Millions attend Papal Mass in Manila 2015-01-18 (-ONLY VIDEO-) Millions of people attended the Pope's Mass on Sunday morning, which marks the last main event of his trip in the Philippines. A big crowd was already expected. During John Paul II's pontificate, more than 4 million people came out to greet the Pope in that very same park. http://www.romereports.com/pg159978-millions-attend-papal-mass-in-manila--en
Pope Francis sends telegrams to Heads of State as he flies from Manila to Rome 70 1786 Print 2015-01-19 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) As is customary on a papal journey, Pope Francis has sent telegrams to the Head of State of every country his plane flies over during his flight from Manila to Rome. For the second time in history, this includes the People’s Republic of China. He assures the Chinese President, Xi Jinping of his prayers for the people of China, and invoked blessings of “harmony and prosperity.” The Holy Father's telegram to Italy was addressed to Senator Pietro Grasso, who became Acting President of Italy on 14 January 2015, upon the resignation of President Giorgio Napolitano. The full text of all the telegrams are below, in their original languages Philippines – 19 January 2015 HIS EXCELLENCY BENIGNO AQUINO PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES MANILA AS I DEPART FROM THE PHILIPPINES, I EXTEND TO YOU, THE GOVERNMENT AND ALL THE PEOPLE OF THE NATION MY HEARTFELT GRATITUDE FOR YOUR WARM WELCOME AND EVERY KINDNESS SHOWN TO ME DURING MY VISIT. I RENEW TO YOUR EXCELLENCY AND THE ENTIRE COUNTRY THE ASSURANCE OF MY PRAYERS FOR PEACE AND PROSPERITY. FRANCISCUS PP China– 19 January 2015 HIS EXCELLENCY XI JINPING PRESIDENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA BEIJING I SEND CORDIAL GREETINGS TO YOUR EXCELLENCY AS I FLY OVER THE COUNTRY ON MY WAY FROM THE PHILIPPINES TO THE VATICAN. I ASSURE YOU OF MY PRAYERS FOR YOU AND ALL THE PEOPLE OF CHINA, INVOKING UPON YOU ABUNDANT BLESSINGS OF HARMONY AND PROSPERITY. FRANCISCUS PP Mongolia – 19 January 2015 HIS EXCELLENCY TSAKHIAGIIN ELBEGDORJ PRESIDENT OF MONGOLIA ULAANBAATAR I SEND CORDIAL GREETINGS TO YOUR EXCELLENCY AS I FLY OVER THE COUNTRY ON MY WAY FROM THE PHILIPPINES TO THE VATICAN. I ASSURE YOU OF MY PRAYERS FOR YOU AND ALL THE PEOPLE OF MONGOLIA, INVOKING UPON YOU ABUNDANT BLESSINGS OF PEACE AND PROSPERITY. FRANCISCUS PP Russia – 19 January 2015 HIS EXCELLENCY VLADIMIR VLADIMIROVICH PUTIN PRESIDENT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION MOSCOW I SEND CORDIAL GREETINGS TO YOUR EXCELLENCY AS I FLY OVER THE COUNTRY ON MY WAY FROM THE PHILIPPINES TO THE VATICAN. I ASSURE YOU OF MY PRAYERS FOR YOU AND ALL THE PEOPLE OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION, INVOKING UPON YOU GOD’S BLESSINGS OF PEACE AND PROSPERITY. FRANCISCUS PP Belarus – 19 January 2015 HIS EXCELLENCY ALEXANDER LUKASHENKO PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS MINSK I SEND CORDIAL GREETINGS TO YOUR EXCELLENCY AS I FLY OVER THE COUNTRY ON MY WAY FROM THE PHILIPPINES TO THE VATICAN. I ASSURE YOU OF MY PRAYERS FOR YOU AND ALL THE PEOPLE OF BELARUS, INVOKING UPON YOU GOD’S BLESSINGS OF PEACE AND PROSPERITY. FRANCISCUS PP Poland – 19 January 2015 HIS EXCELLENCY BRONISLAW KOMOROWSKI PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF POLAND WARSAW I SEND CORDIAL GREETINGS TO YOUR EXCELLENCY AS I FLY OVER THE COUNTRY ON MY WAY FROM THE PHILIPPINES TO THE VATICAN. I ASSURE YOU OF MY PRAYERS FOR YOU AND THE BELOVED PEOPLE OF POLAND, AND I INVOKE UPON ALL OF YOU THE LORD’S BLESSINGS OF PEACE, JOY AND PROSPERITY. FRANCISCUS PP Czech Republic – 19 January 2015 HIS EXCELLENCY MILOŠ ZEMAN PRESIDENT OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC PRAGUE I SEND CORDIAL GREETINGS TO YOUR EXCELLENCY AS I FLY OVER THE COUNTRY ON MY WAY FROM THE PHILIPPINES TO THE VATICAN. I ASSURE YOU OF MY PRAYERS FOR YOU AND THE PEOPLE OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC, INVOKING UPON ALL OF YOU GOD’S BLESSINGS OF PEACE AND PROSPERITY. FRANCISCUS PP Slovakia – 19 January 2015 HIS EXCELLENCY ANDREJ KISKA PRESIDENT OF THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC BRATISLAVA I SEND CORDIAL GREETINGS TO YOUR EXCELLENCY AS I FLY OVER THE COUNTRY ON MY WAY FROM THE PHILIPPINES TO THE VATICAN. I ASSURE YOU OF MY PRAYERS FOR YOU AND THE PEOPLE OF THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC, INVOKING UPON ALL OF YOU GOD’S BLESSINGS OF PEACE AND PROSPERITY. FRANCISCUS PP Austria – 19 January 2015 HIS EXCELLENCY HEINZ FISCHER PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF AUSTRIA VIENNA I SEND CORDIAL GREETINGS TO YOUR EXCELLENCY AS I FLY OVER THE COUNTRY ON MY WAY FROM THE PHILIPPINES TO THE VATICAN. I ASSURE YOU OF MY PRAYERS FOR YOU AND ALL THE PEOPLE OF AUSTRIA, INVOKING UPON YOU ABUNDANT DIVINE BLESSINGS OF PEACE AND PROSPERITY. FRANCISCUS PP Slovenia – 19 January 2015 HIS EXCELLENCY BORUT PAHOR PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA LJUBLJANA I SEND CORDIAL GREETINGS TO YOUR EXCELLENCY AS I FLY OVER THE COUNTRY ON MY WAY FROM THE PHILIPPINES TO THE VATICAN. I ASSURE YOU OF MY PRAYERS FOR YOU AND ALL THE PEOPLE OF SLOVENIA, INVOKING UPON YOU GOD’S BLESSINGS OF PEACE AND PROSPERITY. FRANCISCUS PP Arrival in ITALY – 19 January 2015 A SUA ECCELLENZA SEN. PIETRO GRASSO PRESIDENTE SUPPLENTE DELLA REPUBBLICA ITALIANA PALAZZO DEL QUIRINALE 00187 ROMA AL RIENTRO DAL VIAGGIO APOSTOLICO IN SRI LANKA E FILIPPINE, DOVE HO POTUTO INCONTRARE NUMEROSI FEDELI E RAPPRESENTANTI DI QUELLE CARE POPOLAZIONI AMMIRANDONE IL FERVORE SPIRITUALE E CIVILE, ESPRIMO A LEI, SIGNOR PRESIDENTE, IL MIO CORDIALE SALUTO ED ASSICURO UN ORANTE RICORDO PER IL BENE E LA PROSPERITA’ DELL’INTERA NAZIONE ITALIANA, CHE DI CUORE BENEDICO FRANCISCUS PP.
