Pope Francis

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Video, with English commentary, at the link...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-10/pope-francis-general-audience-saints-cyril-methodius.html
Pope at Audience: Saints Cyril and Methodius, 'Apostles of the Slavs'
25 October 2023, 09:16

During his weekly General Audience, Pope Francis continues his catechesis series on people who have embodied apostolic zeal, reflecting on the Co-Patrons of Europe, Byzantine missionaries and brothers, Saints Cyril and Methodius, remembered as the 'Apostles of the Slavs.'
By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Saints Cyril and Methodius' legacy can inspire a renewed commitment to peace, converting hearts, and fraternity.

Pope Francis made this observation during his Wednesday General Audience as he praised the two brothers, and Co-Patrons of Europe, who are venerated as “the Apostles of the Slavs” due to their outstanding missionary work among the peoples of Moravia.

The Holy Father was continuing his series of catecheses on figures who embody apostolic zeal.

He pointed out how the two brothers renounced their aristocratic lives to embrace the monastic life.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-10/pope-francis-makes-latest-appeal-to-release-hostages-in-gaza.html
Pope appeals for release of hostages, entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza
25 October 2023, 09:57

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2023.index.html
Audiences 2023
General Audience of 25 October 2023 - Cycle of catechesis. The passion for evangelization: the apostolic zeal of the believer. 24. Saints Cyril and Methodius, apostles of the Slavs

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Update: Synod on Synodality

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-10/pope-i-like-to-think-of-the-church-as-god-s-faithful-people.html
Pope: I like to think of the Church as God’s faithful people
25 October 2023, 20:30

In an intervention delivered at the beginning of Wednesday afternoon’s General Congregation of the General Assembly, Pope Francis highlights the description of the Church as God’s faithful people, infallible in believing.

Intervention of Pope Francis
at the 18th General Congregation
of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly
of the Synod of Bishops
 

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-10/letter-to-the-people-of-god.html
Synod General Assembly to People of God: 'Church must listen to everyone'
25 October 2023, 17:18

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-10/summary-of-the-synod-press-briefing-on-wednesday.html
Summary of the Synod press briefing on Wednesday
25 October 2023, 18:29

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/255804/pope-francis-on-women-deacons-holy-orders-is-reserved-for-men

Pope Francis on women deacons: ‘Holy orders is reserved for men’
By Hannah Brockhaus
Rome Newsroom, Oct 25, 2023 / 12:35 pm

Pope Francis reaffirmed the impossibility of women becoming priests, or even modern Church deacons, in an interview for a book released Tuesday in Italy.

The question of whether some women in the early Church were “deaconesses” or another kind of collaborator with the bishops is “not irrelevant, because holy orders is reserved for men,” the pope said.

The pope’s answers to questions about women’s roles in the Church were included in a book published in June in Spanish as “El Pastor: Desafíos, razones y reflexiones sobre su pontificado.”

The book, whose title means in English “The Shepherd: Struggles, Reasons, and Thoughts on His Papacy,” was released in Italian on Oct. 24. The Italian edition is titled “Non Sei Solo: Sfide, Risposte, Speranze," or "You Are Not Alone: Challenges, Answers, Hopes."

About the possibility of women deacons, Francis pointed out that the diaconate “is the first degree of holy orders in the Catholic Church, followed by the priesthood and finally the episcopate.”

He said he formed commissions in 2016 and 2020 to study the question further, after a study in the 1980s by the International Theological Commission established that the role of deaconesses in the early Church “was comparable to the benedictions of abbesses.”
 

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"Work with Us" Website: Apply for a job at the Vatican

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-10/vatican-secretariat-economy-website-job-application.html
"Work with Us": Website to apply for a job at the Vatican
24 October 2023, 10:00

The Vatican Secretariat for the Economy launches a new webpage to accept job applications for laypeople who wish to apply for vacant positions at the Holy See.
By Vatican News

"Work with Us" is a title that says it all. Up to now, lay staff to be hired at various levels of the Holy See were selected based on available CVs (curriculum vitae). From now on, it will be possible to directly apply for vacant or soon-to-be vacant positions.

This is the main innovation of the new website of the Secretariat for the Economy, led by the Prefect, Maximino Caballero Ledo, which came online on Tuesday.
 
