Pope Francis

[grace-land]

Video, with English text, at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-11/pope-s-december-prayer-intention-for-catechists.html
Pope’s December prayer intention: For Catechists
30 November 2021, 14:52

Pope Francis releases his prayer intention for the month of December, inviting everyone to pray for catechists, “summoned to announce the Word of God,” that they might “be its witnesses, with courage and creativity, and in the power of the Holy Spirit, with joy and much peace.”
By Christopher Wells

“Catechists have an invaluable mission for the transmission and growth of the faith,” says Pope Francis in The Pope Video for December.

Each month, the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network prepares The Pope Video, in which the Holy Father reveals his special prayer intentions for that month.

For December 2021, the Pope is praying “for the catechists, summoned to announce the Word of God: may they be its witnesses, with courage and creativity and in the power of the Holy Spirit, with joy and much peace.”
 

[grace-land]

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2021-11/holy-see-saint-andrew-istanbul-ecumenical-patriarchate.html

Pope to Bartholomew: Working together makes our communion visible
30 November 2021, 13:45

Pope Francis expresses his spiritual closeness to Patriarch Bartholomew in a letter for the feast of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, celebrated on 30 November, the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle. Cardinal Kurt Koch, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, led a Holy See delegation to Istanbul for the occasion.
By Benedict Mayaki, SJ

The president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, Cardinal Kurt Koch, led the delegation of the Holy See to Istanbul for the feast of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, celebrated on 30 November, the liturgical feast of Saint Andrew the Apostle.

The Cardinal was accompanied by Bishops Brian Farrell and Andrea Palmieri, Secretary and Undersecretary of the Dicastery. In Istanbul, the delegation was joined by Msgr. Walter Erbi, Chargé d’affaires at the Apostolic Nunciature in Turkey.

A Tuesday statement from the Holy See Press Office said that the delegation took part in the solemn Divine Liturgy presided over by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in the Patriarchal Church of Saint George at Phanar.

Cardinal Koch also presented the Ecumenical Patriarch an autographed message from Pope Francis, which he publicly read at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249737/pope-francis-to-orthodox-leader-may-god-prepare-us-to-receive-the-gift-of-full-unity
Pope Francis to Orthodox leader: May God prepare us to receive gift of full unity
By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, Nov 30, 2021 / 12:00 pm

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/pont-messages/2021.index.html
Messages Pontifical Messages 2021
Message of Pope Francis to His Holiness Bartholomew I on the occasion of the Feast of Saint Andrew (30 November 2021)

[grace-land]

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249736/vatican-cardinal-criticizes-advice-to-avoid-word-christmas-in-eu-commission-communications-guide

Vatican cardinal criticizes advice to avoid word ‘Christmas’ in EU commission communications guide
By CNA Staff
Vatican City, Nov 30, 2021 / 06:22 am

The Vatican’s Secretary of State on Tuesday criticized a European Commission communications guide discouraging staff from using the word “Christmas.”

In an interview published by Vatican News on Nov. 30, Cardinal Pietro Parolin suggested that the document was going “against reality” by downplaying Europe’s Christian roots.

He was commenting on a 32-page internal document called “#UnionOfEquality. European Commission Guidelines for Inclusive Communication,” launched on Oct. 26 by EU Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli.

Dalli announced on Nov. 30 that she was withdrawing the guidelines, saying that they “clearly need more work.”
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2021-11/holy-see-christmas-discrimination-european-union-inclusion.html
EU withdraws communication manual which dropped use of word "Christmas"
30 November 2021, 13:37

Video at the link
https://www.vaticannews.va/it/papa/news/2021-11/parolin-natale-cancellato-persona-discriminazioni-santa-sede.html
Il Natale "cancellato": la Ue ritira le linee guida
30 novembre 2021, 11:05

[grace-land]

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249734/7-things-to-know-about-the-dobbs-abortion-case-now-before-the-supreme-court

7 things to know about the Dobbs abortion case now before the Supreme Court
By Katie Yoder
Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Nov 30, 2021 / 02:00 am

Part of a continuing series examining the U.S. Supreme Court case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, a direct challenge to the 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion throughout the United States.

