Pope Francis

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Pope Francis' trip to Canada -- July 24-30, 2022

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/travels/2022/outside/documents/canada-2022.html
APOSTOLIC JOURNEY OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS to CANADA
24 - 30 JULY 2022

 
Wednesday, 27 July 2022

EDMONTON – QUÉBEC

9:00     Departure by airplane from Edmonton International Airport to Québec
15:05   Arrival at Québec International Airport
15:40   Welcome Ceremony at the Residence of the Governor General of Canada, "Citadelle de Québec"
16:00   Courtesy Visit to the Governor General at the "Citadelle de Québec"
16:20   Meeting with the Prime Minister at the "Citadelle de Québec"
16:45   Meeting with Civil Authorities, Representatives of Indigenous Peoples and Members of the Diplomatic Corps at the "Citadelle de Québec"
 

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Pope Francis' trip to Canada -- July 24-30, 2022

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-07/pope-francis-apostolic-journey-quebec-edmonton.html
Pope Francis on his way to Québec City
27 July 2022, 14:22

On the third day of his Apostolic Journey, Pope Francis departs Edmonton for Quebec, for the second leg of his Penitential Pilgrimage to Canada.
By Benedict Mayaki, SJ

Pope Francis is set to arrive in Quebec city on Wednesday, the third full day of his ongoing 5 -day “Penitential Pilgrimage” to Canada.

Earlier on Wednesday morning, the Holy Father bade farewell to the staff of St. Joseph Seminary in Edmonton where he had been staying in the first days of his Apostolic Journey. He then headed to the Edmonton International Airport where his flight to Quebec leaves at 9:00 am local time.

The Pope will be in the Quebec City area until Friday before making the final stretch of his Apostolic visit to Iqaluit.

Preview of activities

Pope Francis is scheduled to arrive at the Jean Lesage International Airport in Quebec around 15:05 local time, after a just-over 4-hour flight from Edmonton.

From the airport, he will travel to the Citadelle of Quebec where he will meet with Governor General Mary May Simon, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as well as Indigenous leaders and other civil authorities.
 

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' trip to Canada -- July 24-30, 2022

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-07/pope-francis-quebec-city.html
Pope Francis lands in Quebec City
27 July 2022, 20:45

Pope Francis is in Quebec City as part of his ongoing Canadian pilgrimage of penance to promote reconciliation and healing for the Indigenous Peoples of the nation.
By Vatican News

Pope Francis landed in Quebec City on Wednesday afternoon kicking off the second leg of his pilgrimage to Canada.

He departed from Edmonton in the morning having arrived in the city on Sunday evening and after two full days of meetings and events with representatives of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples.

He will be in the Quebec City area until Friday before making his final stretch of the trip to Iqaluit in the north.

His arrival at Quebec City’s Jean Lesage International Airport will be followed by drive along the Grande Allée by the Plains of Abraham to the Citadel. 

Here he meets Quebec’s Governor General, Mary Simon, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, before addressing Civil Authorities, representatives of the Indigenous Peoples and the Diplomatic Corps.
 

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Pope Francis' trip to Canada -- July 24-30, 2022

Full video of meeting in Québec with authorities, diplomats and indigenous leaders, with English commentary, at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-07/pope-meets-authorities-diplomats-indigenous-in-quebec-francis.html
Pope: Promote rights of indigenous peoples in Canada
28 July 2022, 00:55

Addressing authorities, diplomatics and indigenous in Quebec, Pope Francis decries the "deplorable system" of historic residential schools in Canada, calling it a tragic example of 'cancel culture,' and calls for concretely "promoting the legitimate rights of the indigenous populations and to favour processes of healing and reconciliation between them and the non-indigenous people of the country."
By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Pope Francis has decried the historic "deplorable system" of residential schools in Canada, calling it a tragic example of 'cancel culture,' and has called for "promoting the legitimate rights of the native populations and to favour processes of healing and reconciliation between them and the non-indigenous people of the country."  