At the same time, however, the Pope said it's not true that to be a good Catholic "you have to be like rabbits." Thats funny Brother al Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap...atholics-dont-like-rabbits.html#ixzz3PIhQ1Ehm Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
It is actually funny. He got a great sense of humor. His promotion of the natural family planning is great. I can personally attest to it's effectiveness. I remember in sex - ed in my "catholic" school, we were taught the correct way to use condoms while NFP was explained to be unreliable and an "old wives tale". So incredibly sad....
I just have to post this short video clip from Pope Francis' visit to the Philippines where a couple of rescued street children meet Francis. I cannot watch it without tears welling up. The humility of the children is so impressive also. An article about the incident is at: http://www.rappler.com/specials/pope-francis-ph/81196-girl-breaks-down-pope-francis
Pope Francis gave a press conference on the flight back to Rome from the Philippines. He talked to journalists for an hour. Here you can find some quotes: Question by German journalist, Jan Christoph Kitzler, from Bayerischer Rundfunk on contraception issues: (On Humanae Vitae) Also you mentioned Paul VI, speaking of the "particular causes" that are important to in the family... Can you give an example of these particular cases and maybe say also if there is need to open the way, to have a corridor for these particular cases? Pope Francis: (...) It is true that openness to life is a condition for the sacrament of matrimony. A man cannot give the sacrament to the woman, and the woman cannot give it to him, if they are not in accord on this point of openness to life. If it can be proved that he or she married with the intention of not being Catholic (on this point) then the matrimony is null. It is a cause for the annulment of the marriage. Paul VI had studied this with the commission for life, what to do to help many cases, many problems. The important problems that make for the love of life; the problems of every day, but many, many. But there was something more. The refusal of Paul VI was not only about the personal problems, that he then tells the confessors to be merciful, to understand if this is true, and then he tells them "you can be merciful, more understanding”. He was looking at the Neo-Malthusianism that was underway worldwide. What do you call this neoMalthusianism? Less than one percent of birth rate in Italy. The same happens in Spain. That neoMalthusianism that seeks to control humanity on behalf of the powers (that be). This does not mean that the Christian must make children in series. I rebuked a woman some months ago in a parish who was pregnant eight times, with seven C-sections (cesareans). "But do you want to leave seven orphans? That is to tempt God! Pope Paul VI speaks of responsible parenthood. What I wanted to say was that Paul VI was not antiquated, close minded. No, he was a prophet again who with this (Humanae Vitae encyclical) told us to watch out for the Neo-Malthusianism that is coming. This is what I wanted to say. Question by Christoph Schmidt: How does the Church respond to the criticisms about its position on birth control given that the world population is growing so much. And to the criticism that the poverty in the Philippines is due to the fact that Filipino women have an average of 3 children each? Pope Francis: I think the number of 3 children per family that you mentioned, it is the one experts say is important to keep the population going. When it goes below this, the other extreme happens, like what is happing in Italy. I have heard, I do not know if it is true, that in 2024 there will be no money to pay pensioners (because of) the fall in population. Therefore, to give you an answer, they key word is the one the Church always uses all the time and even I use it: it is responsible parenthood. How do we do this? With dialogue. Each person with his pastor seeks how to do that responsible parenthood. That example I mentioned shortly before about that woman who was expecting her eighth child and already had seven who were born with caesareans. That is an irresponsibility That woman could say: 'No, but I trust in God'. But God gives you methods to be responsible. Some think that, excuse me if I use that word, that in order to be good Catholics we have to be like rabbits. No. Responsible parenthood! This is clear and that is why in the Church there are marriage groups, there are experts in this matter, there are pastors, one can seek and I know so many, many ways out that are licit and that have helped this. Another thing in relation to this is that for the most poor people, a child is a treasure. It is true that you have to be prudent here too but for them a child is a treasure. They say 'God knows how to help me' and perhaps some of them are not prudent, this is true. Responsible paternity but let us also look at the generosity of that father and mother that see a treasure in every child. Question by