The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing a historic case on Dec. 1 that directly challenges Roe v. Wade, the 1973 ruling that legalized abortion nationwide. Here’s what you need to know:

1. What is the case about?

The case, known as Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, involves a 2018 Mississippi law restricting most abortions after 15 weeks. “Dobbs” stands for Thomas E. Dobbs, who serves as the state health officer of the Mississippi State Department of Health. Jackson Women’s Health Organization provides abortion in Jackson, Mississippi, and is the only abortion clinic in that state.
 
3. What time are the arguments?

The oral arguments are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 1, and will last for 70 minutes.
 
https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/lifesites-full-coverage-of-the-supreme-courts-oral-arguments-wednesday/
WATCH: LifeSite’s full coverage of the Supreme Court’s oral arguments Wednesday
LifeSiteNews is sending a team of reporters to Washington, D.C., and will provide various live streams.
Tue Nov 30, 2021 - 1:43 pm EST

[grace-land]

Update:  The Supreme Court's oral arguments in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249745/live-updates-supreme-court-to-hear-arguments-in-dobbs-v-jackson-womens-health

Highlights from the Supreme Court's oral arguments in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health
By Christine Rousselle
Washington D.C., Dec 1, 2021 / 07:15 am

This post will be continuously updated.

As the Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in the case Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health, activists both opposed and in favor of abortion rights gathered outside the court in the early morning hours on Wednesday, Dec. 1.

CNA is outside the court and will be providing on-the-ground updates. (All times EST.)

11:55 a.m. The Supreme Court adjourns.

11:54 a.m. In his closing rebuttal, Stewart compared Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health to Brown v. Board of Education.

"In closing, I would say that in the dissent of Plessy v. Ferguson, Justice Harlan emphasized that there is no caste system here; and the humblest in our country is the peer of the most powerful. Our Constitution neither knows nor tolerate distinctions on the basis of race," he said.

"It took 58 years for this court to recognize the truth of those realities in a decision. And that was the greatest decision that this court ever reached. We're we're running on 50 years of Roe. It is an egregiously wrong decision that has inflicted tremendous damage on our country, and will continue to do so and take innumerable human lives," until it is overruled.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249752/one-core-issue-may-decide-the-dobbs-abortion-case-heres-why
One 'core' issue may decide the Dobbs abortion case. Here's why
By Shannon Mullen
Washington D.C., Dec 1, 2021 / 15:40 pm

[grace-land]

Video, with English commentary, at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-12/from-falling-in-love-to-mature-love-pope-message-for-couples.html
From ‘falling in love’ to mature love: Pope Francis’ message for engaged couples
01 December 2021, 10:13

Continuing his catechesis on St Joseph, Pope Francis offered engaged couples a reflection on moving beyond the ‘enchantment’ that comes with falling in love, toward a mature love that can stand the test of time.
By Christopher Wells

Pope Francis offered his catechesis at Wednesday’s General Audience as a message for all engaged couples, as he reflected on St Joseph as a “just man” and “Mary’s betrothed spouse.”
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-12/pope-francis-appeal-audience-aids-cyprus-greece-migrants-prayers.html
Pope marks World AIDS Day and asks for prayers for apostolic journey
01 December 2021, 10:36

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249743/pope-francis-st-joseph-shows-engaged-couples-what-real-love-looks-like
Pope Francis: St. Joseph shows engaged couples what real love looks like
By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, Dec 1, 2021 / 05:15 am

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2021.index.html
Audiences 2021
General Audience of 1st December 2021: Catechesis on Saint Joseph - 3. Saint Joseph: just man and husband of Mary

[grace-land]

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-12/pope-francis-apostolic-journey-cyprus-greece-mary-major-visit.html

Pope entrusts Cyprus & Greece visit to Our Lady’s protection
01 December 2021, 16:16

Pope Francis visits the Basilica of St. Mary Major to pray for Our Lady’s protection during his Apostolic Journey to Cyprus and Greece.
By Devin Watkins

The Pope took a moment from his busy schedule on Wednesday afternoon to pray a while at the feet of the ancient Roman icon of Mary Salus Populi Romani.

He traveled to the papal Basilica of St. Mary Major for a brief visit, before returning to the Vatican.

According to the Holy See Press Office, Pope Francis entrusted his Apostolic Journey to Cyprus and Greece to Our Lady’s protection.