The Holy Father made these strong remarks in his meeting with civil authorities, representatives of Indigenous Peoples and members of the diplomatic corps in Quebec City, marking his first public discourse since arriving in Quebec.

The Pope is making a 'penitential pilgrimage' to Canada, 24-30 July, which is dedicated to healing, embracing and reconciling with Indigenous Peoples who suffered mistreatment and abuse across the centuries, as colonial powers, including many Christians, were involved in, or complicit, in attempts to erase their culture and identity.

This marks Pope Francis' 37th Apostolic Visit abroad.
 

Photo gallery at the link--
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/events/event.dir.html/content/vaticanevents/en/2022/7/27/autorita-canada.html
Apostolic Journey to Canada: Meeting with Civil Authorities, Representatives of Indigenous Peoples and Members of the Diplomatic Corps
"Citadelle de Québec"

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/251894/pope-francis-expresses-deep-shame-in-canada-warns-of-new-cancel-culture
Pope Francis expresses ‘deep shame’ in Canada, warns of new ‘cancel culture’
By Katie Yoder
Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Jul 27, 2022 / 17:04 pm

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' trip to Canada -- July 24-30, 2022

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/travels/2022/outside/documents/canada-2022.html
APOSTOLIC JOURNEY OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS to CANADA
24 - 30 JULY 2022

 
Thursday, 28 July 2022

QUÉBEC

10:00   Holy Mass  at the National Shrine of Saint Anne de Beaupré
17:15   Vespers with Bishops, Priests, Deacons, Consecrated persons, Seminarians and Pastoral workers in the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Québec
 

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' trip to Canada -- July 24-30, 2022

Full video, with English commentary, at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-07/pope-francis-mass-quebec-canada-saint-anne-de-beaupre.html
Pope at Mass in Canada: ‘Jesus leads us from failure to hope and healing’
28 July 2022, 16:44

Pope Francis celebrates Mass at the Shine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré in eastern Canada, near Quebec, and recalls that Jesus always walks with us to help us move beyond our failures toward hope in God.
By Devin Watkins

At the start of the fifth day of his Apostolic Journey to Canada, Pope Francis presided over Mass in the National Shrine of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, some 30 kilometers east of Quebec.

The Pope traveled by car to the oldest pilgrimage site in North America, which was first built in 1658 to house a miraculous statue of Jesus’ grandmother.

In his homily, Pope Francis reflected on the conclusion of Luke’s Gospel, which recounts the journey of the disciples to Emmaus and their encounter with Jesus, whom they did not initially recognize.
 

Photo gallery, English text of homily and full video, with English commentary, at the link below--

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/events/event.dir.html/content/vaticanevents/en/2022/7/28/omelia-beaupre-canada.html
Apostolic Journey to Canada: Holy Mass
National Shrine of Saint Anne de Beaupré

https://cruxnow.com/pope-in-canada/2022/07/in-canada-pope-says-churchs-failures-are-not-the-end-of-the-story
In Canada, pope says Church’s failures are not the end of the story
By Elise Ann Allen
Jul 28, 2022
 
In a bid to make the Church come to terms with part of its history, a group of indigenous caused a slight disturbance at the beginning of his Mass, unfurling a banner that said, “Rescind the Doctrine of Discovery,” which is not an official Church doctrine, but consists of a series of edicts published in the 15th century endorsing the colonization of West Arica and the Americas.

The banner was quickly taken down by the individuals holding it, and while it did not disrupt the ceremony, the act is indicative of the still-tenuous relationship between the Catholic Church and First Nations in Canada.
 

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Pope Francis' trip to Canada -- July 24-30, 2022

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-07/pope-visits-the-elderly-and-sick-at-the-fraternite-st-alphonse.html
Pope visits elderly and sick at Fraternité St. Alphonse Centre
28 July 2022, 21:48

On his way back from the Shrine of Sainte-Anne de Beauprè, where he presided over Mass on Thursday morning, Pope Francis made a stop at the Fraternité St. Alphonse Centre to meet with guests at the welcome and spirituality centre.
By Vatican News staff reporter

Welcomed in the garden of the facility by the permanent guests and those who commonly frequent the Centre, a total of around 50 people gathered to meet the Pope on Thursday.

