Pope Francis at Angelus: pray for pure, whole hearts 2015-08-30 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis prayed the Angelus with pilgrims and tourists gathered in St Peter’s Square on Sunday. In remarks to the faithful ahead of the traditional prayer of Marian devotion, the Holy Father reflected on the Gospel reading for this Sunday, August 30, the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, taken from the 7th Chapter of the Holy Gospel according to St. Mark. The reading recounts the questions certain Scribes and Pharisees put to Our Lord, regarding His and the disciples’ observance of certain long-standing customs – or their lack of observance – specifically concerning practices associated with ritual purity. “The literal observance of precepts,” explained Pope Francis, “will be fruitless if [said observance] does not change the heart and does not translate into concrete attitudes: opening oneself to encounter with God and His Word in prayer; to seeking justice and peace; to assisting the poor, the weak, the oppressed.” The Holy Father went on to say, “We all know, in our communities, in our parishes, in our neighborhoods, how much harm do people do to the Church, how much scandal do they give, who say they are Catholic and very often go to church, but later, in their daily lives, neglect the family, speak ill of others and so on. This is what Jesus condemned, for this is a Christian counter-witness.” “The border between good and evil passes not outside of us but within us,” Pope Francis continued. “We can ask ourselves: ‘where is my heart?’ Jesus said, ‘Where your treasure is, there is your heart.’ So, what is my treasure? Is it Jesus, is it His doctrine? Then the heart is good. Or is the treasure something else?” The Holy Father went on to explain that the heart, insofar as it loves that, which is not Christ and His doctrine, must be purified and converted. “Without a purified heart,” he said, “you cannot have truly clean hands and lips that speak sincere words of love.” Pope Francis said, “This only the sincere and purified heart can do.” The Holy Father concluded his remarks ahead of the Angelus by asking the Lord, through the intercession of the Holy Virgin, to give us a clean heart, a heart free from hypocrisy so that we are able to live according to the spirit of the law and to achieve the law’s true purpose, which is perfection of charity. (from Vatican Radio)
Pope's Morning Homily: Be Prepared If Lord Comes Like a 'Thief in the Night' http://vatican.com/news/frame.aspx?...prepared-if-lord-comes-like-a-thief-in-the-ni Christians are to comfort each other through good works and kind words and not with useless chatter. In his first public daily Mass at his residence since his summer break, Francis called on Catholics to realize our God lives and will come to find us, and therefore, to live accordingly, reported Vatican Radio. In the responsorial psalm, the Pope noted how we repeat the words, ‘I am sure I will see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living,’ and then posed a question to those present. "Are you certain you will see the Lord?" he asked. Like Job, Francis said, despite many misadventures, we are to firmly believe we'll see Christ with our own eyes and let this give us hope. “It’s true, He will come to judge and when we go to the Sistine (Chapel) we see that beautiful scene of the Last Judgement," the Pope said. "But we must also believe that He will come to find me because I see Him with my eyes, I embrace Him and am always with Him. This is the hope that the Apostle Paul tells us to explain to others through our life, to give witness to hope. This is the true comfort, this is the true certainty: 'I am sure I will see the Lord’s kindness.'" In today's letter to the Thessalonians, St. Paul encourages early Christians to let hope grow in their hearts until the final day in which they meet him, the Pope recalled. Francis stressed how the Apostle also warned that this day could arrive without warning, like a "thief in the night." Though the thought of lack of notice could be frightening, Francis reminded those gathered that Jesus is coming to bring salvation to those who believe in Him and to have hope, comfort and help each other. “Let us ask the Lord for this grace: that seed of hope that he has planted in our hearts so it germinates and grows until our final meeting with Him." "'I am certain that I will see the Lord.' 'I am certain that our Lord lives.' 'I am certain that our Lord will come to find me': This should be the horizon of our life. Let us ask the Lord for this grace and let us comfort each other with good works and kind words, (let’s go) along this road.” “This is my advice, ‘comfort each other.’ Speak about this: but I’m asking you: do we speak about this, that the Lord will come and will we meet Him? Or do we speak about so many things, including theology, things about the Church, priests, religious sisters, monsignors, all this? And is this hope our comfort? ‘Comfort each other,’ comfort those in the community. In our community, in our parishes, are we speaking about this that we’re waiting for the Lord who comes? Or are we instead chattering about this and that to help pass the time and not get too bored?” The Pope concluded by exhorting the faithful to live lives they would be at peace with the day the Lord gives a surprise visit.
