Pope at Santa Marta: The limitless language of God’s love 0 2014-10-23 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) "We cannot be Christians without the grace of the Holy Spirit" who gives us the strength to love, said Pope Francis at Mass Thursday morning at Santa Marta. Emer McCarthy reports: Pope Francis centered his homily on St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians in which the Apostle describes his experience of Jesus, an experience "that led him to leave everything behind" because "he was in love with Christ." His is an "act of adoration": firstly, he bends his knees before the Father, who "has the power to do much more than we can ever think or ask ". He uses a “limitless language”: He adores this God, "who is like a sea without beaches, without limitations, an immense ocean". Paul asks the Father for all of us, "to be powerfully strengthened in our inner selves, through his Spirit". "He asks the Father to send the Spirit to strengthen us, to give us strength. We cannot go forward without the power of the Spirit. Our own forces are weak. We cannot be Christians without the grace of the Spirit. It’s the Spirit that changes hearts, that keeps us moving forward in virtue, to fulfill the commandments". "He then, asks another grace from the Father", "the presence of Christ, to help us grow in charity”. Christ’s love “which surpasses all knowledge”, can only be understood through “an act of adoration of such great immenseness”. "This is a mystical experience of Paul and it teaches us the prayer of praise and the prayer of adoration. Before our pettiness, our many, selfish interests, Paul bursts out in praise, in this act of worship and asks the Father to send us the Holy Spirit to give us strength and to be able to move forward; he helps us understand the love of Christ and that Christ consolidates us in love. And he says to the Father: 'Thank you, because You are able to do what we do not dare to think'. It is a beautiful prayer ... It is a beautiful prayer". Pope Francis concluded his homily: "And with this inner life we can understand how Paul gave up everything and considered it all rubbish, in order to gain Christ and be found in Christ. It does us good to think of this, it does us good to worship God. It does us good to praise God, to enter this world of amplitude, of grandeur, generosity and love. It does us good, because then we can move forward in the great commandment - the only commandment, which is the basis of all others - love; love God and love your neighbor". http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-at-santa-marta-the-limitless-language-of-gods
Pope Francis: No death penalty! While speaking before the International Association of Criminal Law, Pope Francis denounced political corruption. He compared it to someone who has bad breath. He explained that while it may be difficult for that person to notice it, those around him or her, recognize it immediately. The Pope spoke out against political complicity, where all the power is concentrated in one source. He also warned against those who use politics and the media to incite violence and to lay blame on others. POPE FRANCIS "The reality shows that the existence of legal instruments and necessary policy to confront and resolve conflicts, do not offer sufficient guarantees to prevent individuals from being blamed for everyone's problems.” Pope Francis also denounced that some governments ilegally sentence people to death. He described those actions as 'deliberate homicides.' Lastly, the Pope talked about prisons. He said that in some countries, having prisons in deplorable conditions, is the norm. He said that in some cases, this is the result of an 'arbitrary and merciless exercise of power.' http://www.romereports.com/pg158814-pope-francis-no-death-penalty--en
Pope to Association of Penal Law: Corruption is Greater Evil than Sin Vatican City, 23 October 2014 (VIS) - Today, the Holy Father received delegates from the International Association of Penal Law (AIDP), addressing them with a speech focusing on the issues in their subject area that have recourse to the Church in her mission of evangelization and the promotion of the human person. The Pope began by recalling the need for legal and political methods that are not characterized by the mythological “scapegoat” logic, that is, of an individual unjustly accused of the misfortunes that befall a community and then chosen to be sacrificed. It is also necessary to refute the belief that legal sanctions carry benefit, which requires the implementation of inclusive economic and social policies. He reiterated the primacy of the life and dignity of the human person, reaffirming the absolute