Pope Francis

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' Apostolic Visit to Budapest and Slovakia -- September 12-15, 2021

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-09/pope-francis-budapest-angelus-cross-past-future-thank-you.html
Pope at Angelus in Budapest: may the Cross link your past and future
12 September 2021, 13:24

Before the recitation of the Angelus prayer in Budapest's Heroes' Square, Pope Francis thanks all religious and civil authorities, as well as the people of Hungary, and urges them to use the Cross as a bridge between the past and the future.
By Francesca Merlo

Before reciting the Angelus prayer concluding the Mass of the Eucharistic Congress in Budapest, Pope Francis spoke of the word “Eucharist”, explaining that it means “thanksgiving”.

“At the end of this celebration that concludes the International Eucharistic Congress and my visit to Budapest, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart,” said the Pope.

He thanked what he described as “the great Hungarian Christian family”, which, he continued, “I would like to embrace in its rites, its history, its brothers and sisters, both Catholic and those of other confessions: all journeying towards full unity.”

The Pope then said "thank you" in Hungarian to all the people of Hungary. He expressed his wish that the Cross be their “bridge between the past and the future.” My wish is that you be “grounded and open, rooted and considerate,” added the Pope.

Beatifications in Poland

Pope Francis then went on to note that Sunday also marks the beatification, in Warsaw, of Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński and Elizabeth Czacka, Foundress of the Franciscan Sisters Servants of the Cross.
 
Finally, concluding his address, Pope Francis invited all those gathered to pray the Angelus, on this day “when we venerate the Most Holy Name of Mary”. Finally, he said, “with you and for you I say: Isten, áldd meg a magyart! [May God bless the Hungarian people!]."

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248957/cardinal-wyszynski-and-mother-czacka-beatified-in-poland
Cardinal Wyszynski and Mother Czacka beatified in Poland
By Luke Coppen
Warsaw, Poland, Sep 12, 2021 / 07:00 am

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2021.index.html#angelus
Angelus - Regina Cæli 2021
Apostolic Journey to Budapest: Angelus, 12 September 2021

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' Apostolic Visit to Budapest and Slovakia -- September 12-15, 2021

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-09/slovakia-awaits-the-pilgrim-pope.html
Slovakia welcomes the pilgrim Pope
12 September 2021, 10:45

Slovakia is welcoming Pope Francis as he makes his way from Budapest to a nation hoping for a message of encouragement in the faith.
By Lydia O’Kane in Bratislava

In Slovakia, as in other Slavic and Baltic nations, guests are traditionally greeted with bread and salt as a sign of welcome and hospitality.

As Pope Francis steps off the plane in Bratislava on Sunday afternoon, it is the kind of welcome he can expect from the people here.

Preparations are reaching their peak in Slovakia’s capital city. The first signs you see that a very special guest is coming are the large billboards with large images of Pope Francis, along the road from the airport welcoming him to the country.

In the centre of Bratislava itself, there is a bustle of activity ahead of the Pope’s visit at the city’s imposing Cathedral of St Martin to the bemusement of curious tourists who make their way inside.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-09/pope-in-slovakia-encouragement-in-the-faith.html
Pope in Slovakia: Encouragement in the faith
12 September 2021, 15:00

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' Apostolic Visit to Budapest and Slovakia -- September 12-15, 2021

Video at the link
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-09/pope-francis-arrival-bratislava-video.html
Pope welcomed to Slovakia with a gift of bread, salt and flowers
12 September 2021, 17:26

Pope Francis arrives in Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia on Sunday afternoon beginning the second leg of his 34th apostolic visit abroad.
VATICAN NEWS

Pope Francis’ 4-day visit to Slovakia encompasses many elements. Two of the highlights are the celebration of the Byzantine Divine Liturgy in Prešov and a visit to the National Shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows at Šaštín. The Pope is also scheduled to spend time at a center for the homeless and meet with young people. Of course, he will also spend time with Slovakian priests and religious.
 