Pope Francis tells single mother "you respected life...don't be ashamed" 2015-09-02 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis congratulated a single mother on her decision to give birth to two daughters, telling her “Don’t be ashamed.” The exchange took place during a video link-up on Monday with three different U.S. cities: Chicago, Los Angeles and McAllen, Texas arranged by ABC News. A clip of Pope Francis’ conversation with single-mother Rosemary Farfan was released on Tuesday. “It hasn't been easy for me. I've made some mistakes as a person, as a mother,” she told the Pope. "I've felt guilty at times and ashamed. ... But every day, I try and I hope and I pray.” Pope Francis told her he knew “it’s not easy” to be a single mother. “I know that people can sometimes look askance at you,” the pope said. “You're a brave woman because you're capable of bringing these two daughters into the world. ... You respected the life you were carrying inside you and God is going to reward you for that and he does reward for you for that. Don't be ashamed. ... I congratulate you.” ABC News has said different parts of Pope Francis’ video-link up will be released each day until Friday, when the full encounter will air on a one-hour special edition of ABC News’ "20/20" at 10 p.m. Eastern Time. (from Vatican Radio)
General Audience: love of family combats city desertification t 2015-09-02 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) An estimated 15 thousand people were in St Peter’s Square for the Pope’s General audience on Wednesday, as he continued his catechesis on the family, which this week focused on the importance of families in spreading the faith. The Holy Father underlined that by creating the foundations of a solid faith in the home, the fruits are revealed in a more humane society. The Pope said that the alliance of the family with God is called today to combat, what he called, the communal desertification of the modern city. He continued by saying that no political and economic policy can replace the contribution that families make to society, adding that we need to open up the love and warmth of the family to the city. The Pope also explained that “Jesus, while affirming the primacy of faith in God, describes his disciples as brothers, sisters and mothers to him.” In the Christian life, he said, these family ties are transformed and enlarged; as spiritual fathers and mothers, as brothers and sisters to one another, and particularly to those in need, we bring the Father’s love to our world. Within families, the Holy Father went on to say, faith becomes a powerful force for unity and love, and inspires a convincing witness to the Gospel. Pope Francis prayed that like the wine of the wedding feast at Cana, may our families bring happiness, joy and the warmth of God’s love to our world. (from Vatican Radio)
For Year of Mercy, pope extends possibilities for absolution By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service 9.1.2015 9:02 AM ET VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In an extraordinary gesture for the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis has extended to priests worldwide the authority to absolve women for the sin of abortion and has decreed the full validity during the year of the sacrament of confession celebrated by priests of the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X. "This jubilee Year of Mercy excludes no one," the pope wrote in a letter to Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of New Evangelization, the office organizing events for the holy year, which opens Dec. 8. Pope Francis said one of the most serious problems facing people today is a "widespread and insensitive mentality" toward the sacredness of human life. "The tragedy of abortion is experienced by some with a superficial awareness, as if not realizing the extreme harm that such an act entails," while many other women believe that "they have no other option" but to have an abortion, the pope wrote in the letter, released Sept. 1 by the Vatican. The pressures exerted on many women to abort lead to "an existential and moral ordeal," Pope Francis said. "I have met so many women who bear in their heart the scar of this agonizing and painful decision." When such a woman has repented and seeks absolution in the sacrament of confession, he said, "the forgiveness of God cannot be denied." Although church law generally requires a priest to have special permission, called faculties, from his bishop to grant absolution to a person who has procured or helped another to procure an abortion, the pope said he decided "to concede to all priests for the jubilee year the discretion to absolve of the sin of abortion those who have procured it and who, with contrite heart, seek forgiveness for it." Pope Francis urged priests to welcome to the sacrament women who have had an abortion, explain "the gravity of the sin committed" and indicate to them "a path of authentic conversion by which to obtain the true and generous forgiveness of the Father who renews all with his presence." Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, told reporters the pope's letter "highlights the wideness of God's mercy" and is "not in any way minimizing the gravity of the sin" of abortion. In his letter, Pope Francis also granted another exception to church rules out of concern for "those faithful who for various reasons choose to attend churches officiated by priests" belonging to the traditionalist Society of St Pius X. Although the society is no longer considered to be in schism and the excommunication of its bishops was lifted in 2009, questions remain over whether the sacraments they celebrate are valid and licit. The pope's decision was "taken with the faithful in mind" and is limited to the holy year, which runs through Nov. 20, 2016, Father Lombardi said. The spokesman also confirmed that the Vatican's contacts with leaders of the Society of St. Pius X have continued. Pope Francis wrote in his letter that he hoped "in the near future solutions may be found to recover full communion with the priests and superiors of the fraternity." Pope Francis' letter also explained expanded opportunities for obtaining the indulgences that are a normal part of the celebration of a holy year. An indulgence is the remission of the temporal punishment a person is due because of his or her sins. In a holy year, it is offered to pilgrims who cross