Pope Francis

[grace-land]

http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2014/05/19/pope_francis_receives_prime_minister_of_poland/en1-800435

2014-05-19 15:11:24
Pope Francis receives Prime Minister of Poland



(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis received the Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland on Monday morning in the Apostilic Palace at the Vatican. Below, please find the full text of the statmeent released by the Press Office of the Holy See following the meeting.
******************************
On the morning of Monday, 19 May, the Holy Father Francesco received in audience, in the
Vatican Apostolic Palace, the prime minister of the Republic of Poland, His Excellency Mr.
Donald Tusk, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro
Parolin, accompanied by His Excellency Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for
Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions, mention was made of the recent canonisation of John Paul
II, and the relevance of this event for the Polish nation. The prime minister expressed his
pleasure at His Holiness’ planned visit to Poland in 2016, on the occasion of World Youth Day.
Attention then turned to the social and economic situation of the Country.
 

[grace-land]

http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2014/05/19/pope_francis_receives_king_of_bahrain/en1-800461

2014-05-19 15:45:21
Pope Francis receives King of Bahrain



(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis received in audience the King of Bahrain, His Majesty Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, on Monday. A communique from the Press Office of the Holy See says the Pope and His Majesty held cordial discussions on a range of issues including regional peace and stability and the importance of engagement in dialogue. The full text of the VIS translation of the statement from the Press Office is found, below.
 

[grace-land]

http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2014/05/19/pontifical_council_for_interreligious_dialogue_marks_half_century/en1-800339

2014-05-19 17:04:59   
Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue marks half century

(Vatican Radio) The Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue marked the 50th anniversary of its foundation on Monday with a Mass in St Peter’s Basilica and a conference looking back at the achievements of the past half century of interfaith relations. The Council, originally called the Secretariat for Non-Christians, was set up by Pope Paul VI on Pentecost Sunday, May 19th, 1964 to further the Church’s relations with people of other faiths.
 

http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2014/05/19/pope_francis:_50th_anniversary_message_to_dialogue_council/en1-800520
2014-05-19 17:31:48
Pope Francis: 50th anniversary Message to Dialogue Council

 
“The institution of the [Dialogue Council’s predecessor department], the Secretariat for non-Christians,” writes Pope Francis in the Message, “represented one of the important decisions, which, with ponderous reflection, the Servant of God Paul VI put into action during the II Vatican Ecumenical Council,” in order to begin to translate the Council’s orientations into concrete terms, “and direct the universal Church on the path of the hoped-for renewal.”

The Holy Father goes on to say, “In joining myself to the giving of thanks to God for the work accomplished in these 50 years, it is my hope that the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue might continue its mission with renewed vigor, which might greatly help the cause of peace and of the authentic progress of peoples.”

[grace-land]

http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2014/05/19/vaticans_financial_authority_records_uptake_in_suspicious_ior/en1-800399

2014-05-19 14:36:40
Vatican's Financial Authority records uptake in suspicious IOR transactions reports

(Vatican Radio) The Vatican ‘s Financial Intelligence Authority revealed on Monday that it has recorded an increased number of suspicious financial transactions being reported in its monitoring of financial activities of the IOR – the Istituto per le Opere di Religione, or Vatican Bank.

The so called “AIF” was releasing its annual report at a press conference in the Vatican.

Authority Director, René Bruelhart, said the report showed that there were 202 suspicious transactions reported to the Financial Information Authority in 2013 compared with only six a year earlier and just one in 2011.

Five of those were referred onto Vatican prosecutors for possible investigation.

Bruelhart explained that the increase in numbers of suspicious transactions doesn't mean that more illicit activity is taking place. He said it just means that new laws and procedures are being implemented and are working to flag potentially problematic transactions that may require further investigation.
 