He also laid a bouquet of flowers on the altar where the icon is housed in the Borghese Chapel.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2021-12/pope-francis-cyprus-apostolic-journey-nuncio-yllana-unity.html
Nuncio: Pope’s Cyprus visit a step towards unity
01 December 2021, 14:31

[grace-land]

Update:  The Supreme Court's oral arguments in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249753/notable-moments-from-the-supreme-court-arguments-over-mississippi-abortion-law
Notable moments from the Supreme Court arguments over Mississippi abortion law
By Christine Rousselle
Washington D.C., Dec 1, 2021 / 16:12 pm

Oral arguments in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization have concluded. The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments about the constitutionality of Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban. Here are some of the more notable happenings in and around the court on Wednesday.

1. Opening argument: The court should overturn Roe and Casey

Mississippi Solicitor General Scott G. Stewart opened his argument by claiming that Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey "have no basis in the Constitution," and have "no home in our history or traditions.

“They've damaged the democratic process. They poison the law. They've choked off compromise for 50 years,” he said.

Stewart said those cases have "kept this court at the center of a political battle that it can never resolve.”

“Nowhere else does this court recognize a right to end a human life," he said.

2. The two big words of the day: stare decisis

“Stare decisis,” the legal term for “precedent”, was a hot topic Dec. 1, with nearly every justice raising the issue of how legal precedent should be applied to both sides of the case. Justice Brett Kavanaugh seemed to indicate that precedent is not necessarily a gold standard, noting that the court has overturned many high-profile cases.

"I think that is sometimes assumed if you think about some of the most important cases, the most consequential cases in this court's history, there's a string of them where the cases overruled precedent," said Kavanaugh, singling out Brown v. Board of Education, Lawrence v. Texas, and Miranda v. Arizona as examples.

3. Another hot topic: viability
 

[grace-land]

Update:  The Supreme Court's oral arguments in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health

Link to the transcript below--
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249756/dobbs-v-jackson-what-did-roberts-kavanaugh-and-barrett-say
Dobbs v. Jackson: What did Roberts, Kavanaugh, and Barrett say?
By Jonah McKeown
Denver Newsroom, Dec 1, 2021 / 17:22 pm

As the wait begins for a decision in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization abortion case, close attention will be paid to the comments and questions of three conservative justices on the U.S. Supreme Court that some observers view as possible swing votes: Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., and Associate Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett.

At issue is a 15-week abortion ban passed in Mississippi, which challenges the court’s precedent of allowing abortions before viability, roughly 24-28 weeks into pregnancy. Pro-life groups are hoping the court, where conservative appointees have a 6-3 majority, will strike down Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 ruling that legalized abortion nationwide.

A number of questions from the justices focused on the principle of stare decisis, a Latin phrase roughly meaning “to stand by things that have been decided,” and understood to mean that the court generally stands by its own precedent.

The justices' questions and comments were made in response to the three lawyers who gave oral arguments in the case on Dec. 1. They are: Scott G. Stewart, the solicitor general of Mississippi; Julie Rikelman, litigation director of the Center for Reproductive Rights, who was representing the Jackson Women’s Health abortion clinic in Mississippi, and U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth B. Prelogar, who was representing the Biden administration in opposition to Mississippi’s law.

Here are some of the highlights of what Roberts, Kavanaugh, and Barrett said during the proceeding:
 
Note: Transcripts obtained via the U.S. Supreme Court website.
_____________
U.S. Supreme Court website:  https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2021/19-1392_gfbi.pdf

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249754/physician-blasts-sotomayor-for-dead-brain-people-comment-about-fetal-pain
Physician blasts Justice Sonia Sotomayor for 'dead brain people' comment about fetal pain
By Alejandro Bermudez
Denver Newsroom, Dec 1, 2021 / 16:22 pm

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' visit Dec. 2-4 to Cyprus and Dec. 4-6 to Greece

https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2021/11/vatican-releases-program-for-papal-trip-to-cyprus-greece
Vatican releases program for papal trip to Cyprus, Greece
By Cindy Wooden
Nov 15, 2021 | Catholic News Service

ROME — Visiting Cyprus and Greece in early December, Pope Francis will have several meetings with the countries’ Orthodox leaders and with the migrants and refugees their nations host.

While Catholics account for only a small percentage of the Christians in both countries, the pope will hold meetings in both Nicosia and Athens with priests, religious and seminarians and will celebrate public Masses in both cities.

