This afternoon, His Holiness, Pope Francis travelled by car to the church of Saint Simon Bar Sabbas in Tbilisi for a meeting with members of the Assyrian-Chaldean community. This was the first time that a Pope visited that place of prayer for Assyrian-Chaldeans.
Upon his arrival, at 6:15pm, he was welcomed by the Patriarch of Babylon for Chaldeans, His Beatitude, Louis Raphaël Sako and by the pastor, Father Benny Beth Yadegar at the church entrance. Then, the Holy Father proceeded in procession toward the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, passing through the faithful of the Assyrian-Chaldean diaspora.
Following the singing of a song and the recitation of a prayer in Aramaic, the Pope recited a prayer for peace, the text of which is printed below:
Prayer for Peace
recited by His Holiness, Pope Francis
Lord Jesus, we adore your cross which frees us from sin, the origin of every division and evil; we proclaim your resurrection, which ransoms man from the slavery of failure and death; we await your coming in glory, which will bring to fulfilment your kingdom of justice, joy and peace.
Lord Jesus, by your glorious passion, conquer the hardness of our hearts, imprisoned by hatred and selfishness; by the power of your resurrection, save the victims of injustice and maltreatment from their suffering; by the fidelity of your coming, confound the culture of death and make the triumph of life shine forth.
Lord Jesus, unite to your cross the sufferings of the many innocent victims: the children, the elderly, and the persecuted Christians; envelop in paschal light those who are deeply wounded: abused persons, deprived of freedom and dignity; let those who live in uncertainty experience the enduring constancy of your kingdom: the exiles, refugees, and those who have lost the joy of living.
Lord Jesus, cast forth the shadow of your cross over peoples at war; may they learn the way of reconciliation, dialogue and forgiveness; let the peoples so wearied by bombing experience the joy of your resurrection: raise up Iraq and Syria from devastation; reunite your dispersed children under your gentle kingship: sustain Christians in the Diaspora and grant them the unity of faith and love.
O Virgin Mary, Queen of peace, you who stood at the foot of the cross, obtain from your Son pardon for our sins; you who never doubted the victory of his resurrection, sustain our faith and our hope; you who are enthroned as Queen in glory, teach us the royal road of service and the glory of love. Amen.
At the conclusion of the prayer service, the Pope greeted each member of the Synod of the Chaldean Church before leaving the Church and releasing a dove. Then, the Holy Father travelled by car to the Apostolic Nunciature.
This afternoon, the Holy Father, Pope Francis travelled by car to the residence of the Orthodox Patriarch of Georgia to meet with His Holiness and Beatitude, Ilia II, Patriarchal Catholicos of all Georgia.
Upon his arrival, at 5:00pm, the Pope was welcomed by the Patriarch. Following the introduction of the members of respective delegations, the Holy Father and His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II went to the Patriarchal apartment for a private meeting.
When the encounter was completed, the Pope and the Patriarch went together to the Audience Hall where representative delegations from the world of academics and culture were waiting. During their meeting, the Patriarchal choir sang a song, and following an exchange of gifts some tea and coffee were offered in a symbolic welcoming ceremony.
In response to greetings offered by His Holiness and Beatitude, Ilia II at the beginning of their meeting, Pope Francis shared the following speech.
Speech of the Holy Father, Pope Francis
for his encounter with His Holiness and Beatitude
Ilia II, Patriarchal Catholicos of all Georgia
I thank Your Holiness. I am deeply moved to hear the Ave Maria which Your Holiness yourself composed. Only from a heart that loves the Holy Mother of God so much, from the heart of a son and indeed a child, can something so beautiful come forth.
It is a great joy and a special grace to be with you Your Holiness and Beatitude, and with the Venerable Metropolitans, Archbishops and Bishops, members of the Holy Synod. I greet the Prime Minister and all the distinguished representatives of the academic and cultural world.
With the first historic visit of a Georgian Patriarch to the Vatican, Your Holiness opened a new chapter in relations between the Orthodox Church of Georgia and the Catholic Church. On that occasion, you exchanged with the Bishop of Rome a kiss of peace and a pledge to pray for one other. In this way, there has been a strengthening of the meaningful ties that have existed between our communities since the first centuries of Christianity. These bonds have been consolidated and are characterized by cordiality and respect, evident in the warm welcome given here to my envoys and representatives. Our ties are also manifest in the study and research projects being pursued in the Vatican Archives and at the Pontifical Universities by members of the faithful of the Orthodox Church of Georgia. So too, they are seen in the presence in Rome of a Georgian community who has received hospitality at a church in my own diocese; and in the cooperation with the local Catholic community, especially on a cultural level. As a pilgrim and a friend, I have come to this blessed land as the Jubilee Year of Mercy for Catholics approaches its conclusion. Saint John Paul II also visited here, the first among the Successors of Peter to do so in a moment of great importance on the threshold of the Jubilee of 2000: he came to reinforce the deep and strong bonds with the See of Rome (Address at the Welcome Ceremony, Tbilisi, 8 November 1999) and to recall how necessary, on the verge of the Third Christian Millennium, was the contribution of Georgia, this ancient crossroads of culture and tradition, to the building … of a new civilization of love (Address, Meeting with the Catholicos-Patriarch and the Holy Synod, Tbilisi, 8 November 1999).
Now, Divine Providence allows us to meet again and, faced with a world thirsting for mercy, unity and peace, asks us to ardently renew our commitment to the bonds which exist between us, of which our kiss of peace and our fraternal embrace are already an eloquent sign. The Orthodox Church of Georgia, rooted in the preaching of the Apostles, in particular that of the Apostle Andrew, and the Church of Rome, founded on the martyrdom of the Apostle Peter, are given the grace to renew today, in the name of Christ and to his glory, the beauty of apostolic fraternity. Peter and Andrew were indeed brothers: the Lord Jesus called them to leave their nets and to become, together, fishers of men (cf Mk 1:16-17). Dear Brother, let us allow the Lord Jesus to look upon us anew, let us once again experience the attraction of his call to leave everything that prevents us from proclaiming together his presence.
We are sustained in this by the love that transformed the Apostles’ lives. It is a love without equal, a love which the Lord incarnated: Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends (Jn 15:13). The Lord has given this love to us, so that we can love each other as he has loved us (cf Jn 15:12). In this regard, it is as if the great poet of this land, Shota Rustaveli, is speaking to us with some of his renowned words: Have you read how the Apostles write about love, how they speak, how they praise it? Know this love, and turn your mind to these words: love raises us up (The Knight in the Tiger’s Skin, verse 791). Truly, the love of the Lord raises us up, because it enables us to rise above the misunderstandings of the past, above the calculations of the present and fears for the future.