condemnation of the death penalty, the use of which is rejected by Christians. In this context he also talked about the so-called extrajudicial executions, that is, the deliberated killing of individuals by some states or their agents that are presented as the unintended consequence of the reasonable, necessary, and proportionate use of force to implement the law. He emphasized that the death penalty is used in totalitarian regimes as “an instrument of suppression of political dissent or of persecution of religious or cultural minorities”. He then spoke of the conditions of prisoners, including prisoners who have not been convicted and those convicted without a trial, stating that pretrial detention, when used improperly, is another modern form of unlawful punishment that is hidden behind legality. He also referred to the deplorable prison condition in much of the world, sometimes due to lack of infrastructure while other instances are the result of “the arbitrary exercise of ruthless power over detainees”. Pope Francis also spoke about torture and other inhuman and degrading treatment, stating that, in the world today, torture is used not only as a means to achieve a particular purpose, such as a confession or an accusation—practices that are characteristic of a doctrine of national security—but also adds to the evil of detention. Criminal code itself bears responsibility for having allowed, in certain cases, the legitimacy of torture under certain conditions, opening the way for further abuse. The Pope did not forget the application of criminal sanctions against children and the elderly, condemning its use in both cases. He also recalled some forms of crime that seriously damage the dignity of the human person as well as the common good, including human trafficking, slavery—recognized as a crime against humanity as well as a war crime in both international law and under many nations’ laws—the abject poverty in which more than a billion people live, and corruption. “The scandalous accumulation of global wealth is possible because of the connivance of those with strong powers who are responsible for public affairs. Corruption is a process of death … more evil than sin. An evil that, instead of being forgiven, must be cured.” “Caution in the application of penal codes,” he concluded, “must be the overarching principle of legal systems … and respect for human dignity must not only act to limit the arbitrariness and excesses of government agents but as the guiding criterion for prosecuting and punishing behaviors that represent the most serious attacks on the dignity and integrity of the human person.”
Pope Francis at Santa Marta explains why leave everything for God In his homily at Casa Santa Marta, Pope Francis explained why should one leave everything for God. He said that the key is meet with Christ while cultivating an interior life. POPE FRANCIS "It does us well to praise God, to enter into this world of ampleness, of greatness, of generosity and of love. It does us well so that we can go forward within the greatest commandment, the only commandment, that is at the foundation of all the others: love; to love God and to love your neighbor". Pope Francis concluded his homily by saying that Christians can only move forward in their faith with the grace of the Holy Spirit. SUMMARY OF THE POPE'S HOMILY (Source: Vatican Radio) "He asks the Father to send the Spirit to strengthen us, to give us strength. We cannot go forward without the power of the Spirit. Our own forces are weak. We cannot be Christians without the grace of the Spirit. It’s the Spirit that changes hearts, that keeps us moving forward in virtue, to fulfill the commandments". "This is a mystical experience of Paul and it teaches us the prayer of praise and the prayer of adoration. Before our pettiness, our many, selfish interests, Paul bursts out in praise, in this act of worship and asks the Father to send us the Holy Spirit to give us strength and to be able to move forward; he helps us understand the love of Christ and that Christ consolidates us in love. And he says to the Father: 'Thank you, because You are able to do what we do not dare to think'. It is a beautiful prayer ... It is a beautiful prayer". "And with this inner life we can understand how Paul gave up everything and considered it all rubbish, in order to gain Christ and be found in Christ. It does us good to think of this, it does us good to worship God. It does us good to praise God, to enter this world of amplitude, of grandeur, generosity and love. It does us good, because then we can move forward in the great commandment - the only commandment, which is the basis of all others - love; love God and love your neighbor".