The Vatican Nov. 13 released the detailed schedule of the pope’s visit Dec. 2-4 to Cyprus and Dec. 4-6 to Greece, including a return visit to migrants and refugees on the island of Lesbos awaiting resettlement.

Here is the pope’s schedule as released by the Vatican. Times listed are local, with Eastern Time in parentheses.

Thursday, Dec. 2 (Rome-Larnaca-Nicosia)

— 11 a.m. (5 a.m.) Departure by plane from Rome’s Fiumicino airport.
— 3 p.m. (8 a.m.) Arrival at Larnaca International Airport. Official welcoming ceremony.
— 4 p.m. (9 a.m.) Meeting with priests, religious, deacons, catechists and members of church groups and movements at the Maronite Cathedral of Our Lady of Grace in Nicosia. Speech by pope.
— 5:15 p.m. (10:15 a.m.) Welcoming ceremony at the presidential palace in Nicosia and private meeting with the president.
— 6 p.m. (11 a.m.) Meeting with government authorities, civic leaders and members of the diplomatic corps in the Ceremonial Hall of the presidential palace. Speech by pope.
 

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' visit Dec. 2-4 to Cyprus and Dec. 4-6 to Greece

Video at the link
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-12/pope-francis-apostolic-journey-cyprus-greece.html
Pope Francis on his way to Cyprus and Greece
02 December 2021, 11:00
By Benedict Mayaki, SJ

Pope Francis departed from Rome’s Fiumicino airport at 11:00 am local time en route to the Larnaca International Airport in Cyprus where he is scheduled to arrive in the afternoon for the first leg of his 5-day journey.

A group of refugees gathered in the Vatican to see him off as he departed the Casa Santa Marta for the airport by car. They hail from Syria, Congo, Somalia and Afghanistan and were accompanied by the papal almoner Cardinal Konrad Krajewski. Many of those present spent time in the Moria migrant camp in Lesbos before travelling to Italy. Amongst them were some of those who Pope Francis brought back aboard the papal plane after his visit to Lesbos in April 2016.
 

Full video of Welcome to Pope Francis at Larnaca Airport, Cyprus, at the link
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-12/pope-francis-starts-apostolic-journey-cyprus.html
Pope arrives in Cyprus on 1st leg of Apostolic Journey
02 December 2021, 14:11

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' visit Dec. 2-4 to Cyprus and Dec. 4-6 to Greece

Full video, with English commentary, at the link
www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-12/pope-cyprus-discourse-clergy-bishops-catechists-religious.html
Pope calls on Cypriot Church to welcome change and diversity with patience
02 December 2021, 15:15

In the first official discourse of his Apostolic visit to Cyprus and Greece, Pope Francis addresses Bishops, Priests, Men and Women Religious, and Catechists, inviting them to be patient as they go forth in a spirit of fraternity, forgiveness, mercy, and openness.
By Linda Bordoni

A “patient” church is the one best suited for the reality in Cyprus, “a church that does not allow itself to be upset and troubled by change, but calmly welcomes newness and discerns situations in the light of the Gospel.”

This is Pope Francis’ vision and encouragement for Catholic clergy, religious, and catechists (click link to find the full text of the Pope's remarks) gathered in Nicosia’s Maronite Cathedral of Our Lady of Grace at the start of his Apostolic visit to Cyprus.

Addressing representatives of all the Catholic Rites present in Cyprus – the Latin Rite, the Maronites and the Armenian Catholics – the Pope upheld the wealth of their diversity and urged them to persevere “without growing weary or discouraged.”

Amongst those to welcome him were the Maronite Archbishop of Cyprus Selim Sfeir,  the Maronite Patriarch of Antioch Bechara Boutros Rai, and the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2021/december.index.html
Speeches 2021 December
Apostolic Journey to Cyprus and Greece: Meeting with Priests, Consacrated Persons, Deacons, Catechists, Ecclesial Associations and Movements of Cyprus at the Maronite Cathedral of Our Lady of Grace in Nicosia (2 December 2021)

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' visit Dec. 2-4 to Cyprus and Dec. 4-6 to Greece

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-12/pope-praises-cyprus-as-an-open-and-welcoming-nation.html
Pope praises Cyprus as an open and welcoming nation
02 December 2021, 17:30

Pope Francis meets with the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Anastasiades, local Authorities, Civil Society, and the Diplomatic Corps, praising the island nation as "a crossroads of civilizations."
By Vatican News staff writer

Following his meeting with Catholic clergy, religious, and catechists gathered in Nicosia’s Maronite Cathedral of Our Lady of Grace at the start of his Apostolic visit to Cyprus, Pope Francis proceeded to meet with the Cyprus President Nikos Anastasiades, followed by an exchange of gifts and addresses given to local authorities and diplomatic representatives present.

