Pope Francis

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http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2015/02/05/pope-francis-to-visit-capitol-on-sept-24/

Pope Francis to address Congress on Sept. 24
February 5 at 11:40 AM

Pope Francis will visit the U.S. Capitol and speak there on Sept. 24 as part of his trip to the United State, House Speaker John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) announced Thursday.

Boehner noted that Francis will become the first pope to make the visit, which promises to be a historic and well-attended appearance.

The pope is also scheduled to visit Philadelphia for the World Conference on Families and New York to stop by the United Nations.

Boehner made the announcement Thursday at his weekly news conference.

In a separate written statement, Boehner said: "It is my great privilege to announce that His Holiness Pope Francis will visit the United States Capitol on Thursday, September 24, 2015. On that day, he will become the first leader of the Holy See to address a joint meeting of Congress. It will be a historic visit, and we are truly grateful that Pope Francis has accepted our invitation.

“In a time of global upheaval, the Holy Father’s message of compassion and human dignity has moved people of all faiths and backgrounds. His teachings, prayers, and very example bring us back to the blessings of simple things and our obligations to one another. We look forward to warmly welcoming Pope Francis to our Capitol and hearing his address on behalf of the American people.”
 
http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/pope-francis-address-congress-september-24-n300891
Pope Francis to Address Congress on September 24
First published February 5th 2015, 10:44 am
 
Boehner extended an open invitation to Pope Francis last March, saying that the first Pope from the Americas "has inspired millions of Americans with his pastoral manner and servant leadership, challenging all people to lead lives of mercy, forgiveness, solidarity, and humble service."

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http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2015/02/05/pope_at_santa_marta_servants_of_the_kingdom/1121647

Pope at Santa Marta: Servants of the Kingdom
05/02/2015 11:24

(Vatican Radio) The Church must proclaim the Gospel "in poverty" and the people proclaiming it must have the sole aim of alleviating the miseries of the poor, never forgetting that this service is the work of the Holy Spirit and not of human hands. 

At Mass on Thursday morning in Casa Santa Marta, Pope Francis returned to one of his favorite images for the Church – that of a field hospital- inspired by the Gospel of the day, in which Jesus sends his disciples out, two by two, to the villages to preach, heal the sick and drive out "unclean spirits".

Pope Francis said that there are many “wounded” waiting in the aisles of the Church for a minister of Christ to heal, raise and liberate them from the demons that plague them.  He added that Christ’s ministers must always remember, however, that they are simple “servants of the Kingdom”.
 

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http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2015/02/05/pope_francis_encourages_greek_bishops_in_hard_times/1121648

Pope Francis encourages Greek bishops in hard times
05/02/2015 12:00



(Vatican Radio)  Faced with the “prolonged economic-financial crisis” which has hit Greece particularly hard, the country’s clergy should not tire of encouraging everyone to have hope in the future, in contrast to a “so-called culture of pessimism”  – that’s what Pope Francis told Greek bishops on their ad limina visit to Rome Thursday.
 

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http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-meets-president-of-kiribati

Pope Francis meets President of Kiribati
05/02/2015 13:07



(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Thursday received the President of the Republic of Kiribati, Mr. Anote Tong, who subsequently met with the Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, secretary for Relations with States.

Kiribati is an island nation in the central Pacific Ocean with a population of about 100,000 people.

The Holy See Press Office issued a statement calling the talks between Pope Francis and President Tong “cordial”, and said emphasis was placed on the importance of the protection of the environment and on matters of climate change, which has worrying negative effects on the country, as in other Pacific States. 

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http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2015/02/05/abuse_survivor_shares_hope_for_pontifical_commission_plenary/1121679

Abuse survivor shares hopes ahead of Pontifical Commission plenary
05/02/2015 12:29

(Vatican Radio) Making the Church a safer place for children will be at the top of the agenda in the Vatican this weekend as the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors holds its first full plenary meeting. Last December Pope Francis named nine new members from different continents to the Commission, which was set up a year earlier and is headed by U.S. Cardinal Sean O’Malley.

The plenary meeting, from February 6th to 8th, will watched closely by survivors of abuse to see how far the Commission can move in implementing new safeguarding measures and in making child protection a priority for the Church in countries right across the globe .
 
http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2015/02/05/pope_church_must_tackle_the_scourge_of_child_sexual_abuse/1121655
Pope: Church must rid itself of the scourge of child sexual abuse
05/02/2015 11:15

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has sent a letter to the Presidents of Episcopal Conferences and Superiors of Institutes of Consecrated Life  and Societies of Apostolic Life  to ask for their complete co-operation with the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, in order to insure that everything possible is done to rid the Church of "the scourge" of the sexual abuse of children.