American journalist Nicole Winfield (Associated Press): Could you tell us about your visit to the USA and which cities you will visit, and whether you will go to California for the canonization of Junipero Serra, or go to the border with Mexico? Also which Latin American countries will you visit, and do you intend to preside over the beatification ceremony of Archbishop Romero? Pope Francis: There will be a war between Cardinal Amato and Monsignor Paglia (laughs) over which of the two will do the beatification of Msgr. Romero. No, personally (speaking), the beatifications are normally done by the Cardinal of the dicastery or someone else. Regarding the visit to the United States, the three cities are Philadelphia, for the meeting of families; New York, I have the date already but I can’t remember, for the visit the UN, And Washington. It is these three. I would like to go to California for the Canonization of Junipero (fr. Junipero Serra), but I think there is the problem of time. It requires two more days. I think that I will do that canonization at the national Shrine in Washington, It is a national event. In Washington, (I’m not sure where) there is a statue of Junipero at the Capitol where there is the statue of Abraham Lincoln. Then to enter the USA from the border of Mexico would be a beautiful thing, as a sign of brotherhood and of help to the immigrants. But you know that go to Mexico without going to visit the Madonna (of Guadalupe) would be a drama . A war could break out. And then this would mean three more days, and this is not clear. So I think there will only be those three cities. Later there will be time to go to Mexico. Regarding Latin America countries, we have foreseen for this year – everything is still in draft (form) Ecuador, Bolivia and Paraguay. And next year God willing, but everything is still in draft, I would like to go to Chile, Argentina and Uruguay. Peru is missing there, but we don’t know where to put it. Question from Mexican journalist Valentina Alazraki (Televisa): On the flight from Sri Lanka you used the image of the response that this poor man (Mr. Alberto Gasbarri) might have merited if he insulted your mother. Your words were not well understood by everyone in the world and seemed to justify in some way the use of violence in the face of provocation. Could you explain a little better what you meant to say? Pope Francis: In theory we can say that a violent reaction in the face of an offense or a provocation, in theory yes, it is not a good thing, one shouldn’t do it. In theory we can say what the Gospel says, that we should turn the other cheek. In theory we can say that we have freedom of expression, and that’s important. But in theory we all agree. But we are human and there’s prudence which is a virtue of human coexistence. I cannot constantly insult, provoke a person continuously because I risk making him/her angry, and I risk receiving an unjust reaction, one that is not just. But that’s human. For this reason I say that freedom of expression must take account of the human reality and for this reason one must be prudent. It’s a way of saying that one must be educated, prudent. Prudence is the virtue that regulates our relations. I can go up to here, I can go up to there, and there, beyond that no. What I wanted to say is that in theory we all agree: there is freed of expression, a violent aggression is not good, it’s always bad. We all agree, but in practice let us stop a little because we are human and we risk to provoke others. For this reason freedom must be accompanied by prudence. After each one of his international trips, the Pope answers all questions journalists make him on the papal plane. http://www.romereports.com/pg159996...e-philippines-a-trip-to-us-family-and-more-en
This is pretty black and white on where the Pope stands. Looks like he drew the line. The Pope criticized rich countries and international organizations, he said tried to influence lifestyles and morals of young people in poorer nations, comparing their activity to that of 20th century Nazi and Fascist propagandists. He told of an education minister he once knew who was offered loans to build schools for the poor, but on condition their libraries stocked a book on gender theory, the questioning of traditional male and female roles. He gave no other details. "This is ideological colonization. They colonize people with ideas that try to change mentalities or structures," he said. "But this is not new. This was done by the dictatorships of the last century," he said, citing the Hitler Youth and Balilla, its Italian equivalent under Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini. Brother al
I was offended by this to be honest. It's bad enough to hear it flung in your face by the secular world - 'you two must be at it like rabbits' - without hearing it from Pope Francis. Ah well. At least the sarcastic 'You two must be VERY good Catholics with the squad of kids you have' is now null and void. Thinking of Catholic mothers with way more children than me and wondering how they're feeling?