He was greeted upon his arrival at Bratislava’s International Airport by a delegation of political and religious authorities and by two children wearing traditional costumes and bearing a gift of bread, salt, and flowers, a symbol of welcome.

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' Apostolic Visit to Budapest and Slovakia -- September 12-15, 2021

Video, with English commentary, at the link
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-09/pope-francis-slovakia-ecumenical-meeting-cyril-methodius.html
Pope in Slovakia: Religions must unite in contemplation and action
12 September 2021, 17:22

On the first stop of his Apostolic Journey to Slovakia, Pope Francis urges an ecumenical gathering to resist the temptation of interior slavery with the twin forces of contemplation and action.
By Devin Watkins

Pope Francis kicked off his visit to Slovakia on Sunday afternoon by meeting with the country’s Ecumenical Council of Churches.

The event was held at the Apostolic Nunciature, where he is staying, and included representatives from the eleven member Churches of the Ecumenical Council, in which Slovakia’s Catholic Bishops’ Conference enjoys ******* status.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248958/pope-francis-in-slovakia-implores-christians-to-pursue-freedom-in-christ-over-comfort
Pope Francis implores Slovakia’s Christians to pursue ‘freedom’ in Christ over comfort
By Matt Hadro
Washington D.C., Sep 12, 2021 / 10:00 am

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' Apostolic Visit to Budapest and Slovakia -- September 12-15, 2021

https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2021/07/vatican-publishes-schedule-for-papal-trip-to-hungary-slovakia/
Vatican publishes schedule for papal trip to Hungary, Slovakia
By Junno Arocho Esteves
Jul 21, 2021 | Catholic News Service
 
Here is the detailed schedule released by the Vatican July 21. Times listed are local, with Eastern Daylight Time in parenthesis:
 
Monday, Sept. 13 (Bratislava)

— 9:15 a.m. (3:15 a.m.) Welcoming ceremony at the presidential palace.

— 9:30 a.m. (3:30 a.m.) Courtesy visit with Zuzana Caputová, president of Slovakia, in the Golden Hall of the presidential palace.

— 10 a.m. (4 a.m.) Meeting with government authorities, members of civil society and the diplomatic corps in the garden of the presidential palace. Speech by pope.

— 10:45 a.m. (4:45 a.m.) Meeting with priests, men and women religious, seminarians and catechists at the Cathedral of St. Martin. Speech by pope.

— 4 p.m. (10 a.m.) Private visit to the “Bethlehem Center.”

— 4:45 p.m. (10:45 a.m.) Meeting with the Jewish community in Rybné námestie Square. Speech by pope.

— 6 p.m. (12 p.m.) Meeting with the president of the parliament at the apostolic nunciature.

— 6:15 p.m. (12:15 p.m.) Meeting with Prime Minister Eduard Heger at the apostolic nunciature.
 

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' Apostolic Visit to Budapest and Slovakia -- September 12-15, 2021

Photo Gallery and video, with English commentary, at the link
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-09/pope-francis-slovakia-apostolic-journey-authorities-diplomats-di.html
Pope encourages Slovakia to fraternity, hospitality, solidarity
13 September 2021, 10:13

Pope Francis addressed government officials, diplomats and civil and religious leaders of Slovakia in the capital, Bratislava. He encouraged Slovaks to fraternity, hospitality and solidarity.
By Robin Gomes

Pope Francis on Monday encouraged Slovakia on the path to peace and integration through fraternity and hospitality, inviting its citizens to share their bread with others and add flavour to life with the salt of solidarity.

The Pope who is on the 34th foreign Apostolic Journey of his pontificate, made the call at the presidential palace in the Slovak capital, Bratislava, where he addressed government officials, the diplomatic corps, and civil and religious leaders.