The website is available here.
------------
Website: https://www.spe.va/en.html

https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2023/10/help-wanted-vatican-opens-on-line-application-system-for-job-seekers
‘Help Wanted’: Vatican opens on-line application system for job seekers
By Crux Staff
Oct 25, 2023

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-10/war-in-the-middle-east-phone-call-president-turkey-erdogan-pope.html

Pope speaks by phone with Turkish President Erdoğan about war in Holy Land
26 October 2023, 14:05

Pope Francis holds a telephone conversation with Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of Türkiye, to discuss the "dramatic situation" in the Holy Land.
By Vatican News

The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, has confirmed that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke on the phone with Pope Francis on Thursday morning.

In the call requested by President Erdoğan, the two leaders discussed "the dramatic situation in the Holy Land", according to Mr. Bruni.

"The Pope expressed his sorrow for what is happening and recalled the Holy See's position, voicing his hopes that a two-state solution and a special statute for the city of Jerusalem could be reached," Mr. Bruni explained.

The Turkish government had made it known in the morning that the President had expressed great concern to the Pope about what is happening in Gaza.
 

[grace-land]

Update: Synod on Synodality

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-10/fraternal-delegates-lend-ecumenical-character-to-briefing.html
Fraternal delegates lend 'ecumenical character' to Synod press briefing
26 October 2023, 18:02

Thursday’s synod press briefing had a significant “ecumenical” character, with the Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity and two non-Catholic “fraternal delegates” contributing to the discussion.
By L'Osservatore Romano

At the press briefing on Thursday, Dr Paolo Ruffini, the Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication and President of the Information Commission, and Sheila Pires, the Secretary of the same Commission, announced that the General Assembly is currently working on the synthesis document, which will be published on Saturday, after the Letter to the People of God was approved and released yesterday afternoon.

Pires: The Vibrancy of Free Speech

“Yesterday afternoon, the eighteenth General Congregation was held with 348 members present, and we first proceeded to vote on the Letter to the People of God,” Pires reported. “Each member voted using the tablets provided. The question was: ‘Do I approve of the Synod letter?’ The result of the vote was 336 in favor and 12 against. As you know, Pope Francis also intervened in the open discussions,” Pires stated.

“In the free interventions,” she emphasized, “the need for a missionary audacity of the Church was highlighted, and it was also mentioned that the encounter with Jesus is at the center of faith and missionary enthusiasm. The Church is constituted as such in the announcement of the Gospel, and one cannot think of the Church independently from the mission.”

Pires continued, “There was also talk of the importance of prayer and prayer groups. The fundamental importance of the Eucharist and the sacrament of Reconciliation was reaffirmed. The liturgical dimension of synodality was emphasized, synodality as a liturgical act, and the Synod as a maternal place in liturgy.”
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-10/pope-francis-video-message-scholas-ort-brazil-education.html

Pope to Scholas and ORT: Education requires freedom and dynamism
27 October 2023, 11:25

Pope Francis sends a video message to students taking part in the 6th World Youth Meeting organized by Scholas Occurrentes and World ORT, saying education needs to incorporate movement, gratuitousness, and encounter.
By Devin Watkins

The 6th World Youth Meeting was held in São Paulo, Brazil, on 23-26 October, bringing together young people to promote an educational culture founded on peace and dialogue.

The event was organized by the Pontifical Foundation “Scholas Occurrentes”; World ORT, known as the Organisation for Rehabilitation through Training, a global education network driven by Jewish values; and, the Leo Werthein Foundation.

Over 100 young people from 25 countries met for four days to celebrate intercultural dialogue and diversity with the goal of working toward a more just and united world.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-10/pope-request-rupnik-review-case-proceedings-synod-listening.html

Pope Francis requests review of Rupnik case
27 October 2023, 13:16

Pope Francis lifts the statute of limitations in the case of Fr. Marko Rupnik to allow a canonical procedure to take place regarding allegations against the former Jesuit.
By Vatican News

Pope Francis has asked the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith to review the case of former Jesuit artist, Fr. Marko Rupnik, who was accused of psychological and sexual abuse by some consecrated women with whom he worked. He was expelled from the Society of Jesus in June.

A Holy See Press Office statement on Friday said, “In September, the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors brought to the Pope's attention that there were serious problems in the handling of the Fr. Marko Rupnik case and lack of outreach to victims.”

“Consequently,” it added, “the Holy Father asked the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith to review the case, and decided to lift the statute of limitations to allow a process to take place.”

“The Pope is firmly convinced that if there is one thing the Church must learn from the Synod it is to listen attentively and compassionately to those who are suffering, especially those who feel marginalized from the Church,” the statement said.
 