The Georgian people, over the centuries, have testified to the greatness of this love. In it they have found the strength to rise up again after countless trials; it is in this love that they have reached the heights of extraordinary artistic beauty as another of your great poets has written: Without love, no sun rules in the dome of the heavens and for men there is no beauty nor immortality (Galaktion Tabidze, Without Love). Within love itself lies the raison d’être of the immortal beauty of your cultural patrimony expressed in so many different ways, such as in music, painting, architecture and dance. You, dear Brother, have given worthy expression to your culture in a special way through your distinguished compositions of sacred hymns, some even in Latin and greatly cherished in the Catholic tradition. They enrich your treasury of faith and culture, which are a unique gift to Christianity and to humanity; this gift deserves to be known and appreciated by all.
The glorious history of the Gospel lived in this land is owed in a special way to Saint Nino, who is considered equal to the Apostles: she spread the faith with a particular form of the cross made of vine branches. This cross is not bare, because the image of the vine, besides being the most abundant fruit in this land, represents the Lord Jesus. He is, indeed, the true vine, who asked his Apostles to remain firmly grafted onto him, just as shoots are, in order to bear fruit (cf Jn 15:1-8). So that the Gospel may bear fruit in our day too, we are asked, dear Brother, to remain yet more firmly in the Lord and united among ourselves. The multitude of saints, whom this country counts, encourages us to put the Gospel before all else and to evangelize as in the past, even more so, free from the restraints of prejudice and open to the perennial newness of God. May difficulties not be an obstacle, but rather a stimulus to know each other better, to share the vital sap of the faith, to intensify our prayers for each other and to cooperate with apostolic charity in our common witness, to the glory of God in heaven and in the service of peace on earth.
The Georgian people love to celebrate, toasting with the fruit of the vine their most precious values. Joined to their exaltation of love, friendship is given a special place. The poet reminds us: Whoever does not look for a friend is an enemy to himself (Rustaveli, The Knight in the Tiger’s Skin, verse 854). I want to be a genuine friend to this land and its beloved people, who do not forget the good they have received and whose unique hospitality is intimately united to a way of living that is full of true hope, even though there is no shortage of difficulties. This positive attitude, too, finds its roots in the faith, the faith which leads Georgians, when gathered around their tables, to invoke peace for all, and to remember even one’s enemies.
By means of peace and forgiveness we are called to overcome our true enemies, who are not of flesh and blood, but rather the evil spirits from without and from within ourselves (cf Eph 6:12). This blessed land is rich in courageous heroes, in keeping with the Gospel, who like Saint George knew how to defeat evil. I think of many monks, and especially of numerous martyrs, whose lives triumphed with faith and patience (Ioane Sabanisze, The Martyrdom of Abo, III): they have passed through the winepress of pain, remaining united with the Lord and have thus brought Paschal fruit to Georgia, watering this land with their blood, poured out of love. May their intercession bring relief to the many Christians who even today suffer persecution and slander, and may they strengthen in us the noble aspiration to be fraternally united in proclaiming the Gospel of peace. After the exchange of gifts, the Holy Father continued:
Thank you, Holiness. May God bless Your Holiness and the Orthodox Church of Georgia. Thank you, Holiness. And may you always be able to advance along the path of freedom.
Thank you Holiness for your welcome and for your words. Thank you for your kindness and also for this fraternal commitment to pray for one another after our kiss of peace. Thank you.
At the conclusion of their meeting, the Holy Father travelled by car to the Church of Saint Simon Bar Sabbas for a meeting with the Assyrian-Chaldean community.
The aircraft carrying the Holy Father, which left Rome's Fumicino international airport at 9:15am today, arrived shortly before 3:00pm local time (7:00am EDT) at the international airport in Tbilisi, following a four-hour flight.
Pope Francis was welcomed by the President of Giorgia, Mister Giorgi Margvelashvili and his wife, as well as the Patriarchal Catholicos of all Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude, Ilia II. Also present were some civic authorities and a group of the faithful along with a choir. Two children, dressed in traditional attire, offered the Pope a basket of eggs.
After the national anthems had been played and military honours presented, the respective delegations were introduced and the Holy Father travelled by car to the Presidential Palace in Tbilisi.
At 3:45pm local time this afternoon, the Holy Father travelled by car to the Presidential Palace in Tbilisi to pay a courtesy visit to the President of Georgia, His Excellency, Mister Giorgi Margevelashvili.
His Holiness was welcomed by the President at the entrance to the Belvedere. Following the taking of a protocol photograph, the Holy Father and the President went to the Presidential Room where they held a private meeting that concluded with the exchange of gifts and the introduction of the President's family. When their meeting was concluded, the Pope and the President went to the Palace's Courtyard of Honour.
At 4:15pm local time, the Holy Father, Pope Francis met with political authorities, representatives of Georgian civic society and members of the Diplomatic Corps in the Courtyard of Honour at the Presidential Palace in Tbilisi.
Following a speech by the President of Georgia, Giorgi MArgvelasvili, the Pope shared the following speech:
Speech of the Holy Father, Pope Francis
to political authorities, civic leaders and
members of the Diplomatic Corps
Mister President,
Distinguished Authorities and Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I thank Almighty God for granting me the opportunity to visit this blessed land, a place of encounter and vital exchange among cultures and civilizations, which, since the preaching of Saint Nino at the beginning of the fourth century, discovered in Christianity its deepest identity and the solid foundation of its values. As Saint John Paul II observed when visiting your country: Christianity became the seed of successive flowerings of Georgian culture (Address at the Arrival Ceremony, 8 November 1999), and this seed continues to bear fruit. Recalling with gratitude our meeting in the Vatican last year and the good relations which Georgia has always maintained with the Holy See, I sincerely thank you, Mister President, for your gracious invitation and for your cordial words of welcome in the name of the Authorities of the State and all the Georgian people.
The centuries-old history of your country shows that it is rooted in the values expressed in its culture, language and traditions. This places your country fully and in a particular way within the bedrock of European civilization; at the same time, as is evident from your geographical location, Georgia is to a great extent a natural bridge between Europe and Asia, a link that facilitates communication and relations between peoples. Through the centuries this has facilitated commercial ties as well as dialogue and the exchange of ideas and experiences between diverse cultures. As your national anthem proudly proclaims: My icon is my homeland … bright mountains and valleys are shared with God. The country is an icon expressing its identity and tracing its features and history; its mountains, rising freely towards heaven, far from being insurmountable walls, give splendour to the valleys; they distinguish them, connect them, make each one unique yet all open to the one sky, which covers them and offers them protection.
