Pope Francis

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-09/pope-francis-audience-catechism-evangelization-eucharist-holy-sp.html

Pope: Catechists are evangelizers who transmit the Eucharist they live
17 September 2021, 12:43

Pope Francis on Friday met representatives of the European bishops’ conferences who are responsible for catechesis. They were in Rome for a Vatican meeting.
By Robin Gomes

Catechists are evangelizers who live from the celebration of the Eucharist and feel more vividly the passion to transmit the faith with the creativity and drive of the Holy Spirit.  “The privileged place of catechesis is precisely the Eucharistic celebration, where brothers and sisters come together to discover more and more the different ways of God's presence in their lives.”

The Pope made the remark on Friday to some 80 delegates of the European bishops’ conferences who are responsible for catechesis.  They participated in a meeting on "Catechesis and Catechists for the New Evangelization", promoted by the Vatican Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization.

Recalling the International Eucharistic Congress which he concluded on Sunday in the Hungarian capital, Budapest, the Pope said that the commitment of catechists can be greatly effective in the work of evangelization if they keep their gaze fixed on the Eucharistic mystery.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249015/in-historic-trip-to-marian-shrine-pope-calls-to-pray-rosary-change-the-world
Pope Francis hopes new ministry of catechist will ‘awaken this vocation’
By CNA Staff
Vatican City, Sep 17, 2021 / 07:30 am

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2021/september/documents/20210917-nuova-evangelizzazione.html
ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS
 TO THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE MEETING PROMOTED BY THE
 PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR PROMOTING NEW EVANGELIZATION
Clementine Hall
Friday, 17 September 2021

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-09/pope-receives-irish-president-in-audience.html

Pope receives Irish president in audience
17 September 2021, 13:20

Pope Francis met Friday morning with Irish President Michael Higgins
Communiqué of the Holy See Press Office
 
During the cordial talks, various matters of mutual interest were discussed, such as migration and the protection of the environment, with particular attention to the prospects of the 26th United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP26), to take place in Glasgow. There was also a joint reflection on the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic and the future of Europe, focusing finally on the theme of the strengthening of the peace process in the country.

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-09/ireland-partition-anniversary-prayer-reflection-churches.html
Irish Churches to mark Partition of Ireland
17 September 2021, 14:55

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-09/pope-francis-sick-elderly-priests-lombardy.html

Pope to sick and elderly priests: You are bearers of dreams charged with memory
17 September 2021, 11:12

Pope Francis writes to elderly and sick priests in the Italian region of Lombardy, reminding them of their role as bearers of dreams for younger generations, and encouraging them to live old age and illness as a privilege.
By Benedict Mayaki, SJ

“You are living a season, old age, which is not an illness but a privilege.” These were the Pope’s words to the elderly and sick priests of the Italian region of Lombardy, gathered on Thursday at Caravaggio for a Day of Fraternity with the Bishops of the region.

In a letter, the Holy Father asked them to think of Simeon and Anna in the Bible, because it was only in their old age that the Gospel fully entered into their lives, and “taking Jesus in their arms, they announced to all the revolution of tenderness.”
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249013/pope-francis-tells-elderly-priests-aging-is-a-privilege
Pope Francis tells elderly priests: ‘Aging is a privilege’
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Sep 17, 2021 / 04:00 am

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-09/pope-francis-discourse-rome-faithful-synodal-process.html

Pope to Rome's faithful: Synodality expresses the nature of the Church
18 September 2021, 12:00

In a discourse to the faithful of the Diocese of Rome, Pope Francis describes the Synodal process due to begin in October and the importance of the diocese as the Church works together to feel part of “one great people”.
By Francesca Merlo

Addressing the faithful of the Diocese of Rome, Pope Francis described the upcoming Synod — with the theme "For a synodal Church: communion, participation, mission" — as a journey in which the whole Church is engaged.

