commend unto her the lives and the ministry of all deacons throughout the world.

Angelus Domini ...

A visit with children

Pope Francis received some four hundred children of different ethnicities, cultures and religions, who had traveled to Rome from Calabria in southern Italy aboard the “Children’s Train” – the Treno dei Bambini – an annual initiative of the Pontifical Council for Culture, which this year has as its theme, Carried by waves: a theme that is designed both to invoke the often deadly danger of migration, and the hope in the promise of a better future that drives people – along with the threat of torture, slavery and death – to flee their homelands and seek a better life on strange and distant shores.

The children arrived Saturday at St. Peter’s railway station in the Vatican: their conveyance bringing also the pain of the experience of its young passengers – their undeniable suffering, weaved together with the care and affection offered the children by the John XXIII Association, and the work of the Quattrocanti Children’s Orchestra of Palermo (in which boys and girls of eight different ethnicities are involved), as well as the initiative of Mary Salvia, principal of a school in Vibo Marina, who brought to Pope Francis the money from her school’s collection for the children of Lesbos and a letter signed by her pupils, which Cardinal Ravasi read to the Pope. We children promise that we will welcome anyone who arrives in our country: we shall never consider anyone who has a different skin color, or who speaks a different language, or who professes a different religion from ours, a dangerous enemy.

In an unscripted exchange with the young travelers, Pope Francis focused on the human cost of indifference to the plight of migrants, recounting the story and sharing the words of a rescue worker who brought the Holy Father the life vest of a young migrant who drowned at sea. He brought me this jacket, said Pope Francis, and with tears in his eyes he said to me, ‘Father, I couldn’t do it – there was a little girl on the waves, and I did all I could, but I couldn’t save her: only her life vest was left.’ Then, indicating the jacket, the Holy Father said, I do not (tell you this because I) want you to be sad, but (because) you are brave and you (should) know the truth: they are in danger –  many boys and girls, small children, men, women – they are in danger, he said. Let us think of this little girl: what was her name? I do not know: a little girl with no name. Each of you give her the name you would like, each in his heart. She is in heaven, she is looking on us.

A teachable moment among many afforded by the occasion, was the moment in which one of the Pope’s young visitors asked him what it means to be Pope: The Holy Father replied, (to do) the good that I can do. He went on to say, I feel that Jesus called me to this: Jesus wanted me to be a Christian, and a Christian must do (the good he can); and Jesus also wanted me to be a priest, and a bishop – and a priest and a bishop must do (the good they can); I feel that Jesus is calling me to do this – that’s what I feel, he said.

Meetings and apologies

Pope Francis met yesterday with Hebe de Bonafini, 87, the founder and President of the Asociación Madres de Plaza de Mayo (Association of the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo). The Association was formed by the mothers of those dissidents who “disappeared” (los desaparecidos) during the 1976-1983 military dictatorship in Argentina. During  this period,  Hebe de Bonafini lost two sons and her daughter-in-law.

She spoke after her meeting with the Holy Father, and told journalists the two had embraced and that apologized for earlier criticisms she had made of the Pope. She also said they discussed the current situation in Argentina, especially the large number of people out of work, and struggling to survive.

Singapore at the Vatican

This morning, the Holy Father, Pope Francis received in audience the President of the Republic of Singapore, His Excellency, Tony Tan Keng Yam, who subsequently met with His Eminence, Pietro Parolin, the Cardinal Secretary of State, accompanied by His Excellency, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions the good relations between the Holy See and Singapore were evoked, as well as the collaboration between the Church and the State, especially in the educational and social fields.

Attention then turned to various current international themes and issues linked to the regional political situation, with particular reference to the importance of inter-religious and intercultural dialogue for the promotion of human rights, stability, justice and peace in south-east Asia.

Meeting with the Orionines

At 12:20pm today, in the Sala Clementina at the Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father, Pope Francis received in audience those who are participating in the General Chapter of the Sons of Divine Providence (the Congregation of Saint Luigi Orione, otherwise known as the Orionines).

Speech of the Holy Father, Pope Francis

to members of the Congregation of Saint Luigi Orione

Dear brothers and sisters,

I am pleased to meet with you on the occasion of your General Chapter.  I cordially greet you, at the beginning of the service which will be rendered by your new Superior General, who I thank for his words and to whom I present my wishes a good term, along with that of your Councillors.

We are all journeying in the footsteps of Jesus.  The entire Church is called to walk with Jesus along the roads of this world, in order to encounter today's humanity who are in need - as Don Orione wrote - the bread which is His body and the divine balm of faith (Letter II, 463).  To embody in our time, these words of your Founder and to live the essence of his teaching, you have placed your very identity at the centre of the reflections during your General Chapter, summed up by Don Orione in the phrase: servants of Christ and of the poor.    The path you follow must always seek to unite these two dimensions of your personal and apostolic life.  You have been called and consecrated to God in order to remain with Jesus (cf Mk 3:14) and to serve Him in the poor and in those who are excluded from society.  In them, you touch and serve Christ's flesh, and you grow in union with Him, always careful that the faith does not become idolatry and that charity is not reduced to philanthropy, and that the Church does not end up being a non-profit organization.

Being servants of Christ qualifies all that you are and all that you do, ensuring your apostolic effectiveness, making your service fruitful.  Don Orione would urge you to seek out and to tend to the wounds of the people, caring for their infirmities, meeting him in the moral and the material: in this way, your actions will not only be effective, but profoundly Christian and salvific (Writings 61, 114).  I encourage you to follow these guidelines; they are needed now more than ever before!  In fact, in doing so, you will not only imitate Jesus, the Good Samaritan, but you will also offer people the joy of encountering Jesus and the salvation that He offers to all people.  Truly, those who allow themselves to be saved by him are freed from sin, from sadness, from inner emptiness, from isolation.  With Jesus Christ, joy is constantly born and reborn (Evangelii gaudium, 1).

