Pope Francis: 'Ecclesiastical micro-climate' closes door to those outside 2014-11-17 In his Mass at Casa Santa Marta, Pope Francis warned against the temptation to create an "ecclesiastical micro-climate.” The Pope said that at times there is a closed environment where only chosen people can enter while those who are far can't come closer to God. POPE FRANCIS "These people on the margins could not reach the Lord, because this clique – with a the best of intentions, mind you – closed the door. This happens frequently, among us believers: when we have found the Lord, without our noticing it, we create this sort of ecclesiastical micro-climate . Not only the priests, the bishops, but the faithful, as well: ‘We’re the ones who are with the Lord,’ [we say to ourselves], though for all our looking on Him, we fail to see His needs.” Pope Francis noted that this attitude brings people far from God because they don't know how to recognize Him in others. He called on Christians to remember and reflect on those times when they felt far from God. EXCERPT OF THE POPE'S HOMILY (Source: Vatican Radio) "This [person on the margins] could not reach the Lord, because this clique – with a the best of intentions, mind you – closed the door. This happens frequently, among us believers: when we have found the Lord, without our noticing it, we create this sort of ecclesiastical micro-climate . Not only the priests, the bishops, but the faithful, as well: ‘We’re the ones who are with the Lord,’ [we say to ourselves], though for all our looking on Him, we fail to see His needs. We do not look to the Lord who is hungry, who is thirsty, who is in prison, who is in hospital – to the Lord, who is in the marginalized – and being [so closed off, so sealed up], does great harm.” "When in the Church, the faithful, ministers, become a group like this ... not ‘ecclesial’, but ‘ecclesiastical’, [enjoyng] the privilege of closeness to the Lord, they are tempted to forget their first love – a love so beautiful – one we all had when the Lord has called us, saved us, told us: ‘But I love you so much.’ This is a temptation all disciples have: to forget our first love, that is, to forget the [rough neighborhoods], where [we all came from], even though [we are now] ashamed of it.” "Let us ask the Lord for the grace that all of us who have received the grace of being called, never, never, never move away from this Church. Let us never enter into this micro-climate of the privileged ecclesiastical disciples, who turn away from the Church of God, which is suffering, asking for salvation, which calls for faith, which begs to hear God's Word. Let us ask the grace to be faithful to God, without asking the Lord for privileges, which separate us from God's people.” http://www.romereports.com/pg159137...micro-climate-closes-door-to-those-outside-en
Pope Francis at General Audience: All baptized people can be saints 2014-11-19 (ONLY VIDEO) Pope Francis explained during his General Audience that holiness is not a state reserved for bishops or religious. He said that it is a gift that is given by God and that all baptized people can be saints. SUMMARY OF THE POPE'S CATECHESIS: Dear Brothers and Sisters: In our catechesis on the Church, we now consider the universal call to holiness. Thanks to Baptism, each member of the Church shares in this vocation; every one of us is called to be a saint. Holiness is first and foremost God’s gift, and not our own achievement. Christ loved the Church, Saint Paul tells, and gave himself up for her, to make her holy (cf. Eph 5:26). In the communion of the Church, each of us has been sanctified by the grace of Baptism and is called to grow in this holiness. Whatever our state of life, we are called to live our daily lives and to fulfil our various responsibilities in prayerful union with the Lord and our brothers and sisters. Today let us ask ourselves how well we have responded to this call. By asking us to become holy in our daily lives, Christ is inviting us to experience in all things his own deep joy and to become a gift of love to all around us. Growing in holiness thus means becoming better persons, free of selfishness and self-absorption, and ever ready to place ourselves at the service of our brothers and sisters in the Church as "good stewards of God’s manifold grace” (1 Pet 4:10). I greet the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, including the various groups from England, Denmark, Japan and the United States of America. I thanks the choirs for their praise of God in song. Upon all of you, and your families, I invoke joy and peace in the Lord Jesus. God bless you all! http://www.romereports.com/pg159156...audience-all-baptized-people-can-be-saints-en
Pope Francis: Conversion is sincere when it reaches your 'pocket' 2014-11-18 In his homily at Casa Santa Marta, the Pope commented on the Gospel which recalls the conversion of Zacchaeus who gave back what he stole with interest. Pope Francis jokingly said that when conversion "reaches your pocket” it is sincere, but there are other types of Christians who should convert. An example are those who live for appearances. POPE FRANCIS "I have a good family, people do not gossip about me, I have everything I need, I married in church ...I am 'in the grace of God', I am alright. Appearances! Christians of appearance ... they are dead!” The Pope also warned against another type of behavior. That of a lukewarm Christian, who thinks everything is good because nothing is lacking. Those types, the Pope said, God spits out of his mouth. However, he continued, all can still convert and change. EXCERPTS FROM THE POPE'S HOMILY (Source: Vatican Radio) "Am I one of these Christians of appearances? Am I alive inside, do I have a spiritual life? Do I hear the Holy Spirit, do I listen to the Holy Spirit, do I move forward, or ...? But, if everything looks good, I have nothing to reproach myself about: I have a good family, people do not gossip about me, I have everything I need, I married in church ...I am 'in the grace of God', I am alright. Appearances! Christians of appearance ... they are dead! Instead [we must] seek something alive within ourselves, and with memory and vigilance, reinvigorate this so we can move forward. Convert: from appearances to reality. From being neither hot nor cold to fervor". "He was just like many leaders we know: corrupt. Those who, instead of serving the people, exploit the people to serve themselves. There are some like this, in the world. And people did not want him. Yes, he wasn’t lukewarm; He was not dead. He was in a state of putrefaction. He was corrupt. But he felt something inside: this healer, this prophet who people say speaks so well, I would like to see him, out of curiosity. The Holy Spirit is clever, eh! He sowed the seed of curiosity, and so in order to seem him this man even does something a little 'ridiculous. Think of an important leader, who is also corrupt, a leader of leaders – he was the chief - climb a tree to watch a procession: Just think of it. How ridiculous!”