He noted that the Synod will take place between October 2021 and October 2023, and that the itinerary has been conceived as “a dynamism of mutual listening, conducted at all levels of the Church, involving the whole the people of God”.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249028/pope-francis-synodal-process-not-about-gathering-opinions-but-listening-to-the-holy-spirit
Pope Francis: Synodal process not about ‘gathering opinions,’ but ‘listening to the Holy Spirit’
By CNA Staff
Vatican City, Sep 18, 2021 / 07:25 am

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-09/pope-francis-video-message-minors-abuse-conference-warsaw.html

Pope: Misguided concern for Church reputation should not sideline abuse victims' welfare
18 September 2021, 12:46

In a video message to a 3-day conference in Warsaw, Poland, on safeguarding children from abuse in the Church, Pope Francis hopes such efforts will bring about real and reliable change.
By Vatican News staff reporter

As an important international conference on the protection of vulnerable children and adults for the Churches of Central and Eastern Europe kicks off in the Polish capital, Warsaw, on Sunday, Pope Francis hopes the effort will bring about real and reliable change in the Church and in the hearts of Christians. 

Organized by the Vatican’s Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors and the Polish Bishops' Conference, the September 19 to 22 conference has as its theme, “Our Common Mission of Safeguarding God’s Children”. Representatives of bishops’ conferences, religious orders and lay professionals from 20 countries are participating in the 3-day event.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249029/pope-francis-invokes-abraham-lincoln-in-message-to-safeguarding-summit
Pope Francis invokes Abraham Lincoln in message to safeguarding summit
By CNA Staff
Vatican City, Sep 18, 2021 / 08:30 am

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/pont-messages/2021/documents/20210918-videomessaggio-incontro-tutela-minori.html
VIDEO MESSAGE OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS
FOR THE MEETING "OUR COMMON MISSION OF SAFEGUARDING GOD'S CHILDREN"
ORGANISED BY THE PONTIFICAL COMMISSION FOR THE PROTECTION OF MINORS
AND THE BISHOPS' CONFERENCES OF CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE
[Warsaw, Poland, 19-22 September 2021]

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-09/pope-at-angelus-fidelity-to-god-means-willingness-to-serve.html

Pope at Angelus: Fidelity to God means willingness to serve
19 September 2021, 09:08

At the Angelus on Sunday, Pope Francis reflected on the theme of service, saying that when we serve others, we receive God’s embrace.
By Christopher Wells

In God’s eyes, Pope Francis said on Sunday, “greatness and success” are not measured by social position, job title, or wealth, but by service; “not on what someone has, but on what someone gives.”

The Holy Father looked to the day’s Gospel, where Jesus’ disciples were discussing among themselves which of them was the greatest. Jesus responded with “with harsh words… that are still valid today”: “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all, and servant of all.”

The Pope acknowledged that the idea of service might seem “a bit hackneyed, worn out by use.” But he insisted that it has a “precise and concrete meaning in the Gospel”; it means “acting like Jesus” who had come into the world “not to be served, but to serve.”
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-09/pope-francis-angelus-prayer-mexico-victims-flooding.html
Pope prays for Mexico flood victims
19 September 2021, 12:20

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249036/pope-francis-at-the-angelus-the-true-measure-of-success-is-what-you-give-not-what-you-have
Pope Francis: The true measure of success is what you give, not what you have
By CNA Staff
Vatican City, Sep 19, 2021 / 05:15 am

English text of Angelus and video at the link
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2021/documents/papa-francesco_angelus_20210919.html
POPE FRANCIS
ANGELUS
Saint Peter's Square
Sunday, 19 September 2021
[Multimedia]

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Video at the link

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249032/the-vatican-nativity-scene-2021-given-by-peru-will-include-llamas-and-superfood-for-baby-jesus

The Vatican Nativity scene 2021 will include llamas and superfood for Baby Jesus
By Alejandro Bermudez
Denver Newsroom, Sep 19, 2021 / 03:00 am

Last year, the Vatican nativity set came, for some, from outer space; in 2021 it is coming from the Andes. 

The 2021 manger that will be placed in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican to celebrate Christmas will arrive from the town of Chopcca, Peru, a small town nestled in the Andes over 12,000 feet high.

"As of December 15 and for 45 days, more than 100 million tourists and followers of the media will be attentive to the Christmas celebrations in the Holy See that will revolve around the Andean manger," indicates a note from the Andina news agency, the official media outlet for Peru.

