Pope Francis: Europe is like a poplar tree that needs nourishment 16 37 Print 2014-11-26 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Tuesday told European leaders that the development of today’s societies and their peaceful coexistence require constant reflection on the tenets that form the basis of Europe: human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Like a tree, Europe also needs care and nourishment for healthy growth. In a wide-ranging speech to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, Pope Francis also urged Europe’s leaders to strive for creative solutions to divisions and tensions for a peaceful continent. The Pope’s remarks came shortly after his first speech of the day, to the European Parliament. Tracey McClure reports: The Council of Europe was established in 1949, on the heels of two world wars, with the dream, the Pope recalled, for unity and “to rebuild Europe in a spirit of mutual service which today too, in a world prone to make demands than to serve, must be the cornerstone of the Council of Europe’s mission on behalf of peace, freedom and human dignity.” The key to avoiding a repetition of what happened in the wars of the last century, Pope Francis said, is “to see others not as enemies to be opposed but as brothers and sisters to be embraced.” Peace, he added, must be “continually attained” and requires “constant vigilance.” “Achieving peace first calls for educating to peace, banishing a culture of conflict aimed at fear of others, marginalizing those who think or live differently than ourselves.” The Pope observed that “a great toll of suffering and death is still being exacted on this continent, which yearns for peace yet so easily falls back in to the temptations of the past.” He encouraged the Council of Europe to continue its efforts to seek a political solution to the current crisis. Peace, the Pope stressed, is also tested by other forms of conflict such as religious and international terrorism, which show a disdain for human life. Terrorism, he added, is “bankrolled by a frequently unchecked traffic in weapons” and the “arms race is one of the greatest curses on the human race.” The Pope also lamented the “new slavery of our age,” or human trafficking, as yet another interconnected phenomenon affecting peace. While the European Parliament acts as the EU’s legislative body, the Council of Europe acts in an advisory capacity. Its 47 member states, representing 820 million citizens, commit to common initiatives and conventions on social, justice and other issues such as combatting human trafficking. It’s also home to the European Court of Human Rights which the Pope described as in some way representing the “conscience of Europe.” He said he hoped “this conscience will continue to mature…as the result of efforts to build on those deep roots which are the bases on which the founders of contemporary Europe determined to build.” In fact, in his speech, the Pope likened Europe to a poplar tree: its branches reaching up to the sky, its trunk firmly rooted in the earth. Historically, Europe has reached for the heights in an insatiable thirst for knowledge, progress, peace and unity, Pope Francis said. But the advance of thought, culture and scientific discovery, the Pope stressed, is entirely due to the solidity of the trunk and the depth of the roots which nourish it. Once the roots are lost, the trunk withers and the branches fall to earth and the tree dies. Europe’s roots need to be “sought, found and maintained by a daily exercise of memory, for they represent the genetic patrimony of Europe,” said the Pope, and “continual creativity” is needed to ensure that “the roots continue to bear fruit” to face the challenges of today. As Europe struggles to find answers to the challenges of a “multipolar” society made up of “multiple cultural, religious and political poles,” the Pope warned against “pretensions to power which, while appearing from a pragmatic standpoint to make things easier, end up destroying the cultural and religious distinctiveness of peoples.” He applauded the Council of Europe’s efforts in the area of intercultural and interfaith dialogue and said such initiatives “appear particularly important” for finding the right harmony between “the European identity forged over the course of centuries” and “the expectations and aspirations of other peoples who are now making their appearance on the continent.” Another challenge to Europe, the Pope observed, is what he called its “transversality.” And here, he spoke of his own experience from meeting political leaders: younger politicians, he said, view reality differently than their older colleagues – and this sort of transversality is found in every sector. The answer to this challenge, the Pope noted, is “intergenerational dialogue” and “a Europe which can only dialogue with limited groups stops halfway: it needs that youthful spirit which can rise to the challenge of transversality.” Today, society is at risk of an “individualistic conception of rights” the Pope asserted, which leads to a “lack of concern for others and favours that globalization of indifference born of selfishness.” “This cuts off the nourishing roots on which the tree grows,” he added, and leads to “the cult of opulence reflected in the throwaway culture all around us.” “We have a surfeit of unnecessary things, but we no longer have the capacity to build authentic human relationships.” Europe today, the Pope observed, appears “hurt,” “a bit tired” and “pessimistic” by its past ordeals but also by its present crises and “the winds of change coming from other continents” and “which it no longer seems capable of facing with its former vitality and energy.” “Europe should reflect on whether its immense human, artistic, technical, social, political, economic and religious patrimony is simply an artefact of the past or whether it is still capable of inspiring culture and displaying it treasures” to all mankind. The Council of Europe, he noted, can play a key role here. Christianity can contribute to the cultural and social development of Europe today, the Pope asserted, “within the context of a correct relationship between religion and society.” “In the Christian vision, faith and reason, religion and society are called to enlighten and support one another, and whenever necessary, to purify one another from ideological extremes,” said the Pope. “European society as a whole cannot