which I would understand, if those were his actual words! But we shouldn't forget to check what our Pope actually says before reacting. The translation of what the pope said reads differently on the Vatican Info site, where his "rabbit" comment is in context: - On responsible parenthood “I think that three is the number of children per family that the experts say is correct to maintain the population, three per couple. When there are fewer than this, there is the other extreme, which we see in Italy where I have heard – I do not know if it is true – that from 2024 there will not be the money to pay pensioners. The key phrase to answer this question is the one that the Church has always used: responsible parenthood. How does one do this? Through dialogue. Every person, accompanied by their pastor, must find out how to achieve responsible parenthood. … Some believe that – excuse the expression – to be good Catholics we must be like rabbits. No. Responsible parenthood. This is clear, and for this reason in the Church here are matrimonial groups, experts in this. I know of many, many legitimate ways to achieve this. … On the other hand, for the poorest people, a child is a treasure. It is true, we must also be careful here. But for them, a child is a treasure. God knows how to help them. Perhaps some are not careful in this respect, it is true. Parenthood must be responsible. But look also at the generosity of those fathers and mothers who see every child as a treasure”.
In Catholic Radio, i heard many people say "they read or they saw on internet" that Papa Francis said "breed like rabbits". The secular media not only lies "breed" but twists everything. The beauty is the Catholic faithful are starting to understand (to read) the Holy Fathers entire statement. With the internet it is easy to find exact statement. The Holy Spirit is using Our Holy Father in a special way. His words are causing reflection on basic Catholic doctrine. His "off the cuff" remarks...in my opinion is coming from the Holy Spirit. That one remark has begun the discussion on responsible parenting but also has taught the fathful about natural cycles. May Gods Will be Done
Pope Francis pleads for peace in Niger: You can't wage war in the name of God 2015-01-21 (-ONLY VIDEO-) During his weekly general audience, Pope Francis made a plea for peace in Niger. After the recent publication of cartoons depicting Prophet Muhammad, violent protests have erupted against Christians in the country. At least 10 people have been killed and 45 churches destroyed. POPE FRANCIS' FULL APPEAL Dear Brothers and Sisters, I would like for us to pray together, for the victims of the protests that erupted these last few days in Niger. Children and churches have been targets of brutal acts of violence. Let's ask the Lord for the gift of reconciliation and peace, so that religion is never used for violence or destruction. One cannot wage war in the name of God. I hope that an atmosphere of respect is reestablished as soon as possible, including a peaceful coexistence for the good of everyone. Let's pray to Our Lady for the people of Niger. http://www.romereports.com/pg160018...iger-you-can-t-wage-war-in-the-name-of-god-en
Pres. Obama mentions Pope Francis during State of the Union Address 2015-01-21 In his state of the union address, televised throughout homes in America, President Barack Obama referenced Pope Francis in his speech. It happened about 40 minutes into his address, when the president talked about the country's plans to ease restrictions on Cuba. BARACK OBAMA U.S President "And this year, Congress should begin the work of ending the embargo. As His Holiness, Pope Francis, has said, diplomacy is the work of 'small steps.' These small steps have added up to new hope for the future in Cuba.” Pope Francis and the Vatican played a key role in the negotiations between the U.S and Cuba. Both countries have been at odds for decades now, since the island adopted a communist regime. The Pope personally wrote a letter to Obama this fall, requesting the country 'resolve humanitarian issues of common interest.' He then wrote another letter to Cuban leader, Raul Castro, with the same request. In fact the Vatican's Department of State, hosted a meeting between an American and Cuban delegation, before an official announcement of diplomatic improvement, was made in early December. President Obama met Pope Francis for the first time back in April. They will probably meet again in September of this year, when the Pope visits three American cities: Philadelphia, New York and Washington D.C. http://www.romereports.com/pg160017...francis-during-state-of-the-union-address--en