The proclamation of the gospel, especially in our time, requires the love of the Lord, united with a particular effort.  I knew that, when your Founder was alive, in certain places they would call him the running priest, because they would always see him moving, among the people, with rapid footsteps toward those he cared for.  Amor est in via, Saint Bernard recalled, love is always on the street, love is always moving.  With Don Orione, even I exhort you to not remain closed in upon your own ambitions, but to go out.  We are in such need of priests and religious who are not closed in upon themselves, remaining in health care institutions - even though this is necessary - but who know how to go beyond the confines of themselves, to spread to every place, even the most remote, the perfume of Christ's charity.  Never loose sight of either the Church or your religious community; indeed, your heart must always be there, in your upper room, but then you have to go out to bring God's mercy to all people, with no exceptions.

Your service to the Church will be more effective, the more you strive to care for your personal closeness to Christ and your personal formation.  Bearing witness to the beauty of consecration, living well the life of religious servants of Christ and of the poor, you will be examples for the youth.  Life generates life; a religious who is holy and happy inspires new vocations.

I entrust your Congregation to the maternal protection of the Virgin Mary, who you venerate as your Mother of Divine Providence.  I ask you please, to pray for me and for my service to the Church, because I too am on a journey.  I impart the Apostolic Blessing to you, to all of your confreres, especially those who are elderly and those who are sick, and to all those who share the charism of your Institute.

Costa Rica at the Vatican

Today, the Holy Father, Pope Francis received in audience the President of the Republic of Costa Rica, His Excellency, Mister Luis Guillermo Solís Rivera, who subsequently met with His Eminence, Pietro Parolin, the Cardinal Secretary of State, accompanied by His Excellency, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions, the good relations between the Holy See and Costa Rica were highlighted, and appreciation was expressed for the contribution that the Church offers especially in the fields of education, health, the promotion of human and spiritual values and charitable activities. Attention then turned to various themes of mutual interest such as the protection of human life, as well as problems of particular current relevance such as migration and drug trafficking.

Finally, mention was made of the regional situation and a number of international issues.

Condolences to Bergamo

The Holy Father, Pope Francis has sent a telegram of condolence to the Bishop of Bergamo (Italy) at the death of His Eminence, Loris Francesco Cardinal Capovilla, who once served as the private secretary to Cardinal Angelo Roncalli (the future Pope and now Saint John XXIII) while he was Patriarch of Venice.

Father Thomas Rosica, CSB conducted an interview with Cardinal Capovilla last year at his home in Bergamo.  He recalls the life of this great servant of the Church in an article that has been posted on the website of the Salt+Light Media Foundation.

Telegram of Condolence

sent by His Holiness, Pope Francis

To His Excellency, Francesco Beschi
Bishop of Bergamo

Having learned the news of the death of the venerated Cardinal Loris Francesco Capovilla, I wish to express my condolences to you, to the entire diocesan community - of which he always felt that he was an integral part - to the Poor Clare Sisters of Ca'Maitino in Sotto il Monte, who lovingly cared for him, to his family members, to his friends and to all those who were esteemed by the meritorious Cardinal.

I think affectionately of this dear brother who during his long and fruitful existence joyfully bore witness to the gospel and obediently served the Church, first in the Diocese of Venice, then with thoughtful affection alongside Pope Saint John XXIII whom he always zealously remembered and spoke about.  In his Episcopal service, especially in Chieti-Vasto and in Loreto, he was always a pastor, totally devoted to the good of his priests and the faithful entrusted to his care, a sign of solid faithfulness to the compass of the Second Vatican Council.

I offer my prayers to the Lord that, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of Saint Mark the Evangelist, He may welcome his faithful servant into glory and eternal peace, and with all my heart, I impart the Apostolic Benediction to all those who are saddened by his death.

Franciscus

A procession in Rome

At 7:00pm this evening, which is observed as the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ in Rome (this Solemnity is transferred to this coming Sunday in Canada), the Holy Father, Pope Francis presided over the Eucharistic Celebration which took place in the square outside the Basilica of Saint John Lateran.

After the Mass was completed, there was a Eucharistic Procession which travelled along the via Merulana to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major.  There, the Holy Father imparted the Solemn Blessing, with the Most Blessed Sacrament.

Homily of the Holy Father, Pope Francis

for the Mass celebrated at the 

Basilica of Saint John Lateran

Do this in remembrance of me (1 Cor 11:24-25).

Twice the Apostle Paul, writing to the community in Corinth, recalls this command of Jesus in his account of the institution of the Eucharist. It is the oldest testimony we have to the words of Christ at the Last Supper.

Do this. That is, take bread, give thanks and break it; take the chalice, give thanks, and share it. Jesus gives the command to repeat this action by which he instituted the memorial of his own Pasch, and in so doing gives us his Body and his Blood. This action reaches us today: it is the doing of the Eucharist which always has Jesus as its subject, but which is made real through our poor hands anointed by the Holy Spirit.