. "When conversion touches pockets, it's a certainty. Christians in heart? Yes, everyone is. Christians by blood? All of us. However, Christians with pockets, very few. But, conversion ... and here, it arrived straight away: the authentic word. He converted. But faced with this word, the words of the others, those who did not want conversion, who did not want to convert: 'Seeing this, they grumbled: 'He has gone to the house of a sinner!': He has dirtied himself, he has lost his purity. He must purify himself because he entered the house of a sinner". http://www.romereports.com/pg159147...on-is-sincere-when-it-reaches-your-pocket--en
Pope Francis calls for peace after series of Jerusalem attacks 2014-11-19 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has made a heartfelt plea to Israelis and Palestinians to put an end to the violence which has plagued Jerusalem and other parts of the Holy Land in recent weeks. His appeal follows an attack on a Jerusalem synagogue Tuesday in which 2 Palestinian men armed with a meat cleaver and a gun killed three U.S.-Israeli rabbis and a British-Israeli man. An Israeli policeman later died of his wounds. In remarks at the General Audience Wednesday, Pope Francis said, “I am following with concern the alarming increase in tension in Jerusalem and other parts of the Holy Land, with unacceptable episodes of violence that do not spare even the places of worship. I assure a special prayer for all the victims of this dramatic situation and for those who suffer most as a result. From the bottom of my heart, I make an appeal to the parties involved to put an end to the spiral of hatred and violence and to make courageous decisions for reconciliation and peace. Building peace is difficult, but living without peace is a torment!” http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-calls-for-peace-after-series-of-jerus
Pope at Audience: The universal call to holiness 2014-11-19 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) “Every state of life leads to holiness, always”, but only if we are open to the grace of God’s gift, said Pope Francis Wednesday speaking of the universal call to holiness of all baptized at his general audience. Below a Vatican Radio translation of the Holy Father’s catechesis: Dear brothers and sisters, good morning. A great gift of the Second Vatican Council was to have retrieved a vision of the Church founded on communion, and to have also embodied the principle of authority and hierarchy in this context. This has helped us to better understand that all Christians, as baptized, are equal in dignity before God and are united by vocation, which is to holiness (cf. Const. Lumen Gentium, 39-42). Now we ask: what does this universal call to holiness consist of? And how can we achieve it? 1. First, we must bear in mind that holiness is not something that we can procure for ourselves or obtain with our quality and our skills. Holiness is gifted to us by the Lord Jesus, when He takes us up with Him and clothes us in Himself, making us like Him. In the Letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul says that "Christ loved the Church, and gave Himself up for her, to make her holy"(Eph 5.25 to 26). There, holiness truly is the most beautiful face of the Church, the most beautiful face: it is rediscovering ourselves in communion with God, in the fullness of His life and His love. It is understandable, then, that holiness is not the prerogative of only a few: holiness is a gift that is offered to all, without exception, so that it constitutes the distinctive character of every Christian. 2. All of this helps us to realize that the call to holiness is not just for bishops, priests or religious ... No. We are all called to become saints! So often, we are tempted to think that holiness is granted only to those who have the opportunity to break away from the ordinary tasks, to devote themselves to prayer. But it is not so! Some people think that holiness is closing your eyes and putting on a pious face... No! That is not holiness! Holiness is something greater, more profound that God gifts us. Indeed, it is by living with love and offering Christian witness in our daily tasks that we are called to become saints. And everyone in the particular condition and state of life in which they find themselves. Are you consecrated? Be holy living your gift and your ministry with joy. Are you married? Be holy loving and taking care of your husband or your wife, as Christ did with the Church. Are you a baptized person who is not married? Be holy performing your work with honesty and competence and giving time to the service of others. "But, father, I work in a factory ... I work as an accountant, always with the numbers, I cannot be a saint there..." - "Yes, you can! There, where you work you can become a saint. God gives you the grace to become a saint. God communicates with you." Always and everywhere you can become a saint, that is, by being receptive to the grace that is working in us and leads us to holiness. Are you a parent or grandparent? Be holy by passionately teaching your children or grandchildren to know and follow Jesus. And this takes a lot of patience, to be a good parent, a good grandfather, a good mother, a good grandmother, it takes a lot of patience and this patience is the holiness exercising patience. Are you a catechist, educator or volunteer? Be holy by becoming a visible sign of God's love and His presence beside us. This is it: every state of life leads to holiness, always! At home, on the streets, at work, at church, in the moment and with the state of life that you have, a door is opened on the road to sainthood. Do not be discouraged to travel this road. God gives you the grace to do so. And this is all that the Lord asks, is that we are in communion with Him and serve others. If lived in communion with the Lord and in the service of others. 