After concluding the 52° International Eucharistic Congress in the Hungarian capital Budapest on Sunday, the 84-year-old Pope, who underwent an intestine surgery in July, flew to Slovakia in the afternoon for a 3-day visit.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248959/pope-francis-urges-slovakia-to-follow-the-beatitudes-to-build-a-just-society
Pope Francis urges Slovakia to follow the Beatitudes to build a just society
By Hannah Brockhaus
Rome Newsroom, Sep 13, 2021 / 03:30 am

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2021/september/documents/20210913-bratislava-autorita.html
APOSTOLIC JOURNEY OF HIS HOLINESS FRANCIS
TO BUDAPEST, ON THE OCCASION OF THE CONCLUDING HOLY MASS
OF THE 52nd INTERNATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS,
AND TO SLOVAKIA
[12-15 SEPTEMBER 2021]
MEETING WITH AUTHORITIES, CIVIL SOCIETY AND THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS
ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS
Garden of the Presidential Palace in Bratislava
Monday, 13 September 2021

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' Apostolic Visit to Budapest and Slovakia -- September 12-15, 2021

Video, with English commentary, at the link
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-09/pope-slovakia-church-apostolic-journey.html
Pope to Slovakia’s clergy: The Church needs freedom, creativity and dialogue
13 September 2021, 10:45

Pope Francis encourages the bishops, priests, and religious of Slovakia to work for a humble Church in the freedom of the Gospel, the creativity of faith, and in dialogue that promotes unity.
By Benedict Mayaki, SJ

Pope Francis met with Bishops, priests, religious, seminarians and catechists at St. Martin’s Cathedral in Bratislava on Monday morning, the second day of his Apostolic Journey to Slovakia.

Greeting them, and expressing gratitude for the invitation to “feel at home” in their midst, the Pope said that he has come as a brother and feels like one of them.

“I am here to listen to your experiences, your questions, and the aspirations and hopes of this Church and this country.  So it was with the first Christian community: they were constant in prayer and they walked together in concord,” he said.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248960/pope-francis-to-slovakian-catholics-we-need-creativity-of-the-gospel-not-a-defensive-catholicism
Pope Francis: We need ‘creativity of the Gospel,’ not ‘a defensive Catholicism’
By CNA Staff
Bratislava, Slovakia, Sep 13, 2021 / 05:40 am

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2021/september/documents/20210913-bratislava-religiosi.html
APOSTOLIC JOURNEY OF HIS HOLINESS FRANCIS
TO BUDAPEST, ON THE OCCASION OF THE CONCLUDING HOLY MASS
OF THE 52nd INTERNATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS,
AND TO SLOVAKIA
[12-15 SEPTEMBER 2021]
MEETING WITH BISHOPS, PRIESTS, RELIGIOUS, SEMINARIANS AND CATECHISTS
ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS
Bratislava, Saint Martin Cathedral
Monday, 13 September 2021

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' Apostolic Visit to Budapest and Slovakia -- September 12-15, 2021

Video at the link
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-09/pope-in-slovakia-bethlehem-centre-a-beacon-of-hope-for-poor-and.html
Pope in Slovakia: Bethlehem Centre 'a beacon of hope for poor and homeless'
13 September 2021, 09:00

On Monday, the first full day of his visit to Slovakia, Pope Francis makes a private visit to the Bethlehem Centre for the homeless and needy in Bratislava, to see for himself the tireless work carried out by the Missionary Sisters of Charity.
By Lydia O’Kane

During his Apostolic Visit to Slovakia, Pope Francis is drawing attention to the poor and the marginalized by making a private visit to “The Bethlehem Centre” for the homeless in Bratislava.

After signing the Centre's "Book of Honour", the Pope listened to some testimonies of volunteers and thanked the Sisters of Charity for their witness.

"I pray for you; please pray for me. May the Lord bless you and Our Lady protect you", he said during the private meeting that took place on Monday afternoon, on the second day of his Apostolic Visit to Slovakia.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-09/pope-francis-slovakia-bratislava-bethlehem-center-interview.html
Pope at Bethlehem Centre in Slovakia: 'A day to remember'
13 September 2021, 19:51

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' Apostolic Visit to Budapest and Slovakia -- September 12-15, 2021

Video at the link
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-09/pope-jewish-community-slovakia-bratislava-meeting.html
Pope thanks Slovak Jews for opening doors to healing and fraternity
13 September 2021, 16:30

Pope Francis pays tribute to Slovak Jews, victims of persecution, and thanks the Jewish Community in Bratislava for opening doors on the path to healing and fraternity.
By Linda Bordoni

A meeting with Bratislava’s Jewish Community in the central Rybné námestie Square, where the city’s Neolog Synagogue was demolished by the government in 1969, provided Pope Francis with the occasion to thank Slovak Jews for their willingness to persevere on the path of rapprochement and friendship.