fail to benefit from a renewed interplay between these two sectors, whether to confront a form of religious fundamentalism which is above all inimical to God, or to remedy a reductive rationality which does no honour to man.” The Catholic Church, he stressed, can cooperate through its institutions with the Council of Europe “for mutual enrichment,” particularly in the area of human rights and the protection of human life. The Holy See, the Pope concluded, “intends to continue its cooperation with the Council of Europe which today plays a fundamental role in shaping the mentality of future generations of Europeans. “This calls for mutual engagement in a far-ranging reflection aimed at creating a sort of new agorà in which all civic and religious groups can enter into free exchange…an exchange inspired purely by the desire of truth and the advancement of the common good.” “My hope is that Europe, by rediscovering the legacy of its history and the depth of its roots, and by embracing its lively multipolarity and the phenomenon of a transversality in dialogue, will rediscover that youthfulness of spirit which has made this continent fruitful and great.” (from Vatican Radio) http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-europe-is-like-a-poplar-tree-that-nee
The 14 Papal phrases that triggered applause in the European Parliament 2014-11-26 (ONLY VIDEO) As the Pope addressed the European Parliament, legislators broke out in applause a total of 14 times. These were the phrases that triggered such a reaction. 1.- HUMAN DIGNITY "What dignity can a person ever hope to find when he or she lacks food and the bare essentials for survival and, worse yet, when they lack the work which confers dignity?” 2.- LIFESTYLES "Together with this, we encounter certain rather selfish lifestyles, marked by an opulence which is no longer sustainable and frequently indifferent to the world around us, and especially to the poorest of the poor.” 3.-LIFE "Men and women risk being reduced to mere cogs in a machine that treats them as items of consumption to be exploited, with the result that – as is so tragically apparent – whenever a human life no longer proves useful for that machine, it is discarded with few qualms, as in the case of the terminally ill, the elderly who are abandoned and uncared for, and children who are killed in the womb”. 4.- RELIGION AND VIOLENCE "I am likewise convinced that a Europe which is capable of appreciating its religious roots and of grasping their fruitfulness and potential, will be all the more immune to the many forms of extremism spreading in the world today, not least as a result of the great vacuum of ideals which we are currently witnessing in the West, since "it is precisely man’s forgetfulness of God, and his failure to give him glory, which gives rise to violence.” 5.- RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION AND SILENCE "Communities and individuals today find themselves subjected to barbaric acts of violence: they are evicted from their homes and native lands, sold as slaves, killed, beheaded, crucified or burned alive, under the shameful and complicit silence of so many.” 6.- OUTSIDE INFLUENCES "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.” 7.- FAMILY "The family, united, fruitful and indissoluble, possesses the elements fundamental for fostering hope in the future.” 8.- ENVIRONMENT "We need only think, for example, of alternative sources of energy, the development of which will assist in the protection of the environment.” 9.- HUNGER "It is intolerable that millions of people around the world are dying of hunger while tons of food are discarded each day from our tables.” 10.- EMPLOYMENT "The time has come to promote policies which create employment, but above all there is a need to restore dignity to labor by ensuring proper working conditions.” 11.- IMMIGRANTS "We cannot allow the Mediterranean to become a vast cemetery!” 12.- IMMIGRATION POLICIES "We need to take action against the causes and not only the effects.” 13.- PEOPLE AT THE CENTER "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.” 14.- STANDING OVATION "The time has come for us to abandon the idea of a Europe which is fearful and self-absorbed, in order to revive and encourage a Europe of leadership, a repository of science, art, music, human values and faith as well. A Europe which contemplates the heavens and pursues lofty ideals. A Europe which cares for, defends and protects man, every man and woman. A Europe which bestrides the earth surely and securely, a precious point of reference for all humanity! Thank you!” http://www.romereports.com/pg159264...gered-applause-in-the-european-parliament--en
Pope meets with the press, on his flight back to Rome 2014-11-26 After a quick visit to Strasbourg, where he addressed the European Parliament and the Council of Europe, Pope Francis decided to hold a press conference on his way back to Rome. In light of the message of his speech, he was asked if he considers himself a so called 'social democrat.' POPE FRANCIS "I would not dare to define myself as belonging to one side or another. I dare say that this comes from the Gospel: this is the message of the Gospel, taken up by the social doctrine of the Churc In another question, he shared that he feels a strong devotion towards St. Joseph, adding that whenever he prays to him, his prayers are answered. Things took a more serious turn, when he was asked about a sexual abuse investigation taking place in Granada, Spain. The victim wrote a letter to the Pope, sharing that he had been abused by priests as a teenagers. And the priests, he said, were still active in the parish. POPE FRANCIS "I received the news. [The letter] was sent to me, I read it, I called the person and I said, 'Tomorrow you must go to the bishop'. I wrote to the bishop asking him to get things going, to start the investigation and move forward. How did I receive the news? With great pain, with great sadness. But the truth is the truth, and we cannot hide it.” He was then asked if he still feels like the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, in his native Argentina. The Pope said, it's now part of his past and of his fond memories. When it comes to Europe, he said he's worried, adding that politicians from the Old Continent can learn a lot from younger generations. POPE FRANCIS "I've seen this, when I speak to young politicians in the Vatican, from different parties and countries. They speak with to a different tune that leads towards transversality. This is very valuable! They are not afraid of reaching beyond and engaging in dialogue, while still staying true to themselves. They're brave! I think we must imitate this based on an inter-generational dialogue.” When asked about religious persecution and even straight out terrorism, the Pope was asked if he believes it's possible to have dialogue with religious extremists. POPE FRANCIS "I never give something up as a lost cause, never. Perhaps dialogue is not possible, but never close the door. It is difficult, one might say almost impossible, but the door is always open.” The Pope's last international trip this year will be to Turkey. In 2015, he'll start the year off by visiting Sri Lanka and the Philippines in mid January. http://www.romereports.com/pg159266-pope-meets-with-the-press-on-his-flight-back-to-rome-en