3. At this point, each of us can examine our conscience, we can do it now, everyone answering for himself, inside, in silence: So far how have we responded to God's call to holiness? But do I want to improve, to be a better Christian? This is the path to holiness. When the Lord calls us to be saints, he does not call us to something hard or sad... Not at all! It is an invitation to share His joy, to live and offer every moment of our lives with joy, at the same time making it a gift of love for the people around us. If we understand this, everything changes and takes on a new meaning, a beautiful meaning, to begin with the little everyday things. An example. A lady goes to the market to shop and meets another neighbor and starts talking and then comes the gossip and this lady says, "No, no, no I will not gossip about anyone." That's one step towards holiness, this helps you to become more holy. Then, at home, your son asks you to talk to him about his fantasies: "Oh, I'm so tired, I worked so hard today..." - "But sit down and listen to your son, he needs this." And you sit, you listen with patience... This is a step towards holiness. Then at end the day, we are all tired, but prayer... We must pray! That's one way to holiness. Then Sunday comes and you go to Mass and to take Communion, at times, a good confession that cleans us up a little. This is a step towards holiness. Then, Our Lady, so good, so beautiful, I take up the Rosary and pray. This is a step towards holiness. And so many steps towards holiness, little ones... Then I go down the street, I see a poor person, someone in need, I ask him, give him something, another step towards holiness. Small things are small steps toward holiness. And every step towards holiness will make us better people, free from selfishness and being closed in on ourselves, and open us up to our brothers and sisters and their needs. Dear friends, in the First Letter of Saint Peter we hear this exhortation: "As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace. Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of God; whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, (4.10 to 11). Here is the call to holiness! Accept it with joy, and let us support one another, because we do not travel the path to holiness by ourselves, no, each on their own, but together, that one body which is the Church, loved and made holy by the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us go forward with courage, on this path towards holiness. Thank you. After the catechesis Pope Francis made the following appeal: Friday, November 21, on the liturgical memorial of the Presentation of Mary in the Temple, we celebrate the Pro Orantibus, dedicated to cloistered religious communities. It is a good opportunity to thank the Lord for the gift of so many people who, in monasteries and hermitages, dedicate themselves to God in prayer and silent work, recognizing the primacy that only He deserves. We thank the Lord for the testimony of cloistered life. May they never lack our spiritual and material support to carry out this important mission. (from Vatican Radio) http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-at-audience-the-universal-call-to-holiness
Pope Francis explains that you don't have to be a bishop, priest or religious to be a saint 2014-11-19 The Pope went around St. Peter's Square and blessed many children. The most elegant of them all was this baby who was dressed up for the occasion. In his catechesis, Pope Francis reflected on what it means to be a saint. He said that it is not to do extraordinary things nor a conquest, but rather a gift from God. POPE FRANCIS "Some think that holiness is putting on a pious face. No, that is not holiness. Holiness is something much greater and more profound that God gives us. Moreover, it is living with love and giving a Christian witness in our daily lives where we are called to become saints. And each one of us in our own state in life.” The Pope explained that holiness is not only for those who can abandon their daily duties to pray and do acts of charity. He said that married people can become saints by loving and caring for their wives or husbands, working with honesty and dedication, as well as giving their time in the service of others. POPE FRANCIS "But father, if I work in a factory, or if I am an accountant...I can't be a saint. Yes! Yes! You can! You can become a saint there where you work. It is there where God gives you the grace to become a saint. God communicates with you. Always, in every place you can become a saint. You can open yourself to this grace that works within us and brings us to holiness.” The Pope said that holiness is a calling to which Christians respond in small steps in order to convert their lives into a joyful gift of service to others. POPE FRANCIS "A woman goes shopping at the supermarket and finds her neighbor. First, they begin to talk and then they start to gossip. And this woman says: 'No, no, I will not speak ill of someone.' And this is a step towards holiness, this helps you to become more holy. Then, at home, your son wants to speak to you about imaginative things: 'Oh, I am so tired, I worked so much today.' But sit down and listen to your son, he needs it. And listen to him with patience. This is one step towards holiness.” "And each step towards holiness will make us better people, free from selfishness and being closed in ourselves, open to our brothers and sisters and their needs.” In his address, the Pope also remembered the religious communities and cloistered religious. He said that Christians should thank God for them and invited Catholics to help them, both spiritually and materially. http://www.romereports.com/pg159162...a-bishop-priest-or-religious-to-be-a-saint-en
Pope appoints new president of the finance agency 2014-11-19 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Wednesday appointed René Brülhart as the new President of the Financial Information Authority. He is the first layperson to hold the job. Brülhart has served as the Director of the FIA since 2012. The FIA was established by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010, and is the competent authority of the Holy See and the Vatican City State for dealing financial intelligence and supervision. It oversees efforts to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism, and supervises all entities carrying out professionally financial activities at the Vatican. Under Brülhart’s directorship, the FIA has signed agreements with the financial intelligence units of several countries, including the U.S.A, Germany, and Italy. Cardinal Attilio Nicora served as the first President of the Authority until January of this year, when Bishop Giorgio Corbellini took over as interim-president. http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-appoints-new-president-of-the-finance-agency