[grace-land]

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/19/us-pope-holyland-russia-idUSKBN0DZ13B20140519

Russian church the absent player at pope-patriarch summit
Moscow  Mon May 19, 2014 9:14am EDT


1 of 3. Pope Francis (L) talks with Metropolitan Hilarion, the foreign minister of the Russian Orthodox Church, during a private meeting at the Vatican March 20, 2013.
Credit: REUTERS/Osservatore Romano

(Reuters) - When Pope Francis meets the spiritual head of the world's Orthodox Christians next week, the speeches and symbolism will focus on how these ancient western and eastern wings of Christianity want to come closer together.

After almost a millennium apart, however, the key to the elusive unity they seek does not lie in Jerusalem, where the Catholic pope and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew will embrace on May 25. If anywhere, that key lies in Moscow.

The Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), by far the largest church in the Orthodox world and increasingly influential at home and abroad, has long been wary of the closer ties Francis and Bartholomew want to work towards.

Its opposition has only stiffened in recent months amid the crisis in Ukraine, where the political standoff between Russia and Europe has deepened tensions between the Moscow Patriarchate and three competing churches, one of them linked to the Vatican which Moscow accuses of trying to woo away its worshippers.

"All these unfortunate events ... take us back to the situation when Catholics and Orthodox didn’t consider themselves as allies but as enemies," said Metropolitan Hilarion, the ROC's "foreign minister" at the unusually young age of 47.

The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, which supports pro-European movements there rather than the pro-Russian ones the ROC favors, "is becoming once again ... a huge obstacle for any progress in our bilateral relations," he told Reuters in an interview in Moscow's Danilov Monastery.

The dream of overcoming the Great Schism of 1054, one of European history's greatest splits, is still far off, but both sides try to work together to promote Christian values and avoid the disunity Jesus warned his disciples against.
 

[grace-land]

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/middle-east/140512/the-holy-land-stoked-pope-francis-photos

May 19, 2014 09:34
The Holy Land is stoked for Pope Francis (PHOTOS)

JERUSALEM — On Saturday, Pope Francis will travel to the Holy Land to commemorate the end of the Great Schism — which, despite its evocative name, is not another episode of Game of Thrones.

In 1054 Michael Cerularius, the patriarch of Constantinople, frustrated by longstanding disputes with the Latin pope, cut ties to Rome and proclaimed the independence of a Christian tradition that would come to be known as the Eastern Orthodox Church. Between that moment and 1964, when Pope Paul VI embraced Patriarch Athenagoras in a small Jerusalem room, the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches were not even on speaking terms.

Pope Francis, one year into his term, is following up on Paul VI's grand gesture with the unprecedented inclusion of a rabbi, Abraham Skorka, and an imam, Omar Abboud, in his personal entourage. Both are long-time personal friends of the pope from his days as cardinal of Buenos Aires.

But the highlight of the pilgrimage, which will take place from May 24 to 26, almost 50 years to the day since the encounter between Paul VI and Athenagoras, will be a ceremony at Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre — where, in the presence of representatives from all thirteen of Jerusalem's traditional churches, Francis and Patriarch Bartholomew I will, in a manner of speaking, renew their vows.

The Holy Land has been getting ready for Pope Francis for months. Below, some examples of the preparations, including exclusive photographs of the room in which the two leaders will meet and the quarters in which the pope will be lodged.
 

[grace-land]

http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2014/05/20/pope_at_mass:_let_not_your_heart_be_troubled/en1-800625

2014-05-20 11:14:11
Pope at Mass: Let not your heart be troubled

(Vatican Radio) Those who welcome the Holy Spirit will have a solid and endless peace, unlike those who choose to “superficially” trust in the tranquility offered by money or power. This was Pope Francis’ message at Mass Tuesday morning in Casa Santa Marta. Emer McCarthy reports: RealAudioMP3