Last year's nativity scene, a set of 54 figures dating to the 1960s and 1970s, was panned by many on social media. One detractor described it as "some car parts, kid toys, and an astronaut."

The Vatican has not announced the details yet, but the local news agency released a video with a 3-D rendering of the nativity scene. You can a video from ACI Prensa (in Spanish) about the 3D rendering below:
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-09/comece-eu-bishops-young-people-future-europe.html

Young Catholics call for more solidarity and fraternity in Europe
20 September 2021, 15:51

Young Catholics call for more solidarity and fraternity in Europe. COMECE President, Cardinal Hollerich, reminds them that they are the future but they are also “Europe now”
By Lisa Zengarini

Young European Catholics aspire to a more united Europe based on its founding values of solidarity, fraternity, and respect, a recent report issued by the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) says. The document contains concrete policy proposals and suggestions that emerged during the Catholic Youth Convention on the Future of Europe, which was organized by COMECE in June this year. The Convention brought together over 100 young Catholics delegated mostly from the Bishops’ Conferences of the EU and from the members of the COMECE Youth Platform, a network of over 10 Catholic Youth

3 webinars on the Future of Europe

They met online on 3, 10, and 17 June in the context of the Conference on the Future of Europe, the wide public debate process involving European citizens, institutions, and organizations to bring about change in the Union so it can meet today's challenges in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis. The process kicked off on 9 May 2021 (Europe Day). On the path drawn by Pope Francis’ Message on Europe, the Catholic Youth Convention focused on three thematic areas: the Just social recovery, the Ecological and Digital transitions, and Democracy & European values. Participants were supported and stimulated in their discussions by several inputs from guest speakers and experts in the fields of ecology, digitalisation, and youth participation.
 

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249038/vatican-requires-vaccine-pass-for-visitors-employees

Vatican requires vaccine pass for visitors, employees
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Sep 20, 2021 / 08:15 am

The Vatican will require all visitors and personnel to show a COVID-19 pass proving they have been vaccinated, have recovered from the coronavirus, or have tested negative for the disease in order to enter the city state beginning Oct. 1.

To enter Vatican territory, tourists and other visitors, employees, and officials will be required to show a digital or paper Covid Certificate issued by the Vatican or another country, according to an ordinance published Sept. 20.

The president of Vatican City State, Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello, issued the ordinance at the request of Pope Francis, who asked “to take all appropriate measures to prevent, control and combat the ongoing public health emergency in the Vatican City State.”
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-09/pope-in-the-cross-we-see-humanity-embraced-by-god-s-mercy.html

Pope: In the Cross, God's mercy embraces every aspect of humanity
21 September 2021, 09:55

In a letter to the head of the Passionist order, Pope Francis says he hopes an International Theological Congress “will contribute to a renewed understanding of contemporary challenges in light of the Wisdom of the Cross.”
By Christopher Wells

Pope Francis has penned a letter to Father Joachim Rego, the Superior General of the Passionist order, on the occasion of an International Theological Congress on “The Wisdom of the Cross in a pluralistic World.”

The Congress, sponsored by the Gloria Crucis chair of the Pontifical Lateran University, “is one of the initiatives of the Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ (Passionists) to celebrate the Third Centenary of its foundation.”
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/pont-messages/2021/documents/20210701-messaggio-padre-rego.html
MESSAGE OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS
TO THE REV. FATHER JOACHIM REGO, C.P.,
SUPERIOR GENERAL OF THE CONGREGATION OF THE PASSION OF JESUS CHRIST,
TO MARK THE INTERNATIONAL THEOLOGICAL CONGRESS
 [21-24 September 2021]

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-09/pope-francis-jesuits-slovakia-apostolic-journey.html

Pope to Slovak Jesuits: Closeness to the people of God frames us
21 September 2021, 10:32

Pope Francis urges Slovak Jesuits in their work to draw closer to God and His people, during his Apostolic Visit to Slovakia. He also notes that the Church is called to move forward in discernment and prayer.
By Benedict Mayaki, SJ

During his recently-concluded 34th Apostolic Journey (12 – 15 September), Pope Francis visited Hungary for the closing Mass of the 52nd International Eucharistic Congress, before flying to Slovakia where he visited Bratislava, Šaštín, Presov and Košice.