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/255835/vatican-pope-francis-has-lifted-the-statute-of-limitations-on-rupnik-case
Vatican: Pope Francis has lifted the statute of limitations on Rupnik case
By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, Oct 27, 2023 / 08:52 am

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-10/pope-francis-mexico-hurricane-otis-victims-telegram.html

Pope sends condolences to victims of Hurricane Otis in Mexico
27 October 2023, 14:39

Pope Francis expresses his condolences for the over two dozen people who have died after Hurricane Otis swept through Mexico’s Guerrero State.
By Devin Watkins

Hurricane Otis, a record-breaking Category 5 storm, swept through Guerrero State in southwestern Mexico on Wednesday.

At least 27 people were killed and four others remain missing, according to Mexican authorities.

In the wake of the deadly storm, Pope Francis sent a telegram signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin to convey his condolences to Archbishop Leopoldo Gonzalez, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Acapulco.
 

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Update: Synod on Synodality

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-10/synod-general-assembly-friday-press-briefing.html

Synod Briefing: 'A new way to be Church'
27 October 2023, 17:47

At the Synod press briefing on Friday, Dr. Paolo Ruffini reveals how the final Synthesis Report will be voted at the Assembly, and Fr. Timothy Radcliffe asserts that fear of synodality grows out of misunderstanding of its true purpose.
By Osservatore Romano

"Let us not grow weary of praying incessantly for peace."

With these words, Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops, opened the proceedings in the Paul VI Hall on Friday morning, recalling that “today is a day of fasting and prayer for peace." The entire Assembly is scheduled to gather at 6 p.m. in St. Peter's Basilica for the Rosary and Eucharistic Adoration with Pope Francis.

This was announced by Dr. Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication and President of the Information Commission of the Synod, during Friday’s press briefing, which began at 2:20 p.m. in the Holy See Press Office and was introduced by Deputy Director Cristiane Murray.
 

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/255836/synod-on-synodality-anticipation-and-tensions-brew-ahead-of-synthesis-report-release
Synod on Synodality: Anticipation and tensions brew ahead of synthesis report release
By Jonathan Liedl
Vatican City, Oct 27, 2023 / 09:50 am

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Video, with English commentary, at the link...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-10/pope-prayer-peace-virgin-mary-countries-at-war.html
Pope: May Mary inspire the leaders of nations to seek paths of peace
27 October 2023, 19:21

In a broken world, lacerated by war and suffering, Pope Francis asks believers to join him in prayer for peace and reconciliation. He implores the Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, to offer the solace, guidance, and hope of a mother who has seen her children endure pain and loss throughout history. To Her, he consecrates “the world, especially those countries at war.”
By Linda Bordoni

Consecrating our lives, the Church and the world to the Queen of Peace, Pope Francis prayed to the Mother of God to touch the hearts of those imprisoned by hatred, and convert those who fuel and foment conflict.

May the Virgin Mary, he implored, “inspire the leaders of nations to seek paths of peace.  Queen of all peoples, reconcile your children, seduced by evil, blinded by power and hate.“

“Inspire the leaders of nations to seek paths of peace”
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/prayers.index.html
Prayers
Prayer for Peace presided over by the Holy Father Francis (27 October 2023)

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Update: Synod on Synodality--closing session

Video, with English commentary, at the link...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-10/pope-synod-closing-after-voting-process-remarks1.html
Pope to Synod: the Holy Spirit is the protagonist
28 October 2023, 21:00

Pope Francis reminds the Synodal Assembly that the Holy Spirit is the gathering's protagonist, and offers his heartfelt thanks to all, as he addressed the closing session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod on Synodality, which concludes with the Holy Mass on Sunday in the Vatican.
By Deborah Castellano Lubov

The Holy Spirit is the protagonist of this Synod...

The Pope offered this powerful reminder during the closing session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, which took place Saturday in the Vatican, in his brief remarks.

The Holy Father began his remarks, in Spanish, thanking all those who have played a key role in the synodal gathering.

“I want to remind you that the protagonist of this Synod is the Holy Spirit, and so I suggest you take away with you the text of St Basil that was prepared for us by Father Davide Piras: keep meditating on it, it can help us.” "I want to thank each and every one of you for your work," he said, adding, "Cardinal Grech did not sleep at night, Cardinal Hollerich was ‘master of the novices’ Nathalie Becquart, Luis Marín de San Martín, Father Giacomo Costa, Father Riccardo Battocchio, Giuseppe Bonfrate, Sister Maria Grazia Angelini, Father Timothy Radcliffe who have shared their spiritual knowledge with us, and to the 'hidden ones,' all those who are here behind us, whom we do not see but who have made all this possible."