Do this. Jesus on a previous occasion asked his disciples to do what was so clear to him, in obedience to the will of the Father. In the Gospel passage that we have just heard, Jesus says to the disciples in front of the tired and hungry crowds: Give them something to eat yourselves (Lk 9:13). Indeed, it is Jesus who blesses and breaks the loaves and provides sufficient food to satisfy the whole crowd, but it is the disciples who offer the five loaves and two fish. Jesus wanted it this way: that, instead of sending the crowd away, the disciples would put at his disposal what little they had. And there is another gesture: the pieces of bread, broken by the holy and venerable hands of Our Lord, pass into the poor hands of the disciples, who distribute these to the people. This too is the disciples doing with Jesus; with him they are able to give them something to eat. Clearly this miracle was not intended merely to satisfy hunger for a day, but rather it signals what Christ wants to accomplish for the salvation of all mankind, giving his own flesh and blood (cf Jn 6:48-58). And yet this needs always to happen through those two small actions: offering the few loaves and fish which we have; receiving the bread broken by the hands of Jesus and giving it to all.

Breaking: this is the other word explaining the meaning of those words: Do this in remembrance of me. Jesus was broken; he is broken for us. And he asks us to give ourselves, to break ourselves, as it were, for others. This breaking bread became the icon, the sign for recognizing Christ and Christians. We think of Emmaus: they knew him in the breaking of the bread (Lk 24:35). We recall the first community of Jerusalem: They held steadfastly… to the breaking of the bread (Acts 2:42). From the outset it is the Eucharist which becomes the centre and pattern of the life of the Church. But we think also of all the saints – famous or anonymous – who have broken themselves, their own lives, in order to give something to eat to their brothers and sisters. How many mothers, how many fathers, together with the slices of bread they provide each day on the tables of their homes, have broken their hearts to let their children grow, and grow well! How many Christians, as responsible citizens, have broken their own lives to defend the dignity of all, especially the poor, the marginalized and those who are discriminated against! Where do they find the strength to do this? It is in the Eucharist: in the power of the Risen Lord’s love, who today too breaks bread for us and repeats: Do this in remembrance of me.

May this action of the Eucharistic procession, which we will carry out shortly, respond to Jesus’ command. An act to commemorate him; an act to give food to the crowds of today; an act to break open our faith and our lives as a sign of Christ’s love for this city and for the whole world.

If we live, we live for the Lord

Here is the text of the reflection I prepared for the celebration of the Funeral Mass which took place this morning: a look back at a life faith and a look forward to the reward he now enjoys as recompense for his labours and his faith.

Funeral homily for Alberindo Palladino

Cari fratelli e sorelle, siamo radunati in questo luogo santo per rendere grazie a Dio per la vita del suo servo Alberindo, e per raccomandare la sua anima eterna al nostro Dio e Salvatore, e per affidarla alle sue braccia amorrose.  Abbiamo condiviso una parte del suo viaggio terrestre nella fede, siamo venuti adesso per consolare la sua moglie, i suoi figli e nipoti e la sua grande famiglia; siamo uniti tutti in questo atto di fede che stiamo realizzando ora.
Dear brothers and sisters, we are gathered in this holy place to give thanks to God for the life of his servant Alberindo, to commend his eternal soul to our God and Saviour, and to entrust him into his loving arms.  We have shared a part of his earthly journey in faith; now we have come to console his wife, his children and his grandchildren as well as his extended family; we are all united in this act of faith which is now being accomplished.

We began this liturgy at the entrance of the church by sprinkling Alberindo’s casket with holy water.  This simple act is a reminder of the moment at which he was baptized and became a precious child of God.  At that moment, his parents accepted the obligation to share the treasure of their faith with him.  With the help of other members of his family, and other people of faith who were present to teach him by word and by example, he learned the true meaning of discipleship.  Saint Paul describes discipleship in terms of living for others.  He says: If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord (Rom 14:8).  Alberindo cherished his beloved wife.  Together, they shared sixty years of life together.  Their two children and their grandchildren have always been the focus of their attention and love.  Every day of his life, Alberindo lived for you.  You were always in his thoughts and in his heart, just as his faith was also knitted into the fabric of his being.  In you, he saw the fulfillment of the Lord's promise, the joy and the delight that is the reward of our faith.  This joy, he gladly shared with all those he met.  It was apparent whenever he sang or held his beloved accordion.  Indeed, the dream for all of us who are disciples is that our every breath should be a song of praise offered to God.  Today we thank our God for the example we have been given in the life of our brother.

Nato nel Carpinoni, Alberindo e Maria hanno lasciato l'Italia e si sono trasferiti in Canada ricercando cossì una vita migliore per la loro famiglia. Grazie a Dio, egli a trovato un lavoro a l'albergo Empire qui a North Bay. E proprio lì che ha incontrato molte persone di tutti i livelli sociali. All'albergo o a casa, o in qualsiasi incontro tra i numerosi che ha avuto con la gente, era sempre pronto a condividere la sua fede: a piantare nei cuori degli altri il desiderio di vivere, di ridere e di amare (cf Ecc 3:2). Ricercava sempre modi per distruggere i muri che ci separano gli uni dagli altri (cf Ecc 3:3); voleva piuttosto costruire ponti nella serena convinzione che siamo tutti fratelli e sorelle, che abbiamo un solo Padre, e che il nostro Padre ci ama con amore infinito.
Born in Carpinoni, Alberindo and Maria left Italy and came to Canada in search of a better life for their family.  Thanks to God, he found work at the Empire hotel here in North Bay.  It was there that he met many people from various levels of society.  At the hotel or in his home, or in any one of a number of meetings which he had with people, he was always ready to share his music and his faith: to plant in the hearts of others the desire to live, to laugh and to love (cf Ecc 3:2).  Always seeking ways to tear down the walls that separate us from others (cf Ecc 3:3), he preferred to build bridges, serenely convinced that we are all brothers and sisters, that we have only one Father, and that our Father loves us with infinite love.