Mister President, twenty-five years have passed since Georgia’s independence was proclaimed. During this period when Georgia regained its full liberty, it built and strengthened its democratic institutions and sought ways to guarantee the most inclusive and authentic development possible. All of this was not without great sacrifice, which the people faced courageously in order to ensure their longed-for freedom. I hope that the path of peace and development will advance with the consolidated commitment of all sectors of society, so as to create conditions for stability, justice and respect for the rule of law, hence promoting growth and greater opportunities for all.
The peaceful coexistence among all peoples and states in the region is the indispensable and prior condition for such authentic and enduring progress. This requires increasing mutual esteem and consideration, which can never lay aside respect for the sovereign rights of every country within the framework of international law. So as to forge paths leading to lasting peace and true cooperation, we must recall that the relevant principles for a just and stable relationship between states are at the service of a practical, ordered and peaceful coexistence among nations.
Indeed, in far too many areas of the world, there seems to be a dominant way of thinking which hinders keeping legitimate differences and disagreements – which can always arise – within a climate of civilized dialogue where reason, moderation and responsibility can prevail. This is all the more necessary in the present historical moment, with no shortage of violent extremism that manipulates and distorts civic and religious principles, and subjugates them to the dark designs of domination and death.
We should wholeheartedly give priority to human beings in their actual circumstances and pursue every attempt to prevent differences from giving rise to violence that can cause ruinous calamity for people and for society. Far from being exploited as grounds for turning discord into conflict and conflict into interminable tragedy, distinctions along ethnic, linguistic, political or religious lines can and must be for everyone a source of mutual enrichment in favour of the common good. This requires that everyone make full use of their particular identity, having the possibility, above all else, to coexist peacefully in their homeland, or freely to return to that land, if for some reason they have been forced to leave it. I hope that civil authorities will continue to show concern for the situation of these persons, and that they will fully commit themselves to seeking tangible solutions, in spite of any unresolved political questions. It takes far-sightedness and courage to recognize the authentic good of peoples, and to pursue this good with determination and prudence. In this regard, it is essential to keep before our eyes the suffering of others, in order to proceed with conviction along the path which, though slow and laborious, is also captivating and freeing, and leads us towards peace.
The Catholic Church, which has been present for centuries in this country and has distinguished itself in a particular way for its commitment to human promotion and to charitable works, shares the joys and concerns of the Georgian people, and is resolved to offer its contribution for the well-being and peace of the nation, by actively cooperating with the authorities and civil society. It is my ardent desire that the Catholic Church may continue to make its own authentic contribution to the growth of Georgian society, thanks to the common witness to the Christian tradition which unites us, its commitment to those most in need, and the renewed and strengthened dialogue with the ancient Georgian Orthodox Church and the other religious communities of the country.
May God bless Georgia and give her peace and prosperity!
Pope Francis' 16th international Apostolic Voyage began this morning. His Holiness is on his way to Georgia and Azerbaijan, the second step of a more extended visit to the Caucasus. The first part of this tour took place in June of this year when the Holy Father visited Armenia.
The aircraft carrying the Holy Father (an Alitalia A321) departed from Rome's Fumicino international airport at approximately 9:15am this morning and landed at the Tbilisi international airport at 2:55pm local time (6:55am EDT), following a 4-hour flight.
Telegram of the Holy Father, Pope Francis
sent to the President of the Italian Republic
At the moment he left Italian territory on his way to Tbilisi, the Holy Father, Pope Francis sent the following message to the Honourable Sergio Mattarella, President of the Italian Republic:
To His Excellency
The Honourable Sergio Mattarella
President of the Italian Republic
Palazzo del Quirinale
00187 Rome
At the moment when I am beginning my Apostolic Voyage to Georgia and Azerbaijan, to encourage the meeting and dialogue of various cultures and religions, to strengthen the journey toward the unity of Christians and to confirm the Catholic community in their faith, I have the pleasure to send you, Mister President, and the entire Italian nation, my cordial greetings, which are accompanied by my fervent wishes for the spiritual, civic and social progress of beloved Italy.
Franciscus
(Original text in Italian)
During the voyage from Rome to Tbilisi, passing over Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, Bulgaria and Turkey, the Holy Father sent the following telegrams to the respective Heads of State of each of those countries: While passing over Croatia
Her Excellency, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović
President of the Republic of Croatia
Zagreb
As I enter Croatian airspace on my way to Georgia and Azerbaijan for a pastoral visit, I extend best wishes to Your Excellency and to all your fellow citizens. Upon the nation I invoke almighty God's abundant blessings.
Franciscus
While passing over Bosnia-Herzegovina
His Excellency, Bakir Izetbegović
Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sarajevo
As I fly over Bosnia and Herzegovina on my Apostolic Journey to Georgia and Azerbaijan, I offer Your Excellency and fellow citizens my best wishes. With memories of my visit to your country, I willingly invoke upon you the abundant blessings of the Almighty.
Franciscus While passing over Montenegro
His Excellency, Filip Vujanović
President of Montenegro
Podgorica
Flying over Montenegro on the way to my Pastoral Visit to Georgia and Azerbaijan, I offer cordial greetings to Your Excellency and fellow citizens. I assure you of my prayers and invoke upon the nation abundant divine blessings.
Franciscus While passing over Serbia
His Excellency, Tomislav Nikolić
President of the Republic of Serbia
Belgrade
Upon entering Serbian airspace on my way to Georgia and Azerbaijan for a pastoral visit, I offer best wishes to Your Excellency and your fellow citizens. With the assurance of my prayers, I invoke upon the nation abundant divine blessings.
Franciscus While passing over Bulgaria
His Excellency, Rosen Plevneliev
President of the Republic of Bulgaria
Sofia
As I fly over Bulgaria on the way to my pastoral visit to Georgia and Azerbaijan, I offer cordial greetings to Your Excellency and your fellow citizens. Invoking divine blessings upon you all, I assure you of my prayers for the nation.
Franciscus
While passing over Turkey
His Excellency, Recep Tayyip Erdogan
President of the Republic of Turkey
Ankara
As I fly over Turkey on the way to my pastoral visit to Georgia and Azerbaijan, I extend cordial greetings to Your Excellency and your fellow citizens. With memories of my visit to your country, I assure you of my prayers and invoke upon you all abundant divine blessings.
Shortly after 9:00am today, in the Sala Clementina at the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father, Pope Francis received in audience the members of the Catholic charitable organizations working in the context of the humanitarian crises in Syria, Iraq and neighbouring countries.