Pope: Large families don't cause poverty 2015-01-21 A wave of cheers welcomed Pope Francis as he walked into the Vatican's Paul VI Hall to lead his weekly general audience. He reflected on his recent trip to Sri Lanka and the Philippines, once again highlighting the importance of family. Following his controversial remarks about Catholics and large families, he had this to say to follow up. POPE FRANCIS "I've been hearing some people say that large families and high birth rates are among the causes of poverty. I think that's a very simplistic view. The root cause of poverty, is an economic system that has removed people from its focal point. A system that idolizes money instead.” He then added that corruption was one of the main themes he talked about when he addressed different leaders in his trip. POPE FRANCIS "Caring for the poor is essential. It involves the rejection of all corruption, because corruption ultimately steals from the needy. We need a culture of honesty.” One of the things that struck him most, he said, is that in the Philippines, a child is described as a 'gift from God.' The Pope condemned using religion as a tool for violence. He then asked pilgrims to pray for victims of violent attacks that have taken place in the African country of Niger. The country's violent protests erupted on Friday, triggered over cartoons of Mohammad, published by French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo. POPE FRANCIS "You can't wage war in the name of God. I hope a wave of mutual and peaceful respect can be established, for the good of all.” At least 10 people have been killed and 45 parishes destroyed in these violent protests in Niger. http://www.romereports.com/pg160023-pope-large-families-don-t-cause-poverty-en
Pope gives thanks for apostolic journey to Asia 59 1051 Print 2015-01-21 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Wednesday thanked the Lord for his just-ended pastoral visit to Sri Lanka and Philippines. Speaking to pilgrims gathered in the Paul VI Hall because of the rain, the Pope recalled his journey last week mentioning the wealth of cultural and spiritual traditions of the Asian continent. He described his visit as a joy-filled encounter with the Catholic communities in the nations he visited and spoke of the occasion he had to encourage inter-religious dialogue a the service of peace, unity and social development. Highlighting some of the salient moments of his journey, the Pope said that in Sri Lanka he canonized Saint Joseph Vaz: “ a great missionary whose example of charity continues to inspire the faithful in their service to the poor and in respectful relations with the followers of other religions”. And mentioning that Sri Lanka still suffers the effects of a prolonged civil conflict, Pope Francis said that during his meeting with religious leaders he asked that “we work together as agents of healing, peace and reconciliation.” His main reason for visiting the Philippines, the Pope said, was “to be close to our brothers and sisters who were affected by the devastation of the Typhoon Yolanda”. In Tacloban, “the region hardest hit by the typhoon, I paid tribute to the faith and to the capacity to rebuild of the local population” he said. And he did not neglect to remember the young woman, Kristel, who was killed in an accident at the site of the Mass in Tacloban. In Manila, he said, “I asked families to cherish and protect the family in its fundamental role in society and in God’s plan”. He said that it was a reason for consolation and hope to see so many numerous families who welcome each child as a gift of God: “they know that every child is a blessing”. And commenting on the fact that some affirm that having too many children can be a cause of poverty, Pope Francis said “we can all say that the main cause of poverty is an economic system that, at its center, has replaced man with the god of money”. “An economic system that excludes children, the elderly and young people who cannot find work, creates the throwaway culture that we live in today” he said. “We have become used to seeing people who have been discarded. This is the main reason for poverty, and not numerous families” he said. And Pope Francis mentioned his meeting in Manila with young people during which he challenged them to build a society of integrity and compassion for the poor. Compassion for the poor, he said, also implies “the rejection of all forms of corruption because corruption steals from the poor” he said. Concluding Pope Francis said he urged the Filipino to persevere in their precious witness to the Gospel on the great continent of Asia. http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-gives-thanks-for-apostolic-journey-to-asia
Glenn, thanks for your tireless work on this thread. I really enjoy reading your Pope Francis posts everyday and it's the first place I go if I need clarification about an 'of the cuff remark' that the secular media have twisted.