Addressing the community headed by the President of the Central Union of Jewish Religious Communities in the Slovak Republic on the second day of his Apostolic Visit to the nation, the Pope described himself as having come to the encounter as a pilgrim, moved by the history of the meaningful Square where a synagogue once stood alongside the Cathedral of the Coronation.

Referring to the architectural setting that, he said is “an expression of the peaceful coexistence of the two communities, an unusual and evocative symbol, and a striking sign of unity in the name of the God of our fathers,” he said that like many here: “I too feel the desire to “remove my sandals” in a place blessed by human fraternity in the name of the Most High.”
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248962/pope-francis-to-slovakias-jewish-community-your-sufferings-are-our-sufferings
Pope Francis to Slovakia’s Jewish community: ‘Your sufferings are our sufferings’
By Hannah Brockhaus
Rome Newsroom, Sep 13, 2021 / 10:19 am

Video at the link
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2021/september/documents/20210913-bratislava-comunitaebraica.html
APOSTOLIC JOURNEY OF HIS HOLINESS FRANCIS
TO BUDAPEST, ON THE OCCASION OF THE CONCLUDING HOLY MASS
OF THE 52nd INTERNATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS,
AND TO SLOVAKIA
[12-15 SEPTEMBER 2021]
MEETING WITH THE JEWISH COMMUNITY
ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS
Bratislava, Rybné námestie Square
Monday, 13 September 2021

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' Apostolic Visit to Budapest and Slovakia -- September 12-15, 2021

https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2021/07/vatican-publishes-schedule-for-papal-trip-to-hungary-slovakia/
Vatican publishes schedule for papal trip to Hungary, Slovakia
By Junno Arocho Esteves
Jul 21, 2021 | Catholic News Service
 
Here is the detailed schedule released by the Vatican July 21. Times listed are local, with Eastern Daylight Time in parenthesis:
 
Tuesday, Sept. 14 (Bratislava, Košice, Prešov, Košice, Bratislava)

— 8:10 a.m. (2:10 a.m.) Departure by plane for Košice.

— 9 a.m. (3 a.m.) Arrival at Košice airport.

— 10:30 a.m. (4:30 a.m.) Byzantine Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom at Mestská športová hala Square in Prešov. Homily by pope.

— 4 p.m. (10 a.m.) Meeting with Roma community in the Luník IX neighborhood in Košice. Greeting by pope.

— 5 p.m. (11 a.m.) Meeting with young people at Lokomotiva Stadium in Košice. Speech by pope.

— 6:30 p.m. (12:30 p.m.) Departure by plane for Bratislava.

— 7:30 p.m. (1:30 p.m.) Arrival at Bratislava international airport.
 

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' Apostolic Visit to Budapest and Slovakia -- September 12-15, 2021

Video, with English commentary, at the link
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-09/pope-divine-liturgy-cross-slovakia-apostolic-journey.html
Pope at Divine Liturgy in Slovakia: Let us turn our hearts to the Cross
14 September 2021, 10:30

Pope Francis presides at the celebration of the Divine Liturgy in the Byzantine Rite in Prešov, calling on the faithful of Slovakia to “turn the eyes” of their hearts “to the crucified Jesus.”
By Christopher Wells

On Tuesday in Prešov, Pope Francis presided at the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross.

The liturgy, in the Byzantine Rite, was celebrated by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Prešov, Ján Babjak, and concelebrated by numerous Greek and Latin Catholic prelates.