“Thank you all from the bottom of my heart,” he said.

Today, the Synod Assembly voted on the Synthesis report, and tomorrow this phase of the Synod will officially close with Holy Mass celebrated by Pope Francis.

The 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops will be held in two moments, that is, in two sessions, spaced one year apart: the first from October 4 to 29, 2023, the second in October 2024.

Before praying together, and receiving the Holy Father's blessing, Pope Francis concluded by offering his heartfelt thanks to all.
 

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Update: Synod on Synodality--The Synthesis Report

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-10/the-synod-report-a-church-that-involves-everyone.html
Synod Report: A Church that involves everyone and is close to world’s wounds
28 October 2023, 19:45

The Synthesis Report at the conclusion of the 16th General Assembly of the Synod on Synodality is published. Looking ahead to the second session in 2024, the text offers reflections and proposals on topics such as the role of women and the laity, the ministry of bishops, priesthood and the diaconate, the importance of the poor and migrants, digital mission, ecumenism, and abuse.
By Salvatore Cernuzio

Women and the laity, diaconate, ministry and magisterium, peace and the climate, the poor and migrants, ecumenism and identity, new languages and renewed structures, old and new missions (including the “digital” mission), listening to all and probing everything more deeply, even the most 'controversial' issues. In the Synthesis Report approved and published today by the 16th General Assembly of the Synod on Synodality, there is a renewed look at the world and the Church and their demands. After four weeks of work, which began on 4 October in the Paul VI Hall, the General Assembly concluded its first session today in the Vatican.

The document of some forty pages is the result of the work of the assembly that took place “while wars both old and new have raged in the world, with dramatic consequences that are impacting upon countless victims.” The report continues, “The cry of the poor resounded among us, of those forced to migrate and of those suffering violence and the devastating consequences of climate change. We heard their cry not only through the media, but also through the voices of many present, who were personally involved in these tragic events whether through their families or their people” (Foreword).

To this challenge and many others, the universal Church has tried to offer a response in the Small Circles and in the interventions. Everything came together in the Synthesis Report, which is divided into a preface and three parts, and which traces the path for the work to be done in the second session in 2024.
 

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/255850/vatican-releases-synod-on-synodality-report-proposing-larger-role-for-laity-in-church
Vatican releases Synod on Synodality report proposing larger role for laity in Church
By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, Oct 28, 2023 / 15:28 pm

https://cruxnow.com/2023-consistory-and-synod-for-synodality/2023/10/striving-for-consensus-synod-ends-by-soft-pedaling-contested-issues
Striving for consensus, Synod ends by soft-pedaling contested issues
By Elise Ann Allen
Oct 28, 2023

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RE: Synod on Synodality

https://www.ncregister.com/interview/cardinal-mueller-says-synod-on-synodality-is-being-used-by-some-to-prepare-the-church-to-accept-false-teaching
Cardinal Müller Says Synod on Synodality Is Being Used by Some to Prepare the Church to Accept False Teaching
The prefect emeritus of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith assesses the first phase of the synodal gathering at the Vatican.
Edward Pentin  Interviews October 27, 2023

VATICAN CITY — Cardinal Gerhard Müller, the former prefect for the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, says the Synod on Synodality is not an episcopal assembly but more like an Anglican synodal meeting, and is being used by some participants as a means to prepare the Catholic Church to accept ideologies that run contrary to Scripture and Tradition.

In an extensive Oct. 24 interview with the Register, Cardinal Müller also warned that some in the assembly are “abusing the Holy Spirit” in order to introduce “new doctrines” such as an acceptance of homosexuality, women priests and a change in Church governance.

As one of 52 delegates personally chosen by Pope Francis to attend the Oct. 4-29 meeting, the first of two assemblies which will conclude in 2024, the German cardinal participated in all of this month’s session before departing early on Oct. 25 to ordain new priests in Poland.

Cardinal Müller said the synodal meeting was “very controlled” and quite manipulated, with most of the interventions coming from only a few keynote speakers who spoke to them as if they knew no theology. He said that he, himself, was given only three minutes to speak to the whole assembly.
 