This is the secret to truly living: Jesus calls all of his disciples to give ourselves out of love for others.  In fact, the level to which we love will be the measure of our worthiness for heaven.  This is the meaning of the scene that is described in the gospel passage we have heard during this liturgy.  Jesus told his disciples, and we are all his disciples, that we will all have to stand before the Son of Man when he comes in his glory (Mt 25:31).  His judgement about the lives that we have lived will be measured through a series of observations: I was hungry … I was thirsty … I was a stranger … I was naked … I was sick … I was in prison … and you came to my help (cf Mt 25:35-36).

Per più di otto decenni, Alberindo a cercato di seguire i comandamenti del Signore. A volte, non avevo tanto denaro, ma c'era sempre cibo per sfamare una bocca affamata. Nel suo cuore, c'era sempre posto per coloro che erano assetati, soprattutto se avevano sete di fede, di amore e di gioia. Che fossi amico di famiglia o affatto sconosciuto, ti avrebbe sempre accolto al suo tavolo. In realtà, se tu fossi stato in qualsiasi bisogno, sarebbe sempre stato pronto ad aiutarti.
For more than eight decades, Alberindo tried to follow the Lord's commandments.  At times, he did not have much money, but there was always food to feed a hungry mouth.  In his heart, there was always room for those who were thirsty, especially if they were thirsty for faith, for love and for joy.  No matter whether you were a family friend or a total stranger, he would always welcome you to his table.  In truth, if anyone were in need, he would always be ready to help.

We are currently observing a Jubilee Year of Mercy, a time to recognize the merciful face of Jesus, and what better image can we have of the Father than that of the merciful judge who awaits the day when our earthly life comes to an end and we return to the Father’s house?  Today as we give thanks for the life of this man of faith, we ask our God, whose name is Mercy to have mercy on his soul and to welcome him into his eternal reward.  May he who always sought to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, now be welcomed into the arms of our brother Jesus, and may our heavenly mother keep close to her tender heart all those who are saddened at this moment.  Through her prayers, may we all experience the heavenly gifts of God’s mercy and enlightened by faith, may we go forth into the world to be joyful witnesses of his love.

General Audience about the widow and the unjust judge

Today'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 corner of the world.

In his speech, the Pope continued his meditations on mercy from the biblical perspective, focusing on the parable of the widow and the unjust judge (Lk 18:1-5).

After having summarized his catechesis in various languages, the Holy Father addressed particular greetings to each group of the faithful in attendance.  He then issued a call on the occasion of the International Day of Missing Children which is observed today and an invitation to participate in the traditional procession for Corpus Christi which will be held in Rome tomorrow.

At the conclusion of the audience, following the chanting of the Pater Noster and before the Apostolic Blessing, Pope Francis exhorted those in attendance to pray for the dramatic situation in Syria.

Catechesis of His Holiness, Pope Francis

for the General Audience

Dear brothers and sisters, good morning!

The gospel parable we just heard (cf Lk 18:1-8) contains an important teaching: The need to pray always and not lose heart (Lk 18:1). Therefore, it is not about praying sometimes, when I feel like it. No, Jesus says that we must pray always, and not lose heart, and He gives the example of the widow and the judge.

The judge is a powerful character, called to hand down sentences on the basis of the Law of Moses. Therefore, the biblical tradition recommended that judges be persons fearful of God, worthy of faith, impartial and incorruptible (cf Ex 18:21). This judge, however, neither feared God nor regarded man (Lk 18:2). He was an iniquitous judge, without scruples, who did not take the Law into account but did what he wished, according to his interest. A widow comes to him to seek justice. Widows, together with orphans and foreigners, were the weakest categories of the society. The rights accorded to them by the Law could be easily trampled because, being persons alone and without defence, they could hardly make themselves heard: a poor widow, there, alone, no one defended her; they could ignore her, also not grant her justice. The same with the orphan, so also the foreigner, the migrant; at that time this problem was very pronounced. Faced with the judge’s indifference, the widow takes recourse to her only weapon: to continue insistently to implore him, presenting him with her request for justice. And, precisely with this perseverance, she accomplishes her purpose. At a certain point, in fact, at a certain point the judge listens to her, not because he is moved by mercy, or because his conscience imposed it on him; he simply admits: because this widow bothers me, I will vindicate her, or she will wear me out by her continual coming (Lk 18:5).

Jesus draws a twofold conclusion from this parable: if the widow succeeded in bending the dishonest judge with her insistent requests, how much more God, who is a good and just Father, will vindicate His elect, who cry to Him day and night?. And, moreover, He will vindicate them speedily (Lk 18:7-8).

Therefore, Jesus exhorts us to pray without losing heart. We all experience moments of tiredness and discouragement, especially when our prayer seems ineffective. But Jesus assures us: as opposed to the dishonest judge, God speedily listens to His children even if He does not do so in the time and ways that we wish. Prayer is not a magic wand. It helps to keep faith in God and to entrust ourselves to Him, even when we do not understand His will.