In his homily, Pope Francis repeated the words of St Paul: “We proclaim Christ crucified… the power of God and the wisdom of God.” The Cross, which on the surface can seem to be a “scandal” and “foolishness,” reveals to us “the beauty of God’s love”: “The Cross was an instrument of death, yet it became the source of life.”

The Pope noted that in Tuesday’s Liturgy, the account of the crucifixion is taken from the Gospel of St John, who was personally present at the foot of the Cross. Saint John, he said, “sees and testifies.”
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248973/christianity-without-the-cross-is-sterile-says-pope-francis-at-byzantine-divine-liturgy
Christianity without the Cross is ‘sterile,’ says Pope Francis at Byzantine Divine Liturgy
By Courtney Mares
Rome Newsroom, Sep 14, 2021 / 06:00 am

English translation of Homily
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2021/documents/20210914-omelia-presov.html
APOSTOLIC JOURNEY OF HIS HOLINESS FRANCIS
TO BUDAPEST, ON THE OCCASION OF THE CONCLUDING HOLY MASS
OF THE 52nd INTERNATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS,
AND TO SLOVAKIA
(12-15 SEPTEMBER 2021)
BYZANTINE DIVINE LITURGY OF SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
PRESIDED BY THE HOLY FATHER
Square of the Mestská športová hala (Prešov)
Tuesday, 14 September 2021

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' Apostolic Visit to Budapest and Slovakia -- September 12-15, 2021

Video, with English commentary, at the link
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-09/pope-francis-slovakia-pastoral-kosice-journey-roma-lunik-ix.html
Pope in Slovakia condemns discrimination, prejudice against Roma people
14 September 2021, 16:40

One highlight of Pope Francis’ visit to Slovakia was Tuesday’s meeting with the Roma community in Kosice during which he called for their integration.
By Robin Gomes

“Judgement and prejudice only increase distances. Hostility and sharp words are not helpful.  Marginalizing others accomplishes nothing.  Segregating ourselves and other people eventually leads to anger.”  Pope Francis used these words to condemn the discrimination that the Roma people face, stressing, “The path to peaceful coexistence is integration.” 

He made the remark during a meeting Tuesday evening with the Roma community of Košice, Slovakia, where he is on the 34th apostolic journey of his pontificate.   The Luník IX neighbourhood where the Pope met them has the highest density of Roma people in Slovakia.  Basic services such as gas, running water, sewage system, electricity and heating are scant in the run-down and overcrowded tenement buildings.

After listening to the testimonies of some of the Roma people, the Pope said it is not easy to leave prejudice behind, even for Christians.  “It is not easy to value others, especially if we see them as problems or enemies; if we pass judgement without making any effort to get to know them and to listen to their stories.”
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248977/pope-francis-in-slovakia-visits-impoverished-roma-minority
Pope Francis visits impoverished Roma minority in Slovakia
By Hannah Brockhaus
Rome Newsroom, Sep 14, 2021 / 09:30 am

English translation of Greetings
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2021/september/documents/20210914-kosice-rom.html
APOSTOLIC JOURNEY OF HIS HOLINESS FRANCIS
TO BUDAPEST, ON THE OCCASION OF THE CONCLUDING HOLY MASS
OF THE 52nd INTERNATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS,
AND TO SLOVAKIA
[12-15 SEPTEMBER 2021]
MEETING WITH THE ROMA COMMUNITY
 GREETINGS OF THE HOLY FATHER
Luník IX district in Košice
Tuesday, 14 September 2021

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' Apostolic Visit to Budapest and Slovakia -- September 12-15, 2021

Videos at the link
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-09/pope-francis-address-young-people-slovakia-kosice.html
Pope to young people in Slovakia: dream fearlessly
14 September 2021, 17:45

Pope Francis meets with young people in Slovakia at the Košice Lokomotiva Stadium and answers three of their questions, on love for each other and love for the cross.
By Francesca Merlo

Pope Francis’ last event in Košice was a meeting with young people in the city’s Lokomotiva Stadium, where Blessed Anna Kolesarova was beatified in 2018.