Pope at Santa Marta: Jesus weeps 2014-11-20 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Jesus weeps today when the doors of our hearts, those of the pastors of the Church, are closed to His surprises not recognizing the One who brings peace said Pope Francis at Mass Thursday morning in Casa Santa Marta. Commenting on the Gospel of the Day, Pope Francis said Jesus weeps over Jerusalem because its people did not recognize the One who brings peace. He said the Lord weeps because of the “closure of heart" of His "chosen city, His chosen people. They had no time to open the door. They were too busy, too self-satisfied. And He continues to knock on doors as he knocked on the door of the heart of Jerusalem, at the gates of His brothers, His sisters; on our doors, the doors of our hearts, the doors of the Church. The people of Jerusalem were content with their way of life and did not need the Lord: they failed to realize that they needed salvation. This is why they had closed their heart before the Lord". "Jesus weeps” over Jerusalem - said the Pope – the same as He “weeps over His Church, over us today” "Why did Jerusalem not welcome the Lord? Because [the people] were content with what they had, and did not want any problems. But - as the Lord says in the Gospel - 'if you only knew, on this day, what brings you peace. You did not recognize the time of your visitation '. The city was afraid to be visited by the Lord; afraid of the gratuity of the Lord’s visit. The city felt safe in the knowledge of what it could handle. We all feel safe in the things that we can handle ... But the visit of the Lord, its surprises, those we cannot handle". And Pope Francis added: "Jerusalem was afraid of this: of being saved by the surprises of the Lord. The [people] were afraid of the Lord, their Bridegroom, their Beloved. And so Jesus wept. When God visits His people, He brings joy, He leads us to conversion. We all fear happiness – that joy that the Lord brings, because we cannot control it. We are afraid of conversion because conversion means allowing the Lord to lead us". "Jerusalem was content, happy - the Pope said - its temple worked. The priests made sacrifices, people came on pilgrimage, the teachers of the law had arranged everything, everything! Everything was clear! All the commandments were clear ... And with all of this Jerusalem had closed the door". The Cross, which was the "price of that refusal" - the Pope noted -, shows us the love of Jesus and what leads Him to "weep today - often - for His Church”. "I ask myself: today we Christians who know the faith, the catechism, who go to Mass every Sunday, we Christians, we pastors are we content with ourselves? Because we have organized everything and do not need new visits from the Lord ... And the Lord continues to knock on the door of each one of us and of His Church, the pastors of the Church. Yes, the door of our hearts, of the heart of the Church, of her pastors will not open: and the Lord weeps, even today". The Pope also urged people to examine their conscience, "Let us reflect on ourselves, as we are right now before God". http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-at-santa-marta-jesus-weeps
Pope Francis: Christian unity remains a priority for Catholics 2014-11-20 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) The search for full Christian unity remains a priority for the Catholic Church and it is one of the Pope’s principle daily concerns. That was the message that Pope Francis shared on Thursday with members of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity who are taking part in a plenary session in the Vatican this week. The meeting includes a public commemoration at the Gregorian University on Friday of the 50th anniversary of the Vatican II decree ‘Unitatis Redintegratio’. That document marked the start of a new era in the Catholic Church’s relations with Christians of all different denominations. Philippa Hitchen reports: Listen: In a letter given to participants during a meeting at Santa Marta, the Pope notes that the Vatican II teaching, contained in ‘Unitatis Redintegratio’, as well as the other two ecclesiological texts ‘Lumen Gentium’ and ‘Orientalium Ecclesiarum’ has been fully embraced. Earlier hostility and indifference that caused such deep wounds between Christians, the Pope says, have given way to a process of healing that allows us to welcome others as brothers and sisters, united in our common baptism. This changed mentality, he says, must penetrate ever more deeply into the theological teachings and pastoral practise of dioceses, institutes of consecrated life, associations and ecclesial movements. At the same time, he adds, this anniversary offers an opportunity to give thanks to God that we can now appreciate all that is good and true within the life of the different Christian communities. Pope Francis thanks all those who, over the past half century, have pioneered this process of reconciliation and he mentions the important role that ecumenical translations of the Bible have played in developing closer cooperation among Christians. But as we give thanks, the Pope says, we must also recognise continuing divisions and new ethical issues which are complicating our journey towards unity in Christ. Rather than being resigned to the difficulties, he says, we must continue to trust in God who plants seeds of love in the hearts of all Christians. Finally the Pope calls for a renewed commitment to spiritual ecumenism and to the rediscovery of shared Christian martyrdom. Spiritual ecumenism, he says, is that global network of communal moments of prayer, united gestures of charity and shared reflections on the web which circulate like oxygen, contributing to the growth of understanding, respect and mutual esteem. Ecumenism of the martyrs, he notes, continues today wherever our brothers and sisters sacrifice their lives for their faith, since those who persecute Christ’s followers make no distinction between the different Christian confessions. In my many encounters or correspondence with other Christians, Pope Francis concludes, I see a strong desire to walk and pray together, to know and love the Lord and to work together in the service of the weak and suffering. On this common journey, he says, I am convinced that, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can learn from each other and grow into the communion which already unites us. http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-christian-unity-remains-a-priority-fo