Pope advises to religious poverty and prayer in order to fight against worldliness 2014-11-27 Pope Francis held a meeting with the Congregation for the Institutes of Consecrated Life. They met in Rome on the eve of the Year of Consecrated Life which begins on Sunday. Jose Rodriguez Carballo, secretary of the Congregation, explained to the Pope the emblem of the of the meeting which is entitled "New wine in new wineskins.” The emblem is a dove over a mosaic that represents Creation and the variety that exists within consecrated life. The Pope, between laughs, thanked him for the explanation. POPE FRANCIS "I thank the secretary and the two subsecretaries for this "logo” which I saw yesterday on the Osservatore Romano but I didn't understand what it was. Now I understand!” But beyond the usual laughs, the Pope invited them to abandon "the old wineskins”, meaning, the customs and ecclesial structures that do not help their mission. He reminded them that consecrated life is renewed constantly. POPE FRANCIS "The wind of the Spirit has continued to blow with strength, on one hand driving Institutes to implement the spiritual, charismatic and institutional renewal, which the Council itself requested, and on the other, arousing in men’s and women’s hearts new ways of responding to Jesus’ invitation to leave everything to dedicate their life to following Him and to the proclamation of the Gospel.” The Pope highlighted several dangers to consecrated life, such as resistence to change or the difficult integration in communities of members from different ages or cultures. He also expressed his concern of the declining numbers in convents and monasteries. However, at the same time, he offered several points to overcome those difficulties. He explained that poverty is fundamental for those in consecrated life because it is life-giving and protects them from worldliness. The Pope concluded his address by reminding them that prayer was also crucial and never a waste of time. http://www.romereports.com/pg159278...ayer-in-order-to-fight-against-worldliness-en
Pope's Mass: A corrupt and rotten culture leaves no room for God 2014-11-27 In his Thursday morning Mass, Pope Francis talked about corruption. He highlighted the dangerous path corruption can lead to, in one's mind and spirit. POPE FRANCIS "Because corruption gives you some happiness, it gives you power and it also makes you feel satisfied with yourself. But it leaves no room for the Lord or for conversion. The word 'corruption' says a lot to us these days. Not only economic corruption, but corruption with many different sins; the corruption of a pagan and worldly spirit. The worst form of corruption is the spirit of worldliness!” The Pope then invited Christians to reflect on their own lives and whether they carry an attitude of distraction and dangerous self sufficiency. EXCERPT OF THE POPE'S HOMILY (Source: Vatican Radio) "Because corruption gives you some happiness, it gives you power and also makes you feel satisfied with yourself. But it leaves no room for the Lord, for conversion. The city is corrupt ... this word 'corruption' says a lot to us today: not only economic corruption, but corruption with many different sins; the corruption of that pagan spirit, that worldly spirit. The worst [form of ] corruption is the spirit of worldliness!" "Babylon falls because of its corruption; Jerusalem because of its distraction, its failing to welcome the Lord who comes to her rescue. She did not feel in need of salvation. She had the writings of the prophets, Moses, and this was enough. But sealed writings! She left no room for salvation: her door was closed to the Lord! The Lord was knocking at her door, but there was no willingness to receive Him, to listen, to be rescued by Him. And so she falls ..." "When we think of the end of time, with all of our sins, with our history, let us think of the banquet which will be freely offered us and let us lift up our heads. Do not give way to depression: Hope! Reality is ugly: there are many, many people, cities and people, so many people who are suffering; many wars, so much hatred, so much envy, so much spiritual worldliness and so much corruption. Yes, it's true! All of this will fall! Let us ask the Lord for the grace to be prepared for the banquet that awaits us, always with our heads held high." http://www.romereports.com/pg159274...-and-rotten-culture-leaves-no-room-for-god-en
Pope: The Church must go out and evangelize. It shouldn't stay inside the parish 2014-11-27 What's the best way for the Church to evangelize in major cities where secularism is on the rise? This is what the Pope addressed as he met with the International Pastoral Congress on the World's Big Cities. Because of his busy schedule, the Pope admitted that he didn't have much time to prepare a speech. POPE FRANCIS "I don't really have a formal speech...partly because I want to be a bit spontaneous and also because I haven't had the time to write a formal speech. With the trip to Turkey and to European institutions, I've been busy.” There are four main challenges, he said, that Church leaders face in major cities. To make his point he spoke from his personal experience as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires. POPE FRANCIS "These challenges are present in places where God is calling. I think we need to pay special attention to this. I mention four challenges, but surely there are more. The first one is perhaps the most difficult. It's changing our own pastoral mentality. It must change.” He then explained that changing one's pastoral mentality doesn't mean hiding Jesus or being ashamed of preaching God's message. Other challenges he mentioned include multiculturalism, which should be dealt with, he said, head on and without fear. God also lives in major cities which is why promoting a spirit of evangelization is key. Finally he said the cry of the poor cannot be ignored by the Church. He then encouraged the Church to go out of its comfort zone to share the Gospel, adding that it should not wait for people to come to them. Rather, just the opposite. http://www.romereports.com/pg159281...elize-it-shouldn-t-stay-inside-the-parish--en