In Slovakia, the Holy Father met with a group of about 53 Jesuits on Sunday, 12 September, the evening of his arrival in the country. The official transcript of his words to Slovak Jesuits was released on Tuesday by the Jesuit review "La Civiltà Cattolica".

After a few words of welcome from the provincial of the Slovak Province, Pope Francis engaged with them in conversation, responding to questions directed at him.

The questions covered a wide variety of topics: from the Holy Father’s health after his surgery in July, the mission of the Society of Jesus in Slovakia, and the challenges faced by the Church in the country.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249047/pope-francis-tells-slovakian-jesuits-some-people-wanted-me-to-die-amid-health-challenges
Pope Francis to Slovakian Jesuits: ‘Some people wanted me to die’ amid health problems
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Sep 21, 2021 / 05:20 am

English transcript of conversation with Slovak Jesuits--
https://www.laciviltacattolica.com/freedom-scares-us-pope-francis-conversation-with-slovak-jesuits/
“Freedom Scares Us”: Pope Francis’ conversation with Slovak Jesuits
Antonio Spadaro, SJ / Pope Francis / Published Date:21 September 2021

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Video, with English commentary, at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-09/pope-francis-general-audience-catechesis-visit-budapest-slovakia.html
Pope at Audience: Budapest & Slovakia visit was ‘pilgrimage of prayer, hope’
22 September 2021, 10:17

At his weekly General Audience, Pope Francis reflects on last week’s Apostolic Journey to Budapest and Slovakia, calling it a pilgrimage to the roots of prayer and hope.
By Devin Watkins

Pope Francis spoke about the meaning of his Apostolic Visit to Slovakia and Budapest in the catechesis portion of the Wednesday General Audience.

The papal journey, which took place on 12-15 September, was characterized by the word “together”, said the Pope, since it showed that the Church breathes with “two lungs”—the Latin and Greek rites—while walking together with the Jewish community, other Christians, and the faithful of other religions.

“I would summarize it as follows: it was a pilgrimage of prayer, a pilgrimage to the roots, a pilgrimage of hope,” said the Pope.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249056/pope-francis-christian-faith-in-europe-is-being-diluted-by-consumerism
Pope Francis: Christian faith in Europe is being ‘diluted by consumerism’
By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, Sep 22, 2021 / 04:30 am

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2021/documents/papa-francesco_20210922_udienza-generale.html
POPE FRANCIS
GENERAL AUDIENCE
Paul VI Audience Hall
Wednesday, 22 September 2021

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-09/council-cardinals-meeting-pope-francis-synod-bishops.html

Council of Cardinals meets to discuss next Synod of Bishops
22 September 2021, 17:23

The Holy See Press Office says the Council of Cardinal met online on Monday to speak about the next Synod of Bishops on the topic of synodality.
By Vatican News staff reporter

Pope Francis joined the Council of Cardinals for their online meeting on Monday afternoon, according to a communique from the Holy See Press Office released on Tuesday.

“After a brief introduction to the work by Cardinal Óscar Rodríguez Maradiaga, Pope Francis offered a reflection on the opening of the work of the next Synod on synodality,” said the statement.

The Pope reviewed two of his speeches “identified as central to his thinking” on the next Synod: “his 2015 speech for the 50th anniversary of the institution of the Synod of Bishops; and his discourse to the faithful of the Diocese of Rome last Saturday.”

The statement said the Pope “made it clear that at the heart of the reflection is not so much the deepening of a specific theme as learning a way of living the Church, marked at all levels by mutual listening and a pastoral attitude, particularly in the face of the temptations of clericalism and rigidity.”

The Cardinals present then shared their own reflections on various aspects of the synodal path and the need to overcome “sectarianism and partisan interests.”