In this matter, Jesus Himself – who prayed so much! – is our example. The Letter to the Hebrews reminds us that In the days of His flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to Him who was able to save Him from death, and He was heard for His godly fear (Heb 5:7). At first sight this affirmation seems unlikely, because Jesus died on the cross. Yet the Letter to the Hebrews is not mistaken: God truly saved Jesus from death giving Him complete victory over it, but the way followed to obtain it passed through death itself! The reference to the supplication that God heard refers to Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane. Assailed by imminent anguish, Jesus prays to the Father to let the bitter chalice of the Passion pass from Him, but His prayer is pervaded by trust in the Father and He entrusts Himself to His will without reservations: Nevertheless – says Jesus – not as I will, but as Thou wilt (Mt 26:39). The object of the prayer passes to the second level; what matters first of all is His relationship with the Father. Do you see what prayer does: it transforms the desire and moulds it according to God’s will, whatever it is, because one who prays aspires first of all to union with Him, merciful Love.

The parable ends with a question: Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will He find faith on earth? (Lk 18:8). And, with this question, we are all put on guard: we must not desist from prayer even if it is not answered. It is prayer that preserves faith; without it, faith vacillates! Let us ask the Lord for a faith that makes itself incessant, persevering prayer, such as that of the widow in the parable, a faith that is nourished by the desire for His coming. And, in prayer, we experience God’s compassion, as a Father, He comes to meet His children full of merciful love.

This catechesis was then summarized in various languages, and the Holy Father offered greetings to each group of the faithful in attendance.  To English-speaking pilgrims, His Holiness said:

I greet the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, particularly those from England, Ireland, Scotland, Denmark, Switzerland, China, Indonesia, Japan, Nigeria, the Philippines, Seychelles, Canada and the United States of America. With prayerful good wishes that the present Jubilee of Mercy will be a moment of grace and spiritual renewal for you and your families, I invoke upon all of you joy and peace in our Lord Jesus Christ.



Following the greetings offered to each group of pilgrims, prior to concluding the audience, the Holy Father made the following two requests:

Today, we observe the International Day of Missing Children.  It is a duty for all people to protect our children, above all those who are exposed to elevated risk of exploitation, trafficking and deviant behaviour.  I hope that the civic and religious authorities will work toward raising awareness, in order to avoid indifference to the hardships faced by lonely children, those who are exploited and separated from their families and from their social contexts, children who cannot grow up in peace and look forward with hope to the future.  I invite all people to pray that every child may be restored to the affection of their loved ones.

Tomorrow in Rome, we will hold the traditional Corpus Christi procession.  At 7:00pm in the Square outside the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, I will celebrate Mass, and then we will adore the Blessed Sacrament while travelling in procession to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major.  I invite all Romans and pilgrims to participate in this solemn public act of faith and love for Jesus who is truly present in the Eucharist.

Last Monday, in our beloved Syria, there were some terrorist attacks, which resulted in the death of hundreds of unarmed civilians.  I call upon all people to pray to the merciful Father and to Our Lady, asking for the gift of eternal rest for the victims, consolation for the families and the conversion of the hearts of those who bring about death and destruction.  All together, let us pray to Our Lady.

Hail Mary ...

A message to Catholics in Germany

This evening in Lipsig (Germany) the 100th meeting of Katholikentag, the Day of German Catholics began.  This meeting takes place every two years, and this year is focusing on the theme: Here is the man.

The gathering began at 6:00pm local time with the screening of a video message which was recorded by Pope Francis.

Video message of His Holiness

for Catholic Day in Germany

Dear brothers and sisters,

I heartily greet all of you who are participating in the 100th Day of Catholics in Lipsig.

I am happy that you have come in such great numbers.  You wish to demonstrate to men and women in Lipsig and in all of Germany that you are living the joy of the gospel.  You have good relationships with Christians of other confessions and you provide an authentic witness of Christ with your concrete commitment to the weak and to those in need.

Here is the man.  You have gathered under this motto.  This demonstrates in a very beautiful way what truly is important.  It is not what we do or appearances that count, but the capacity that we possess to pause, to look back, to be attentive to others and to offer them what they truly need.

Every human person desires communion and peace.  We all are in need of peaceful coexistence, but this can be only when we also build interior peace, within our hearts.  Many people live in a constant state of rushing and panic.  As a result, they tend to be overwhelmed by all the activity that is around them.  This also affects the way in which we treat the environment.  It is a matter of devoting more time to rediscovering harmonious serenity with the world, with creation but also with the Creator (cf Laudato si', 225).  In contemplation and in prayer, we seek an ever growing familiarity with God, and slowly, we discover that our heavenly Father desires our good.  He wants to see us happy, filled with joy and serenity.  This familiarity with God also enlivens our mercy.  As the Father loves us, so his children also love.  As He is merciful, we too are called to be merciful toward one another (cf Misericordiae vultus, 9).  Let us allow ourselves to be touched by the mercy of God, and with a good confession, in order that we might become more and more merciful like our Father.

Here is the man!  Often in our society, we meet men who are maltreated.  We see how others judge the value of their lives and urge them, in their old age and in their sicknesses, to die faster.  We see how men are compromised, tossed here and there and deprived of their own dignity, since they do not have work or because they are refugees.  Here, we see Jesus, suffering and martyred as we lay eyes on evil and brutality in all its dimensions, evil that men endure or cause others to endure in our world.

To all of you who are gathered in Lipsig, and to all the faithful of Germany, I express my wish that you will give more space to the lives and the voices of the poor and the oppressed.  Support one another by sharing your experiences and your ideas about how to proclaim the Good News of Christ to all people.  Let us implore the divine Consoler, the Holy Spirit, that he might give you courage and strength to be witnesses to this hope which is God for all of humanity.

Please also pray for me.  To all of you, who contribute to and are participating in this feast of faith, joy and hope, I willingly impart the Apostolic Benediction.