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/255852/in-summary-report-synod
Synod on Synodality 2023: Final report calls for greater ‘co-responsibility’ in Church
By Jonathan Liedl
Vatican City, Oct 28, 2023 / 19:04 pm

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/255851/women-deacons-sex-abuse-and-gender-identity-what-did-the-synod-on-synodality-conclude
What does the Synod on Synodality document say about ‘controversial’ issues?
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Oct 28, 2023 / 18:30 pm

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/255822/we-can-t-subvert-tradition-to-please-the-world-synod-on-synodality-cardinal-says
We can’t subvert tradition to please the world, Synod on Synodality cardinal says
By Marcelo Musa Cavallari
ACI Digital, Oct 28, 2023 / 08:00 am

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/255853/cardinal-hollerich-the-openness-of-the-synod-on-synodality-will-change-the-church
Cardinal Hollerich: The openness of the Synod on Synodality ‘will change the Church’
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Oct 28, 2023 / 19:17 pm

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RE: Synod on Synodality--The Synthesis Report

The Synthesis Report at the conclusion of the 16th General Assembly of the Synod on Synodality is published, in Italian, at the link below--

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/storage/pdf/synodonsynodalityreport2023italian.pdf
Sommario:
♢ Synod23 – Relazione di Sintesi della prima Sessione della XVI
Assemblea Generale Ordinaria del Sinodo dei Vescovi (4-29
ottobre 2023)
Pubblichiamo di seguito il testo della Relazione di Sintesi della prima Sessione della XVI
Assemblea Generale Ordinaria del Sinodo dei Vescovi “Una Chiesa sinodale in missione”:
Relazione di Sintesi
XVI ASSEMBLEA GENERALE ORDINARIA DEL SINODO DEI VESCOVI
Prima Sessione
(4-29 o?obre 2023)
Relazione di Sintesi
UNA CHIESA SINODALE IN MISSIONE
28 o1obre 2023
(ore 12:00)
SOMMARIO

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/255641/synod-on-synodality-who-is-overseeing-the-draft-report-at-the-end-of-the-assembly
Synod on Synodality: Who is overseeing the draft report at the end of the assembly?
By Courtney Mares
Rome Newsroom, Oct 10, 2023 / 15:30 pm

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Update: Synod on Synodality--The Closing Mass

Video, with English commentary, at the link...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-10/pope-love-of-god-and-neighbour-is-heart-of-everything.html
Pope: Love of God and neighbour is heart of everything
29 October 2023, 11:43

At the closing Mass of the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, Pope Francis speaks of the “conversation of the Spirit,” experienced in "the loving presence of the Lord" and discovered in "the beauty of fraternity."
By Vatican News

Highlighting the “conversation of the Spirit” experienced at the Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, Pope Francis presided over the closing Mass of the month-long gathering. In his homily he recalled how the Synod participants “experienced the loving presence of the Lord and discovered the beauty of fraternity.”

The Sunday morning celebration on 29 October in Saint Peter’s Basilica marked the culmination of this first session of the Synod on Synodality looking at communion, participation, and mission. The next session will take place in October 2024.
 
Reflecting on the day’s Gospel reading when a doctor of the Law tests Jesus by asking him which commandment in the law is greatest, the Pope said this important and enduring question can arise in our own hearts and the life of the Church. The Lord’s answer that we should love God with our whole life and love our neighbour as ourselves points to “the heart of everything” and how everything can begin anew, he explained.
 

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/255854/pope-francis-at-synod-closing-mass-to-reform-the-church-adore-god-and-love-others
Pope Francis at Synod closing Mass: To reform the Church, adore God and love others
By Courtney Mares
Vatican City, Oct 29, 2023 / 07:30 am

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2023.index.html
Homilies 2023
Conclusion of the Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops (29 October 2023)

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Video, with English commentary, at the link...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-10/pope-angelus-jesus-great-commandment-love.html
Pope at Angelus: Let us learn from God’s love for us
29 October 2023, 12:10

Speaking before his weekly recitation of the Angelus prayer, Pope Francis reflects on Jesus’ great commandment, suggesting that “We become truly capable of loving only by encountering God, surrendering to his love.”
By Joseph Tulloch

In his Sunday Angelus address, Pope Francis reflected on the “great commandment”, which forms the centrepiece of the day’s Gospel reading (Mt 22:34-40). 

Asked which of the commandments is the greatest, Jesus responds: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (…) and (…) your neighbour as yourself”.