Below is the English language translation of the Pope’s letter

Last March I established the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, which had first been announced in December 2013, for the purpose of offering proposals and initiatives meant to improve the norms and procedures for protecting children and vulnerable adults.  I then appointed to the Commission a number of highly qualified persons well-known for their work in this field.
 

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http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-hold-google-hangout-with-disabled-you

Pope Francis holds Google Hangout with disabled youth
2015-02-05 Vatican Radio

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis held a Google Hangout Thursday afternoon with several disabled kids from around the world, in an event sponsored by Scholas Ocurrentes, a charity which brings together young people via sports, art, and technology.

Speaking from the Paul VI Audience Hall, he said Scholas can help them by building bridges and communicating.
 
http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/pope-to-disabled-children-your-lives-are-a-beautiful-treasure
Pope to Disabled Children: 'Your Lives Are A Beautiful Treasure'
Vatican City,  February 05, 2015
 
The children participating came from countries such as Spain, Brazil, Argentina, the United States, and India.

16 year old Alicia, a young girl with Down syndrome from Spain, proudly showed the Pope a video camera she uses in her film class and spoke about her passion for filmmaking. "It really is so much fun," she said, causing the Pope to happily laugh.

After a few moments of conversation, Alicia took the opportunity to ask him a personal question: "Do you like taking pictures and uploading them onto your computer?"

The Pope smiled and answered: "Do you want me to tell you the truth? I am clumsy with computers; I don't know how to use a computer. How embarrassing, right?"

Juan Bautista, a 14 year old autistic boy from Buenos Aires, told the Pope how he uses his tablet to learn new languages and play games. Forming the shape of a heart with his hands, he told the Holy Father that he would like to visit him in Rome one day. After the Pope thanked him for his words, the young boy asked the Pope: "Do you have a tablet?" The Holy Father laughed and replied, "No, I don't have one."

Isaiah Bower, who along with his classmate Taylor, hailed from Nebraska, USA. Isaiah explained to the Holy Father how the educational program is helping him to develop his motor skills. He then asked what the Pope does when facing a difficult situation.

"First, to not get angry, there is no need to get angry; be calm. Then, look for a way to overcome it, to surpass it," the Pope said. "And if I cannot surpass it, then I must withstand it until the ability to surpass it comes along. There is no need to be afraid of difficulties, ever. We are capable of overcoming them all. We only need time to understand them, the intelligence to look for the right path, and the courage to move forward. But never be afraid."

In his final address to the youth before signing off, the Holy Father reminded them of the treasure they each have inside. Comparing them to a treasure chest, the 78 year old Pontiff told them that it can only grow once it is shared with others.

"What I want to tell you is to not hide the treasure that each one of you have," he said.  Sometimes, they are found immediately, sometimes we have to play the game of treasure hunters, it's not found immediately. But once you have found it, share it because by sharing, you receive from others and it multiplies.

Pope Francis concluded saying: "That’s what I wanted to tell you kids. Go forward! What you do, in the place that you're in, helps all of us to understand that life is a beautiful treasure but it only has meaning if we give it."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raaUwRhXOos
Conclusion of the Scholas Occurentes World Educational Congress - 2015.02.05
Streamed live on Feb 5, 2015
Starts at 4:00pm - Closing ceremony of the IV Scholas Occurrentes World Educational Congress, with the participation of the Pope and connected via video-conference with different venues across the world

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http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/pope-francis-sends-message-to-us-prayer-breakfast

Pope Francis Sends Message to US Prayer Breakfast
Washington, D.C.,  February 05, 2015

Pope Francis sent a message to the annual National Prayer Breakfast held today in Washington, DC, and attended by US President Barack Obama, lawmakers from both parties, and thousands of guests, including the Dalai Lama.

According to Vatican Radio, a portion of the Holy Father's message was read during the event, which has taken place since 1953.

“Dear friends, I send prayerful good wishes for you, for the fruitfulness of your work,” reads the message.

"I ask you to pray for me, and to join me in praying for our brothers and sisters throughout the world who experience persecution and death for their faith,” continued Pope Francis.

“Upon you, your families, and those whom you serve, I cordially invoke God’s blessings of wisdom, joy, and peace.”
 
Obama in his address condemned the actions of the Islamic State, in the context of a more broad condemnation of violence in the name of religion.

"Unless we get on our high horse and think that this is unique to some other place, remember that during the Crusades and Inquisition, people committed terrible deeds in the name of Christ," Obama said. "In our home country, slavery and Jim Crow all too often was justified in the name of Christ."