Interesting pre-coverage (with video) of Pope Francis' trip to Turkey beginning today: https://news.yahoo.com/pope-visits-turkey-amid-christian-muslim-tensions-113108187.html
Pope to Muslim leaders: We must condemn violence based on religious justification 2014-11-28 The Pope held a meeting with Mehmet Gormez, the president of the Department for Religious Affairs of Turkey. It is the highest Islamic religious authority in the country. After meeting in private, Pope Francis delivered an address in which he denounced the violence of the Islamic State in Syria and in Iraq as well as its intent in eradicating Christianity. POPE FRANCIS "Particular concern arises from the fact that, owing mainly to an extremist and fundamentalist group, entire communities, especially – though not exclusively – Christians and Yazidis, have suffered and continue to suffer barbaric violence simply because of their ethnic and religious identity. This violence has also brought damage to sacred buildings, monuments, religious symbols and cultural patrimony, as if trying to erase every trace, every memory of the other.” The Pope stressed the necessary cooperation among religious leaders. He said that he sends a message that "mutual respect and friendship” are possible , especially in these difficult times. POPE FRANCIS "As religious leaders, we are obliged to denounce all violations against human dignity and human rights. Human life, a gift of God the Creator, possesses a sacred character. As such, any violence which seeks religious justification warrants the strongest condemnation because the Omnipotent is the God of life and peace.” However, the Pope highlighted the need to work together in finding solutions. He asked for governments and religious leaders to put an end to the violence. He also recognized the efforts made by Turkey in attending to refugees. POPE FRANCIS "I wish to express my appreciation for everything that the Turkish people, Muslims and Christians alike, are doing to help the hundreds of thousands of people who are fleeing their countries due to conflicts. This is a clear example of how we can work together to serve others, an example to be encouraged and maintained.” Concluding his address, the Pope stressed that interreligious dialogue can contribute in promoting moral values, peace and freedom. http://www.romereports.com/pg159315...-violence-based-on-religious-justification-en
Pope Francis asks religious to “awaken the world” during the Year of Consecrated Life 2014-11-28 The Pope wrote a letter to all religious who are preparing to celebrate the Year of Consecrated Life. In the document, Pope Francis gives them three main goals for this year: "to be thankful for their past," "to live the present with enthusiasm" and "to embrace the future with hope." He calls on each religious order and institute to study better their charisms as well as to examine if Christ still is their "first and only love." The Pope also reveals what he expects of this year. Above all, he wants consecrated men and women to "awaken the world,” and asks them to be happy and ready to give an answer to the challenges of society. For example, the Pope encourages them to find out how they can help persecuted Christians worldwide. Finally, he hopes that the different religious institutes may come closer during the year. Also, the document calls on the laity to value consecrated people in the Church. The Year of Consecrated Life will begin on Sunday, November 30 and ends on February 2, 2016. During this time religious men and women may obtain plenary indulgence. http://www.romereports.com/pg159311...-world-during-the-year-of-consecrated-life-en
Pope Francis: May Turkey have peace, coexistence, dignity 2014-11-29 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Shortly after his arrival in Ankara Friday for a three day pastoral visit to Turkey, Pope Francis visited the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first President of the modern-day Republic of Turkey. The Pope was greeted by the Commander of the Guards, laid a wreath of flowers and paused for a few moments of silence. Pope Francis was then accompanied to the Tower of “National Pact” at the entry to the Anitkabir Atatürk Museum which exhibits the founder of the Turkish Republic's personal items, wardrobe, and a number of the gifts presented to him. There, the Holy Father signed The “Gold Book”, with the following inscription: "May the Almighty grant peace and prosperity to the dear Turkish people, with the wish that the entire Country may increasingly become a place of peaceful coexistence between cultures and civilizations, where every human person feels welcomed and his or her dignity and free expression of faith is safeguarded." (from Vatican Radio) http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-may-turkey-have-peace-coexistence-dig