The peace offered by things - money , power , vanity – and peace in Person, the Holy Spirit. The first is always in danger of vanishing - Today you are rich and you are somebody, not tomorrow - instead no-one “can take away” the second because it is a "definitive" peace. The Pope’s homily, which centered on one of the greatest desires of mankind of all times, was inspired by a passage from the Gospel of John, in the liturgy of the day. Jesus is about to face the Passion and before he takes leave of the disciples, he announces, "My peace I give you". A peace , says the Pope, which differs completely from the "peace that the world gives us", because "it is somewhat superficial” it offers a “degree of calm, even a certain joy", but only "up to a certain point":
 

[grace-land]

http://pressreleases.religionnews.com/2014/05/20/religion-news-service-releases-ibook-pope-francis/

Religion News Service releases iBook about Pope Francis
May 20, 2014



Washington, D.C. — Visit the iBookstore today to download a free copy of Pope Francis: A Pope of Firsts from Religion News Service. This new ibook offers a collection of stories and graphics about Pope Francis.

The book covers Pope Francis’s election and early days in office, to his impact as the first Latin American and first Jesuit to rise to the papacy. Download your free copy today by searching “Religion News” in the iBookstore.
 

[grace-land]

http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2014/05/21/pope_at_audience:_if_we_destroy_creation,_it_will_destroy_us/en1-800909

2014-05-21 11:14:18
Pope at Audience: If we destroy Creation, it will destroy us



(Vatican Radio) “With the gift of knowledge, the Spirit leads us to grasp the value and beauty of people and the realities that surround us, but also their limitations”, said Pope Francis Wednesday as he continued his series of lessons dedicated to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. Emer McCarthy reports:

The Summer season arrived early in Rome this Wednesday with midday temperatures hitting 28°. Gazing out over the massive crowd, Pope Francis reflected that “the gift of knowledge helps us to avoid falling prey to excessive or incorrect attitudes. The first lies in the risk of considering ourselves masters of Creation. Creation is not a property, which we can rule over at will; or, even less, is the property of only a few: Creation is a gift, it is a wonderful gift that God has given us, so that we care for it and we use it for the benefit of all, always with great respect and gratitude”.

And he urged people to nurture and safeguard Creation as God’s greatest gift to us, because while God always forgives, Creation never forgives and – he warned – if we destroy Creation, in the end it will destroy us!

His warning was particularly welcomed by a representatives of the indigenous peoples of the world association 'The spirit of the planet', who attended the papal audience. (See Photo)

Below, please find a Vatican Radio transcript and translation of the Holy Father’s catechesis:
 

[grace-land]

http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2014/05/21/pope:_prayers_for_flood_victims,_for_china,_and_for_burma’s_first/en1-800911

2014-05-21 11:16:35
Pope: Prayers for flood victims, for China, and for Burma’s first Blessed

(Vatican Radio) In a series of appeals made at the end of his general audience Wednesday Pope Francis asked people to pray for the victims of devastating floods in the Balkans, for the Catholics in China and for the first ever Burmese native to be declared Blessed:

“My thoughts go out again to the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia, who have been hard hit by floods, with subsequent loss of life, numerous people displaced and extensive damage. Unfortunately, the situation has worsened, so I invite you to join me in prayer for the victims and all those who are suffering from this calamity. Let our solidarity and the concrete support of the international community not be lacking to these our brothers and sisters.
 

[grace-land]

http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1402077.htm

May-21-2014
Pope says his Holy Land trip will be 'strictly religious'

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Asking prayers for his May 24-26 trip to the Holy Land, Pope Francis said his visit to Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian territories would be "strictly religious."

At the end of his weekly general audience May 21, Pope Francis told an estimated 50,000 people in St. Peter's Square that he was about to make the trip.

The first reason for going, he said, "is to meet my brother, Bartholomew," the Orthodox patriarch of Constantinople, to mark the 50th anniversary of the meeting between Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras of Constantinople. The meeting launched a new era of ecumenical cooperation and dialogue.

"Peter and Andrew will meet once again, and this is very beautiful," the pope said. Pope Francis is considered the successor of the apostle Peter and Patriarch Bartholomew the successor of his brother, the apostle Andrew.