The next meeting was scheduled for December, when the Cardinals hope to meet in person
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249061/cardinals-council-discusses-synod-on-synodality-with-pope-francis
Cardinals’ council discusses synod on synodality with Pope Francis
By CNA Staff
Vatican City, Sep 22, 2021 / 13:00 pm

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-09/pope-francis-homily-european-bishops-conference-council.html

Pope at Mass for CCEE jubilee: Love alone satisfies the human heart
23 September 2021, 17:49

Pope Francis celebrates Mass with the Council of Bishops’ Conferences of Europe, and encourages bishops to reflect on three words as they celebrate their golden jubilee: reflect, rebuild and see.
By Francesca Merlo

In his homily at Mass with the Council of Bishops’ Conferences of Europe (CCEE) on Thursday, Pope Francis reflected on "three words that challenge us as Christians and Bishops in Europe: reflect, rebuild and see."

Bishops from across Europe are in Rome to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the CCEE with a plenary conference on 23-26 September.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249071/pope-francis-to-bishops-the-saints-spread-the-gospel-not-a-social-program
Pope Francis to bishops: The saints spread the Gospel, not a ‘social program’
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Sep 23, 2021 / 09:50 am

At the link below:  Homily in English, Photo Gallery and video(Multimedia)--
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2021/documents/20210923-omelia-ccee.html
MASS WITH THE COUNCIL OF BISHOPS’ CONFERENCES OF EUROPE
HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS
St Peter's Basilica
Thursday, 23 September 2021
[Multimedia]

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-09/pope-francis-letter-armenian-catholic-patriarch-syria-lebanon.html

Pope to new Armenian Patriarch: closeness to Syria, Lebanon
24 September 2021, 16:16

In a letter, Pope Francis has granted the “Ecclesiastica Communio” to the new Patriarch of the Armenian Catholic Church, who was elected on September 23. The Pope received His Beatitude Raphaël Bedros XXI Minassian of Cilicia in the Vatican on Friday.
By Vatican News staff reporter

After his election, the Patriarch of Cilicia of the Armenians wrote to Pope Francis requesting “Ecclesiastica Communio” (ecclesiastical communion), which the Pope granted in a letter on Thursday. The Holy Father said he was sharing the joy of the Armenian Catholic Church, which prayed as the synod first met in Lebanon and then in Rome to elect the successor to the late Krikor Bedros XX Gabroyan, who died on May 25.

The Armenian Catholic Patriarchate of Cilicia is one of the 22 Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with the Holy See and the worldwide Catholic Church. The patriarchate is headquartered in Beirut, Lebanon.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-09/pope-sends-condolences-on-death-of-cardinal-urosa-savino.html

Pope sends condolences on death of Cardinal Urosa Savino
24 September 2021, 14:18

In a telegram, Pope Francis remembers the archbishop emeritus of Caracas, Cardinal Jorge Urosa Savino, who died late Thursday at the age of 79. The Venezuelan cardinal had been admitted to intensive care at the end of August. Cardinal Savino remained close to the suffering of the Venezuelan population to the very end, inviting political leaders to work together to peacefully resolve the political crisis wracking the country.
By Vatican News

A “devoted pastor who, for years and with fidelity, gave his life in the service of God and the Church”: that is how Pope Francis remembered Cardinal Jorge Urosa Savino, archbishop emeritus of Caracas, Venezuela, who died on Thursday.

In a telegram, Pope Francis expressed his condolences to Cardinal Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo, archbishop of Mérida and apostolic administrator of the archdiocese of Caracas; to Cardinal Urosa Savino’s family; and to his ecclesial community. The Holy Father said was praying “for the eternal repose of his soul, that the Lord Jesus may grant him the crown of glory that does not wither”; and he imparted the apostolic blessing, “as a sign of Christian hope in the Risen Lord”.

Cardinal Jorge Liberato Urosa Savino was 79 years old. According to a statement issued by the Venezuelan Bishops’ Conference, at the end of August, he was diagnosed with Covid-19 and was admitted to the intensive care unit at the hospital in Venezuela’s capital.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2021-09/pope-names-special-delegate-for-the-memores-domini-association.html

Pope names Special Delegate for the Memores Domini association
24 September 2021, 14:40

Pope Francis has named Archbishop Filippo Santoro of Taranto as his Special Delegate to the Memores Domini Lay Association. Archbishop Santoro will temporarily assume the governance of the association in order to safeguard its charism and preserve its unity.
By Vatican News

Pope Francis, “taking to heart the experience of Memores Domini and recognizing in its charism a manifestation of God’s grace, has ordered a change in the management of the Association, appointing as his Special Delegate His Excellency Bishop Filippo Santoro, archbishop of Taranto.”