Pope Francis blesses two lambs to mark the Feast day St. Agnes 2015-01-21 With crowns of white and red flowers, these two lambs followed tradition, as they were blessed by Pope Francis. Every year, on the Feast Day of St. Agnes, the Pope blesses these animals in what has now become a staple celebration in the Vatican. The white flowers symbolize the purity of the Roman Saint. The red ones, her martyrdom. The lambs remained calm throughout most of the ceremony....but not all. Wool from these lambs will be used to make the palliums new Metropolitan Archbishops will receive from Pope Francis when they are ordained archbishops on June 29th. http://www.romereports.com/pg160024-pope-francis-blesses-two-lambs-to-mark-the-feast-day-st-agnes-en
I had read what he actually said, several times, and waited a day to cool off before posting Anyway. He's human, and used an unfortunate turn of phrase while speaking off the cuff.
Pope Francis: Catholics, Lutherans in shared Christian witness 14 5 Print 2015-01-22 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis told an ecumenical delegation from Finland Thursday that Catholics and Lutherans can do much together “to bear witness to God’s mercy.” The delegation’s visit to Rome coincides with the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and the Feast of St. Henry, the patron saint of Finland. In his discourse to the Finnish delegates, Pope Francis applauded the progress achieved in ecumenical dialogue between the two Churches over the last thirty years and said, “a shared Christian witness is very much needed in the face of the mistrust, insecurity, persecution, pain and suffering experienced so widely in today’s world.” Below, please find the text of Pope Francis’ discourse to the ecumenical delegation from Finland: Dear Bishop Vikström, Dear Bishop Sippo, Dear Friends, It is with joy that I welcome you, on the occasion of your annual ecumenical pilgrimage to Rome to celebrate the feast of Saint Henrik, the patron of your country. This annual event has proven to be a truly spiritual and ecumenical meeting between Catholics and Lutherans, a tradition dating back thirty years. Saint Pope John Paul II addressed the members of the first Finnish ecumenical delegation which had come to Rome thirty years ago in these words: “The fact that you come here together is itself a witness to the importance of efforts for unity. The fact that you pray together is a witness to our belief that only through the grace of God can that unity be achieved. The fact that you recite the Creed together is a witness to the one common faith of the whole of Christianity”. At that time, the first important steps had already been taken on a common ecumenical journey towards full, visible unity of the Christians. In these intervening years much has been done and, I am certain, will continue to be done in Finland to make “the partial communion existing between Christians grow toward full communion in truth and charity” (John Paul II, Ut Unum Sint, 14). Your visit comes within the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. This year our reflection is based on Christ’s words to the Samaritan woman at the well: «Give me to drink» (Jn 4:1-42). We are reminded that the source of all grace is the Lord himself, and that his gifts transform those who receive them, making them witnesses to the true life that is in him alone (cf. Jn 4:39). As the Gospel tells us, many Samaritans believed in Jesus because of the woman’s testimony. As you, Bishop Vikstrom, have said, there is so much that Catholics and Lutherans can do together to bear witness to God’s mercy in our societies. A shared Christian witness is very much needed in the face of the mistrust, insecurity, persecution, pain and suffering experienced so widely in today’s world. This common witness can be sustained and encouraged by progress in theological dialogue between the Churches. The Joint Declaration on the Doctrine on Justification, which was solemnly signed some fifteen years ago between the Lutheran World Federation and the Catholic Church, can produce further fruits of reconciliation and cooperation between us. The Nordic Lutheran–Catholic dialogue in Finland and Sweden, under the related theme Justification in the Life of the Church, has been reflecting on important questions deriving from the Joint Declaration. Let us hope that further convergence will emerge from that dialogue on the concept of the Church, the sign and instrument of the salvation brought to us in Jesus Christ. It is my prayer that your visit to Rome will contribute to strengthening further the ecumenical relations between Lutherans and Catholics in Finland, which have been so positive for many years. May the Lord send upon us the Spirit of truth, to guide us towards ever greater love and unity. (from Vatican Radio) http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-catholics-lutherans-in-shared-christi