The pope said the second reason for his trip is "to pray for peace in that land that suffers so much."

He asked the people in the square to pray for the success of the trip.

Pope Francis is scheduled to leave the Vatican early May 24 and fly to Amman, Jordan, for a full day of meetings, a public Mass and an encounter with refugees and people with disabilities.
 

[grace-land]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/20/pope-francis-holy-land-schedule_n_5358348.html

Pope Francis' Holy Land Schedule: A Tour Of The Sacred Sites The Pope Will Visit
Posted:  05/20/2014 5:53 pm EDT    Updated:  05/20/2014 5:59 pm EDT

Pope Francis sets out for the Holy Land on May 24, and not a minute of his three-day trip will be wasted. The pope will visit some of the most sacred sites in the Holy Land and meet with Christian, Jewish and Muslim leaders.

Here is a pictorial guide to the sites Pope Francis will visit on his tour of the Holy Land and what he'll be doing there:

May 24: Amman, Jordan
Site of the Baptism of Jesus


This is the site of the Biblical baptism of Jesus, who was baptized by John in the Jordan River. After celebrating Mass at a stadium in Amman, the pope will visit the site of Jesus' baptism where he will meet with refugees and young people with disabilities.
 

[grace-land]

http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2014/05/22/pope_at_santa_marta_mass_urges_christians_to_be_joyful/1100791

Pope at Mass: A healthy Christian is a joyful Christian
22/05/2014

(Vatican Radio) A healthy Christian is a joyful Christian, even in times of sorrow and tribulation. This was Pope Francis reflection at Mass Thursday morning at Casa Santa Marta. During his homily the Pope returned to one of the recurrent themes of his Pontificate to date – there is no such thing as a sad Christian – stressing that it is the Holy Spirit who teaches us to love and fills us with joy.

Pope Francis began by noting that before going to Heaven Jesus spoke of many things, but always dwelt on "three key words": "Peace, love and joy." Regarding peace "He told us that He does not give us peace, in the same way as the world gives it to us". Instead, He gives us a "peace forever”.

Regarding love, Jesus frequently said “that the commandment was to love God and love your neighbor". The Pope noted that in Matthew 25, Jesus almost made a “protocol", “on which we will all be judged”. Then turning to the Gospel of the Day, Pope Francis added that in it "Jesus says something new about love: ‘Do not just love, but remain in my love'".
 

[grace-land]

http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/jordan-all-set-to-receive-francis

Jordan All Set to Receive Francis
Office of Tourism Has Installed Earthcams to Follow Live the Papal Mass in Amman's International Stadium
Amman,  May 22, 2014

Jordan is preparing to welcome Pope Francis on May 24. This trip, the fourth papal visit to the Hashemite Kingdom, will serve once again to point out the biblical importance of different places scattered throughout Jordan’s geography, and it will also show the profound coexistence in the country of citizens of different religions.

The Holy Father will meet with King Abdullah II and other Jordanian leaders this Saturday before going to Amman’s International Stadium, where he will preside over a large Eucharistic celebration. After the Mass, which it is estimated will be attended by some 50,000 faithful, the Argentine Pontiff will go to the place of Jesus’ Baptism. Once there, Francis will meet with disabled persons as well as Syrian and Iraqi refugees.
 
All those who are unable to be in the capital of the Hashemite Kingdom during the papal visit will be able to follow live the Mass presided over by the Holy Father in Amman’s Stadium thanks to 'Earthcams' installed to this effect.

To access the Earthcams go to: http://visitjordan.com/earthcam

The official website for the Jordan leg of the trip is: http://popevisit.jo/

[grace-land]

http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2014/05/23/holy_see_responds_to_un_torture_committee_report/1100853

Holy See responds to UN Torture Committee report
23/05/2014

(Vatican Radio) The Holy See has responded to the Concluding Observations of the Committee of the UN’s Convention Against Torture on the Holy See’s Initial Report. The Holy See has issued a Communiqué saying that the Observations contain several positive elements, as well as some few points that require further clarification and elucidation.