Pope's Mass: People will forgive a weak priest, but not a greedy one 2014-11-21 In his Friday morning Mass, Pope Francis reflected on the Gospel reading where Jesus pushes merchants from the Temple because they turned the house of prayer into a den of thieves. The Pope said, even nowadays, Christians make those same mistakes. POPE FRANCIS "When those who are in the Temple – be they priests, lay people, secretaries, who manage the ministry of the Temple...when they become business people the community is scandalized. And we are responsible for this. The laity is too! Everyone. Because if I see this happening in my parish, I need to have courage and tell it directly the pastor.” The Pope then added that there are two sins that a community cannot forgive. One is a priest who is obsessed with money. The other, a priest who disrespects people. He also explained that Salvation is free. SUMMARY OF POPE'S MASS (Source: Vatican Radio) "People will forgive a weak priest or pastoral minister, but they will not forgive a greedy one or one who mistreats people, said Pope Francis at Mass Friday morning as he marked the feast of Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary with a prayer that she help us keep the Lord's Temple clean. Basing his homily on the Gospel of the Day in which Jesus drives the merchants from the Temple because they had turned the house of prayer into a den of thieves, Pope Francis said in doing so Jesus was purifying the Temple of God because it had been profaned and with it the People of God. The Temple had been defiled with the gravest of sins: scandal. "People are good – continued Pope Francis- people went to the Temple and did not look at these things, they sought God and prayed ... but they had to change their money into coins to make offers". The people of God did not go to the Temple for these people, for those who were selling things, they went because it was the Temple of God" and "there was corruption that scandalized the people". Pope Francis recalled the biblical story of Anna, a humble woman, mother of Samuel, who goes to the temple to ask for the grace of a child: "she whispered her prayers silently" while the priest and his two sons were corrupt, they exploited the pilgrims, they scandalized the people. "I think of how our attitude can scandalize people - said Pope Francis – with unpriestly habits in the Temple: the scandal of doing business, the scandal of worldliness ... How often when we enter a church do we see – even today – do we see a price list hanging there "for baptism, blessings, Mass intentions". And people are scandalized". http://www.romereports.com/pg159217...forgive-a-weak-priest-but-not-a-greedy-one-en
Pope's gifts to be raffled for charity 2014-11-22 Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis has received all kinds of gifts. Now, those gifts will be auctioned off in a charity raffle. Many people are interested in getting a chance to win. "I pick the hat.” "Anything, Anything just to keep it as a souvenir, and say that I have something from the Pope.” "Well, I think I'd choose the car. It's the obvious choice." The drawing will be held on January 8th and the proceeds will go to the homeless in Rome. Tickets will be sold in stores, pharmacies and Vatican postal offices open to the public. "I think it sounds wonderful. I think it sounds like a good way to give back all the generosity that people have given towards him.” "I think it's a great thing to do. Just judging from today, he has to get a lot of gifts and they just have to sit there. So this is a good way to give back to the community and use the gifts that he's been given.” With the recent announcement that showers will be installed around the Vatican for the poor, the raffle will add to the Pope's efforts to those most in need. "I find it nice that he can have some money back so he can organize things for people who need them.” Aside from helping out a good cause, winners can say they own a gift that once belonged to Pope Francis. http://www.romereports.com/pg159191-pope-s-gifts-to-be-raffled-for-charity-en
Pope Francis on immigrants: For Christians, “no one is a stranger” 2014-11-21 The Pope said that migrants do not pose a threat to society, but instead contribute to the countries that receive them. Speaking to participants of the World Congress for the Pastoral Care of Migrants, the Pope stressed that all people have a right to improve their lives. For this reason, he said immigration is a doorway to hope for many people who lack opportunities in their country of origin. POPE FRANCIS "Above all in areas of the world in difficulty, where the lack of work prevents individuals and their families from achieving a dignified life, there is a strong drive to seek a better future wherever that may be, even at the risk of disappointment and failure. This is caused in great part by the economic cri Pope Francis said that for the Church "no one is a stranger”. He explained that people's dignity does not hinge on their religion, ethnicity, or their productive capacity. Concluding his address, the Pope said that migrants are "a reminder of the need to eradicate inequality, injustice and abuses.” http://www.romereports.com/pg159220...ants-for-christians-oeno-one-is-a-stranger-en