the threshold of the Holy Door at the Vatican or in their local diocese, confess their sins, receive the Eucharist and pray for the pope's intentions. The celebration of God's mercy, he said, is "linked, first and foremost, to the sacrament of reconciliation and to the celebration of the holy Eucharist with a reflection on mercy. It will be necessary to accompany these celebrations with the profession of faith and with prayer for me and for the intentions that I bear in my heart for the good of the church and of the entire world." Those who are confined to their homes can obtain the indulgence by offering up their sickness and suffering, he said. Pope Francis also included special consideration for people who are incarcerated, touching on the Old Testament tradition of a jubilee year as a time for granting prisoners amnesty. Those who, "despite deserving punishment, have become conscious of the injustice they committed," may receive the indulgence with prayers and the reception of the sacraments in their prison chapel, he wrote. "May the gesture of directing their thought and prayer to the Father each time they cross the threshold of their cell signify for them their passage through the Holy Door, because the mercy of God is able to transform hearts, and is also able to transform bars into an experience of freedom," he wrote. http://www.catholicnews.com/service...pope-extends-possibilities-for-absolution.cfm
Pope Francis meets Israeli President in the Vatican 2015-09-03 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis met Israel’s President Reuven Rivlin in the Vatican on Thursday (3rd August) and held talks that focused on the situation in the Middle East and bilateral relations. A statement was issued afterwards by the Holy See’s Press Office which said that in addition to meeting Pope Francis, the Israeli Head of State also held talks afterwards with the (Vatican) Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, accompanied by the Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Gallagher. It said during the “cordial discussions” the two parties discussed “the political and social situation in the Middle East plagued by various conflicts, paying particular attention to the situation concerning Christians and other minority groups.” They also stressed “the importance of interreligious dialogue and the responsibility of religious leaders to promote reconciliation and peace.” The statement went on to say that the talks covered “the need and the urgency to promote a climate of trust between Israelis and Palestinians and to restart direct negotiations to reach an accord that respects the legitimate aspirations of the two Peoples, as a fundamental contribution to peace and stability in the region.” Finally, the statement also said that the two parties held discussions on “several questions concerning relations between the State of Israel and the Holy See and between the state authorities and the local Catholic community, and expressed the hope for a speedy conclusion of the Bilateral Accord that is currently being drawn up and for an appropriate solution to several questions of common interest including that regarding Christians schools in the nation.” (from Vatican Radio)
Pope Francis: Sowing divisions is a sickness in the Church http://vatican.com/news/frame.aspx?...francis-sowing-divisions-is-a-sickness-in-the (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis says sowing divisions and discord is a sickness within the Church and described a person who indulges in gossip as like a terrorist who throws bombs. His comments came during his homily at his Friday (4th September) Mass in the Santa Marta residence. Taking his inspiration from St Paul’s letter to the Colossians where the Apostle spoke of how Christ was sent by God to sow reconciliation and peace among humanity, Pope Francis’s homily was a reflection on the need to sow peace rather than discord in our daily lives. Do I sow peace or do I sow discord? He said without Jesus no peace or reconciliation is possible and our task is to be men and women of peace and reconciliation in the midst of news about war and hatred, even within families. “We’d do well to ask ourselves: Do I sow peace? For example, when I speak, do I sow peace or do I sow discord? How many times have we heard this said about a person: He or she has a serpent’s tongue! This is because that person is always doing what the serpent did with Adam and Eve, namely destroying peace. And this is an evil, this is a sickness within our Church: sowing divisions, sowing hatred, not sowing peace. So this is a question that we should ask ourselves every day: ‘Did I sow peace or did I sow discord today?” ‘But sometimes, we have to say things because he or she….’: But with an attitude like this, what are you sowing?” Who brings peace is a saint, who gossips is like a terrorist Christians, the Pope continued, are called therefore to be like Jesus who came among us to bring peace and reconciliation. “If a person during his or her life does nothing else but reconcile and bring peace that person can be canonized: that person is a saint. But we need to grow that way, we need to have a conversion: never a word that divides, never, never a word that brings war, small wars, never gossip. I’m thinking: what is gossip? Oh it’s nothing- just saying words against another person or telling tales: ‘This person did…’ No! Gossiping is like terrorism because the person who gossips is like a terrorist who throws a bomb and runs away, destroying: with their tongue they are destroying and not making peace. But this person is cunning, right? He is not a suicide bomber, no, no, he takes good care of himself.” Biting our tongue Pope Francis concluded his homily by repeating a suggestion for Christians to bite their tongues rather than indulge in malicious gossip. “Every day that I get the urge to say something that sows discord and division, to say bad things about another person… Bite your tongue! I can assure you. If you do this and bite your tongue instead of sowing discord, the first few times the wound will cause your tongue to swell because the devil helps us do this because that’s his work, his job: to divide.” Therefore, my final prayer: “Lord, you gave your life, give me the grace to bring peace and reconciliation. You shed your blood, but what does it matter to me if my tongue gets swollen if I bite it before speaking badly about other people.”