Speech of the Holy Father, Pope Francis
addressed to Catholic charitable organizations
working in Syria, Iraq and neighbouring countries
Dear brothers and sisters,
I thank you for your participation during this moment of common reflection on the Church’s work in the context of the Syrian and Iraqi crisis. I greet all of you, Bishops, priests, religious and lay faithful. In particular, I wish to greet Mister Staffan de Mistura, Special Envoy to Syria of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, whom I thank for his presence. I express my grateful appreciation to Monsignor Dal Toso and the Pontifical Council Cor Unum for the attentive and effective support for what the Church is doing to alleviate the suffering of the millions of victims of these conflicts. In this respect, I would like to stress the importance of renewed cooperation at all levels between the different actors working in this sector.
We must note with great sadness that since our last meeting a year ago, despite extensive efforts made in a variety of areas, the logic of arms and oppression, hidden interests and violence continues to wreak devastation on these countries and that, even now, we have not been able to put an end to the exasperating suffering and repeated violations of human rights. The dramatic consequences of the crisis are already visible well beyond the borders of the region. This is seen in the grave phenomenon of migration.
Violence begets violence, and we have the impression of being caught up in a spiral of arrogance and inertia from which there is no escape. This evil which grips our will and conscience should challenge us. Why, even at the cost of untold damage to persons, property and the environment, does man continue to pursue abuses of power, revenge and violence? We think of the recent attack on a United Nations humanitarian convoy… This is the experience of the mysterium iniquitatis, that evil which is present in man and in history and which needs to be redeemed. Destruction for destruction’s sake. And so, during this Year, in which we fix our gaze more intensely on Christ, on Mercy incarnate who has conquered sin and death, I am reminded of the words of Saint John Paul II: The limit imposed upon evil, of which man is both perpetrator and victim, is ultimately the Divine Mercy (Memory and Identity). It is the only limit. Yes, the answer to the drama of evil lies in the mystery of Christ.
Seeing the many suffering faces in Syria, in Iraq and in the neighbouring and distant countries where millions of refugees are forced to seek shelter and protection, the Church beholds the face of her Lord in his Passion.
The work of all who like you, represent so many workers in the field, who are committed to helping refugees and to safeguarding their dignity, is certainly a reflection of God’s mercy and, as such, a sign that evil has limits and does not have the last word. This is a sign of great hope, for which I wish to thank you, and also the many unnamed people – though not nameless to God – who, especially in this Jubilee Year, are praying and interceding in silence for the victims of conflicts, particularly for children and the weak, and who in this way are also supporting your work. In Aleppo, children have to drink polluted water!
Beyond the necessary humanitarian aid, what our brothers and sisters in Syria and Iraq want more than anything else today is peace. And so I will never tire of asking the international community for greater and renewed efforts to achieve peace throughout the Middle East, and of asking not to look the other way.
Putting an end to the conflict is also in the hands of men and women: each of us can and must become a peacemaker, because every situation of violence and injustice is a wound to the body of the whole human family.
This request is my daily prayer to God, to inspire the minds and hearts of all who have political responsibility, that they may be able to renounce their own interests in order to achieve the greater good: peace.
In this regard, our meeting gives me the opportunity to thank and encourage international organizations, in particular the United Nations, for their work of support and mediation among various governments, so that there can be agreement which ends conflict and finally gives priority to the good of defenseless populations. It is a path we must travel together with patience and perseverance, but also with urgency, and the Church will certainly continue to make her contribution.
Finally, my thoughts turn to the Christian communities of the Middle East who suffer the consequences of violence and look to the future with fear. In the midst of so much darkness, these Churches hold high the lamp of faith, hope and charity. As they courageously and without discrimination assist all who suffer and work for a peaceful coexistence, Christians in the Middle East today are a clear sign of God’s mercy. They have the admiration, recognition and support of the universal Church.
I entrust these communities and those who work at the service of victims of this crisis to the intercession of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, exemplar of charity and mercy.
May the Lord bless you and our Blessed Mother keep you. And thank you, many thanks for what you do. Many thanks!
(Original text in Italian)
The Holy Father has chosen the theme for the 51st World Day of Social Communications, which will be observed in 2017. The theme will be: Fear not, for I am with you (Is 43:5). Communicating hope and trust in our time.
The Secretariat for Communications published the following text this morning, along with the announcement of the Holy Father's choice for the theme of the next World Day of Social Communications.
Communiqué issued by the Secretariat for Communications
explaining the theme for the World Day of Social Communications 2017
Numbness of conscience or letting desperation get the better of us are two possible “diseases” that our current communication system can cause.
It is possible that our conscience is cauterised, as Pope Francis comments in Laudato si’, as a result of the fact that often professionals, opinion leaders and means of communication work in urban areas distant from places of poverty and need, and their physical distance often leads them to ignore the complexity of the dramas faced by men and women.
Desperation is possible, instead, when communication is emphasised and transformed into spectacle, at times becoming a genuine strategy for constructing present dangers and looming fears.
But in the midst of this tumult a whisper is heard: “Fear not, for I am with you”. In His Son, God expresses his solidarity with every human situation and revealed that we are not alone, because we have a Father Who does not forget His children. Those who live united with Christ discover that even darkness and death become, for those who so wish, a place for communion with Light and Life. In every event, they try to discover what is happening between God and humanity, to recognise how He too, through the dramatic scenario of this world, is writing the history of salvation. We Christians have “good news” to tell, because we contemplate trustfully the prospect of the Kingdom. The Theme of the next World Day of Social Communications is an invitation to tell the history of the world and the histories of men and women in accordance with the logic of the “good news” that reminds us that God never ceases to be a Father in any situation or with regard to any man. Let us learn to communicate trust and hope for history.
We remembered a beloved member of our community today, celebrated her accomplishments and prayed her into eternity.
Funeral homily for
Miriam Davis
Our sister Miriam spent a little more than nine decades
living on this earth.Those of us who
have had the privilege of sharing the journey with her have gathered today to
give thanks to God for the remarkable privilege of being able to count her as a
part of our family, a confidante, a source of wisdom and an example of joyful
faith.Thank you Jim for sharing your
recollections of her, and thank you to both Stephen and Paul for proclaiming
the words of scripture that have been chosen to set the framework for our
celebration today.
In the waters of baptism, Miriam became a child of
God.She lived her faith at every
moment: sharing more than 60 years of married life with her beloved husband;
rejoicing in every one of her son’s accomplishments; joyfully celebrating the
milestones reached by her siblings, and deeply cherishing every one of the
joyful moments she shared with her nephews, her grandsons and her
great-grandson.Friends, colleagues and
others whose paths have crossed hers have spoken in recent days of their
memories of her sitting at a card table with them, and about the many occasions
they sat at her table to break bread with her.
Yet, there is another reason for our gathering this
morning.We are here, gathered around
this table to celebrate Miriam’s birthday in heaven.This joyous celebration was foreshadowed on
another day, many years ago, when she was baptized
into Christ Jesus (Rom 6:3), when
she became one of his precious children.To be a child of God, baptized into Christ Jesus, means that we are part
of him, and he is the one who teaches us every day how to die to ourselves and
to believe that just as Christ was raised
from the dead ... so we too will one day walk in the newness of life (Rom
6:4).