Pope at Santa Marta: Keeping God’s Temple clean 2014-11-21 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) People will forgive a weak priest or pastoral minister, but they will not forgive a greedy one or one who mistreats people, said Pope Francis at Mass Friday morning as he marked the feast of Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary with a prayer that she help us keep the Lord's Temple clean. Basing his homily on the Gospel of the Day in which Jesus drives the merchants from the Temple because they had turned the house of prayer into a den of thieves, Pope Francis said in doing so Jesus was purifying the Temple of God because it had been profaned and with it the People of God. The Temple had been defiled with the gravest of sins: scandal. "People are good – continued Pope Francis- people went to the Temple and did not look at these things, they sought God and prayed ... but they had to change their money into coins to make offers". The people of God did not go to the Temple for these people, for those who were selling things, they went because it was the Temple of God" and "there was corruption that scandalized the people". Pope Francis recalled the biblical story of Anna, a humble woman, mother of Samuel, who goes to the temple to ask for the grace of a child: "she whispered her prayers silently" while the priest and his two sons were corrupt, they exploited the pilgrims, they scandalized the people. “I think of how our attitude can scandalize people - said Pope Francis – with unpriestly habits in the Temple: the scandal of doing business, the scandal of worldliness ... How often when we enter a church do we see – even today – do we see a price list hanging there "for baptism, blessings, Mass intentions". And people are scandalized". "Once, as a newly ordained priest, I was with a group of college students and one couple wanted to get married. They went to a parish, but they wanted a wedding ceremony with the Mass. And, the parish secretary there said: 'No, no, you cannot' - 'Why can’t we have a Mass? If the Council always recommends people to have a ceremony with the Mass ... '-' No, you cannot, because it can’t last more than 20 minutes'-' But why? '-'Because there are other slots [in the timetable for ceremonies]'-'But, we want the Mass! '-' So you will have to pay for two slots! '. So in order to have a wedding ceremony with the Mass had to pay two slots. This is the sin of scandal". The Pope added: "We know what Jesus says to those who are the cause of scandal: 'Better to be thrown into the sea'". "When those who are in the Temple – be they priests, lay people, secretaries, but who manage the Temple, who ministry of the Temple - become businessmen, people are scandalized. And we are responsible for this. The laity too! Everyone. Because if I see this in my parish, I have to have the courage to say these things to the parish priest. And the people are scandalized. It is interesting: the people of God can forgive their priests, when they are weak; when they slip on a sin ... the people know how to forgive them. But there are two things that the people of God cannot forgive: a priest attached to money and a priest who mistreats people. This they cannot forgive! It is scandalous when the Temple, the House of God, becomes a place of business, as in the case of that wedding: the church was being rented out”. Jesus "is not angry" - said the Pope - "it is the Wrath of God, zeal for the House of God" because you cannot serve two masters, "either you worship the living God, or your worship money". "Why does Jesus have an issue with money? Because redemption is free; it is God’s free gift, He comes to brings us the all-encompassing gratuity of God’s love. So when the Church or churches start doing business, then it is said that ….salvation is not so free…This is why Jesus takes the whip to hand to carry out this act of the purification of the Temple. Today the Liturgy celebrates the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin in the Temple: as a young girl ... A simple woman, like Anna, and in that moment the Blessed Virgin Mary enters. May she teach all of us, pastors and those who have pastoral responsibility, to keep the Temple clean, to receive with love those who come, as if each one were the Blessed Virgin”. http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-at-santa-marta-keeping-gods-temple-clean
Pope, creating six new saints, uses newly abbreviated formula By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Using a newly simplified rite, Pope Francis proclaimed six new saints and praised them for the love and self-giving with which they served God and built up his kingdom by serving the poor and needy. Creating the two Indian and four Italian saints Nov. 23, the feast of Christ the King, the pope said, "They responded with extraordinary creativity to the commandment of love of God and neighbor," dedicating themselves, "without holding back, to serving the least and assisting the destitute, sick, elderly and pilgrims." Pope Francis leaves after celebrating the canonization Mass of six news saints in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Nov. 23. New saints pictured in banners are: Kuriakose Elias Chavara, the Indian founder of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate, a Syro-Malabar Catholic order ; Nicholas of Longobardi, an Italian friar of the Minim order; and Amato Ronconi, a 13th-century Italian lay Franciscan and founder of a hospice for the poor, which is now a home for the elderly in Rimini, Italy. (CNS/Paul Haring) The Mass in a St. Peter's Square still damp from an early morning rain began with the canonizations using an even briefer formula than what had become standard with St. John Paul II. The formula had been expanded by now-retired Pope Benedict XVI in 2012. The new rite did away with the three "petitions" used by Pope Benedict; the cardinal prefect of the Congregation for Saints' Causes would ask the pope three times to canonize candidates and the pope would respond by asking God to "sustain with his grace" the act of canonization and not allow the church to err in such an important matter. In response to the third petition, the pope would recite the formula for canonization. Instead Nov. 22 Cardinal Angelo Amato, congregation prefect, requested Pope Francis canonize the six candidates and the pope responded by introducing a litany of the saints, praying that through their intercession God would "sustain with his grace the act which we now solemnly undertake." After singing the litany, Pope Francis read the canonization formula, proclaim the new saints: -- Kuriakose Elias Chavara, the Indian founder of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate, a Syro-Malabar Catholic order. Born in 1805, he died in 1871. -- Euphrasia Eluvathingal, a member of the Carmelites founded by St. Chavara. She lived 1877-1952. -- Nicholas of Longobardi, an Italian