Pope to US: I want to draw close to your path and history 2015-09-05 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis told the people of the United States he wanted to "draw close to their path and history" during his upcoming visit to the United States. Pope Francis was speaking to three-groups around the country via satellite during a Virtual Audience which aired Friday evening on the television programme 20/20. The encounter was filmed on Monday, was moderated by ABC News. For one hour, Pope Francis spoke from the Vatican via satellite to people in an inner-city high school in Chicago, with homeless people in Los Angeles, and a border-community in McAllen, Texas. He was not making doctrinal statements, but acting as a pastor. In one example during the meeting, Ricardo Ortiz told the Holy Father he lost a scholarship to university, since he was not a US citizen. Due to an injury his father suffered, he became the breadwinner for his family. "We are all created for friendship in society. All of us bear responsibility for everyone else," Pope Francis said. "And each one has to make a choice in his or her heart. And we have to help that choice to be made in the heart. Escaping it through addiction, through violence, does not help. Only closeness and giving of myself, all that I have to give, the way you gave everything you could as a boy, when you supported your family. Don't forget that." Afterwards, Ricardo said Pope Francis is "really doing something to make a difference," . Pope Francis also spoke to Sister Norma Pimentel, the executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley. “I want to thank you, and through you to thank all the sisters of religious orders in the U.S. for the work that you have done and that you do in the United States," Pope Francis said. "It's great. I congratulate you. Be courageous. Move forward." But Pope Francis did not stop there. “I'll tell you one other thing," he added. "Is it inappropriate for the Pope to say this? I love you all very much.“ Pope Francis told the people of the United States what is important to him is "closeness," saying it is "difficult" for him not to be close people. "When I approach people, as I'm going to do with you, it's easier for me to understand them and help them along life's path," Pope Francis said. "That's why this trip is so important, for me to draw close to your path and your history.” (from Vatican Radio) (from Vatican Radio)
Pope asks all European parishes to take in a refugee family http://vatican.com/news/frame.aspx?...asks-all-european-parishes-to-take-in-a-refug (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has called on European parishes and religious communities to offer shelter to a migrant family. The Pope’s appeal came during the Sunday Angelus in St Peter’s Square. "Every parish, every religious community, every monastery, every sanctuary of Europe, take in one family" he said. And appealing for this gesture of solidarity, he said this solidarity would start right here in the Vatican where two parishes will take in a family of refugees in the coming days. The Pope said that as we witness the “tragedy of tens of thousands of refugees that flee death in conflict and hunger and are on a journey of hope, the Gospel calls us to be close to the smallest and those who have been abandoned”. And reminding the faithful of the upcoming Jubilee Year of Mercy, he said that offering shelter to the needy is a “concrete act in preparation” for the Holy Year. And turning specifically to European Bishops, the Pope asked them to support his appeal.