Pope Francis began by answering three questions he was asked by some of the young people present. "I would like to try to come up with some answers to them," said the Pope.

Answering Peter and Zuzka’s question about love between two people, the Pope noted that “like all great things in life, love is magnificent, but not easy.” "It is our greatest dream," he said, though it is “not easy to explain”. He said that the right approach is to look with “new eyes”, eyes that are not taken in by appearances and that do not trivialize love. “Because love is not simply an emotion or feeling…it is fidelity, gift and responsibility”, said the Pope. 

 “We were not put here just to make do, but to make something of our lives”, said the Pope. He urged the young people to be heroic and to “dream fearlessly”. “Please, don’t let your lives just pass by”, added the Pope.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248983/pope-francis-to-slovakias-young-catholics-confession-is-the-sacrament-of-joy
Pope Francis to Slovakia’s young Catholics: Confession is the ‘sacrament of joy’
By CNA Staff
Kosice, Slovakia, Sep 14, 2021 / 12:30 pm

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2021/september.index.html#speeches
Speeches 2021 September
Apostolic Journey to Slovakia: Meeting with Young People at Lokomotiva Stadium in Košice (14 September 2021)

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' Apostolic Visit to Budapest and Slovakia -- September 12-15, 2021

https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2021/07/vatican-publishes-schedule-for-papal-trip-to-hungary-slovakia/
Vatican publishes schedule for papal trip to Hungary, Slovakia
By Junno Arocho Esteves
Jul 21, 2021 | Catholic News Service
 
Here is the detailed schedule released by the Vatican July 21. Times listed are local, with Eastern Daylight Time in parenthesis:
 
Wednesday, Sept. 15 (Bratislava, Šaštin, Bratislava, Rome)

— 9:10 a.m. (3:10 a.m.) Moment of prayer with bishops at the Basilica of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows in Šaštin.

— 10 a.m. (4 a.m.) Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows in Šaštin. Homily by pope.

— 1:30 p.m. (7:30 a.m.) Farewell ceremony at Bratislava international airport.

— 1:45 p.m. (7:45 a.m.) Departure by plane for Rome.

— 3:30 p.m. (9:30 a.m.) Arrival at Rome’s Ciampino airport.

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' Apostolic Visit to Budapest and Slovakia -- September 12-15, 2021

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-09/pope-francis-bishops-apostolic-journey-slovakia-prayer.html
Pope shares Moment of Prayer with Bishops of Slovakia
15 September 2021, 09:30

Pope Francis joins the Bishops of Slovakia for a Moment of Prayer on Wednesday, the last day of his 34th Apostolic journey.
By Benedict Mayaki, SJ

Pope Francis shared a private Moment of Prayer with the Bishops of Slovakia on Wednesday morning at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows in Šaštín, a small town located in the Senica district in the Trnava region.

The Holy Father and the Bishops together, recited a Prayer of Entrustment to Our Lady and an Our Father, followed by a concluding prayer from Pope Francis.

Wednesday, the last day of the Pope’s 34th Apostolic Visit, falls on 15 September, the liturgical Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, the patroness of Slovakia.

Following the Moment of Prayer, Pope Francis will preside at the celebration of the Holy Mass before leaving for Bratislava International Airport. He is scheduled to return to the Vatican later on Wednesday.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-09/in-the-footsteps-of-pilgrims-at-sastin.html
In the footsteps of pilgrims at Šaštín
15 September 2021, 08:44

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' Apostolic Visit to Budapest and Slovakia -- September 12-15, 2021

Photo Gallery and video, with English commentary, at the link
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-09/pope-francis-slovakia-apostolic-journey-sastin-mass-mary-faith.html
Pope at Mass upholds Mary to Slovaks as model of faith
15 September 2021, 10:41

Celebrating his final Mass on Slovak soil near the National Marian Shrine of Šaštín on Wednesday, Pope Francis invites Slovaks to imitate Mary in her journey, her prophecy and her compassion.
By Robin Gomes