friar of the Minim order, who lived 1650-1709. -- Giovanni Antonio Farina, an Italian bishop of Vicenza and the founder of the Teaching Sisters of St. Dorothy. He died in 1888. -- Ludovico of Casoria, the 19th-century Italian founder of the Grey Franciscan Friars of Charity and the Grey Franciscan Sisters of St. Elizabeth. -- Amato Ronconi, a 13th-century Italian lay Franciscan and founder of a hospice for the poor, which is now a home for the elderly in Rimini, Italy. In his homily at the Mass, Pope Francis focused on the feast of Christ the King and the description in the day's first reading (Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17) of how God shepherds his people. "These verses," the pope said, "are interwoven with verbs which show the care and love that the shepherd has for his flock: to search, to look over, to gather the dispersed, to lead into pasture, to bring to rest, to seek the lost sheep, to lead back the confused, to bandage the wounded, to heal the sick, to take care of, to pasture." The Old Testament description is "fulfilled in Jesus Christ," he said, and those who minister in Christ's name -- the pope, the bishops and priests -- must follow his example "if do not want to become hirelings. In this regard the People of God have an unerring sense for recognizing good shepherds and in distinguishing them from hirelings." Thousands of Catholics from India, especially from Kerala, traveled to the Vatican to celebrate St. Chavara and St. Eluvathingal. Meeting the pilgrims briefly Nov. 24, Pope Francis said the two Indians "remind each of us that God's love is the source and the goal and the support of all holiness, while love of neighbor is the clearest demonstration of love for the Lord." END http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1404888.htm
Pope at Santa Marta: The Church shouldn't shine it's own light, but that of Christ 2014-11-24 In his homily at Casa Santa Marta, the Pope said that the Church must be poor and humble, like the widow in the parable who gave everything she had. He explained that the Church must not shine its own light, but that of Christ. POPE FRANCIS "Everything we do in the Church is to help us in this, to help us receive that light. Service without this light is no good: it makes the Church rich, or powerful, or makes the Church seek power, or take the wrong road, as has happened many times in history. Just like what happens in our lives, when we want to have another light, which is not exactly that of the Lord, when we seek our own light". The Pope added that the times when the Church shined with its own light, it always failed. However, upon recognizing its faults, the Church can remain faithful. EXCERPT OF THE POPE'S HOMILY (Source: Vatican Radio) "I like to see the Church in this figure, the Church which is, in a sense, a widow, because she waiting for her Bridegroom who will return ... But she has her Bridegroom in the Eucharist, in the Word of God, in the poor, yes: but she is still waiting for his return. This is the attitude of the Church... This widow was not important, the widow’s name did not appear in the newspapers. No one knew her. She had no university degrees... nothing. Nothing. She didn’t shine of her own light. This is what makes me see the Church in the figure of this woman. The Church must not shine on her own light, but the light that comes from her Bridegroom. That comes right from her Bridegroom. And over the centuries, when the Church wanted to have her own light, she was wrong”. "Everything we do in the Church is to help us in this, to help us receive that light. Service without this light is no good: it makes the Church rich, or powerful, or makes the Church seek power, or take the wrong road, as has happened many times in history, as happens in our lives, when we want to have another light, which is not exactly that of the Lord: a light of our own". "When the Church is humble, when the Church is poor, even when the Church confesses her wretchedness – we all experience this – then the Church is faithful. The Church says: ‘I am dark, but my light comes from there!' This does us all good. Let us pray to this widow who is certainly in Heaven, to teach us to be the Church like this, giving everything we have in life: leaving nothing for us. Everything for the Lord and for others. Humble. Without boasting of having our own light, always seeking the light that comes from the Lord". http://www.romereports.com/pg159235...-t-shine-it-s-own-light-but-that-of-christ-en
Pope to Egypt's President: Dialogue is key to stop violence in the Middle East 2014-11-24 With camera flashes clicking away, Pope Francis welcomed Egypt's president to the Vatican. The visit is significant for several reasons. In addition to the country's political transition, it's the first time in eight years, that an Egyptian leader, in that political rank, visits the Vatican. President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, took office six months ago, back in June 2014. In fact, he led the movement that ousted former president Mohamed Morsi from power. In their meeting, both leaders talked about religious freedom. This very topic sparked tension back in 2011, between Egypt and the Holy See, when Benedict XVI said the government wasn't doing enough to protect the Christian minority in the country. Egypt has a population of roughly 80 million people, 90 percent is Muslim. About 6 to 9 percent is Christian. Both leaders also addressed the role Egypt can play in helping off set the instability and violence in the Middle East and North Africa, especially through dialogue. Afterwards, the president introduced his team to the Pope. One made it a point to greet him in Spanish. "Hello. It's a pleasure to meet you.” As a gift, the president gave the Pope a metal box. The Pope in turn, gave the president an engraved medallion. Even though the relationship between both states has been shaky in the last few years, it's said that Egypt's president wants to reinforce its ties with the Holy See. http://www.romereports.com/pg159239...is-key-to-stop-violence-in-the-middle-east-en