Encouragement to cherish life

Marking the Caring for Life Convention which is focusing on The Perinatal Hospice as a scientific, ethical and human response to prenatal diagnosis, which is taking place this morning at the Agostino Gemelli University Poli-clinic in Rome, the Cardinal Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin has sent - in the name of Pope Francis - the following message:

Message of His Holiness, Pope Francis

shared with participants in the Convention

discussing perinatal care

To His Excellency, Claudio Giuliodori
Ecclesiastical Assistant General
of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart

On the occasion of the scientific event entitled: To care for the earth: Perinatal Hospice, a scientific, ethical and human response to prenatal dignity, which is taking place in the Brasca Hall at the Agostino Gemelli Policlinic in Rome, organized by the Clinic for the Health of Mothers and Children, part of the School of Gynecological and Obstetrical Specialization, the University Centre for Life and the Heart in a Drop Foundation, in the context of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, the Holy Father, Pope Francis extends to all participants his affectionate thoughts, hoping that this gathering will engender new goals in the service of people and in the progress of medical science in constant reference to human and Christian values, seeking to respond most appropriately to the poverty that faces children who have grave pathologies, with the greatest love, and spreading a concept of science that is at people's service and not aimed at selection.

Expressing his sincere compassion for those who until now have been responsible for providing competent care for people who qualify for admission to the poli-clinic, the Holy Father invites your daily commitment to the plan of God for the protection of life, something that you must undertake with courage and characteristic closeness to others, distancing yourselves from the culture of abandonment which promotes only a plan for death: including the elimination of suffering by eliminating those who suffer.

Asking you to support his Petrine ministry through your prayer through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, he willing imparts to Your Excellency, Professor Giuseppe Noia, the organizers, the scribes, the authorities and all the participants the requested Apostolic Benediction, a pledge of abundant graces and celestial favours.

From the Vatican,
25 May 2016

Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State of His Holiness

Vatileaks trial update

This evening, the Director of the Holy See Press Centre, Father Federico Lombardi, SJ gave accredited journalists the following information regarding the hearings in progress in the Vatican regarding the publication of embargoed news and documents.

Today, Tuesday, 24 May, beginning at 3:45pm in the Vatican City State's Tribunal Hall, the most recent session of the proceedings currently in progress regarding the divulging of embargoed news and documents took place.  In attendance, in addition to the Judicial College (Professors Giuseppe Della Torre, Piero Antonio Bonnet, Paolo Papanti-Pellettier and Venerando Marano) and the Promotors of Justice (Professors Gian Piero Milano and Roberto Zannotti), were the accused: Lucio Ángel Vallejo Balda, Francesca Immacolata Chaouqui, Nicola Maio and Emiliano Fittipaldi; the accused Gianluigi Nuzzi was absent but represented by his lawyer.  All five lawyers were in attendance: Emanuela Bellardini, Laura Sgrò, Rita Claudia Baffioni, Lucia Teresa Musso and Roberto Palombi.

As the audience began, as had been foreseen in the Court Ordinance which was read during the audience of 17 March, requests were heard from the lawyers for the defence of the accused Chaouqui and Fittipaldi as a result of elements which had emerged from the disposition of the Vice Commissioner, Gianluca Gauzzi Broccoletti during the audience which was held on 16 May 2016, and the position of the Promotors of Justice regarding this request.  The Judicial College then retired in Camera for 20 minutes; upon their return, they issued an Ordinance with which the Court: has arranged for the acquisition of the documentation produced by the lawyers Ms. Sgrò, and Ms. Musso; has accepted the request to allow further testimony from the accused Ms. Chaouqui and Ms. Fittipladi, with regard to the deposition in question; reserves the right to evaluate the request for further expert assessment; and orders the resumption of the hearing.

The deposition presented by Gianluca Gauzzi Broccoletti then continued to its completion with questioning from the Promotors of Justice and the lawyers; declarations were also heard from Doctor Francesca Immacolata Chaouqui; new testimony requested by the Promotor of Justice was received from Mister Stefano De Santis, from the Gendarmerie; and finally, the declaration provided by Doctor Emiliano Fittipaldi was heard.

After each of the testimonies and declarations, the transcript was read aloud and approved.  The hearing concluded at 7:45pm.

The next session has been called for 14 June at 3:30pm, at which time a declaration will be heard from Doctor Gianluigi Nuzzi, at the request of his lawyer, as well as some experts.

A message for humanity

On Monday of this week, the Holy See Press Centre published the text of a Message which the Holy Father, Pope Francis sent to the Secretary General of the Organization of United Nations, Mister Ban ki-moon, concerning the work of the First World Humanitarian Summit which is taking place in Istanbul from 23-24 May.  This Message was read on Monday afternoon by the Cardinal Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, who represented the Holy See at the Summit.

Message of the Holy Father, Pope Francis

for the First World Humanitarian Summit

To His Excellency Ban Ki-moon
Secretary-General of the United Nations

I wish to greet all those taking part in this first World Humanitarian Summit, the President of Turkey together with the organizers of this meeting, and you, Mister Secretary-General, who have called for this occasion to be a turning point for the lives of millions of people who need protection, care and assistance, and who seek a dignified future.

I hope that your efforts may contribute in a real way to alleviating the sufferings of these millions of people, so that the fruits of the Summit may be demonstrated through a sincere solidarity and a true and profound respect for the rights and dignity of those suffering due to conflicts, violence, persecution and natural disasters. In this context, the victims are those who are most vulnerable, those who live in conditions of misery and exploitation.