In his address, Pope Francis focused on two elements from this passage: firstly, the fact that love for God is mentioned first, and, secondly, the implied connection between love for God and love for neighbour.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-10/pope-francis-angelus-29-october-appeal-peace-gaza-holy-land.html
Pope Francis calls for a ceasefire in the Holy Land
29 October 2023, 12:18

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-10/pope-francis-prayer-angelus-29-october-hurricane-otis-mexico.html
Pope prays for victims of Hurricane Otis
29 October 2023, 12:20

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/255855/pope-at-angelus-by-loving-others-we-reflect-the-father-s-love-like-mirrors
Pope at Angelus: By loving others, ‘we reflect the Father’s love like mirrors’
By Matthew Santucci
Vatican City, Oct 29, 2023 / 12:05 pm

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2023.index.html
Angelus - Regina Cæli 2023
Angelus, 29 October 2023

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-10/pope-praises-courage-of-women-who-have-moved-away-from-the-mafia.html

Pope praises courage of women who have moved away from the mafia
30 October 2023, 13:34

Pope Francis greets a group of Italian women who have turned their lives away from organized crime, and encourages them to persevere without fear, knowing that Jesus is always by their side.
By Lisa Zengarini

Pope Francis on Monday welcomed to the Vatican a group of Italian women who have decided to move away from their families involved in organized crime, and to join the “Libera” network against the mafia. They were accompanied by Fr. Luigi Ciotti, an Italian priest who founded the association in 1995.

The organisation promotes the use of land and assets seized from criminal outfits to set up local cooperatives, anti-drug projects and community centres, as well as seeking to provide employment for those side-lined by organised crime.

It includes associations, cooperatives, social organizations, schools, unions and churches which have joined in an effort to challenge the power of corruption and organized crime, while promoting social justice and human rights.
 

[grace-land]

RE: Synod on Synodality

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/255862/synod-on-synodality-2023-a-look-at-the-key-discussions-and-decisions
Synod on Synodality 2023: A look at the key discussions and decisions
By Andrea Gagliarducci
Vatican City, Oct 30, 2023 / 13:45 pm

Now that the Synod on Synodality has drawn to a close, all eyes are on the synthesis report emanating from the monthlong ecclesiastical gathering.

The acronym LGBTQ is notably absent, the question of a female diaconate received the lowest vote, and even the somewhat broad paragraph on controversial topics equating sexual identity and euthanasia lacks substantial consensus. Although all the paragraphs of the summary document from the first stage of the 2023 synod were approved with a two-thirds majority, it’s evident that the points lacking consensus stand out.

Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, the relator general of the synod, highlighted in a press conference on Oct. 28 that “some issues were expected to encounter more opposition. The surprising part is that many voted in favor, indicating the resistance wasn’t as significant as anticipated.” The cardinal’s words reveal a robust and unyielding debate, hinting at a desire for change, especially when the narrative throughout the synod revolved around “seeking communion.”

Those words also resonate with the fears of Cardinal Joseph Zen, bishop emeritus of Hong Kong, who, after having signed the last letter of the dubia sent to Pope Francis, also sent a letter to synod fathers highlighting the risk of pressure for a change in doctrine and above all denouncing the general secretariat of the synod as “very effective in the art of manipulation.”
 

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/255858/the-first-synod-on-synodality-assembly-is-over-what-comes-next
The first Synod on Synodality assembly is over. What comes next?
By Courtney Mares
Rome Newsroom, Oct 30, 2023 / 11:45 am

[grace-land]

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/255860/christmas-2023-at-the-vatican-nativity-to-recall-st-francis-first-ever-manger-scene

Christmas 2023 at the Vatican: Nativity to recall St. Francis’ first-ever manger scene
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Oct 30, 2023 / 12:45 pm

The Christmas 2023 Nativity scene at the Vatican will evoke the first-ever live manger, which was created by St. Francis of Assisi in Italy in the 1200s, the Vatican said Monday.

The Vatican’s Nativity scene, which is different every year, will be unveiled at a ceremony in St. Peter’s Square on Dec. 9. The Christmas tree will also be lit for the first time this season at the same event.

The Christmas tree and Nativity scenes will remain in place through the Christmas season, until Jan. 7, 2024, the feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

St. Francis’ meditations on the life of Christ while visiting the Holy Land led him to create a representation of the birth of Jesus on Christmas in Greccio, Italy, in 1223. It is believed to be the origin of the Nativity scene.

The Vatican’s Nativity scenes in St. Peter’s Square and the Paul VI Hall will “revive the atmosphere of Christmas 1223 ... when St. Francis, returning from a journey to the Holy Land, asked to reenact the birth of Jesus in a village that reminded him of Bethlehem,” a press release said.

Christmas 2023 marks 800 years since St. Francis of Assisi staged the first manger scene in the hill town of Greccio, about 50 miles north of Rome.