Pope to European Parliament: Build a Europe that revolves around people, not the economy 2014-11-25 The Pope had some strong words for Europe's most important assembly: The European Parliament. In his speech, he urged politicians and institutions to leave aside counterproductive bureaucratic models and instead to re-engage in the goal founders of the European Union had when they envisioned a future based on cooperation and fostering peace. POPE FRANCIS "At the heart of this ambitious political project is confidence in people, not so much as a citizen or an economic agent, but in people, men and women who are endowed with transcendent dignity.” Dignity was a theme he highlighted many times. Offenses against dignity come in many forms, he explained, from not being able to express one's faith publicly, to gender discrimination, unemployment and a lack of food. It's transcendent human dignity, he added, because it trumps all other possible interests. POPE FRANCIS "I would like to reaffirm the centrality of the human person, which otherwise is at the mercy of the whims and the powers of the moment.” As representatives of 28 countries, Pope Francis also reminded them, of the effects their decisions have and of their responsibility to serve and protect democracy. POPE FRANCIS "Keeping democracies alive is a challenge in the present historic moment. The true strength of our democracies, understood as expressions of the political will of the people, must not be allowed to collapse under the pressure of multinational interests which are not universal, which weaken them and turn them into uniform systems of economic power at the service of unseen empires. This is one of the challenges which history sets before you today.” The Pope then called on them to build and not just to manage. Recognizing human dignity isn't enough, he explained. They must take it a step further and promote family life, education, care for the environment and attention to immigration. POPE FRANCIS "Dear Members of the European Parliament, the time has come to work together in building a Europe which revolves not around the economy, but around the sacredness of the human person, around inalienable values.” At the end of his speech, the Parliament, which includes 751 legislators and who represent more than 500 million Europeans, gave the Pope this standing ovation. POPE' SPEECH http://www.romereports.com/pg159246...hat-revolves-around-people-not-the-economy-en
Pope prays to Mary ahead of Apostolic Voyage to Strasbourg 20 66 Print 2014-11-25 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) As has become customary, Pope Francis visited the Basilica of Saint Mary Major on the eve of his Apostolic Voyage to Strasbourg. The Holy Father visited the Basilica around 17:30 Monday evening, where he paused in prayer before the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title “Salus Populi Romani.” A statement from the Holy See Press Office said Pope Francis spent approximately half an hour in prayer, asking for Mary’ intercession for the success of his visit to the European Parliament and the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. Following his prayer, the Holy Father offered http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-prays-to-mary-ahead-of-apostolic-voyage-to-st
Pope's General Audience: What's Eternal Life all about? 2014-11-26 (-ONLY VIDEO-) In his weekly general audience, Pope Francis talked about Eternal Life. He explained that the distinction will not be based on the living or the dead, bur rather on who is in Christ and who is not. He then added that the Church is constantly growing and journeying towards the Kingdom of Heaven. SUMMARY OF THE POPE'S CATECHESIS Dear Brothers and Sisters: The Second Vatican Council reminded us that the Church is not an end in herself, but that she is continually journeying through history to the kingdom of heaven, of which the Church on earth is the seed and beginning. This journey will reach its fulfillment in the end times, when the universe will be transformed and we will be fully enveloped by joy, peace and the love of God in the new heavenly Jerusalem. Even now we experience a communion between the Church on earth and the Church in heaven through our union with those who have died. The souls in heaven assist us with their prayers, while we assist the souls in purgatory through our good works, prayer and participation in the Eucharist. As members of the Church then, the distinction is not between who has died and who is living, but rather who is in Christ and who is not. Saint Paul tells us further that it is not only humanity which will be liberated from corruption, but the whole of creation. All things will be brought into the fullness of being, truth and beauty. This is God’s design for us and the Church’s vocation. Let us ask Mary, Mother of the Church, to watch over us on our way and to help us be a joyful sign of faith and hope among our brothers and sisters. I offer an affectionate greeting to all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors present at today’s Audience, including those from England, Kenya, Nigeria, Canada and the United States. May your stay in the Eternal City confirm you in love for our Lord and his Church. May God bless you all! http://www.romereports.com/pg159256-pope-s-general-audience-what-s-eternal-life-all-about--en
Pope Francis at General Audience: “We will all meet in Heaven” 2014-11-26 It was a damp, cold morning in Rome. Many umbrellas and brightly colored ponchos could be seen as the popemobile circled around St. Peter's Square. Before beginning his catechesis, the Pope gave an encouraging word to the pilgrims. POPE FRANCIS "It's kind of an ugly day, huh? But you are courageous. Congratulations!” Pope Francis explained that the Church is on a path towards the Kingdom of Heaven, a seed that has been in the Earth. He also said that after death, Christians will come face to face with God. POPE FRANCIS "It is beautiful to think of this, to think of Heaven. And we will all meet there. All of us, All of us...Up there...all of us.” In the Church, the Pope continued, there exists a communion among living Christians and those who have passed away. He concluded that they help one another through prayer. During his greeting, Pope Francis reminded the pilgrims of his upcoming trip to Turkey. POPE FRANCIS "I invite all of you to pray so that this visit of Peter to his brother Andrew may bear fruits of peace, sincere dialogue among religions and harmony in the Turkish nation.” The Pope also greeted Christians from the Middle East. He said that God transforms the world with his forgiveness. http://www.romereports.com/pg159258-pope-francis-at-general-audience-oewe-will-all-meet-in-heaven-en