We cannot deny that many interests today prevent solutions to conflicts, and that military, economic and geopolitical strategies displace persons and peoples and impose the god of money, the god of power. At the same time, humanitarian efforts are frequently conditioned by commercial and ideological constraints.

For this reason, what is needed today is a renewed commitment to protect each person in their daily life and to protect their dignity and human rights, their security and their comprehensive needs. At the same time, it is necessary to preserve freedom and the social and cultural identity of peoples; without this leading to instances of isolation, it should also favour cooperation, dialogue, and especially peace.

Leaving no one behind and doing one’s very best demands that we do not give up and that we take responsibility for our decisions and actions regarding the victims themselves. First of all, we must do this in a personal way, and then together, coordinating our strengths and initiatives, with mutual respect for our various skills and areas of expertise, not discriminating but rather welcoming. In other words: there must be no family without a home, no refugee without a welcome, no person without dignity, no wounded person without care, no child without a childhood, no young man or woman without a future, no elderly person without a dignified old age.

May this also be the occasion to recognize the work of those who serve their neighbour and contribute to consoling the sufferings of the victims of war and calamity, of the displaced and refugees, and who care for society, particularly through courageous choices in favour of peace, respect, healing and forgiveness. This is the way in which human lives are saved.

No one loves a concept, no one loves an idea; we love persons. Self-sacrifice, true self-giving, flows from love towards men and women, the children and elderly, peoples and communities … faces, those faces and names which fill our hearts.

Today I offer a challenge to this Summit: let us hear the cry of the victims and those suffering. Let us allow them to teach us a lesson in humanity. Let us change our ways of life, politics, economic choices, behaviours and attitudes of cultural superiority.

Learning from victims and those who suffer, we will be able to build a more humane world.

I assure you my prayers, and I invoke upon all present the divine blessings of wisdom, strength and peace.

From the Vatican
21 May 2016

Franciscus

Meeting the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar

On Monday, 23 May, at noon (Rome time) in the Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father, Pope Francis received in audience the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, His Excellency, Professor Ahmad Muhammad Al-Tayyib.

The Grand Imam was accompanied by an important delegation, including: Professor Abbas Shouman, Under-secretary of Al-Azhar; Professor Mahmaoud Hamdi Zakrouk, a member of the Council of Senior Scholars of the University of Al-Azhar and Director of the Al-Azhar Centre for Dialogue; Judge Mohamed Mahmoud Abdel Salam, Councillor to the Grand Imam; Professor Mohie Afifi Afifi Ahmed, Secretary General of the Academy for Islamic Research; Ambassador Mahmoud Abdel Gawad, Diplomatic Councillor to the Grand Imam; Mister Tamer Tawfik, Councillor; and Mister Ahmad Alshourbagy, Second Secretary.  The delegation was accompanied by the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Holy See, His Excellency, Hatem Seif Elnasr.

The Grand Imam was welcomed and accompanied to his meeting with the Holy Father by the President of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, and by the Secretary of that same dicastery, His Excellency, Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot.

The dialogue, which was very cordial, lasted for 30 minutes.  The two authoritative interlocutors pointed out the great significance of this new encounter in the framework of dialogue between the Catholic Church and Islam.  They then focused mainly on the common commitment of authorities and the faithful of the great religions toward peace in the world, the rejection of violence and terrorism, the current situation of Christians in the context of conflicts and tensions in the Middle East and their protection.

The Pope presented the Grand Imam with the Olive Medallion of Peace and a copy of his Encyclical Letter Laudato Si'.

Following the audience with the Holy Father, before leaving the Apostolic Palace, in another room within the Audience Hall, the Grand Imam, with his delegation, met once again briefly with Cardinal Tauran, President of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, accompanied by His Excellency, Ayuso Guixot, Secretary of the dicastery and their delegation.

The Grand Imam left the Apostolic Palace shortly before 1:00pm.

Angelus on the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity

At noon today, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, the Holy Father appeared at the window of his study in the Vatican Apostolic Palace to recite the Angelus with the faithful and with pilgrims gathered in Saint Peter's Square for the usual Sunday appointment.

Greetings of the Holy Father, Pope Francis

prior to the recitation of the Angelus

Dear brothers and sisters, good morning!

Today, on the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity, the gospel of Saint John presents us with a part of the long farewell discourse that was spoken by Jesus shortly before he suffered his passion.  In this speech, He explained to the disciples the deeper truths concerning him, including an explanation of the relationship between Jesus, the Father and the Spirit.  Jesus knew that he would soon fulfill the Father's plan, which would be accomplished with his death and resurrection; for this reason he wanted to assure his disciples that he would never abandon them and that his mission would be carried on by the Holy Spirit.  That the Spirit would carry on Jesus' mission and guide the Church

Jesus reveals the meaning of this mission.  First of all, the Spirit guides us and helps us to understand the many things that Jesus himself has already said (cf Jn 16:12).  It is not a new or a special doctrine, but a full comprehension of all that the Son has heard from the Father and that he has made known to the disciples (cf Jn 16:15).  The Spirit guides us in new existential situations and helps us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, while at the same time, open to the events of our times and to the future.  He helps us to journey through history, firmly rooted in the gospel and also with dynamic faithfulness to our traditions and customs.

But the mystery of the Trinity also includes us, our relationship with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  In fact, through Baptism, the Holy Spirit has placed us at the very heart of the life of God himself which is expressed in communion and in love.  God is a family of three Persons who love each other so much that they are one.  This divine family is not closed in upon itself, but open; it expresses itself in creation and in history, and entered into the world of mankind in order to call us all to become part of it.  The trinitarian aspect of communion includes all of us and it motivates us to live in love and in fraternity, convinced that where there is love, God is present.