The Permanent ******* of the Holy See to the UN Offices and Organisations in Geneva, Archbishop Silvano Tomasi, spoke with Vatican Radio about the Committee's Concluding Observations. He said, “[The Observations] reflect the Committee’s acknowledgement of the good faith efforts of the Holy See to comply [with] always and to advance the Convention Against Torture.”
 
Below, please find the full text of the Communiqué from the Holy See
 

[grace-land]

Photo at the link

http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2014/05/23/pope_francis_visits_st_mary_major_before_his_holy_land_visit/1100850

Pope Francis visits St Mary Major before his Holy Land visit
23/05/2014

(Vatican Radio)  Pope Francis made a private visit to the Roman Basilica of St. Mary Major on Friday morning to pray and entrust his Holy Land pilgrimage to Our Lady. After praying for 15 minutes before the image of the Madonna Salus Populi Romani, the Pope left a bouquet of roses in her honour.
 

[grace-land]

Picture of the Logo at the link

http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2014/05/21/logo_for_the_apostolic_visit_of_pope_francis_/1100778

Logo for the Apostolic visit of Pope Francis: an explanation in Latin
21/05/2014

 
The logo features two bearded men in a boat who  represent the first two disciples of Christ, Saint Peter and Saint Andrew. Depicted as they embrace, the message connected to them is one of unity, as the first represents the Church of Rome and the second the Church of Constantinople.

A symbolism further highlighted by the caption beneath the mast in the shape of a Cross. It's 'Ut Unum Sint', meaning 'So that They May be One',  a reference to the encyclical of Saint John Paul II of May 1995 which focuses on Christian Unity.

The sails of the boat which represents the Church are depicted billowing in the wind, symbolising the Holy Spirit. Clearly a logo which represents a message of unity for all humanity called to overcome the divisions of the past.

[grace-land]

http://en.radiovaticana.va/storico/2014/03/27/pope_francis_holy_land_pilgrimage_schedule_released/en1-785366
Pope Francis Holy Land Pilgrimage schedule released
27/03/2014

 
Saturday, May 24, 2014
08:15 Departure from Rome Fiumicino Airport for Amman

13:00 Arrival at the Queen Alia International Airport in Amman

13:45 ARRIVAL CEREMONY in the al-Husseini Royal Palace in Amman

COURTESY VISIT TO THEIR MAJESTIES THE KING AND QUEEN OF JORDAN

14:20 MEETING WITH THE AUTHORITIES OF THE KINGDOM OF JORDAN. Discourse of the Holy Father

16:00 HOLY MASS at the International Stadium in Amman. Homily of the Holy Father

19:00 Visit to the Baptismal Site at Bethany beyond the Jordan

19:15 MEETING WITH REFUGEES AND DISABLED YOUNG PEOPLE in the Latin church at Bethany beyond the Jordan. Discourse of the Holy Father

Sunday, May 25, 2014
8:15 FAREWELL FROM JORDAN at the Queen Alia Internal Airport in Amman

8:30 Departure by helicopter from the Queen Alia Internal Airport in Amman for Bethlehem

9:20 Arrival at the helicopter port of Bethlehem

9:30 ARRIVAL CEREMONY at the presidential Palace in Bethlehem

COURTESY VISIT TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE STATE OF PALESTINE

10:00 MEETING WITH THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY – Discourse of the Holy Father

11:00 HOLY MASS in Manger Square in Bethlehem. Homily of the Holy Father

REGINA COELI PRAYER. Allocution of the Holy Father

13:30 Lunch with families from Palestine in the Franciscan convent of Casa Nova in Bethlehem