Every one of God’s children has been entrusted with this
promise.We will all one day walk in the
newness of life.This is the reason for
our joy, for the love and warmth with which Miriam greeted each day and each
person who she met.In words and in action,
she was a living example for us of a disciple of Jesus, one who has discovered
his will for her, one who has heard his words, one who is coming to believe in
him.Jesus has taught us about his
Father, the one who is our Father, and he has taught us that the will of our
Father is that we will all be raised up
on the last day (Jn 6:39) to walk in the newness of life and to live
forever with him in heaven.
Those who have known and loved Miriam now feel as though
a part of us is gone.There is an emptiness
within, but we believe that her soul is
in the hands of God, and no torment can ever touch her now (Wis 3:1).This is the moment for which she has waited for nine long decades. She who trusted
in him will now abide with him in love (Wis 3:9) and from her place in
heaven, she will continue to watch over us as we continue to make our way along
the journey.Like Miriam, we too believe
that this journey will lead us one day to the newness of life.As we make our way, we will from time to time
encounter struggles and obstacles, but we also count on God’s gifts of grace
and mercy.These are the gifts he shares
with us, his holy children as we watches over us and yearns for us to live with
him.
Having received the news of the death of former President Shimon Peres, the Holy Father has sent a message of condolence to the President of the State of Israel.
Condolences of the Holy Father, Pope Francis
at the death of President-emeritus Shimon Peres
His Excellency Reuven Rivlin
President of the State of Israel
I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of His Excellency Shimon Peres, and I wish to convey to you and to all the people of Israel my heartfelt condolences. I fondly recall my time with Mister Peres at the Vatican and renew my great appreciation for the late President's tireless efforts in favour of peace.
As the State of Israel mourns Mister Peres, I hope that his memory and many years of service will inspire us all to work with ever greater urgency for peace and reconciliation between peoples. In this way, his legacy will truly be honoured and the common good for which he so diligently laboured will find new expressions, as humanity strives to advance on the path towards enduring peace.
With the assurance of my prayers for all who grieve, especially for the Peres family, I invoke the divine blessings of consolation and strength upon the nation.
This morning's General Audience began at 9:30am in Saint Peter's Square. Pope Francis met there with groups of pilgrims and the faithful from Italy and from every corner of the world.
In his speech, the Pope continued his catechesis on mercy, adding a meditation on the theme: Forgiveness on the cross (cf Lk 23:39-43).
Following the summary of his catechesis, provided in various languages, the Holy Father offered greetings to each group of the faithful in attendance. Then, he issued a call concerning the dramatic situation in Aleppo (Syria).
The General Audience concluded with the chanting of the Pater Noster and the Apostolic blessing.
Catechesis of the Holy Father, Pope Francis
for the General Audience
Dear brothers and sisters, good morning!
The words that Jesus speaks during his Passion find their culmination in forgiveness. Jesus forgives: Father, forgive them for they know not what they do (Lk 23:34). These were not only words, for they became a concrete act of forgiveness offered to the good thief, who was beside him. Saint Luke speaks of the two thieves who were crucified with Jesus, who turned to him with opposing attitudes.
One of them insulted him, like everyone else did, like the leaders of the people did, but this poor man, driven by despair, says: Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us! (Lk 23:39). This cry bears witness to the anxiety of mankind when faced with the mystery of death and the tragic awareness that only God can provide a liberating response: therefore it is unthinkable that the Messiah, the one sent by God, could stay on the cross without doing anything to save himself. They did not understand this. They did not understand the mystery of Jesus' sacrifice. Instead, Jesus saved us by remaining on the cross. We all know that it is not easy to stay on the cross, on our little crosses every day. On that large cross, in that great suffering - and this is how he saved us - he demonstrated his omnipotence and he forgave us. There, he gave us his gift of love, constantly pouring forth our salvation. Dying on the cross, innocent among the criminals, He attested to the fact that God's salvation can reach every person in every circumstance, even the most negative and the most painfully suffering person. God's salvation is for everyone, no one is excluded. It is offered to everyone. This is the reason why the Jubilee is a time of grace and of mercy for everyone, good and bad, those who have been saved and those who are suffering. Remember the parable that Jesus told on the occasion of the wedding of the son of one of the most powerful men on earth; when those who had been invited did not want to attend, he said to his servants: Then go to the crossroads and call all those you find to come to the wedding (Mt 22:9). Everyone is invited: good and bad. The Church is not only for the good or for those who seem to be good, or who believe themselves to be good; the Church is for all people, and even preferably for the bad, because the Church is mercy. This time of grace and of mercy helps us to remember that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ! (cf Rm 8:39). To those who are nailed to a hospital bed, to those who live enclosed in a prison, to those who are entrapped by war, I say: look to the Crucifix; God is with you, he remains with you on the cross and all that it offers, he offers to us, for he is our Saviour. To you who suffer so much, I say, Jesus is crucified for you, for us, for everyone. Let the power of the gospel penetrate your hearts and console you, allow it to give you hope and the intimate certainty that no one is excluded from his forgiveness. You may ask: Tell me, Father, all that I have done, the most terrible things in life, can they be forgiven? - Yes! Yes! No one is excluded from God's forgiveness. A penitent needs only to draw close to Jesus and to have the desire to be embraced by him.
This was the first bandit. The other one is the so-called good thief. His words are a marvellous model of repentance, a catechesis focused on helping us to learn to ask Jesus for forgiveness. First, he speaks to his companion: Have you no fear of God, you who have received the same condemnation? (Lk 23:40). In this way, he emphasizes the starting point for all penitence: fear of God, but not fear of God, rather a filial respect for God. This is not fear, but respect that is due to God, because He is God. It is a filial respect because He is our Father. The good thief recalls the fundamental attitude that opens our hearts and is the starting point for us to trust in God: knowledge of his omnipotence and of his infinite goodness. This trusting respect helps us to make space for god and to trust in his mercy.
Then, the good thief declares Jesus' innocence and openly confesses his guilt: We, rightly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our actions; but he has done nothing wrong (Lk 23:41). Therefore, Jesus is there on the cross in order to be united with those who are guilty: through this closeness, He offers them salvation. That which is a scandal for the leaders and for the first thief, for those who were there mocking Jesus, is te foundation of our faith. In this way, the good thief became a witness of grace; the unthinkable has happened: God has loved me to the point of dying on a cross for me. The same faith that this man had is the fruit of the grace of Christ: his eyes contemplate in Christ crucified, the love of God for him, a poor sinner. It is true, he was a thief, he was a thief, he had stolen all his life. But in the end, he regretted what he had done, he looked to Jesus, so good and merciful and he succeeded in making his way to heaven: he was a good thief!