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http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1500520.htm

Feb-4-2015
Archbishop Romero's beatification will be soon, archbishop says

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero will be beatified in San Salvador "certainly within the year and not later, but possibly within a few months," said Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, the postulator or chief promoter of the archbishop's sainthood cause.

Speaking to reporters Feb. 4, the day after Pope Francis formally recognized that the slain Salvadoran archbishop was killed "in hatred of the faith" -- and not for purely political reasons -- Archbishop Paglia said the two decades it took to obtain the decree were the result of "misunderstandings and preconceptions."

During Archbishop Romero's time as archbishop of San Salvador -- from 1977 to 1980 -- "kilos of letters against him arrived in Rome. The accusations were simple: He's political; he's a follower of liberation theology."

To the accusations that he supported liberation theology, Archbishop Paglia said, Archbishop Romero responded, "Yes, certainly. But there are two theologies of liberation: one sees liberation only as material liberation; the other is that of Paul VI. I'm with Paul VI" in seeking the material and spiritual liberation of all people, including from the sins of injustice and oppression.

All of the complaints, Archbishop Paglia said, slowed the sainthood process and "strengthened his enemies," who, he said, included the late Colombian Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo, who believed the Salvadoran archbishop tended toward Marxism and thought his canonization would be seen as a canonization of the materialistic, political form of liberation theology criticized by the church.
 

[grace-land]

http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-to-address-a-joint-session-of-the-us

Pope Francis to Address a Joint Session of the U.S. Congress

The Holy See Press Office has confirmed that Pope Francis will address a Joint Session of the United States Congress on 24 September 2015 during his pastoral visit to the U.S.A. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, John Boehner, made the announcement earlier on Thursday. In his statement, Mr. Boehner said the Holy Father’s “historic visit” would make him the “first leader of the Holy See to address a joint meeting of Congress,” adding that he was “truly grateful that Pope Francis has accepted our invitation.”
 

[grace-land]

http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-at-santa-marta-martyrdom-is-not-a-thing-of-th

Pope at Santa Marta: Martyrdom is not a thing of the past
2015-02-06 Vatican Radio

(Vatican Radio) At Mass on Friday Pope Francis called for people to remember the Martyrs of 2015, the men, women and children who are being massacred right now in hatred of the faith. The martyrdom of Christians is not a thing of the past, today too there are many victims of "people who hate Jesus Christ", said Pope Francis.

The Pope was reflecting on the life and death of John the Baptist, inspired by the Gospel of St. Mark. Referring to him as “John the Great”, the Pope said his life is a parable for the many, many Christians whose blood is spilled today because they proclaim a God whom many people hate.

Pope Francis noted that John the Baptist "never betrayed his vocation", he was "conscious that his duty was only to proclaim" that the Messiah “was close at hand".  John the Baptist was aware that he was "only a voice," because "the Word was Someone else" and he "ends his life like the Lord, with martyrdom”.

John victim of a corrupt king

Pope Francis went on to say that when he ends up in prison at the hands of Herod Antipas,  "the greatest man born of woman" becomes "small, so very small”.  Firstly he is struck by a dark night of the soul, when he doubts that Jesus is the One for whom he prepared the way. Then again, when he meets his end, ordered by a king both fascinated and puzzled by John. An end that gave the Pope pause for thought:

"In the end, after this purification, after this ongoing slide into nothingness, this path towards the total annihilation of Jesus, his life ends. That perplexed king becomes capable of making a decision, but not because his heart was converted, but because the wine gave him courage. And so John ends his life under the authority of a mediocre, drunk and corrupt king, at the whim of a dancer and the vindictive hatred of an adulteress. That's how the the Great Man ends his life, the greatest man born of woman”.

Christians hated today
 

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http://www.news.va/en/news/child-protection-at-top-of-pope-francis-priority-l

Child protection at top of Pope Francis' priority list
2015-02-06 Vatican Radio

(Vatican Radio) Child protection experts from five continents began talks in the Vatican on Friday at the first full meeting of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. The 17 member Commission was established by Pope Francis in 2014 and includes a range of professional men and women, together with survivors who were sexually abused by priests during their childhoods.

One of the founding members is German Jesuit Father Hans Zollner, head of the Institute of Psychology at Rome’s Gregorian University and director of its Centre for the Protection of Minors. He talked to Philippa Hitchen about the huge challenges facing the Commission and about the difficulties of tackling the broader issues of abuse of power within the Church today..
 