Pope Francis condemns “barbaric” violence by fundamentalists against minorities -29 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Speaking on the first day of his visit to Turkey, Pope Francis condemned the “barbaric violence” waged by fundamentalists in Iraq and Syria against entire communities, especially Christians and Yazidis, because of their ethnic and religious identity. His remarks came in a speech to Turkey’s Department for Religious Affairs which is the nation’s highest Islamic authority. As religious leaders, Pope Francis said, we are obliged to denounce all violations against human dignity and human life and “any violence which seeks religious justification warrants the strongest condemnation.” Please find below the English translation of the full text of Pope Francis’ speech to the Department for Religious Affairs: Mr President, Religious and Civil Authorities, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am pleased to meet with you today in the course of my visit to your country. I thank the President of this distinguished office for his cordial invitation which affords me the opportunity to share these moments with political and religious leaders, both Muslim and Christian. It is a tradition that Popes, when they visit different countries as part of their mission, meet also with the leaders and members of various religions. Without this openness to encounter and dialogue, a Papal Visit would not fully correspond to its purposes. And so I have wished to meet you, following in the footsteps of my venerable predecessors. In this context, I am pleased to recall in a special way Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to this very same place in November 2006. Good relations and dialogue between religious leaders have, in fact, acquired great importance. They represent a clear message addressed to their respective communities which demonstrates that mutual respect and friendship are possible, notwithstanding differences. Such friendship, as well as being valuable in itself, becomes all the more meaningful and important in a time of crises such as our own, crises which in some parts of the world are disastrous for entire peoples. Wars cause the death of innocent victims and bring untold destruction, interethnic and interreligious tensions and conflicts, hunger and poverty afflicting hundreds of millions of people, and inflict damage on the natural environment – air, water and land. Especially tragic is the situation in the Middle East, above all in Iraq and Syria. Everyone suffers the consequences of these conflicts, and the humanitarian situation is unbearable. I think of so many children, the sufferings of so many mothers, of the elderly, of those displaced and of all refugees, subject to every form of violence. Particular concern arises from the fact that, owing mainly to an extremist and fundamentalist group, entire communities, especially – though not exclusively – Christians and Yazidis, have suffered and continue to suffer barbaric violence simply because of their ethnic and religious identity. They have been forcibly evicted from their homes, having to leave behind everything to save their lives and preserve their faith. This violence has also brought damage to sacred buildings, monuments, religious symbols and cultural patrimony, as if trying to erase every trace, every memory of the other. As religious leaders, we are obliged to denounce all violations against human dignity and human rights. Human life, a gift of God the Creator, possesses a sacred character. As such, any violence which seeks religious justification warrants the strongest condemnation because the Omnipotent is the God of life and peace. The world expects those who claim to adore God to be men and women of peace who are capable of living as brothers and sisters, regardless of ethnic, religious, cultural or ideological differences. As well as denouncing such violations, we must also work together to find adequate solutions. This requires the cooperation of all: governments, political and religious leaders, representatives of civil society, and all men and women of goodwill. In a unique way, religious leaders can offer a vital contribution by expressing the values of their respective traditions. We, Muslims and Christians, are the bearers of spiritual treasures of inestimable worth. Among these we recognize some shared elements, though lived according to the traditions of each, such as the adoration of the All-Merciful God, reference to the Patriarch Abraham, prayer, almsgiving, fasting… elements which, when lived sincerely, can transform life and provide a sure foundation for dignity and fraternity. Recognizing and developing our common spiritual heritage – through interreligious dialogue – helps us to promote and to uphold moral values, peace and freedom in society (cf. JOHN PAUL II, Address to the Catholic Community in Ankara, 29 November 1979). The shared recognition of the sanctity of each human life is the basis of joint initiatives of solidarity, compassion, and effective help directed to those who suffer most. In this regard, I wish to express my appreciation for everything that the Turkish people, Muslims and Christians alike, are doing to help the hundreds of thousands of people who are fleeing their countries due to conflicts. There are two million. This is a clear example of how we can work together to serve others, an example to be encouraged and maintained. I wish also to express my satisfaction at the good relations which exist between the Diyanet and the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. It is my earnest desire that these relations will continue and be strengthened for the good of all, so that every initiative which promotes authentic dialogue will offer a sign of hope to a world which so deeply needs peace, security and prosperity. And also after my discussions with the President, I hope that this dialogue becomes creative in new forms. Mr President, I renew my gratitude to you and your colleagues for this meeting, which fills my heart with joy. I am grateful also to each one of you, for your presence and for your prayers which, in your kindness, you offer for me and my ministry. For my part, I assure you of my prayers. May the Lord grant us all his blessing. (from Vatican Radio) http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-condemns-barbaric-violence-by-fundame
Pope Francis asks Patriarch Bartholomew I to bless him and “the Church of Rome” 2014-11-29 (-ONLY VIDEO-) Pope Francis asked Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I to bless him and "the Church of Rome” during the Ecumenical Prayer service at the Patriarchal Church of St. George in Istanbul. Pope Francis bowed in front of the Patriarch, who blessed and hugged him. http://www.romereports.com/pg159341...ew-i-to-bless-him-and-oethe-church-of-rome-en