President Anastasiades thanked Pope Francis for his visit to Cyprus, highlighting the nation's long history of welcoming people to its land, and the key role it has played given its geographic location between west and east, while favoring peaceful coexistence and welcome to other peoples. The multi-ethnic makeup is characteristic of the nation, he noted, while expressing his support for the work of the Holy See in promoting peace and dialogue throughout the world. He also noted how Cyprus has welcomed so many refugees and migrants to its land, and thanked Pope Francis for all he has done in this area, especially bringing 50 migrants from Cyprus to Italy. He underscored the ongoing challenge presented by a divided Cyprus. 
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2021/december.index.html
Speeches 2021 December
Apostolic Journey to Cyprus and Greece: Meeting with Authorities, Civil Society and the Diplomatic Corps in the “Ceremonial Hall” of the Presidential Palace in Nicosia (2 December 2021)

Video--
   At time mark 21:30, exchange of gifts
   At time mark 31:00, speeches
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuQF8vx1HfY
2 December 2021, Nicosia, Meeting with the Authorities, Pope Francis

[grace-land]

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/249759/pope-francis-accepts-resignation-of-catholic-archbishop-of-paris

Pope Francis accepts resignation of Catholic archbishop of Paris
By Courtney Mares
Rome Newsroom, Dec 2, 2021 / 04:23 am

Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Archbishop Michel Aupetit on Thursday amid a controversy surrounding an alleged prior relationship with a woman before he was archbishop of Paris.

A statement from the Holy See press office on Dec. 2 said that Pope Francis accepted the resignation submitted by Aupetit and had appointed Archbishop Georges Pontier, archbishop emeritus of Marseille, as the interim apostolic administrator.

Aupetit, who was installed in the French capital in 2018, wrote to the pope after the French weekly magazine Le Point published a report portraying him as an authoritarian and divisive figure.

The report also raised concerns about Aupetit’s contacts with a woman dating back to 2012, when he was vicar general of Paris archdiocese.
 

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' visit Dec. 2-4 to Cyprus and Dec. 4-6 to Greece

Vatican releases program for papal trip to Cyprus, Greece
By Cindy Wooden
Nov 15, 2021 | Catholic News Service
 
Here is the pope’s schedule as released by the Vatican. Times listed are local, with Eastern Time in parentheses.
 
Friday, Dec. 3

8:30 a.m. (1:30 a.m.) Courtesy visit with Archbishop Chrysostomos II of Cyprus at the archbishopric in Nicosia.

— 9 a.m. (2 a.m.) Meeting with the Orthodox bishops who are members of the Holy Synod at the Orthodox cathedral in Nicosia. Speech by pope.

— 10 a.m. (3 a.m.) Mass at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia. Homily by pope.

— 4 p.m. (9 a.m.) Ecumenical prayer with migrants in the Church of the Holy Cross in Nicosia. Speech by pope.
 

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' visit Dec. 2-4 to Cyprus and Dec. 4-6 to Greece

Full videos at the link--
   Visit of Pope Francis to His Beatitude Chrysostomos II
   Meeting of Pope Francis with the Holy Synod

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-12/pope-at-holy-synod-don-t-be-resigned-to-past-divisions.html
Pope at Holy Synod: Differences are not irreconcilable
03 December 2021, 09:41

On the second day of his visit to Cyprus, Pope Francis meets with the Holy Synod of the Cypriot Orthodox Church. During his address, the Pope underlined the common bonds between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches and his desire to deepen ecumenical dialogue, taking as his model St Barnabas.
Vatican News staff reporter

Greeting the Bishops of the Holy Synod at the Orthodox Cathedral of Cyprus on Friday morning, Pope Francis told them that being in Cyprus reminded him of the “common apostolic origin” they share. “Paul traversed Cyprus and went on to Rome,” he said. “We are thus heirs of the same apostolic zeal, and a single path joins us, that of the Gospel. I like to see us advancing on that same path, seeking ever greater fraternity and full unity.”
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2021/december/documents.index.html#speeches
Speeches 2021 December documents
Apostolic Journey to Cyprus and Greece: Meeting with the Holy Synod at the Orthodox Cathedral in Nicosia (3 December 2021)