Pope meets with organization that builds bridges between Catholics and Orthodox 2014-10-24 Speaking once again on ecumenism, Pope Francis meet with some members of the Orientale Lumen Foundation, who were led by Metropolitan Kallistos of Diokleia. This American group works to bring Catholic and Orthodox Churches closer through conferences and publications. In his speech, Pope Francis highlighted that ecumenism isn't possible without internal renewal. POPE FRANCIS "Every Christian pilgrimage is not just a geographical trip, but above all an opportunity to start a way of internal renewal, always towards Christ the Lord, who gives an origin to faith and who fulfills it.” After his address, the Pope greeted the members and exchanged gifts. Each member of the group had prepared one for him. - "The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom in Spanish.” - "Ah, in Spanish?” But without a doubt, one of the most unlikely gifts was this: a mug. The members of the Orientale Lumen Foundation were on pilgrimage in Rome. The Pope asked them to pray for his next meeting with the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I in Turkey in November. http://www.romereports.com/pg158848...lds-bridges-between-catholics-and-orthodox-en
Pope’s solidarity with the jobless 2014-10-25 Vatican Radio (Vatican) Without job there is no dignity - the dignity to bring bread home, which enables one to plan the future and decide to form a family. Pope Francis made the observation in a message to Italy’s national convention on the theme, “Hope amidst Precariousness,” organized by the Italian bishops’ conference in Salerno, Oct. 24-26. The Holy Father noted that in his meeting with person during his Italian visits he has come to touch with his hands the situation of many jobless youth, those on layoff scheme or casual workers. “This is not just an economic problem, but also the problem of dignity,” the Pope said, describing Italy’s economic crisis as ‘the passion of youth”. The culture of waste discards all that is unprofitable, and young people, he said, are discarded because they are without a job. However, the Pope said in this ‘quicksand of precariousness’, the Gospel prevents us from being robbed of hope, because this hope comes from God who became one of us in solidarity with all our precariousness. Pope Francis thus urged Italy’s youth to empower the Gospel in the social and cultural situation in order to foster a culture of encounter and solidarity.
Pope Francis to Schoenstatt movement: Marriage never been attacked so much as now 2014-10-25 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis said the institution of Christian marriage has never been attacked so much as nowadays where a temporary or throw-away culture has become widespread. He said marriage should not be seen just a social rite and urged priests to stay close to couples and especially children experiencing the trauma of a family break-up. The Pope was replying to questions put to him on a range of topics during an audience with more than 7000 pilgrims belonging to the Schoenstatt movement, an international Marian and apostolic organization that is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding in Germany. The movement now embraces members, both lay and clerics, from dozens of nations around the world. Listen to this report by Susy Hodges: Mistaken views about marriage and its true meaning, our temporary or throw-away culture, the need to be courageous and daring, Mary’s missionary role, the disunity of the Devil and why the concept of solidarity is under attack. These were just some of the wide-ranging issues which Pope Francis spoke about in his off-the-cuff remarks during the question and answer session with the Schoenstatt pilgrims held in the Vatican’s Paul VI Audience Hall on Saturday. Asked about marriage and what advice he can offer to those who don’t feel welcome in the Church, Pope Francis stressed the need for priests to stay close to each one of their flock without becoming scandalized over what takes place within the family. He said a bishop during the recent Synod on the family asked whether priests are aware of what children feel and the psychological damage caused when their parents separate? The Pope noted how sometimes in these cases the parent who is separating ends up living at home only part-time with the children which he described as a “new and totally destructive” form of co-habitation. He said the Christian family and marriage have never been so attacked as they are nowadays because of growing relativism over the concept of the sacrament of marriage. When it comes to preparing for marriage, Pope Francis said all too often there is a misunderstanding over the difference between the sacrament of marriage and the social rite. Marriage is for ever, he said, but in our present society there is a temporary or throw-away culture that has become widespread. Turning to the missionary role of Mary, the Pope reminded people that nobody can search for faith without the help of Mary, the Mother of God, saying a Church without Mary is like an orphanage. When questioned as to how he maintains a sense of joy and hope despite the many problems and wars in our world, Pope Francis replied that he uses prayer, trust, courage and daring. To dare is a grace, he said, and a prayer without courage or daring is a prayer that doesn’t work. Asked about reform of the Church, the Pope said people describe him as a revolutionary but went on to point out that the Church has