According to the Holy See Press Office, they included elderly, people living with various addictions and HIV/AIDS, and the director in charge, Fr. André Morency.

Pope Francis met informally with them, listening to their stories and prayers.

When greeting them at the conclusion of their time together, he gave them an icon of Mary, "The Most Holy Lady of Jerusalem."

A modern religious creation, this icon of the Theotokos (Mother of God) is very popular among pilgrims to the Holy Land, because the original is placed on a highly venerated altar inside the Church of the Assumption of Mary, which is liturgically celebrated on August 15.
 

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' trip to Canada -- July 24-30, 2022

Full video, with English commentary, at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-07/pope-canada-bishops-clergy-witness-fraternity-proclamation.html
Pope invites Canadian clergy to confront challenges of secularized world
29 July 2022, 00:09

At Vespers in the Notre-Dame de Québec Cathedral on Thursday, Pope Francis invites the Bishops, clergy, religious, and pastoral workers in Canada to overcome the challenges that hinder the proclamation of the joy of faith, and asks forgiveness for the sexual abuse of minors and vulnerable people by some members of the Church.
By Benedict Mayaki, SJ

Pope Francis, on Thursday evening – the fifth day of his Apostolic Journey to Canada – presided at Vespers with Bishops, clergy, consecrated persons, seminarians and pastoral workers at the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec.

During his homily at the event, the Holy Father highlighted the significance of meeting at the Cathedral of the Church, whose first bishop, St. François de Laval, opened the Seminary in 1663 and devoted his ministry to the formation of priests.

He pointed out that readings at the vespers speak about elders (presbyters), noting that St. Peter urged them to tend the flock of God willingly, and so, the Church’s pastors are invited “to show that same generosity in tending the flock, in order to manifest Jesus’ concern for everyone and his compassion for the wounds of each.”
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/251905/pope-francis-bitterly-complaining-that-the-world-is-evil-is-not-christian
Pope Francis: Complaining that the world is evil is ‘not Christian’
By Jonah McKeown
St. Louis, Mo., Jul 28, 2022 / 16:23 pm

Photo gallery and video at the link below--
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/events/event.dir.html/content/vaticanevents/en/2022/7/28/omelia-vespri-quebec.html
Apostolic Journey to Canada: Vespers with Bishops, Priests, Deacons, Consecrated persons, Seminarians and Pastoral workers
Cathedral of Notre Dame in Québec

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Pope Francis' trip to Canada -- July 24-30, 2022

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/251904/pope-francis-canada-trip-what-is-iqaluit-and-why-is-he-going-there
Pope Francis’ Canada trip: What is Iqaluit and why is he going there?
By Jonah McKeown, Katie Yoder
Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Jul 28, 2022 / 15:50 pm

Pope Francis is set to fly to Iqaluit, Canada, on Friday, July 29. The city marks the last stop of the 85-year-old pontiff’s “penitential pilgrimage” to Canada before he heads back to Rome.

At the final stop of his trip to Canada, the pontiff will meet with Inuit residential school survivors and will visit Nakasuk Elementary School.

Throughout his trip, he has expressed shame and sorrow for the Catholic Church’s role in running many of the country’s government-sponsored residential schools for indigenous children. These residential schools, in place until the late 1990s, worked to stamp out aspects of native culture, language, and religious practice. Former students have described mistreatment and even abuse at the schools.

Here is what to know about Iqaluit, its lone Catholic parish, and the significance of the pope’s visit.
 