Pope Francis: I seek communion with Orthodox Churches 2014-11-30 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) In an address upon conclusion of the Divine Liturgy celebrated by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I at the Orthodox Church of St. George in Istanbul, Pope Francis said “the one thing that the Catholic Church desires and that I seek as Bishop of Rome…is communion with the Orthodox Churches.” Below, please find the complete text of the Holy Father’s address: When I was the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, I often took part in the celebration of the Divine Liturgy of the Orthodox communities there. Today, the Lord has given me the singular grace to be present in this Patriarchal Church of Saint George for the celebration of the Feast of the holy Apostle Andrew, the first-called, the brother of Saint Peter, and the Patron Saint of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Meeting each other, seeing each other face to face, exchanging the embrace of peace, and praying for each other, are all essential aspects of our journey towards the restoration of full communion. All of this precedes and always accompanies that other essential aspect of this journey, namely, theological dialogue. An authentic dialogue is, in every case, an encounter between persons with a name, a face, a past, and not merely a meeting of ideas. This is especially true for us Christians, because for us the truth is the person of Jesus Christ. The example of Saint Andrew, who with another disciple accepted the invitation of the Divine Master, “Come and see”, and “stayed with him that day” (Jn 1:39), shows us plainly that the Christian life is a personal experience, a transforming encounter with the One who loves us and who wants to save us. In addition, the Christian message is spread thanks to men and women who are in love with Christ, and cannot help but pass on the joy of being loved and saved. Here again, the example of the apostle Andrew is instructive. After following Jesus to his home and spending time with him, Andrew “first found his brother Simon, and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus” (Jn 1:40-42). It is clear, therefore, that not even dialogue among Christians can prescind from this logic of personal encounter. It is not by chance that the path of reconciliation and peace between Catholics and Orthodox was, in some way, ushered in by an encounter, by an embrace between our venerable predecessors, Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras and Pope Paul VI, which took place fifty years ago in Jerusalem. Your Holiness and I wished to commemorate that moment when we met recently in the same city where our Lord Jesus Christ died and rose. By happy coincidence, my visit falls a few days after the fiftieth anniversary of the promulgation of Unitatis Redintegratio, the Second Vatican Council’s Decree on Christian Unity. This is a fundamental document which opened new avenues for encounter between Catholics and their brothers and sisters of other Churches and ecclesial communities. In particular, in that Decree the Catholic Church acknowledges that the Orthodox Churches “possess true sacraments, above all – by apostolic succession – the priesthood and the Eucharist, whereby they are still joined to us in closest intimacy” (15). The Decree goes on to state that in order to guard faithfully the fullness of the Christian tradition and to bring to fulfilment the reconciliation of Eastern and Western Christians, it is of the greatest importance to preserve and support the rich patrimony of the Eastern Churches. This regards not only their liturgical and spiritual traditions, but also their canonical disciplines, sanctioned as they are by the Fathers and by Councils, which regulate the lives of these Churches (cf. 15-16). I believe that it is important to reaffirm respect for this principle as an essential condition, accepted by both, for the restoration of full communion, which does not signify the submission of one to the other, or assimilation. Rather, it means welcoming all the gifts that God has given to each, thus demonstrating to the entire world the great mystery of salvation accomplished by Christ the Lord through the Holy Spirit. I want to assure each one of you here that, to reach the desired goal of full unity, the Catholic Church does not intend to impose any conditions except that of the shared profession of faith. Further, I would add that we are ready to seek together, in light of Scriptural teaching and the experience of the first millennium, the ways in which we can guarantee the needed unity of the Church in the present circumstances. The one thing that the Catholic Church desires, and that I seek as Bishop of Rome, “the Church which presides in charity”, is communion with the Orthodox Churches. Such communion will always be the fruit of that love which “has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (cf. Rom 5:5), a fraternal love which expresses the spiritual and transcendent bond which unites us as disciples of the Lord. In today’s world, voices are being raised which we cannot ignore and which implore our Churches to live deeply our identity as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. The first of these voices is that of the poor. In the world, there are too many women and men who suffer from severe malnutrition, growing unemployment, the rising numbers of unemployed youth, and from increasing social exclusion. These can give rise to criminal activity and even the recruitment of terrorists. We cannot remain indifferent before the cries of our brothers and sisters. These ask of us not only material assistance – needed in so many circumstances – but above all, our help to defend their dignity as human persons, so that they can find the spiritual energy to become once again protagonists in their own lives. They ask us to fight, in the light of the Gospel, the structural causes of poverty: inequality, the shortage of dignified work and housing, and the denial of their rights as members of society and as workers. As Christians we are called together to eliminate that globalization of indifference which today seems to reign supreme, while building a new civilization of love and solidarity. A second plea comes from the victims of the conflicts in so many parts of our world. We hear this resoundingly here, because some neighbouring countries are scarred by an inhumane and brutal war. With profound pain, I think of the many victims of the many victims of the inhuman and senseless attack that recently struck the Muslim faithful as they prayed in the mosque of Kano in Nigeria. Taking away the peace of a people, committing every act of violence – or consenting to such acts – especially when directed against the weakest and defenceless, is a profoundly grave sin against God, since it means showing contempt for the image of God which is in man. The cry of the victims of