The Holy Father’s decision was announced in a communiqué from the Holy See published on Friday.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249080/pope-francis-appoints-delegate-to-oversee-communion-and-liberation-s-consecrated-laity
Pope Francis appoints delegate to oversee Communion and Liberation’s consecrated laity
By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, Sep 24, 2021 / 07:10 am

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2021-09/cardinal-woelki-takes-time-out-from-archdiocese.html

Cardinal Woelki takes time out from archdiocese, retains Pope’s confidence
24 September 2021, 18:44

Having reviewed the results of the apostolic visit to the German archdiocese of Cologne concerning the handling of abuse cases, the Pope accepts Cardinal Woelki’s request to have a break. At the same time, the Holy Father rejected the resignation of two auxiliary bishops of Cologne.
By Vatican News

Pope Francis has accepted the request of Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki, the archbishop of Cologne, to spend “a spiritual time outside the diocese” from mid-October until the beginning of Lent next year, but reiterating that he continues to count on him. This was made known in a statement from the Apostolic Nunciature in Germany released by the Archdiocese of Cologne and the German Bishops' Conference.

The communiqué refers to the Holy Father's decisions, which came about after taking “careful note” of the results of the apostolic visit to the archdiocese made by Cardinal Archbishop Anders Arborelius of Stockholm and Bishop Johannes van den Hende of Rotterdam from June 7 to 14 last year to examine the complex pastoral situation determined by the issue of abuse.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249078/pope-francis-confirms-cardinal-woelki-in-post-after-apostolic-visitation-of-germany-s-cologne-archdiocese
Pope Francis confirms Cardinal Woelki in post after apostolic visitation of Germany’s Cologne archdiocese
By CNA Staff
Cologne, Germany, Sep 24, 2021 / 04:25 am

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-09/pope-francis-focolare-bishops-unity-reconcile-harmony-fraternity.html

Pope to Focolare-linked bishops: Help realize God’s “dream” of harmony in world
25 September 2021, 12:28

Bishops from various Christian Churches and ecclesial communities who held a meeting organized by the Focolare Movement, were received by Pope Francis on Saturday in the Vatican.
By Robin Gomes

Pope Francis on Saturday encouraged bishops who are friends of the Focolare Movement to help realize God’s “dream” of reconciling and harmonizing everything and everyone in Christ, being “always open, never exclusive”.

“This is also the ‘dream’ of fraternity, to which I dedicated the Encyclical, Fratelli tutti,” the Pope told some 15 bishop friends of the Focolare Movement.

Some 170 Bishops from 44 countries of the world, belonging to 70 Churches and ecclesial communities, gathered at the Focolare International Mariapolis Center in Castel Gandolfo,  just outside Rome, for a meeting September 24-25, on the theme, “Dare to be one. The courage of unity in a divided world”.

The Focolare Movement, officially known as the Work of Mary, was founded by the charismatic Italian laywoman Chiara Lubich during the Second World War in 1943 in Trent.

Approved by the Catholic Church in 1962, the Movement aims at spreading the message of unity worldwide. Inspired by Jesus’ prayer to the Father, “That they may all be one” (Jn 17:21). Its goal is to promote fraternity and to achieve a more united world in which people respect and value diversity.
 

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Video at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-09/pietro-parolin-76-un-general-assembly-peace-fraternity-hope.html
Cardinal Parolin to UN General Assembly: Peace must be grounded in fraternity
26 September 2021, 10:10

Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin sends a video message to the UN General Assembly, and touches on topics ranging from the pandemic, the upcoming COP26 in Glasgow, and war and nuclear disarmament.
By Devin Watkins

The United Nations is holding its 76th General Assembly this week, with heads of state and government convening in New York to discuss the overarching theme: “Building resilience through hope”.

The Vatican, which enjoys permanent ******* status at the UN, has participated in the event through representatives and video message for various events.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, sent participants Pope Francis’ greetings in a video message which was released on Sunday morning.