Pope Francis reforms Church law in marital nullity trials 2015-09-08 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis issued two Apostolic Lettersmotu proprio on Tuesday, by which he introduced reforms to the legal structures of the Church, which deal with questions of marital nullity. One of the Letters motu proprio, known by its Latin title, Mitis Iudex Dominus Iesus – or “The Lord Jesus, Clement Judge” – reforms the Code of Canon Law (CIC) governing the Latin Church, while the other, Mitis et misericors Iesus or “Clement and merciful Jesus” – reforms the Code of Canon Law for Oriental Churches (CCEO). According to the prefatory remarks attached to both Letters, the reforms are the result of an expert group appointed to study the current state of law and practice in the Church as far as marriage law is concerned. The Holy Father goes on in the preface to explain that the reforms are guided by seven specific criteria, ample excerpts of which Vatican Radio offers below in its own unofficial English translation: That there be only one sentence in favor of executive nullity – It appeared opportune, in the first place, that there no longer be required a twofold decision in favor of marital nullity, in order that the parties be admitted to new canonically valid marriages: the moral certainty reached by the first judge according to law should be sufficient. A single judge under the responsibility of the Bishop – The constitution of a single judge in the first instance, who shall always be a cleric, is placed under the responsibility of the Bishop, who, in the pastoral exercise of his own proper judicial power shall guarantee that no laxity be indulged in this matter. The Bishop is judge – In order that the teaching of the II Vatican Council be finally translated into practice in an area of great importance, the decision was made to make evident the fact that the Bishop is, in his Church – of which he is constituted pastor and head – is by that same constitution judge among the faithful entrusted to him. It is desired that, in Dioceses both great and small, the Bishop himself should offer a sign of the conversion of ecclesiastical structures, and not leave the judicial function completely delegated to the offices of the diocesan curia, as far as matters pertaining to marriage are concerned. Increased brevity in the legal process – In fact, beyond making the marriage annulment process more agile, a briefer form of trying nullity cases has been designed – in addition to the documentary process already approved and in use – which is to be applied in cases in which the accusation of marital nullity is supported by particularly evident arguments. In any case, the extent to which an abbreviated process of judgment might put the principle of the indissolubility of marriage at risk, did not escape me [writes Pope Francis – ed.]: thus, I have desired that, in such cases the Bishop himself shall be constituted judge, who, by force of his pastoral office is with Peter the greatest guarantor of Catholic unity in faith and in discipline. Appeal to the Metropolitcan See – It is fitting that the appeal to the Metropolitan See be re-introduced, since that office of headship of an Ecclesiastical province, stably in place through the centuries, is a distinctive sign of the synodality of the Church. The proper role of the Bishops’ Conferences – The Bishops’ Conferences, which must be driven above all by the anxious apostolic desire to reach the far-off faithful, should formally recognize the duty to share the aforesaid conversion, and respect absolutely the right of the Bishops to organize judicial power each within his own particular Church. There-establishment of vicinity between the judge and the faithful, in fact, shall not be successful if the stimulus does not come from the Conferences to the single Bishops, along with the necessary assistance, to put into practice the reform of the marital nullity process. Appeal to the Apostolic See – It is fitting that the appeal to the ordinary Tribunal of the Apostolic See, i.e. the Roman Rota, be maintained: this, in respect of a most ancient juridical principle, so that the bond between the See of Peter and the particular Churches be reinforced – having care, in any case, in the discipline of the use of said appeal, to contain any and all abuse of right, in order that the salvation of souls be given no cause for harm. Indeed, the prefatory remarks make clear from the very start, that the single most important principle guiding the Holy Father’s action and the work of reform undertaken, is that of salus animarum – the salvation of souls – which is the suprema Ecclesiae lex – the supreme law of the Church. (from Vatican Radio)
Pope Francis: families and churches must be open, welcoming 2015-09-09 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Wednesday continued his catechesis on the family, focusing his attention on the relation between the family and the Christian community. At his General Audience on Wednesday, Pope Francis noted that the bond between the family and the Christian community is a “natural” bond, because “the Church is a spiritual family, and the family is a little Church.” The Church, he continued, “is the home of those who believe in Jesus as the source of the brotherhood between all men.” The great events of worldly power “are written in the history books, and remain there, but the story of human affections is written directly on the heart of God, and that is the story that remains in eternity.” And this, he said, is why the family is so important. Jesus Himself, after living for thirty years in the midst of the family in Nazareth, gathered a community around Himself, which is the Church. And this family, the Pope said, is not an “exclusive, closed sect” but a welcoming family that includes not only the Apostles, but also the hungry and the thirsty, the stranger and the persecuted, sinners and Pharisees. For this reason, Pope Francis said, “it is indispensable to revitalize the covenant between the family and the Christian community.” He went on to say that the family and the parish are “the two places in which that community of love is realized