Pope Francis: Thursday Mass in Santa Marta 7 12 Print 2015-01-22 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) The most important thing is not the grace of a physical healing, but the fact that Jesus saves us and intercedes for us: this was the focus of Pope Francis’ remarks following the readings of the day at Mass on Thursday morning in the chapel of the Santa Marta residence in the Vatican. Commenting on the Gospel of the day (Mark 3:7-12), which tells of great crowds rushing to Jesus from every region, Pope Francis said that the people of God see in the Lord “a hope, because His way of acting, teaching, touches their heart, reaches the heart, because it has the power of the Word of God”: “The people feel this, and see that promises are fulfilled in Jesus, that in Jesus there is hope. The people were a bit bored by the way of teaching the faith, by the teachers of the Law of that time, who burdened the shoulders of the people with so many commandments, so many precepts, but did not come to people’s hearts. And when the people see Jesus and hear Jesus - His proposals, the Beatitudes – they feel something moving inside – it is the Holy Spirit that is causing people to stir – and they go to see Jesus.” Purity of intention in seeking God The crowd goes to Jesus to be healed: that is, they seek their own good. “Never,” said Pope Francis, “can we follow God with purity of intention right from the start: it is always a search undertaken a little for us, and a little for God – and the journey itself purifies this intention.” The Pope went on to say, “People go, yes, they look for God, but they also look for health, for healing – and they threw themselves upon Him to touch Him, that some power might go out of Him and heal them.” Jesus saves The most important thing, however, is not that Jesus healed. Those healings were a sign of another healing, the Holy Father explained. Nor is the fact that Jesus says words that reach the heart the most important thing – though that certainly helps to meet God. The most important thing is in the Letter to the Hebrews (7:25), where it is written, “Jesus is always able to save those who approach God through him, since he lives forever to make intercession for them.”: “Jesus saves!” said Pope Francis. “These healings, these words that reach the heart, are the sign and the beginning of salvation – the path of salvation for many who begin to go to hear Jesus or to ask for a healing and then come back to Him and feel salvation.” He went on to ask, “What, though, is most important? That Jesus heals? No, that is not the most important thing. That He teaches us? That is not the most important thing [either]. [The most important thing] is that He saves! He is the Savior and we are saved by him: this is the most important thing, and this is the strength of our faith.” Jesus intercedes Jesus ascended to the Father, “and from thence He continues to intercede, every day, every moment for us.”: “This is relevant today. Jesus stands before the Father, offering His life – the redemption – He shows His wounds to the Father, the price of salvation – and so it is that every day, Jesus intercedes. When we, for one thing or the other, are feeling a little down, let us remember that it is He who prays for us, intercedes for us continually. So many times we forget this: ‘Jesus ... but yes, it’s finished, he’s gone to heaven, sent us the Holy Spirit, the story’s over.’ No! Even now, in every moment, Jesus intercedes. In this prayer: ‘Lord Jesus, only have mercy on me,’ He intercedes for me. Turn to the Lord, asking for this intercession.” The “sensitivity” of the people of God That Jesus is savior and intercessor is the central point, and we do well to remember this. “Thus, the crowd seeks Jesus with that instinctive sense of hope that is proper to the people of God, which was at that time awaiting the Messiah, and they look to find in Him health, truth, salvation, for He is the Savior and as Savior even now, at this moment, intercedes for us. That our Christian life might be ever more convinced that we are saved, that we have a Savior, Jesus at the right hand of the Father, interceding. May the Lord, the Holy Spirit, make us understand these things.” (from Vatican Radio) http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-thursday-mass-in-santa-marta-2