conflict urges us to move with haste along the path of reconciliation and communion between Catholics and Orthodox. Indeed, how can we credibly proclaim the Gospel of peace which comes from Christ, if there continues to be rivalry and disagreement between us (cf. Paul VI, Evangelii Nuntiandi, 77)? A third cry which challenges us is that of young people. Today, tragically, there are many young men and women who live without hope, overcome by mistrust and resignation. Many of the young, influenced by the prevailing culture, seek happiness solely in possessing material things and in satisfying their fleeting emotions. New generations will never be able to acquire true wisdom and keep hope alive unless we are able to esteem and transmit the true humanism which comes from the Gospel and from the Church’s age-old experience. It is precisely the young who today implore us to make progress towards full communion. I think for example of the many Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant youth who come together at meetings organized by the Taizé community. They do this not because they ignore the differences which still separate us, but because they are able to see beyond them; they are able to see beyond them, to embrace what is essential and what already unites us which is much holiness. Dear brother, dearest brother, we are already on the way, on the path towards full communion and already we can experience eloquent signs of an authentic, albeit incomplete union. This offers us reassurance and encourages us to continue on this journey. We are certain that along this journey we are helped by the intercession of the Apostle Andrew and his brother Peter, held by tradition to be the founders of the Churches of Constantinople and of Rome. We ask God for the great gift of full unity, and the ability to accept it in our lives. Let us never forget to pray for one another. http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-i-seek-communion-with-orthodox-church
Pope Francis & Patriarch Bartholomew sign joint declaration 2014-11-30 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis and the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, spiritual leader of the Orthodox world, on Sunday signed a Joint Declaration reaffirming their desire to overcome the obstacles dividing their two Churches. The two leaders also deplored the terrible situation facing Christians and all who are suffering in the Middle East and called for an appropriate response from the international community. Please find below the full text of the Joint Declaration: JOINT DECLARATION We, Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, express our profound gratitude to God for the gift of this new encounter enabling us, in the presence of the members of the Holy Synod, the clergy and the faithful of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, to celebrate together the feast of Saint Andrew, the first–called and brother of the Apostle Peter. Our remembrance of the Apostles, who proclaimed the good news of the Gospel to the world through their preaching and their witness of martyrdom, strengthens in us the aspiration to continue to walk together in order to overcome, in love and in truth, the obstacles that divide us. On the occasion of our meeting in Jerusalem last May, in which we remembered the historical embrace of our venerable predecessors Pope Paul VI and the Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras, we signed a joint declaration. Today on the happy occasion of this further fraternal encounter, we wish to re–affirm together our shared intentions and concerns. We express our sincere and firm resolution, in obedience to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, to intensify our efforts to promote the full unity of all Christians, and above all between Catholics and Orthodox. As well, we intend to support the theological dialogue promoted by the Joint International Commission, instituted exactly thirty–five years ago by the Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios and Pope John Paul II here at the Phanar, and which is currently dealing with the most difficult questions that have marked the history of our division and that require careful and detailed study. To this end, we offer the assurance of our fervent prayer as Pastors of the Church, asking our faithful to join us in praying “that all may be one, that the world may believe” (Jn 17:21). We express our common concern for the current situation in Iraq, Syria and the whole Middle East. We are united in the desire for peace and stability and in the will to promote the resolution of conflicts through dialogue and reconciliation. While recognizing the efforts already being made to offer assistance to the region, at the same time, we call on all those who bear responsibility for the destiny of peoples to deepen their commitment to suffering communities, and to enable them, including the Christian ones, to remain in their native land. We cannot resign ourselves to a Middle East without Christians, who have professed the name of Jesus there for two thousand years. Many of our brothers and sisters are being persecuted and have been forced violently from their homes. It even seems that the value of human life has been lost, that the human person no longer matters and may be sacrificed to other interests. And, tragically, all this is met by the indifference of many. As Saint Paul reminds us, “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together” (1 Cor 12:26). This is the law of the Christian life, and in this sense we can say that there is also an ecumenism of suffering. Just as the blood of the martyrs was a seed of strength and fertility for the Church, so too the sharing of daily sufferings can become an effective instrument of unity. The terrible situation of Christians and all those who are suffering in the Middle East calls not only for our constant prayer, but also for an appropriate response on the part of the international community. The grave challenges facing the world in the present situation require the solidarity of all people of good will, and so we also recognize the importance of promoting a constructive dialogue with Islam based on mutual respect and friendship. Inspired by common values and strengthened by genuine fraternal sentiments, Muslims and Christians are called to work together for the sake of justice, peace and respect for the dignity and