always been that way and is constantly reforming itself. He stressed that the first revolution or way of renewing the Church is through inner holiness and that counts far more than more external ways such as reforming the Curia and the Vatican bank. Pope Francis also spoke about the importance of having a freedom of spirit and warned against closing ourselves up in a mass of rules and regulations, thus becoming a caricature of the doctors of law. The theme of our throw-away society was also touched on again by the Pope in another reply when he said our present-day culture is one that destroys the human bonds that bind us together. And in this context, he continued, one word that is at risk of dying in our society is 'solidarity' and this is also a symptom of our inability to forge alliances. Pope Francis also warned about the Devil, stressing that he exists and that his first weapon is disunity. http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-to-schoenstatt-movement-marriage-neve
Pope at Angelus: love of God and neighbour are inseparable 2014-10-26 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis prayed the Angelus with pilgrims and tourists gathered in St Peter’s Square beneath the window of the Papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican on Sunday. In remarks ahead of the traditional prayer of Marian devotion, the Holy Father offered some reflections on the Gospel reading of the day, which was taken from Gospel according to St. Matthew (22:34-40). “Today's Gospel reminds us that the whole law of God is summed up in love for God and neighbor,” said Pope Francis, adding, “You cannot love God without loving our neighbor and you cannot love your neighbor without loving God,” and explaining that the “novelty” of Christ’s teaching consists in the union of the two commandments. Pope Francis also recommended the reflection of his predecessor, Benedict XVI. on the teaching, which is found in paragraphs 16-18 of his first Encyclical letter, Deus caritas est. Pope Francis went on to say, “Jesus completes the law of the covenant, which He unites in himself, in his flesh, divinity and humanity, in a single mystery of love,” and, “In the light of the word of Jesus, love is the measure of faith, and faith is the soul of love: we cannot separate the religious life – the life of piety – from that of service to our brothers and sisters – to those flesh-and-blood brothers and sisters we actually meet.” Following the Angelus, Pope Francis recalled the beatification – on Saturday in Sao Paulo, Brazil – of Mother Assunta Marchetti: the Italian-born co-founder of the Missionary Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo, known as “Scalabrinians” after the late 19th century bishop of Piacenza, Giuseppe Scalabrini, who helped found the missionary congregation originally dedicated to maintaining Catholic faith and practice among emigres to the New World, which now focuses its missionary work on migrants, refugees and displaced persons. “[Bl. Assunta Marchetti] saw Jesus present in the poor, in orphans, in the sick, in migrants, said Pope Francis. “We thank the Lord for this woman,” he continued, “a model of tireless missionary spirit and courageous dedication to the service of charity,” who serves as an example and a confirmation of the truth that we can and must seek the face of God in the brother and sister in need.” Pope Francis also had greetings for pilgrims from all over Italy and from around the world, especially those of the Schoenstatt movement, with whom he met on Saturday, and for the Peruvian community in Rome, which came to the Angelus in procession with an image of El Senor de los Milagros – the Lord of Miracles – an image of Christ crucified that was painted by an anonymous freedman in the 17th century in Lima, and that has become a focus of deep veneration and intense devotion, especially among Peruvians. http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-at-angelus-love-of-god-and-neighbour-are-inse
I believe Pope Francis by speaking a lot about the devil is in a way exercising the world of the devil, and bring him out into the light were many people will finally see him.
Pope: There are three types of Christians 2014-10-27 During his Monday morning Mass, Pope Francis explained that there are three types of Christians. Those who are full of light and serve God. Then, the so called 'dark Christians' who live in sin. The third type, said the Pope, are gray Christians. POPE FRANCIS "These gray Christians are here one second and there the next. People ask themselves: "Is this person with God or with the devil?” They are always in the gray area. They're lukewarm. They aren't full of light or darkness. And God doesn't love them.” The Pope encouraged Christians to reflect on what type of Christians they are. He then added, that analyzing the way one speaks is key, since 'dark Christians' he said, usually talk in a hypocritical, empty and obscene way. EXCERPT OF THE POPE'S HOMILY (Source: Vatican Radio) "Are our words hypocrisy? Taking a little from here, a little from there, to fit in with everyone? Then they are vacuous, of no substance, empty. Are they vulgar words, trivial, or worldly? A dirty, obscene word? These four [types] of words are not of the children of light, they are not the Holy Spirit, they are not of Jesus, they are not words of the Gospel ... this way of talking, always talking about dirty things or of worldliness or emptiness or hypocrisy". "Paul says: 'Be imitators of God, walk in love; walk in goodness; walk in meekness. Those who walk in this way ... 