which finds its ultimate source in God Himself.” The Holy Father said “a generous faith is needed to find the understanding and courage” needed to renew this covenant. Only through the grace of God will families and parishes be able to accomplish the “miracle” of shaping a more fraternal and humane world. Below, please find the English language summary of the Pope’s remarks at Wednesday’s General Audience: Dear Brothers and Sisters: In our continuing catechesis on the family, we reflect today on the connection between the family and the Christian community. The Church is the home of those who believe in Jesus Christ as the source of the unity of the entire human family. Christ chose to enter our history, to become part of a human family, and to form a community which welcomes all who wish to hear his good news of the Father’s love. There is a close bond, then, between the family and the Church. Families and parishes are the two places where we encounter, in every age, that communion of love which has its ultimate source in God. Just as our families are domestic churches, our parishes are called to be welcoming families. This “covenant” has to be renewed, with the courage and vision born of faith, so that these centres of love, evangelization, and solidarity can, with the help of God’s grace and despite all our limitations, work true miracles for the shaping of a more fraternal and humane world. (from Vatican Radio)
Pope Francis: A person who can’t forgive is not a Christian 2015-09-10 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis warned against conflicts within the Christian community and said priests who struggle to be merciful should not be hearing confessions. He also reiterated his condemnation of those who produce lethal arms to be used in wars and said Christians must forgive and show mercy in all that they do. The Pope’s remarks came during his homily at Mass on Thursday (10th September) celebrated at the Santa Marta residence. Mercy, peace and reconciliation as an antidote to war and hatred were the key themes focused on by Pope Francis during his homily. He asked whether we are always able to accept the gift of peace that we receive via Jesus and lamented the many wars, destruction, hatred and enmity that we see and read about every day on TV and in the newspapers. “There are also many men and women who work hard -- really hard – in order to manufacture lethal weapons, arms that eventually become bathed in the blood of so many innocent people, so many of them. There are wars (being waged)! There are these wars and there is also that wickedness of preparing for war, of making weapons (to be used) against other people in order to kill! Peace saves us, peace makes you live, it makes you grow: war annihilates you, it drags you down.” A person who can’t forgive is not a Christian Pope Francis went on to warn that wars can take other forms, saying they exist “within our Christian communities, between us.” He said the key word in today’s liturgy talks about forgiveness and we need to make peace among ourselves. “If you can’t forgive, you are not a Christian. You may be a good man, a good woman…. but you are not doing what our Lord did. What’s more, if you can’t forgive, you cannot receive the peace of the Lord. And every day when we pray the ‘Our Father:’ Forgive us as we have forgiven those…...It’s a condition. We are trying to ‘convince’ God that we’re good, that we’re good by forgiving: in reverse. (It’s just) words, right? As that beautiful song went: ‘Words, words, words,’ wasn’t it? I think it was (the Italian singer) Mina who sung it. Words! Forgive one another! Just as the Lord has forgiven us, you do likewise.” The Pope paid tribute to the many heroic men and women who patiently put up with so much hardship and injustice in order to support their families, describing them as the good people. But at the same time, he warned, there are also people who speak badly about others and make war that way. He said it was important to “understand other people, not condemn them.” Saying God is always merciful, Pope Francis stressed the need for priests to show mercy and forgiveness in the confessional box. “If you are a priest and you can’t manage to be merciful, tell your bishop who will give you a job in administration but please don’t go into the confessional box! A priest who is not merciful does a lot of harm in the confessional box! He beats people. ‘No, Father, I am merciful but I’m a bit stressed….? It’s true…. Before going to hear confessions, go to your doctor who will give you some pills to make you less stressed! But show mercy! And also show mercy among ourselves. ‘But this person did that…. What have I done?’ ‘That person is more of a sinner than me!’ Which of us can say that, that the other person is more of a sinner than me? None of us can say this! Only our Lord knows this.” The Pope urged all of us to show feelings of kindness, goodness and humility, saying this is the Christian style, rather than being arrogant or condemning or speaking badly about others. May the Lord, he concluded, give all of us the grace to provide support to others, to forgive and be merciful, just as our Lord is merciful with us. (from Vatican Radio)
Pope Francis to meet with Putin during UN visit http://www.wdef.com/news/world/stor...n-during-UN-visit/sz-bIaDfwUmJ16ELSljJkQ.cspx UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The Holy See's U.N. Mission says Pope Francis will speak in his native Spanish to world leaders and meet privately with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a whirlwind visit to the United Nations. Archbishop Bernardito Auza, the Vatican's apostolic nuncio and U.N. ambassador, said the Pope would likely touch on issues ranging from peace and economic development to the biggest refugee crisis since World War II in his General Assembly speech on Sept. 25. Auza told a news conference Wednesday that Francis' 2 1/2-hour visit to the U.N. on September 25 will be the fifth by a pope and the shortest. The pope will also speak to U.N. staff and meet privately with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the incoming and outgoing General Assembly presidents.