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Pope Francis' trip to Canada -- July 24-30, 2022

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/travels/2022/outside/documents/canada-2022.html
APOSTOLIC JOURNEY OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS to CANADA
24 - 30 JULY 2022

 
Friday, 29 July 2022
QUÉBEC - IQALUIT – ROME

9:00     Private meeting with the Members of the Society of Jesus in  the Archbishop’s Residence in Québec
10:45   Meeting with a Delegation of Indigenous Peoples in Québec in the Archbishop’s Residence in Québec
12:45   Departure by airplane from Québec International Airport to Iqaluit
15:50   Arrival at Iqaluit Airport
16:15   Private meeting with students of the former residential schools in the primary school in Iqaluit
17:00   Meeting with young people and elders in the primary school square in Iqaluit
18:15   Farewell Ceremony at Iqaluit Airport
18:45   Departure by airplane from Iqaluit Airport to Rome
    
Saturday, 30 July 2022
ROME

 7:50   Arrival at Rome/Fiumicino International Airport

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Pope Francis' trip to Canada -- July 24-30, 2022

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-07/pope-meets-with-canadian-jesuits.html
Pope meets with Canada's Jesuits
29 July 2022, 16:33

Pope meets with Canada's Jesuit confreres in Québec on his last day in Canada for a private moment of conversation, already a tradition during his Apostolic Journeys.
By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Pope Francis met with Canadian Jesuit confreres in the Archbishop's Residence in Québec City on his last day in Canada.

The Holy Father normally reserves a private moment to meet with his Jesuit brothers during his Apostolic Journeys.

The Pope typically responds to questions in an informal conversation with those gathered, which is generally written up and made available by Editor of La Civiltà Cattolica, Fr. Antonio Spadaro.
 

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Pope Francis' trip to Canada -- July 24-30, 2022

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-07/pope-francis-apostolic-journey-canada-indigenous-delegation.html
Pope: ‘I leave Canada greatly enriched by indigenous peoples’
29 July 2022, 16:46

Ahead of his departure from Quebec, Pope Francis meets with a delegation of indigenous peoples to express appreciation for his welcome to Canada, saying that he hopes to have contributed to the path of reconciliation and healing.
By Devin Watkins

“I bear in my heart the incomparable treasure of all those individuals and peoples who have left a mark on me; the faces, smiles and messages that remain with me; the unforgettable stories and natural beauties; the sounds, colors and emotions that touched me deeply.”

Pope Francis offered those heartfelt words of appreciation to the people of Canada, as he prepared to depart from Quebec to make a brief stop in the northernmost city of Iqaluit.

The Pope met Friday morning with a delegation of indigenous people present in Quebec at the Archbishop’s Residence.

In his remarks, the Holy Father recalled the theme of his Apostolic Journey: “Walking Together”.

“The vastness of this land makes us think of the lengthy path of healing and reconciliation that we are facing together.”
 

Photo gallery, English text of speech and full video--with English commentary--at the link

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/events/event.dir.html/content/vaticanevents/en/2022/7/29/delegazione-indigeni-quebec.html
Apostolic Journey to Canada: Meeting with a Delegation of Indigenous Peoples in Québec
Archbishop’s Residence in Québec

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Pope Francis' trip to Canada -- July 24-30, 2022

Video, with English commentary, at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-07/pope-to-inuit-youth-come-to-see-the-inuk-face-of-jesus.html
Pope to Canada's Inuit youth: 'Come to see the Inuk face of Jesus'
29 July 2022, 17:37

In Iqaluit, Canada's northernmost city, Pope Francis invites young Inuit to work within their own culture and in the “beautiful” Inuktitut language to continue to walk forward, come to the light each day, and be part of a team, with the hope that they “might embrace the Gospel preserved and handed down” by their ancestors and come to see the Inuk face of Jesus Christ.
By Christopher Wells

Pope Francis final stop on his penitential pilgrimage to Canada was the small Arctic city of Iqaluit, the capital of the territory of Nunavut, for a private visit with Inuit survivors of residential schools, followed by a meeting with Inuit youth and elders.

Both events took place at Nakasuk Elementary School, one of four elementary schools in Iqaluit.

Speaking privately with residential school survivors and hearing some of their stories, Pope Francis led those present in the recitation of the Our Father, before offering them his Apostolic Blessing.