'Be merciful - says Paul - forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ. Be, then, imitators of God and walk in love', that is, walk in mercy, forgiveness, love. And these are the words of a child of light”. "They are the Christians of gray areas. And these Christians of gray areas are on one side first and then the other. People say of these: 'Is this person with God or the devil?' Huh? Always in the grey area. They are lukewarm. They are neither light nor dark. And God does not love these. In Revelation, the Lord says to these Christians of gray areas: 'No, you are neither hot nor cold. If only you were hot or cold. But because you are lukewarm – always in the gray areas- I will vomit you out of my mouth'. The Lord has strong words for these Christians of gray areas. 'I am a Christian, but without overdoing it!' they say, and in doing so cause so much harm, because their Christian witness is a witness that in the end only sows confusion, it sows a negative witness". http://www.romereports.com/pg158858-pope-there-are-three-types-of-christians-en
Pope Francis explains why Benedict XVI was “a great Pope” 2014-10-27 The Vatican Gardens now has a new sculpture in honor of Benedict XVI. It was created by Italian artist Fernando Dalia and Pope Francis was there to celebrate the big moment. As he addressed the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, the Pope talked about Benedict XVI's character and the legacy of his pontificate. POPE FRANCIS "This sculpture of Benedict XVI reflects the persona and face of dear Pope Ratzinger. It evokes his spirit. His teachings, his example, his works, his devotion to the Church and his current monastic life.” Pope Francis referenced the ties between religion and science, which is a subject deeply studied by Benedict XVI. He also highlighted the important contributions of the Pope Emeritus. POPE FRANCIS "Benedict XVI: A great Pope. Great in his strength and in the presence of his intelligence. Great for his relevant contribution to theology, great for his love for the Church and mankind, great for his virtue and piety.” Towards the end, the Pope encouraged the Pontifical Academy of the Sciences to continue its studies on the relationship between faith and science. http://www.romereports.com/pg158857-pope-francis-explains-why-benedict-xvi-was-oea-great-pope-en
Pope at Santa Marta: Called to be children of light 28-10-2014 (Vatican Radio) At morning Mass on Monday Pope Francis said that a conscientious examination of our words will help us understand whether we are Christians of light, Christians of darkness or Christians of grey areas. Listen to our report: Reflecting on the First Reading from St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians, the Pope said men are recognizable by their words. By inviting Christians to behave as children of light, and not as children of darkness, St. Paul gives "a catechesis on the word". Pope Francis continued that there are four [types of ] words which help us understand if we are children of darkness: “Are our words hypocrisy? Taking a little from here, a little from there, to fit in with everyone? Then they are vacuous, of no substance, empty. Are they vulgar words, trivial, or worldly? A dirty, obscene word? These four [types] of words are not of the children of light, they are not the Holy Spirit, they are not of Jesus, they are not words of the Gospel ... this way of talking, always talking about dirty things or of worldliness or emptiness or hypocrisy". Then, what are the words of the Saints, those of the children of light? "Paul says: 'Be imitators of God, walk in love; walk in goodness; walk in meekness. Those who walk in this way ... 'Be merciful - says Paul - forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ. Be, then, imitators of God and walk in love', that is, walk in mercy, forgiveness, love. And these are the words of a child of light”. "There are bright Christians, [who are] full of light – noted the Pope - who seek to serve the Lord in this light" and " there are dark Christians" who lead "a life of sin, a life distant from the Lord" and who use those four types of words that "belong to the evil one". "But there is a third group of Christians", who are not "neither light nor dark": "They are the Christians of gray areas. And these Christians of gray areas are on one side first and then the other. People say of these: 'Is this person with God or the devil?' Huh? Always in the grey area. They are lukewarm. They are neither light nor dark. And God does not love these. In Revelation, the Lord says to these Christians of gray areas: 'No, you are neither hot nor cold. If only you were hot or cold. But because you are lukewarm – always in the gray areas- I will vomit you out of my mouth'. The Lord has strong words for these Christians of gray areas. 'I am a Christian, but without overdoing it!' they say, and in doing so cause so much harm, because their Christian witness is a witness that in the end only sows confusion, it sows a negative witness". Let us not be deceived by empty words – Pope Francis concluded - "we hear so many, some nice, well-articulated, but empty, without meaning". Instead let us behave as children of light. "It would do us all good to reflect on our words today and ask ourselves: "Am I a Christian of light? Am I a Christian of the dark? Am I a Christian of the gray areas? And thus we can take a step forward to meet the Lord".