15:00 PRIVATE VISIT TO THE GROTTO OF THE NATIVITY IN BETHLEHEM

15:20 GREETING OF CHILDREN FROM THE REFUGEE CAMPS OF DEHEISHEH, AIDA AND BEIT JIBRIN at the Phoenix Center of the Deheisheh Refugee Camp

15:45 FAREWELL FROM THE STATE OF PALESTINE at the helicopter port of Bethlehem

16:00 Departure by helicopter from the helicopter port of Bethlehem for Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv

16:30 ARRIVAL CEREMONY at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv. Discourse of the Holy Father

17:15 Transfer by helicopter to Jerusalem

17:45 Arrival at the helicopter port of Jerusalem on Mount Scopus

18:15 Private meeting with the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople at the Apostolic Delegation in Jerusalem. Signing of a joint declaration.

19.00 ECUMENICAL MEETING on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the meeting in Jerusalem between Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras in the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher. Discourse of the Holy Father
20:15 Dinner with the Patriarchs and Bishops and the Papal suite at the Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem

Monday, May 26, 2014
 

[grace-land]

LIVE VIDEO (and video) of all activities/visits of Pope Francis to the Holy Land, May 24 -26, 2014.  In case a live video is missed of the event, please find the appropriate video at the right side--at the link below.

At the time of this post, the count down clock shows 6:42:00 and counting until the arrival of Pope Francis in Jordan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpSk-Rjz6-Y

Arrival of Pope Francis in Jordan
Scheduled for May 24, 2014

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Pope Francis arrives in Jordan and is transferred by car to the Al-Husseini Royal Palace for the welcome ceremony.

[grace-land]

At the link -- LIVE VIDEO and video repeats of events/visits of Pope Francis to the Holy Land, May 24 -26, 2014.
Videos have English commentary and translation

http://saltandlighttv.org/live/

http://saltandlighttv.org/popefrancisholyland2014/

 
Salt + Light TV will be broadcasting his trip LIVE on these times below:

 Mass with Pope Francis in Jordan LIVE Sat, May 24 at 8:40am ET / 5:40am PT
Repeat:
► May 24 at 7pm ET / 4pm PT
► May 24 at 11pm ET / 8pm PT 
 Visit to Bethany Beyond the Jordan LIVE Sat, May 24 at 12pm ET / 9am PT
Repeat:
► May 24 at 9:30pm ET / 6:30pm PT
► May 25 at 1:30am ET / May 24 at 10:30pm PT 
Mass with Pope Francis in Manger Square LIVE Sun, May 25 at 3:45am ET / 12:45am PT
 Repeat:
► May 25 at 8am ET / 5am PT
► May 25 at 9:30pm ET / 6:30pm PT
► May 26 at 2:30am ET / May 25 11:30pm PT 
Pope Francis in Bethlehem
 Pope Francis visits the Church of the Nativity
 Pope Francis Meets with Palestinian Children and Refugees Sun, May 25 at 11am ET / 8am PT
Repeat:
► May 25 at 1:15pm ET / 10:15am PT
► May 25 at 8:30pm ET / 5:30pm PT
► May 26 at 1:30am ET / May 25 10:30pm PT 
Ecumenical Meeting in Jerusalem  LIVE Sun, May 25 at 11:45am ET / 8:45am PT
Repeat:
► May 25 at 7pm ET / 4pm PT
► May 26 at 12am ET / May 25 at 9pm PT 
Pope Francis in Jerusalem Mon, May 26 at 7:30am ET / 4:30am PT
Repeat:
► May 26 at 12pm ET / 9am PT
► May 27 at 12am ET / May 26 at 9pm PT
Pope Francis Meets the Clergy of Jerusalem  LIVE Mon, May 26 at 8:30am ET / 5:30am PT
Repeat:
► May 26 at 1pm ET / 10am PT
► May 27 at 1am ET / May 26 at 10pm PT 
Mass with Pope Francis in the Cenacle LIVE Mon, May 26 at 10am ET / 7am PT
Repeat:
► May 26 at 2:30pm ET / 11:30am PT