My immediate thought went to ,is this the catalyst for the Pope going to Russia for a visit ( as was prophecied at Garabandal,as a pre-Warning sign ). Hmmmm.
Glenn, I don't know much on Garabandal other than the times I read your posts ( no offence) but that's what came to my mind as well. We will see, with the LTTW prediction,maybe the Pope flees to Russia with Putin to escape....God only knows. Time will tell soon Im keeping an open mind right now
Im not saying this will happen. In LTTW concerning the Papal visit of this tri- fold event, some will ask how could this happen. Ive reflected on these words and thought, what if a so called Diplomat brought a dirty suitcase bomb into NY. They are free from any inspections under diplomatic immunity , so its a possible theory... God , please say NO!
Marriage – between a man and a woman – is under attack, Pope Francis says http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/n...oman-is-under-attack-pope-francis-says-47759/ Vatican City, Sep 10, 2015 / 12:26 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis told couples to defend God's design for the family as the union of a man and woman for the procreation of children, and urged them to be merciful to those whose marriages have failed. Today “the family – as God wants it, composed of a man and a woman for the good of the spouses and also the generation and education of children – is deformed by powerful contrary projects supported by ideological colonization,” the Pope said Sept. 10.
Papa Francis has said since RIO, a marriage is between a man and a women. No one listens. I have no worries about the Synods outcome with papa Francis. Others in Europe, well that's a different story.....sighhhh
"WHITE HOUSE INVITES OBAMA’S RELIGIOUS ALLIES TO RECEPTION WELCOMING POPE FRANCIS" http://www.breitbart.com/big-govern...s-allies-to-reception-welcoming-pope-francis/ GOD SAVE US & POPE FRANCIS FROM satan's useful idiots.
Pope Angelus: Jesus frees us from selfishness, sin and self 2015-09-13 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) In his Angelus address on Sunday from his studio above St Peter's Square, Pope Francis reflected on the Gospel reading from Mark in which Jesus asks the disciples "Who do people say I am?" The Pope recalled how they responded, saying that some people thought he was John the Baptist restored to life, others Elijah or one of the great prophets, but couldn’t quite believe he was the Messiah. The Holy Father noted how Jesus then asks a very important question "But who do you say that I am?" in order to test their faith. Jesus, said Pope Francis is impressed by the faith of Peter who says “you are the Christ”. But Jesus also rebukes Peter for thinking the way men think and not as God thinks when he tells the disciples "the Son of Man must suffer many things ... and be killed, and after three days rise again". For Peter, explained the Pope, these words are scandalous. The Holy Father also explained that in announcing that he must suffer and be put to death and then resurrected, Jesus wants to make it clear to those who follow him that as the Messiah he is a humble servant. What Jesus is also saying, said Pope Francis is that “anyone who wants to be his disciple must accept being a servant.” Following Jesus, continued the Pope, means taking up one’s own cross to accompany him on his journey, a path that ultimately leads to true freedom, freedom from selfishness and sin. The Holy Father also underlined that accompanying the Lord means rejecting the worldly mentality that puts the "self" at the centre of existence, instead following what is renewed and authentic. Then speaking to the young people present in St Peter’s Square, Pope Francis asked, “Have you felt the need to become closer to Jesus?” “Reflect and pray,” the Pope advised, and let the Lord speak to you. Following the recitation of the Marian prayer, the Holy Father remembered a new Blessed being proclaimed in South Africa. Samuel Benedict Daswa was a family man killed in 1990 because of his fidelity to the Gospel. Pope Francis said that in his life Daswa always showed “great consistency, courageously taking on Christian attitudes and refusing worldly and pagan habits. His testimony, the Pope added, helps especially families to spread the truth and charity of Christ.” (from Vatican Radio)