Finally, the good thief speaks directly to Jesus, invoking his help: Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom (Lk 23:42). He calls him by name - Jesus - with confidence, and in this way he confesses all that this name indicates: the Lord saves. This is the meaning of the name Jesus. That man asked Jesus to remember him. How much tenderness there was in this expression, how much humanity! Every human being has a need to not be abandoned, to know that God will always be nearby. in this way, even someone who is condemned to die becomes a model of Christianity, one who confides himself to Jesus. One who is condemned to die is a model for us, a model for a man, for a Christian who relies on Jesus; and also a model of the Church who in the liturgy calls upon the Lord many times, saying: Remember ... remember your love ...
While the good thief spoke of the future: when you come into your kingdom, Jesus' response was immediate, he spoke in the present tense: today, you will be with me in paradise (Lk 23:43). At the hour of the cross, Christ's salvation reaches its climax; and his promise to the good thief reveals the accomplishment of his mission: to save sinners. At the beginning of his ministry, in the synagogue in Nazareth, Jesus had proclaimed: freedom to prisoners (Lk 4:18); in Jericho, in the house of the tax collector Zaccheus, he had said that: the Son of man - he himself - had come to seek out and to save those who were lost (Lk 19:9). On the cross, his final act confirmed the fulfillment of this plan for salvation. From beginning to end, He revealed himself as Mercy, he revealed himself as the definitive and unrepeatable incarnation of the Father's love. Jesus is truly the face of the Father's mercy, and the good thief called him by name: Jesus. This is a brief invocation, and all of us can repeat it many times during the day: Jesus. Jesus. It's simple. We can repeat it all day long.
(Original text in Italian)
The Holy Father's catechesis was then summarized in various languages, and His Holiness offered particular greetings to each group of pilgrims in attendance. To English-speaking visitors, he said:
I greet the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, particularly those from England, Scotland, Ireland, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, Brunei, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, South Africa, Australia, Canada and the United States of America. I extend a special welcome to the seminarians of the Pontifical North American College and their families gathered here for the Ordination to the Diaconate to be celebrated tomorrow. May God bless you all!
Following the greetings offered to pilgrims of various languages, the Holy Father issued the following call for prayer:
My thoughts are focused once again on the beloved and martyred country of Syria. Dramatic news concerning the people of Aleppo continue to reach me. I feel that I am united with them in their suffering, through prayer and spiritual closeness. Expressing profound sorrow and sincerely preoccupied with what is taking place in that already battered city, where children, the elderly, the sick, young adults, the elderly, many people are dying ... I renew to all people my call to engage with all our strength toward the protection of civilians, an obligation that is all the more imperative and urgent. I appeal to the consciences of those who are responsible for the bombardment; they will have to account for their actions before God!
Pope Francis is concerned about the continuing tensions triggered by the situation in North Korea.
Responding to a question about the delicate situation on the Korean Peninsula, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Greg Burke on Tuesday said: I can confirm that the concern of the Holy Father and the Holy See about the continuing tensions in the area on account of the nuclear tests carried out by North Korea, was reiterated today by Msgr. Antoine Camilleri, the Holy See’s Undersecretary for Relations with States, speaking in Vienna at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Today, the Vatican Press Centre published the text of a homily pronounced yesterday by the Cardinal Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, who is in Cartagena (Columbia) for the signing of the Final Agreement between the government of Columbia and the FARC-EP.
Homily of His Eminence, Pietro Parolin
for a Liturgy of the Word which took place in
Cartagena (Columbia)
Mister President of the Republic of Columbia, Doctor Juan Manuel Santos Carderoón
Heads of State and of Government,
Your Majesty, King Juan Carlos,
Ministers and Heads of Delegations here present,
Distinct Columbian Authorities and leaders from other countries,
Dear brothers and sisters in the Lord,
First, I want to communicate the closeness of Pope Francis to the beloved Columbian people and to her Authorities, especially in the present circumstances as the Final Accord between the Government of Columbia and the FARC-EP is signed. The Holy Father has followed the efforts put forward during these past years to promote agreement and reconciliation with great attention. Several times, he has encouraged these efforts, without taking part in the concrete solutions which were negotiated, and the decisions that were made, in freedom of conscience by the citizens themselves. The Pope has always promoted respect for human rights and for Christian values, which are at the heart of the Columbian culture.
I believe that all of us who are here are aware that, basically, we are at the conclusion of one negotiation, but we are also at the beginning of a process, which is still open, a process of change which requires the support and respect of all Columbians.
We are here for this Liturgy of the Word surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Cartagena delle Indie, whose evolution over time represents, in a certain sense, the history of this country. More than 350 years ago, in the old port of Cartagena, Saint Peter Claver spent his life with admirable dedication and extraordinary charity toward slaves who were arriving from Africa.
We can say that, as it was centuries ago for slaves and merchants who entered the port sick and malnourished, today, many Columbians have been uprooted and are pained as they travel: their dignity has been wounded or torn away. They faced storms and dark black clouds, without losing hope. They still have a need to be redeemed and loved, a thirst for fresh water.
The remains of Saint Peter Claver lie just below the altar of this church, close to his convent. For more than forty years, he was able to enhance the dignity of many human beings who otherwise were treated as a commodity, subject to every kind of atrocity, captured and deported from their homelands to work as slaves. Always seeking to meet these victims of injustice with charity, he honoured their dignity and gave them hope.
In the same way, even today, Jesus is waiting to free us from the chains of slavery, both our own slavery and the slavery imposed upon us by others. He is eager to embrace us, to tend to our wounds, to wipe away our tears, to give us something to eat and to drink: the bread and water of life, to look lovingly into the depth of the soul, to lift us into his arms and to bring us to safety ... We know that the suffering of victims, offered at the foot of the cross, transforms us into reservoirs of his mercy.
In the letter that I sent you, expressing the desire of the Pope to visit these lands, I said that it is necessary that we take the risk of transforming with the entire Church, every parish and every institution into a field hospital, a place of safety where we can find those who have suffered atrocities and those who have acted on the side of violence. Evidently, it is from these encounters that Columbia must ease the pain of so many of its inhabitants who have been humiliated and oppressed by violence, the hatred must stop in order to change the direction of this country's history, to build a better future with just and solidly rooted institutions.
The surest way to begin a better future is to rebuild the dignity of those who suffer and to do whatever is necessary to draw close to them without delay, even to the point of identifying ourselves with them. In other words, the peace that Columbia yearns for goes beyond the mere necessity for the improvement of certain facilities and arrangements, and finds its focus in the reconstruction of the person: in fact, the profound causes of conflict which in recent years has wounded this country are found in the wounds of the heart.