Outside, in the schoolyard, the Holy Father was greeted by local leaders, and treated to an exhibition of traditional Inuit song, dance, and music, before giving his address, which was addressed to a group of Inuit young people and elders.
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/251916/choose-light-over-darkness-pope-francis-tells-young-people-in-iqaluit
Choose light over darkness, Pope Francis tells young people in Iqaluit
By Jonah McKeown
St. Louis, Mo., Jul 29, 2022 / 17:55 pm
 
Photo gallery, English text of speech and full video--with English commentary--at the link

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/events/event.dir.html/content/vaticanevents/en/2022/7/29/giovani-anziani-iqaluit.html
Apostolic Journey to Canada: Meeting with young people and elders in the primary school square
Primary school in Iqaluit

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Pope Francis' trip to Canada -- July 24-30, 2022

Video at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-07/pope-francis-concludes-his-penitential-pilgrimage-to-canada.html
Pope Francis concludes his penitential pilgrimage to Canada
29 July 2022, 20:23

Pope Francis departs from the arctic city of Iqaluit at the conclusion of his six-day penitential pilgrimage among the Indigenous Peoples of Canada.
By Vatican News staff reporter
 
At the airport, Pope Francis was accompanied once again by Canada’s Governor General Mary Simon, an Inuk who is the first indigenous person to hold the position. After a final exhibition of traditional Inuit drumming and dancing, Pope Francis boarded his plane for the seven-hour flight for Rome.

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Pope Francis' trip to Canada -- July 24-30, 2022

Pope Francis’ in-flight press conference from Canada

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-07/pope-francis-apostolic-journey-inflight-press-conference-canada.html
Pope Francis: It was a genocide against indigenous peoples
30 July 2022, 09:47

On the return flight from Canada, Pope Francis speaks about his just-concluded Apostolic Journey and about old and new colonialisms. He says he has not yet thought of resigning, making light of it, and speaks about Germany's synodal path, doctrinal development, and the importance of women in the transmission of the faith.
By Vatican News

It was a genocide of the indigenous peoples. On the return flight from Iqaluit to Rome, Pope Francis responded to a Canadian journalist's question and spoke about the themes of the just-concluded penitential pilgrimage, and of old and new colonialism.

He also addressed the issue of resigning from the papacy, repeatedly prompted by the journalists' questions, explaining that for the time being, he does not intend to resign even though he considers it a possibility. At the start of the press conference, Pope Francis thanked the journalists flying with him: “Good evening and thank you for your accompaniment, for your work here. I know you have worked hard and I thank you for the company, thank you.”

The following is a working translation of the Pope's conversation with journalists:
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/251921/full-text-pope-francis-in-flight-press-conference-from-canada
Full text: Pope Francis’ in-flight press conference from Canada
By Pope Francis
Rome Newsroom, Jul 30, 2022 / 04:53 am

[grace-land]

Pope Francis' trip to Canada -- July 24-30, 2022

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-07/pope-francis-apostolic-journey-return-rome-mary-major.html
Pope thanks Virgin Mary for protection during pilgrimage to Canada
30 July 2022, 10:06

Pope Francis returns to Rome at the conclusion of his Apostolic Journey to Canada, and makes a stop at St. Mary Major to thank God for blessing his ‘penitential pilgrimage’.
By Devin Watkins

As per tradition, the Pope made a brief stop at the Basilica of St. Mary Major on Saturday morning upon his return to Rome at the end of his Apostolic Journey to Canada.

Pope Francis laid a bouquet of flowers on the altar beneath the ancient Marian icon Salus Populi Romani.

He prayed for a few moments to thank the Blessed Virgin Mary for her protection during his six-day ‘penitential pilgrimage’ to the North American nation, according to the Holy See Press Office.

The Pope then returned to his residence in the Vatican for some much-needed rest.
 