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http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2015/02/06/pope_praises_italys_prefects_for_upholding_human_dignity/1121866

Pope praises Italy's Prefects for upholding human dignity
06/02/2015 12:10

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis met on Friday with Italy’s Prefects, thanking them in particular for the way they coordinated the reception of so many migrant men, women and children who have recently landed on Italian shores.

In his encounter with the local government officials, the Pope said they play an important role in creating cohesion between local communities and Italy’s national administration. He noted the way they have been called upon to handle the many immigration emergencies that the country has experienced, striking a delicate balance between application of the law and respect for the human rights of each individual.
 

[grace-land]

http://www.news.va/en/news/showers-for-homeless-by-st-peters-square-completed

Showers for homeless by St Peters Square completed
2015-02-06 Vatican Radio



(Vatican Radio) Work has now been completed on the building of three showers and a barber’s booth for the homeless under the colonnades of St Peter’s Square. The shower unit was commissioned by Pope Francis after learning from his Almoner that homeless people in Rome lacked places where to wash themselves or have their hair cut.

The 3 showers and the barber’s booth have been installed in an existing lavatory block used by pilgrims and tourists visiting the Vatican area that was completely refurbished for this purpose. The showers will be available every day, except on Wednesday during the Pope’s general audience and when celebrations take place, either in St Peter’s Basilica or in the Square.

The barber service will be available on Monday between 9am and 3pm.  A number of barbers in Rome have volunteered to offer their services as well as final-year students from a hairdressing school in Rome.  Sisters from Mother’s Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity Order will be among those helping to welcome the homeless who come to use the showers.
 

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http://www.news.va/en/news/consistory-on-14-february-and-courtesy-visits-to-t

Consistory on 14 February and courtesy visits to the new cardinals

Vatican City, 6 February 2015 (VIS) – On Saturday 14 February in St. Peter's Basilica, the Holy Father will preside at an Ordinary Public Consistory for the creation of new cardinals and the canonisation of Blessed Jeanne-Emilie De Villeneuve, foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of Castres, Blessed Mary of Jesus Crucified (nee Maryam Baouardy) professed nun of the Order of Discalced Carmelites and Blesseed Marie-Alphonsine Danil Ghattas (nee Maryam Sultanah), co-foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Rosary of Jerusalem of the Latins.

On the same day, in the afternoon, the courtesy visits to the new cardinals will take place in the locations indicated below:

Paul VI Hall

Atrium: Cardinals Manuel Jose Macario do Nascimento Clemente; Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel, C.M; John Atcherley Dew; Edoardo Menichelli; Pierre Nguyen Van Nhon and Alberto Suarez Inda;

Hall: Cardinals Charles Maung Bo, S.D.B. ;Francis Xavier Kriengsak Kovithavanij; Francesco Montenegro; Daniel Fernando Sturla Berhouet, S.D.B; Ricardo Blazquez Perez; Jose Luis Lacunza Maestrojuan, O.A.R; Arlindo Gomes Furtad and Soane Patita Paini Mafi;
 
On Sunday 15 February, Pope Francis concelebrates Holy Mass with all the cardinals in St. Peter's Basilica at 10 a.m.

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http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-warns-against-new-and-unscrupulous-fo

Pope Francis warns against "new and unscrupulous forms of colonization in Africa
2015-02-07 Vatican Radio



(Vatican Radio)  Pope Francis warned African bishops against new and unscrupulous forms of “colonization” such as the pursuit of success, riches, and power at all costs; but also fundamentalism and the distorted use of religion, and new ideologies that destroy the identity of persons and families. He was speaking to representatives of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).
 

[grace-land]

http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-urges-more-widespread-and-incisive-female-pre

Pope urges 'more widespread and incisive female presence' in Church
2015-02-07 Vatican Radio



(Vatican Radio) The challenge to find new ways for women to be “full participants in the various areas of social and ecclesial life…can no longer be postponed,” said Pope Francis.

Speaking on Saturday with members of the Pontifical Council for Culture, the Pope said a “more widespread and incisive female presence” in the Church “is desirable, so that we can see many women involved in pastoral responsibilities, in the accompaniment of persons, families and groups, as well as in theological reflection.”

Council members were in Rome, from February 4 to 7, for their plenary assembly. The focus of this year’s plenary was “Women’s Cultures: Equality and Difference.”

The Pope said he is “convinced of the urgency of offering spaces to women in the life of the Church…, taking into account the specific and changing cultural and social sensitivities.”