In what was the final public event of his 34th Apostolic Journey to Slovakia, Pope Francis Wednesday morning celebrated the feast of Our Lady of Sorrow with an open-air Mass in Šaštín.  The town, some 71 kilometers north of the Slovak capital Bratislava, is home to the National Marian Shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, the patroness of Slovakia.  Some 90 bishops and more than 500 priests concelebrated at the Mass, attended by some 60,000 faithful.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248990/pope-francis-in-slovakia-our-lady-of-sorrows-teaches-us-compassion-for-the-suffering
Pope Francis in Slovakia: Our Lady of Sorrows teaches us compassion for the suffering
By Hannah Brockhaus
Rome Newsroom, Sep 15, 2021 / 04:46 am

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2021/documents/20210915-omelia-sastin.html
APOSTOLIC JOURNEY OF HIS HOLINESS FRANCIS
TO BUDAPEST, ON THE OCCASION OF THE CONCLUDING HOLY MASS
OF THE 52nd INTERNATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS,
AND TO SLOVAKIA
(12-15 SEPTEMBER 2021)
HOLY MASS
HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS
Esplanade of the National Shrine  (Šaštin)
Wednesday, 15 September 2021

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' Apostolic Visit to Budapest and Slovakia -- September 12-15, 2021

Video at the link
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-09/pope-francis-departure-ceremony-slovakia-rome.html
Pope Francis bids farewell to Slovakia
15 September 2021, 13:45

Pope Francis thanks the people of Slovakia before taking off back to Rome, concluding his 34th Apostolic Visit abroad.
By Francesca Merlo

Pope Francis has left Slovakia, after his 34th Apostolic Visit abroad during which he visited Budapest, Hungary, for the closing Mass of the 52nd International Eucharistic Congress, before flying to Slovakia, where he visited Bratislava, Šaštín, Presov and Košice.

After Mass at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows in Šaštín , which was the Pope’s final public Mass of the journey, he addressed the faithful in Slovakia, saying “the time has now come for me to take leave of your country”.  He added that “in this Eucharist I gave thanks to God for having allowed me to come among you and to conclude my pilgrimage in the devoted embrace of your people, celebrating together the great religious and national feast of your Patroness, the Virgin Mother of Sorrows”.
 
Then, on Wednesday afternoon, Pope Francis was greeted at the airport by the President of the Republic and by civil authorities, before taking off for Rome on what will be the very last papal Alitalia flight before the company closes down.

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-09/pope-in-slovakia-what-difference-three-days-make.html
Pope in Slovakia: What a difference three days make
15 September 2021, 13:58

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' Apostolic Visit to Budapest and Slovakia -- September 12-15, 2021
Press conference aboard the papal flight from Bratislava to Rome

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-09/pope-abortion-is-murder-the-church-must-be-compassionate.html
Pope: Abortion is murder, the Church must be close and compassionate, not political
15 September 2021, 17:27

Speaking to journalists on the return flight from Slovakia, Pope Francis talks about his dialogue with Hungarian authorities, anti-Semitism, and vaccines, as well as Holy Communion for politicians who approve abortion laws.
VATICAN NEWS

"Abortion is murder: the Church cannot change its position, but "every time the bishops have as pastors, they have taken sides on the political front." These were Pope Francis’ words during a conversation with journalists on the papal flight from Bratislava to Rome, at the conclusion of his trip to Budapest and Slovakia.

Istávan Károly Kuzmányi (Magiar Kurir): Holy Father, thank you for your visit to Budapest where you quoted Cardinal Mindszenty who said, "If there are one million Hungarians praying, I am not afraid of the future..." Why did you decide to participate in the Eucharistic Congress in Budapest after 21 years, and how do you see Christianity in Europe?