rights of every person, especially in those regions where they once lived for centuries in peaceful coexistence and now tragically suffer together the horrors of war. Moreover, as Christian leaders, we call on all religious leaders to pursue and to strengthen interreligious dialogue and to make every effort to build a culture of peace and solidarity between persons and between peoples. We also remember all the people who experience the sufferings of war. In particular, we pray for peace in Ukraine, a country of ancient Christian tradition, while we call upon all parties involved to pursue the path of dialogue and of respect for international law in order to bring an end to the conflict and allow all Ukrainians to live in harmony. Our thoughts turn to all the faithful of our Churches throughout the world, whom we greet, entrusting them to Christ our Saviour, that they may be untiring witnesses to the love of God. We raise our fervent prayer that the Lord may grant the gift of peace in love and unity to the entire human family. “May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you” (2 Thess 3:16). From the Phanar, 30 November 2014
Pope: To end Islamophobia, Muslim leaders must condemn terrorist attacks 2014-12-01 On his flight back to Rome, Pope Francis led a press conference, where he addressed everything from Islamophobia to the Synod on the Family. As far as the three day trip, the Pope said the most important speech was given at the Catholic Cathedral of Istanbul, where he emphasized the importance of fostering unity between Catholics and Orthodox. He also addressed so called Papal Primacy, which is one of the most controversial issues, which is rejected by the Orthodox. POPE FRANCIS "The primacy. We must continue with the request made by John Paul II, when he said, help me find a type of primacy that you can accept. That's all I can tell you.” The Pope also talked about his visit to the Blue Mosque, adding that he truly appreciated the tour the Grand Mufti gave him. POPE FRANCIS "At that moment, I felt the need to pray. I told the Mufti: 'Shall we pray?' Yes, yes, he said. I prayed for Turkey, for peace, for the Mufti, for everyone and for myself, because I need it. I prayed a lot, and I prayed for peace more than anything. I said: Lord, let all wars end, Lord... It was a moment of sincere prayer”. Several journalists asked the Pope about the comments by Turkish President Erdoan regarding Islamophobia in the West. The Pope said he asked him and other leaders to directly condemn the terrorist attacks by Islamic radicals. POPE FRANCIS "I think that... Sincerely, I think we can't say that all Muslims are terrorists. It's not true, just as we cannot say that all Christians are fundamentalists, though there are some... It's true that, faced with these terrorist attacks, not only in the Middle East, but also in Africa, many react by saying 'If this is true Islam, it makes me mad.' "I told the President (Erdoan) that it would be good for all Islamic leaders, whether political, religious or academic leaders, to speak clearly and condemn the attacks. This will help the majority of Muslim people to say 'No.' It needs to come directly from leaders.” Overall, the spoke with the press for 45 minutes. He thanked Turkey for welcoming more than 1.5 million refugees. In regards to the Synod on the Family, which took place recently in the Vatican, the Pope said it wasn't a parliamentary assembly, but rather a safe place where Bishops could reflect on what God wants from the Church. When asked about topics such as homosexuality or the Armenian genocide, he didn't directly respond. Instead, he said the purpose of the press conference was to focus on his trip to Turkey. http://www.romereports.com/pg159358...lim-leaders-must-condemn-terrorist-attacks-en
The Pope to Ecumenical Patriarch: “We're brothers in hope” 2014-11-29 The successor of the Apostle Peter and the successor of the Apostle Andrew, together in prayer. Pope Francis and the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I prayed for the unity of the Churches at the Patriarchal Church of St. George in Istanbul. The most powerful moment came when Pope Francis made this request to the Patriarch. POPE FRANCIS "I ask you a favor, to bless me and the Church of Rome." After such a symbolic gesture, they prayed together the Lord's Prayer in Latin. During the gathering both religious leaders addressed each other. The Patriarch said he welcomed Pope Francis with joy, honor and recognition. He added that he hopes his visit will help both the Catholic and Orthodox Churches come closer. Pope Francis answered to the Patriarch's address explaining that they are "brothers in hope.” POPE FRANCIS "Andrew and Peter heard this promise; they received this gift. They were blood brothers, yet their encounter with Christ transformed them into brothers in faith and charity. In this joyful evening, at this prayer vigil, I want to emphasize this; they became brothers in hope. What a grace, Your Holiness, to be brothers in the hope of the Risen Lord! What a grace, and what a responsibility, to walk together in this hope, sustained by the intercession of the holy Apostles and brothers, Andrew and Peter!” After the prayer vigil, they had a brief meeting in private, that was followed by a gift exchange. Pope Francis also signed the book of honor of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I is the spiritual leader of roughly 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide . http://www.romereports.com/pg159344-the-pope-to-ecumenical-patriarch-oewe-re-brothers-in-hope-en
Francis offers to meet Kiril and offers to go to Moscow. http://vaticaninsider.lastampa.it/en/the-vatican/detail/articolo/francesco-turchia-37828/
Yes, it certainly does for those of us who believe in the "Warning Prophecy " of Garabandal, that there would be a Synod and the Pope would go to Moscow. It is possible both could happen next year ! (the Synod is already set for October 2015 ).
Take a look at the best images of the Pope's trip to Turkey 2014-12-02 (VIDEO ONLY) - During his trip to Turkey, Pope Francis was the protagonist of a number of historical moments, such as his meeting with refugees from Syria and Iraq, his prayer at the Blue Mosque while barefoot and the blessing provided by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I. http://www.romereports.com/pg159381-take-a-look-at-the-best-images-of-the-pope-s-trip-to-turkey-en