God alone gives us the strength to confront these problems and, above all, it is He who gives us the ability to identify ourselves with all those who suffer because of these problems. Therefore, in this country, rooted in Catholicism, today we are united in prayer. We do not consider this meeting as one among many, but rather as a manifestation of confidence placed in the Authorities and in all those who follow us in the strength of prayer offered to God. This liturgy is an invocation offered to the Lord, who can grant that which is normally impossible through merely human efforts: light for the journey and for the decisions that Columbians must freely undertake, the fervour of respect, listening and serene dialogue that must accompany these decisions.
Our prayer also bears witness, perhaps almost unconsciously, to the words that Saint John Paul II wrote when he was on pilgrimage in Columbia: In the light of faith, solidarity seeks to go beyond itself, to take on the specifically Christian dimensions of total gratitude, forgiveness and reconciliation (Sollicitudo Rei Socialis, 40). For this reason, we ask God to grant us courage in the solidarity that is required to overcome, in truth and in justice, the abyss of evil that is produced by violence. And I want to thank you also for having supported Columbians in the midst of situations of hatred and suffering, and for having opened their hearts, for many years, to the firm hope that violence and conflict are avoidable: that they can build a different future, in which everyone can live together without slaughtering one another and in which it will be possible to maintain various convictions, within the framework of respect for democratic rules, for human dignity and for Christian traditions in this great nation.
With the historical perspective that offers us the figure of Saint Peter Claver and his time, Columbia has experienced in her own flesh, that - through our scourges - the ambitions of money and of power are the causes of suffering for many who are exploited by others, who are forcibly deported, who suffer violence and who suffer because of disregard for the dignity of victims who are deprived of their human rights. In this context, we pray to God for the future of this beloved people, that they may journey along the paths of truth, justice and peace according to the words of the Psalmist which we have just heard:
Today, we also want to make the words of the Evangelist Matthew our own (cf Mt 5:3-11): Blessed are Columbians who are poor in spirit, the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs; Blessed are Columbians who are meek, they will have the earth for their heritage; Blessed are Columbians who mourn, they will be consoled; Blessed are Columbians who are hungry and thirsty for justice, they will be satisfied; Blessed are Columbians who are merciful, they will find mercy; Blessed are Columbians who are pure in heart, they will see God; Blessed are Columbians who work for peace, they will be called children of God; Blessed are Columbians who are persecuted in the cause of justice, theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed will be all Columbians when others insult you, persecute you and falsely utter all kinds of evil against you for my sake.
Religions lead us to listen, to understand and to recognize the reasons for and the value of others. Faith is opposed to offences against the dignity of persons, that result in the tearing of the fabric of society, and it is not contrary to secularism, understood as respecting the various spheres of competence of different civil and spiritual realities.
In fact, secularism needs faith, as a necessary point of reference for both coexistence and respect. The Catholic Church in particular, promotes peaceful social coexistence, in accord with the spiritual traditions of Columbia, without demanding that all should profess a common religion and providing points of reference so that individual people and the community can find and share light in their search for the common good.
Let us implore the prayer of Our Lady of the Rosary of Chiquinquirá, the Queen of Columbia, that she may protect and intercede for this to be the case.
On Thursday 29 September, the fifth meeting on the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Syria and Iraq, organized by the Pontifical Council Cor Unum will take place. This meeting, which will involve approximately 40 Catholic charitable organizations, as well as representatives of the local bishops, Religious Congregations working in the Middle East, and the Apostolic Nuncios of Syria and Iraq, will begin at 9:30am with an audience in presence of the Holy Father, who will meet the participants in the Apostolic Palace.
The work will continue in the John Paul II Auditorium at the Pontifical Urban University. Following introductions by Monsignor Giampietro Dal Toso, Secretary of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, there will be a speech by Steffan de Mistura, Special representative of the UN for Syria; a presentation of the Second Survey of the response of the Church network to the humanitarian crisis in Iraq and Syria (2015-2016), carried out by Cor Unum; and a speech by the Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
In the afternoon, following the updates concerning the political and humanitarian situations provided by His Excellency, Mario Zenari, Apostolic Nuncio in Syria; and His Excellency, Alberto Ortega, Apostolic Nuncio in Iraq, the participants will meet in work groups and focus on concrete aspects of collaboration between the various parties involved in the Middle East.
Objectives of this meeting, continuing the path undertaken in the four previous years, are to review the status of the work that has been done to present by Catholic charitable organizations in the context of the crisis, sharing the Church's answers to the humanitarian crisis; discussing emerging critical issues and identifying priorities for the future; analyzing situations facing the Christian communities living in countries affected by war, promoting synergy between dioceses, Religious Congregations and ecclesial organizations.
The conflict in Syria and Iraq has produced one of the most serious humanitarian crises in recent decades and is the focus of international attention. The Holy see, in addition to diplomatic activity, participates actively in aid programs and humanitarian assistance. During the period from 2015 to 2016, the ecclesial network together has reached more than 9 million individual benefactors, mobilizing approximately 207 million dollars (during 2015) and 196 million dollars (from January to July 2016). Since 2011, the crisis has caused more than 300,000 deaths and left 1 million wounded. At present, there are more than 13.5 million people in need of help in Syria as well as more than 10 million in Iraq; 8.7 million people are displaced within Syria and more than 3.4 million more in Iraq, while there are 4.8 million Syrian refugees spread throughout various regions of the Middle East, especially in Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan.
Today, Monday 26 September 2016, the Holy Father received in audience, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, His Excellency, Joseph Kabila, who subsequently met with His Excellency, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.
During the cordial discussions, the good relations between the Holy See and the Democratic Republic of Congo were evoked, with particular reference to the important contribution of the Catholic Church in the life of the nation, with its institutions in the educational, social and healthcare spheres, as well as in development and the reduction of poverty. In this context, mutual satisfaction was expressed for the signing of the framework Agreement between the Holy See and the State, which took place on 20 May this year.
Particular attention was paid to the serious challenges placed by the current political challenge and the recent clashes that have occurred in the capital. Emphasis was placed on the importance of collaboration between political actors and representatives of civil society and religious communities, in favour of the common good, through a respectful and inclusive dialogue for the stability of peace in the country.
Finally, the Parties focused on the persistent violence suffered by the population in the east of the country, and on the urgency of cooperation at national and international levels, in order to provide the necessary assistance and to re-establish civil co-existence.
At 10:30am today, the XXVI Sunday of Ordinary Time, marking the occasion of the Jubilee of Catechists, the Holy Father, Pope Francis celebrated Mass in Saint Peter's Square.