The Pope noted, however, that  the “irreplaceable role of women in the family” cannot be forgotten. While the “effective presence of women” in the public sphere, in decision-making and in the world of work must be encouraged and promoted, so must their “presence and preferential attention for the family” be upheld.
 

[grace-land]

Video at the link

http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-encourages-lay-faithful-to-be-a-leaven-of-chr

Pope Encourages Lay Faithful to Be a “Leaven of Christian Life” for Big Cities
2015-02-07 Vatican Radio



Big cities are “fertile grounds” of evangelization that allows the Church to become a “leaven of Christian life” for citizens.

This was the reflection given by Pope Francis during today’s address to the participants of the Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Council for the Laity. The Pontifical Council reflected on the theme: “Encountering God in the heart of the city: scenes of the evangelization for the third millennium.”

The Holy Father began his address by saying that the assembly’s theme follows the path of his Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, and  concentrates on the challenges of evangelizing urban cultures. However, he also noted that often times, big cities present both opportunities and risks for the Church.

“They can be magnificent spaces of freedom and human fulfillment, but also terrible spaces of dehumanization and unhappiness,” the Pope said.
 

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Video at the link

http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-to-business-leaders-prioritize-human

Pope Francis to business leaders: Prioritize human dignity
2015-02-07 Vatican Radio



(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Saturday (February 7th) urged business leaders to prioritize human dignity, and suggested three ways to do this: Firstly, by moving beyond emergencies to the real priorities, secondly, by being witnesses of charity and thirdly, by acting as custodians and not masters of our planet.

His remarks came in a video message that was broadcast to a gathering of 500 international political and business representatives who were in the Italian city of Milan to discuss the theme: Feeding our planet, Energy for Life. This is the theme chosen for the upcoming International Exhibition Expo 2015 that opens in the northern Italian city in May. 
 

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http://www.news.va/en/news/vatican-commission-for-protection-of-minors-to-stu

Vatican Commission for protection of minors to study issue of accountability
2015-02-07 Vatican Radio



(Vatican Radio) Making the Church a safe place for children and vulnerable adults means having proper protection procedures in place, making sure they are implemented and holding bishops accountable when they are not.

In essence, these are the priorities before the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Adults which is holding its first full Plenary Assembly since it was set up by Pope Francis in 2013.

Speaking to the press Saturday, the Commission President, Boston’s Cardinal Sean O’Malley, said the 17 member Commission's primary role is to help bishops conferences not just respond to accusations but also to protect minors and vulnerable adults.

To do this the Commission is setting up working groups, with outside consultants, on issues such as outreach to victims, the nature of abuse, Church law governing cases and accountability.

Card. O’ Malley stressed that key to all of the Commissions’ work is collaboration with local churches around the globe and with Vatican dicasteries.  One idea being mooted is workshops for people working in the Roman Curia and for new bishops who come to Rome for orientation courses.

Referring to the Holy Father’s recent letter to Bishops and Religious Superiors on this very issue, Card. O’Malley added that each conference will be asked to name a contact person to work with the Commission for Child Protection.
 

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http://www.johnthavis.com/popes-sex-abuse-commission-zeroes-in-on-bishops-accountability#.VNbC22d0zIW

Pope's sex abuse commission zeroes in on bishop's accountability
Posted on Sat, February 7, 2015 by John Thavis

For months, I’ve heard mixed reviews of Pope Francis’ efforts to confront the sex abuse scandal in the church.

The pope generally gets high marks for two initiatives – his meeting with abuse victims last summer and his establishment of a Vatican child protection commission to strengthen and coordinate anti-abuse policies worldwide.

Critics, however, have pointed out that the commission, established late in 2013, is still getting organized and setting priorities. That makes its current three-day meeting in Rome especially important. People are waiting to see what concrete changes will emerge.

On Saturday we got a glimpse of the commission’s agenda from Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston, who heads the Vatican agency. Probably the most important disclosure was that the commission is drawing up recommendations for sanctioning bishops who have covered up abuse cases.

To date, bishops’ accountability has been the missing element in the Vatican’s approach to the scandals. While Pope Francis has investigated and, in a couple of cases, removed bishops, there is no systematic procedure for discipline or dismissal when reporting guidelines are not followed.

The assumption has always been that only the pope can “fire” a bishop – and that it’s almost impossible for the pope to follow details in every diocese. But the commission appears to be looking at a new way to bridge that gap.

Cardinal O’Malley said a specific working group that includes canon lawyers is drawing up “policies that would allow the church to respond in an expeditious way when the bishop has not fulfilled his obligations.” He said work on the recommendations is nearly complete, and that they would be presented to the pope and “hopefully implemented.”