Pope says evolution, Big Bang are real VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has waded into the controversial debate over the origins of human life, saying the big bang theory did not contradict the role of a divine creator, but even required it. The pope was addressing the plenary assembly of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, which gathered Monday at the Vatican to discuss "Evolving Concepts of Nature." "When we read about Creation in Genesis, we run the risk of imagining God was a magician, with a magic wand able to do everything. But that is not so," Francis said. "He created human beings and let them develop according to the internal laws that he gave to each one so they would reach their fulfillment." Francis said the beginning of the world was not "a work of chaos" but created from a principle of love. He said sometimes competing beliefs in creation and evolution could co-exist. Pope Francis tells an audience that the Big Bang does not contradict the "creative intervention of God". He says, "on the contrary, it requires it". Rough Cut (no reporter narration). Newslook "God is not a divine being or a magician, but the Creator who brought everything to life," the pope said. "Evolution in nature is not inconsistent with the notion of creation, because evolution requires the creation of beings that evolve." Unlike much of evangelical Protestantism in the U.S., Catholic teaching traditionally has not been at odds with evolution. In 1950, Pope Pius XII proclaimed there was no opposition between evolution and Catholic doctrine. In 1996, St. John Paul II endorsed Pius' statement. Some wondered if Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI wanted to change that when he and some acolytes seemed to endorse the theory of intelligent design, the idea that the world is too complex to have evolved according to Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection. Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn of Vienna, a close associate of Benedict, penned a widely noticed 2005 op-ed in The New York Times that said "Evolution in the sense of common ancestry might be true, but evolution in the neo-Darwinian sense — an unguided, unplanned process … is not." Giovanni Bignami, a professor and president of Italy's National Institute for Astrophysics, welcomed Francis' comments, saying he had buried the "pseudo theories" of creationists. "The pope's statement is significant," Bignami told Italian news agency Adnkronos. "We are the direct descendants from the Big Bang that created the universe. Evolution came from creation." Giulio Giorello, professor of the philosophy of science at Milan's University degli Studi, said he believed Francis was "trying to reduce the emotion of dispute or presumed disputes" with science. Francis made his speech while unveiling a bust in honor of Benedict, his predecessor, at the Vatican. "Benedict XVI was a great pope: great for the power and penetration of his intellect, great for his significant contribution to theology, great for his love of the church and of human beings, great for his virtue and piety," he said. http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/10/28/pope-francis-evolution-big-bang/18053509/
I think the latter, Bartimaeus.. One of the problems regarding Pope Francis is that we are tempted to spend much more time reading about him, rather than reading what he says. I am guilty of this and it is a danger because it is very easy to take on board some of the stuff that is written about him (much of it by people who do not read what he says) , even when we think we are only being curious.
The man who came up with the Big Bang theory was a Catholic priest. Catholics have always been leaders in scientific discovery, it's just taking the secular world a long, long time to realise it.
Pope to Popular Movements: It's not communism, it's the Social Doctrine of the Church 2014-10-28 http://www.romereports.com/pg158880...ism-it-s-the-social-doctrine-of-the-church-en
The Pope prays for 43 missing students from Mexico 2014-10-29 (-ONLY VIDEO-) The Pope said a prayer for the 43 university students who went missing on September 26th in the Mexican city of Iguala. The Pope addressed the issue during his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square. The incident is under investigation, but police and a local drug gang are said to have been involved in the disappearance of the students. POPE FRANCIS "Today, I'd like to say a prayer and lead your hearts towards the people of Mexico, which is suffering the disappearance of its students and so many other related problems. May our brotherly hearts stay close to them in prayer, during this time." http://www.romereports.com/pg158886-the-pope-prays-for-43-missing-students-from-mexico-en