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' visit Dec. 2-4 to Cyprus and Dec. 4-6 to Greece

Full video, with English commentary, at the link--
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-12/pope-francis-cyprus-mass-apostolic-visit.html
Pope at Mass in Cyprus: Only together can we be healed from blinding darkness
03 December 2021, 10:20

Pope Francis refers to the parable of the two blind men from Matthew's Gospel to urge Cypriots to follow three steps in order to be freed of a similar darkness in which we often find ourselves.
By Francesca Merlo         

Addressing the faithful in Nicosia's “GSP Stadium” for Holy Mass in Cyprus, Pope Francis recalled a passage from Matthew's Gospel, in which as Jesus passed by, two blind men cried out "Have mercy on us, Son of David". The Pope noted that the two men are blind, yet they realise that Jesus is the Messiah who has come into the world. They can help us, during this advent season, "to welcome the Lord when he comes", said the Pope.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2021.index.html
Homilies 2021
Apostolic Journey to Cyprus and Greece: Holy Mass at the “GSP Stadium” in Nicosia (3 December 2021)

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' visit Dec. 2-4 to Cyprus and Dec. 4-6 to Greece

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-12/pope-francis-rabbi-cyprus-jewish-community-arie-zeev-raskin.html
Pope Francis meets with Chief Rabbi of Cyprus
03 December 2021, 15:29

Pope Francis meets with Rabbi Arie Zeev Raskin and through him, extends a greeting to the Jewish community in Cyprus.
By Vatican News

Upon his return to the Apostolic Nunciature after the celebration of Holy Mass on Friday, Pope Francis met briefly with the Chief Rabbi of Cyprus, Rabbi Arie Zeev Raskin.

A statement from the Holy See Press Office said that the Holy Father sent a greeting through the Rabbi to the Cypriot Jewish community.
 

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' visit Dec. 2-4 to Cyprus and Dec. 4-6 to Greece

Full video, with English commentary, at the link--
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-12/pope-at-ecumenical-event-may-cyprus-be-a-workshop-of-fraternity.html
Pope at Ecumenical Prayer: May the Lord awaken our consciences!
03 December 2021, 14:24

Pope Francis concludes his Apostolic Journey to Cyprus with an Ecumenical Prayer service with migrants, where he reflects on God’s dream for a “world of peace, in which all His children live as brothers and sisters.”
By Christopher Wells

Sharing a moment of Ecumenical Prayer with migrants during his final event in Cyprus, Pope Francis said that through their testimonies, “God is revealing His Kingdom, His Kingdom of love, justice, and peace to the little ones.”
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2021/december/documents.index.html#speeches
Speeches 2021 December documents
Apostolic Journey to Cyprus and Greece: Ecumenical Prayer with Migrants at the Parish Church of the Holy Cross in Nicosia (3 December 2021)

[grace-land]

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2021-12/apostolic-nuncio-eu-giordano-dies.html

Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union has died
03 December 2021, 10:38

Archbishop Aldo Giordano died after he was admitted to a hospital in Leuven, Belgium, for Covid-19.
Vatican News

Archbishop Aldo Giordano, the Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union died on Thursday in Leuven, Belgium.  The 67-year-old Vatican diplomat was hospitalized with Covid-19.  In the past few weeks, his condition rapidly deteriorated and he had to be treated in the intensive care unit.

A native of Cuneo, Italy, he was appointed the Holy See’s Permanent ******* to the European Council in 2008. In October 2013, Pope Francis appointed him Apostolic Nuncio to Venezuela, to succeed Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who he called to the Vatican to serve as Secretary of State.
 
https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2021/12/archbishop-aldo-giordano-papal-nuncio-to-eu-dead-at-67-from-covid
Archbishop Aldo Giordano, papal nuncio to EU, dead at 67 from COVID
By Junno Arocho Esteves
Dec 3, 2021 | Catholic News Service
 
Prior to falling ill, the archbishop was among those who concelebrated Pope Francis’ final Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows in Sastin, Slovakia, Sept. 15.

Several prelates, including Italian Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, president of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences, were diagnosed with COVID-19 after attending the Mass.