We are all created in the image and likeness of God who is communion, and we are called to understand ourselves as beings-in-relationship and to experience interpersonal relationships in solidarity with and out of love for one another.  These relationships are lived out, first of all, in our ecclesial communities, so that the image of the Church, the icon of the Trinity, becomes inreasingly clear.  But these relationships also exist in many other social relationships: in families, in friendships and in places of work: all these are concrete occasions to build more humanly enriching relationships, capable of mutual respecting and selfless love.

The feast of the Most Holy Trinity invites us to involve ourselves in daily activities in order to be the leaven of communion, of consolation and mercy.  In this mission, we are supported by the strength of the Holy Spirit, cares for the body of humanity, wounded by injustice, oppression, hatred and greed.  In her humility, the Virgin Mary welcomed the will of the Father and conceived a Son through the Holy Spirit.  May she, the mirror of the Trinity, help us to strengthen our faith in the trinitarian mystery and to embody it with choices and attitudes of love and unity.



Following the recitation of the Angelus, the Holy Father continued:

Dear brothers and sisters!

Yesterday, in Cosenza, Francesco Maria Greco, a diocesan priest who founded the Little Sisters, Workers of Sacred Hearts, was beatified.  During the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, he was involved in the religious and the social life of his city, Acri, where he exercised his fruitful ministry.  Let us give thanks to God for this exemplary priest.  Our applause is also offered for all the good priests who live right here in our midst, in Italy!

Tomorrow in Istanbul, in Turkey, the First World Humanitarian Summit will begin, in hopes of reflecting on the measures that must be undertaken in order to respond to the dramatic humanitarian situations caused by conflicts, environmental problems and extreme poverty.  Let us accompany all those who are participating in this meeting with our prayers, asking that they will be able to fully commit themselves to this humanitarian goal: to save the life of every human being, with no exceptions, especially the innocent and the defenceless.  The Holy See will take part in this humanitarian summit, and therefore, the Secretary of State, Cardinal Petro Parolin is travelling today in order to represent the Holy See.

On Tuesday, May 24, let us be spiritually united to the Catholic faithful in China, who on that day will celebrate with particular devotion, the memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Help of Christians, venerated at the shrine of Sheshan in Shanghai.  Let us ask Mary to give her children in China the ability to discern in every circumstance, the signs of God's loving presence, for he always welcomes and always forgives.  During this Year of Mercy, may the Catholics in China, together with those who follow other noble religious traditions, become concrete signs of charity and reconciliation.  In this way, they will promote an authentic culture of encounter and harmony throughout all of society, the harmony that the Chinese spirit loves so much.

I greet you all, Romans and pilgrims!  In particular, I am pleased to welcome the Orthodox faithful from the Metropolitan of Berat (Albania) and I thank them for their ecumenical witness.

I greet the children from the School of the Salesian Sisters of Krakow; the students from Pamplona; the faithful from Madrid, Bilbao and Gran Canaria in Spain; Meudon and Strasbourg in France; Laeken in Belgium; and the group of health workers from Slovenia.

I greet the Chinese Catholic community of Rome, the Cagliari and Molfetta Confraternities, the youth from the Diocese of Cefalù, the ministers from Vall'Alta, the members of diocesan Catholic Action from Mileto-Nicotera-Tropea, and the choirs from Desenzano sul Garda, Ca'di David and Lungavilla.

I wish you all a good Sunday.  Please, don't forget to pray for me.  Enjoy your lunch and good bye!

What are we celebrating today: the Holy Trinity

This Sunday, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity.  This mystery calls us to ponder our belief that God has been revealed to us as one God in three persons.  God the Father created us and everything we see, hear and touch; God the Son came to live among us in the person of Jesus of Nazareth; and God the Holy Spirit was sent to live among us, the living presence of God that accompanies us until the day when we enter the Father's house.

About the third secret of Fatima

Several articles have appeared recently, including declarations attributed to Professor Ingo Dollinger according to which Cardinal Ratzinger, after the publication of the Third Secret of Fatima (which took place in June 2000), had confided to him that the publication was not complete.

In this regard, Pope emeritus Benedict XVI declares never to have spoken with Professor Dollinger about Fatima, clearly affirming that the remarks attributed to Professor Dollinger on the matter are pure inventions, absolutely untrue, and he confirms decisively that the publication of the Third Secret of Fatima is complete.

Three children in Portugal witnessed apparitions of the Virgin Mary (six times) between May and October 1917. According to one of the visionaries – Sister Lúcia de Jesus Rosa Santos – on July 13, 1917, Our Lady entrusted the children with three secrets, which she (Sister Lúcia) later wrote down and delivered to the Pope. The third secret was not revealed with the others, but Pope John Paul II decided to release it in the Jubilee Year of 2000.

At the conclusion of the Beatification of Blessed Jacinta and Francisco Marto which took place at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary in Fátima (Portugal) on May 13, 2000, acting on orders issued by Saint John Paul II, the then Secretary of State, His Eminence, Cardinal Angelo Sodano announced publicly that the third secret of Fátima had come to pass when Saint John Paul II suffered an assassination attempt in Saint Peter's Square on May 13, 1981.  The bullet narrowly missed vital organs, and His Holiness firmly believed that it was a mother's hand that guided the bullet's path and in his throes the Pope halted at the threshold of death (Pope John Paul II, Meditation from the Policlinico Gemelli to the Italian Bishops, 13 May 1994).