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Video, with English commentary, at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-07/pope-avoid-idolatry-of-wealth-and-seek-life-s-true-goods.html
Pope at Angelus: Avoid idolatry of wealth and seek life's true goods
31 July 2022, 12:17

Back at the Vatican just a day after his penitential pilgrimage to Canada, Pope Francis leads the Sunday Angelus in St. Peter's Square offering thoughts on the day's Gospel that warns about the covetousness that lies in everyone’s heart that can tempt us towards greed and serving money, rather than seeking God's love and His everlasting abundant gifts.
By Vatican News staff writer

Pope Francis focused his reflections for the Sunday Angelus on the day's Gospel which recounts when a man asked Jesus to tell his brother to share his inheritance with him. Rather than addressing the family issue at hand, Jesus went to the core of the matter over how divisions caused by covetousness, or unbridled greed for possession of things is an "illness" that can destroy lives and create addiction, observed the Pope.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-07/pope-recalls-visit-to-canada-at-angelus.html
Pope recalls visit to Canada at Angelus
31 July 2022, 12:40

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2022.index.html
Angelus - Regina Cæli 2022
Angelus, 31 July 2022

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/27816/on-aug-2-you-can-get-this-st-francis-themed-indulgence

On Aug. 2, you can get this St. Francis-themed indulgence
By Carl Bunderson
New York City, N.Y., Aug 1, 2022 / 06:18 am

The feast of Our Lady of the Angels of Porziuncola and its associated indulgence is a way to focus on the importance of Mary and the Franciscan tradition in the Church, said one friar.

The Aug. 2 feast is found in the Franciscan tradition, and marks the dedication of the parish church, called Porziuncola or “little portion,” which is one of those Italy's St. Francis of Assisi rebuilt in obedience to Christ's command to “rebuild my church.”

“The Porziuncola is at the heart of the Franciscan journey,” Father David Convertino, the Executive Director of the Franciscan Missionary Union, told CNA.

“For Francis, it was his most beloved place. He lived near it with the early followers … and he loved the Porziuncola, as it was part of his devotion to Our Lady.”

An indulgence is the remission of the temporal punishment due to sins which have already been forgiven, and it can be plenary or partial.

A plenary indulgence requires that the individual be in the state of grace by the completion of the acts, and have complete detachment from sin. The person must also sacramentally confess their sins and receive Communion, up to about 20 days before or after the indulgenced act.

Anyone who visits a Catholic church with the intention of honoring Our Lady of the Angels and recites the Creed, the Our Father, and prays for the Pope's intentions, may receive a plenary indulgence on Aug. 2.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-08/pope-francis-welcomes-the-president-of-the-republic-of-fiji.html

Pope Francis welcomes the President of the Republic of Fiji
01 August 2022, 12:51

Pope Francis meets on Monday with the President of the South Pacific nation of Fiji, Mr. Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere.
By Vatican News staff reporter

On Monday morning Pope Francis received in audience at the Vatican's Apostolic Palace the President of the Republic of Fiji, Mr. Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere.

The President met afterwards with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.

According to the Holy See Press Office, the "cordial" discussion "focused on various themes of a regional nature, particularly the urgent issue of climate change, the humanitarian dimension and the need for greater commitment to protecting the common home."
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-08/pope-underscores-need-for-a-world-free-of-nuclear-weapons.html

Pope underscores need for a world free of nuclear weapons
01 August 2022, 13:45

Pope Francis tweeted on Monday about the need for real dialogue for authentic world peace and stability to overcome a nuclear "balance of terror," stressing that the use and possession of nuclear weapons is immoral.
By Vatican News staff writer

Pope Francis sent a tweet on Monday stressing that the world needs to move towards "real dialogue" for peace and stability rather than using nucelar weapons as a "balance of terror" that only provides a false sense of security. He stressed once again that the "use of nuclear weapons as well as their mere possession is immoral."

“The use of #NuclearWeapons, as well as their mere possession, is immoral. Trying to defend and ensure stability and peace through a false sense of security and a “balance of terror” ends up poisoning relationships between peoples and obstructs real dialogue. #NPTRevCon”

His tweet above made reference to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, or Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which is scheduled to begin its five year review during August in New York. The pandemic caused a delay in the review, which was previously scheduled for 2020.