Homily of the Holy Father, Pope Francis
for the Mass celebrated to mark the
Jubilee of Catechists
In the second reading the Apostle Paul offers to Timothy, but also to us, some advice which is close to his heart. Among other things, he charges him to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach (1 Tim 6:14). He speaks simply of a commandment. It seems that he wants to keep our attention fixed firmly on what is essential for our faith. Saint Paul, indeed, is not suggesting all sorts of different points, but is emphasizing the core of the faith. This centre around which everything revolves, this beating heart which gives life to everything is the Pascal proclamation, the first proclamation: the Lord Jesus is risen, the Lord Jesus loves you, and he has given his life for you; risen and alive, he is close to you and waits for you every day. We must never forget this. On this Jubilee for Catechists, we are being asked not to tire of keeping the key message of the faith front and centre: the Lord is risen. Nothing is more important; nothing is clearer or more relevant than this. Everything in the faith becomes beautiful when linked to this centrepiece, if it is saturated by the Paschal proclamation. If it remains in isolation, however, it loses its sense and strength. We are called always to live out and proclaim the newness of the Lord’s love: Jesus truly loves you, just as you are. Give him space: in spite of the disappointments and wounds in your life, give him the chance to love you. He will not disappoint you.
The commandment which Saint Paul is speaking of makes us think also of Jesus’ new commandment: that you love one another as I have loved you (Jn 15:12). It is by loving that the God-who-is-Love is proclaimed to the world: not by the power of convincing, never by imposing the truth, no less by growing fixated on some religious or moral obligation. God is proclaimed through the encounter between persons, with care for their history and their journey. Because the Lord is not an idea, but a living person: his message is passed on through simple and authentic testimony, by listening and welcoming, with joy which radiates outward. We do not speak convincingly about Jesus when we are sad; nor do we transmit God’s beauty merely with beautiful homilies. The God of hope is proclaimed by living out the Gospel of love in the present moment, without being afraid of testifying to it, even in new ways.
This Sunday’s Gospel helps us understand what it means to love, and more than anything how to avoid certain risks. In the parable there is a rich man who does not notice Lazarus, a poor man who was at his gate (Lk 16:20). This rich man, in fact, does not do evil towards anyone; nothing says that he is a bad man. But he has a sickness much greater than Lazarus’, who was full of sores (Lk 16:20): this rich man suffers from terrible blindness, because he is not able to look beyond his world, made of banquets and fine clothing. He cannot see beyond the door of his house to where Lazarus lies, because what is happening outside does not interest him. He does not see with his eyes, because he cannot feel with his heart. For into it a worldliness has entered which anaesthetizes the soul. This worldliness is like a black hole that swallows up what is good, which extinguishes love, because it consumes everything in its very self. And so here a person sees only outward appearances, no longer noticing others because one has become indifferent to everyone. The one who suffers from grave blindness often takes on “squinting” behaviour: he looks with adulation at famous people, of high rank, admired by the world, yet turns his gaze away from the many Lazaruses of today, from the poor, from the suffering who are the Lord’s beloved.
But the Lord looks at those who are neglected and discarded by the world. Lazarus is the only one named in all of Jesus’ parables. His name means God helps. God does not forget him; he will welcome him to the banquet in his kingdom, together with Abram, in communion with all who suffer. The rich man in the parable, on the other hand, does not even have a name; his life passes by forgotten, because whoever lives for himself does not write history. And a Christian must write history! He or she must go out from themselves, to write history! But whoever lives for themselves cannot write history. Today’s callousness causes chasms to be dug that can never be crossed. And we have fallen, at this time, into the sickness of indifference, selfishness and worldliness.
There is another detail in the parable, a contrast. The opulent life of this nameless man is described as being ostentatious: everything about him concerns needs and rights. Even when he is dead he insists on being helped and demands what is to his benefit. Lazarus’ poverty, however, is articulated with great dignity: from his mouth no complaints or protests or scornful words issue. This is a valuable teaching: as servants of the word of Jesus we have been called not to parade our appearances and not to seek for glory; nor can we be sad or full of complaints. We are not prophets of gloom who take delight in unearthing dangers or deviations; we are not people who become ensconced in our own surroundings, handing out bitter judgments on our society, on the Church, on everything and everyone, polluting the world with our negativity. Pitiful scepticism does not belong to whoever is close to the word of God.
Whoever proclaims the hope of Jesus carries joy and sees a great distance; such persons have the horizon open before them; there is no wall closing them in; they see a great distance because they know how to see beyond evil and beyond their problems. At the same time, they see clearly from up close, because they are attentive to their neighbour and to their neighbour’s needs. The Lord is asking this of us today: before all the Lazaruses whom we see, we are called to be disturbed, to find ways of meeting and helping, without always delegating to others or saying: I will help you tomorrow; I have no time today, I’ll help you tomorrow. This is a sin. The time taken to help others is time given to Jesus; it is love that remains: it is our treasure in heaven, which we earn here on earth.
And so, dear catechists, dear brothers and sisters, may the Lord give us the grace to be renewed every day by the joy of the first proclamation to us: Jesus died and is risen, Jesus loves us personally! May he give us the strength to live and proclaim the commandment of love, overcoming blindness of appearances, and worldly sadness. May he make us sensitive to the poor, who are not an afterthought in the Gospel but an important page, always open before all.
At the conclusion of the Mass celebrated in Saint Peter's Square for the Jubilee of Catechists, Pope Francis led the recitation of the Angelus with the faithful and with pilgrims who were present in the Square.
Greetings of His Holiness, Pope Francis
prior to the recitation of the Angelus
Dear brothers and sisters,
Yesterday, in Würzburg (Germany), Engelmar Unzeitig, a priest of the Congregation of Marianhill Missionaries was proclaimed Blessed. Killed for hatred of the faith in the Dachau extermination camp, faced with the hatred demonstrated against love, responded to such ferocity with meekness. His example teaches us to be witnesses of charity and of hope even in the midst of trials.
I am happy to unite myself with the Bishops of Mexico in supporting the commitment of the Church and of civil society in favour of the family and of life, which in these days requires the special pastoral and cultural attention of every person throughout the world. I also reassure you of my prayer for the beloved Mexican people, for an end to the violence which in these days has also affected some priests.
Today is the World Day of the Deaf. I want to greet all deaf people, who are also represented here, and to encourage them to provide their contribution toward a Church and a society that is more and more capable of welcoming all people.
Finally, I extend my special greetings to all of you, beloved catechists! Thank you for your commitment to the Church in service to evangelization and the transmission of the faith. May Our Lady help you to persevere along the journey of faith and to bear witness with your life which is spent in the process of catechizing others. Angelus Domini…