Some people had bad thoughts about the visit to Budapest, it was planned that way, but I promised your President to see whether it will be possible to come back next year or the following one. The Hungarians have so many values, I was struck by a deep, deep sense of ecumenism. In general, Europe - I always say this - must resume the dreams of its Founding Fathers. The European Union is not a meeting in which to get things done, there is a spirit behind the EU that Schumann, Adenauer, De Gasperi dreamed of. There's the danger that it has become just a managerial office, and that is not good, it must delve into its essence, search for Europe’s roots and nourish them. And all the countries must move forward. It is true that there are some interests, perhaps not European ones, that attempt to use the European Union for ideological colonization, and this is not good. I was with you in Transylvania, that Mass was beautiful.
 
This is a working translation of a rough Italian transcription

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248992/pope-francis-tackles-debate-over-communion-for-politicians-who-support-abortion
On papal flight, Pope Francis tackles debate over Communion for politicians who support abortion
By Courtney Mares
Rome, Italy, Sep 15, 2021 / 09:20 am

--Edited to add full text of press conference below--

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/248994/full-text-pope-francis-in-flight-press-conference-from-slovakia
Full text: Pope Francis’ in-flight press conference from Slovakia
By Pope Francis
Aboard the papal plane, Sep 15, 2021 / 12:00 pm

[grace-land]

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-09/pope-francis-discourse-laity-family-life.html

Pope to lay associations: Be aware of the Apostolic power you have
16 September 2021, 11:00

Pope Francis meets with the moderators of associations of the faithful, ecclesial movements and new communities and urges them to stay out on the existential peripheries, warning them of the danger of the desire for power.
By Francesca Merlo

Pope Francis opened his discourse to moderators of associations of the faithful, ecclesial movements and new communities, gathered for a meeting organised by the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family and Life, by thanking all those present for being there.

"And thank you for your presence as lay men and women, young and old, committed to living and witnessing to the Gospel in the ordinary realities of life, in your work, in so many different contexts - educational, social, and so on -: this is the vast field of your apostolate, it is your evangelization", added the Pope.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249005/pope-francis-warns-leaders-of-catholic-movements-not-to-abuse-power
Pope Francis warns leaders of Catholic movements not to abuse power
By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, Sep 16, 2021 / 08:00 am

[grace-land]

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249006/benedict-xvi-legalization-of-same-sex-marriage-is-a-distortion-of-conscience

Benedict XVI: Legalization of same-sex marriage is ‘a distortion of conscience’
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Sep 16, 2021 / 09:15 am

Pope emeritus Benedict XVI has said that the legalization of same-sex marriage in many countries is “a distortion of conscience” which has also entered some Catholic circles.

In an introduction to a new anthology of his writings on Europe, Benedict XVI said that “with the legalization of ‘same-sex marriage’ in 16 European countries, the issue of marriage and family has taken on a new dimension that cannot be ignored.”

“We are witnessing a distortion of conscience which has evidently penetrated deeply into sectors of the Catholic people,” the pope emeritus wrote. “This cannot be answered with some small moralism or even with some exegetical reference. The problem goes deeper and therefore must be addressed in fundamental terms.”

The introduction, published in the Italian newspaper Il Foglio on Sept. 16, was written for the Italian book “The Real Europe: Identity and Mission.”

Pope Francis wrote the preface to the book, which compiles texts from Benedict XVI written both before and during his pontificate, which lasted from 2005 to 2013.

Pope Francis wrote the preface to the book, which compiles texts from Benedict XVI written both before and during his pontificate, which lasted from 2005 to 2013.

In the preface, Francis wrote that “beyond so many words and high-sounding proclamations, today in Europe the very idea of respect for every human life is increasingly lost, starting with the loss of awareness of its sacredness, that is, precisely starting from the obfuscation of the consciousness that we are creatures of God.”

“Benedict XVI is not afraid to denounce, over the years, with great courage and foresight the many manifestations of this dramatic renunciation of the idea of creation, up to the current, final consequences, described in an absolutely clear and convincing way in the introductory text,” Pope Francis said.

In his introduction, Benedict XVI said it was important to observe that the concept of “same-sex marriage” is “in contradiction with all the cultures of humanity that have followed one another up to now, and thus signifies a cultural revolution that is opposed to the whole tradition of humanity until today.”