Pope Francis

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http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-to-consecrated-youth-service-without

Pope Francis to consecrated youth: service without stint
2015-09-17 Vatican Radio

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis received a group of young people in consecrated life on Thursday morning. The special audience was the highlight of the International Congress for Young People in Consecrated Life taking place in Rome this week, in the context of the ongoing Year of Consecrated Life, which will close on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (Feb. 2nd), 2016.

Putting his prepared remarks aside, the Holy Father answered a series of three questions from the participants. The questions covered areas ranging from the Holy Father’s own first calling to religious life, to the mission of consecrated young people in the Church today, to the advice the Holy Father might have for young people who have completed their formation and lived some time in religion and are anxious not to lose the impetus of their original vocation – the “fire in the belly” as it were.
 

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http://www.news.va/en/news/audience-with-the-prime-minister-of-luxembourg-ass

Audience with the Prime Minister of Luxembourg: assistance to refugees and displaced persons

Vatican City, 17 September 2015 (VIS) – This morning in the Vatican Apostolic Palace the Holy Father Francis received in audience the Prime Minister of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Xavier Bettel, who subsequently met with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, secretary for Relations with States.

The cordial discussions offered the opportunity to reaffirm the wish to consolidate the existing good relations between the Holy See and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and to consider issues of common interest, with special attention to the relationship between Church and State, underlining the relevance of religious freedom and spiritual values for social cohesion.
 

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http://www.news.va/en/news/the-pope-no-one-can-remain-oblivious-to-the-atroci

The Pope: no-one can remain oblivious to the atrocities and human rights violations in Syria and Iraq

Vatican City, 17 September 2015 (VIS) – “One of the most overwhelming human tragedies of recent decades are the terrible consequences that the conflicts in Syria and Iraq have on civilian populations as well as on cultural heritage. Millions of people are in distressing state of urgent need. They are forced to leave their native lands. Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey today carry the weight of millions of refugees, which they have generously received. Faced with such a situation and conflicts that are expanding and disturbing in an alarming way the internal and regional equilibrium, the international community seems unable to find adequate solutions while the arms dealers continue to achieve their interests”.

With these words the Pope addressed the participants in the meeting on the humanitarian crisis in Syria and Iraq, organised by the Pontifical Council “Cor Unum”, attended by Catholic charitable bodies and the bishops of the region, among others, and to which more than thirty organisations have lent their support.
 

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http://www.catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2015/pope-says-he-is-a-bit-feminist-thanks-women-religious.cfm

Pope says he is 'a bit feminist,' thanks women religious for hard work
9.17.2015 10:50 AM ET

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Calling himself "a bit feminist," Pope Francis praised women religious for always heading to the "front lines" to bring the church's tenderness and motherly love to those most in need.

"The church thanks you for this, it is a beautiful witness. This is being close. Be close! Close to people's problems, real problems," he said during an audience Sept. 17 with young consecrated women and men from around the world, including Iraq and Syria.

He began the audience by directing attention to "our martyrs in Iraq and Syria, our martyrs of today," revealing that he now keeps on him a small cross that a priest held in his hand while he was being murdered for his faith.
 

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http://www.news.va/en/news/card-parolin-on-papal-visit-to-cuba-and-the-us

Card. Parolin on Papal visit to Cuba and the U.S.
2015-09-17 Vatican Radio

(Vatican Radio) Cardinal Pietro Parolin says migration will be one of the most important themes raised by Pope Francis during his visit to Cuba and the U.S. from the 19th to the 28th of September. Speaking in a wide-ranging interview with the Vatican Television Centre, Cardinal Parolin also confirmed that the Pope would definitely relaunch his message during his speeches to the U.S. Congress and the United Nations about the need to care for creation that was at the heart of his recent encyclical Laudato Si. The cardinal spoke too about how he hoped the canonization of Blessed Junipero Serra, a Spanish Franciscan missionary, would encourage integration within the U.S. Church of an increasingly relevant and important Hispanic component in the nation.

Asked first about the journey to Cuba and the rapprochement between Havana and Washington, Cardinal Parolin reiterated the Holy See’s view that the (U.S.) economic embargo against Cuba should be lifted.  At the same time, he said the bishops hoped that this step could be accompanied “by a greater opening (in Cuba) when it comes to freedom and human rights.”
 

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http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-address-to-vatican-observatory-sympos

Pope Francis address to Vatican Observatory symposium
2015-09-18 Vatican Radio

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Friday (18th September) addressed participants at a symposium organized by the Vatican Observatory, saying their scientific research on the universe can help promote interreligious dialogue which is more urgent than ever nowadays. He also encouraged an ever deeper dialogue between science and religion.

The pope began his address to the participants of the symposium by recalling the history of the Vatican Observatory in Castel Gandolfo which was formally inaugurated by Pope Pius XI back in 1935 with the words “Deum Creatorem venite adoremus” carved into the wall. The Observatory’s management was entrusted to the Society of Jesus. 
 
http://www.catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2015/pope-names-us-jesuit-to-head-vatican-observatory.cfm
Pope names U.S. Jesuit planetary scientist to head Vatican Observatory
9.18.2015 9:15 AM ET

CNS/Paul Haring
U.S. Jesuit Brother Guy Consolmagno was appointed director of the Vatican Observatory by Pope Francis. Brother Guy is pictured in Rome in this April 7, 2011, file photo. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) See POPE-CONSOLMAGNO-OBSERVATORY Sept. 18, 2015

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http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/whats-behind-the-white-houses-invite-to-catholic-dissenters-13715/

What's behind the White House's invite to Catholic dissenters

Washington D.C., Sep 18, 2015 / 12:03 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The White House will host a welcoming ceremony for Pope Francis next week, but it has invited several LGBT activist allies who are working to target Catholic beliefs and to influence the Synod on the Family.

On Sept. 23, the White House will host hundreds of people on the South Lawn for a welcoming ceremony for Pope Francis’ first visit to the U.S. as Roman Pontiff. The Pope and president Barack Obama will then have a private meeting.

The White House directly invited some guests to the ceremony, including former Episcopal Bishop V.  Gene Robinson. His election as the first openly gay Episcopalian bishop helped split the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion.

The White House also invited the LGBT activist group GLAAD to the reception. GLAAD’s Sept. 16 announcement of the invitation asked its allies to “Help send a message to Pope Francis” by taking part in an advocacy campaign.

GLAAD has released a media guide for the papal visit that encourages journalists to consult dissenting Catholic groups. It also portrays negatively several Catholic bishops and Catholic commentators and researchers who are opposed to LGBT political aims. Its guide seeks sympathetic press attention for employees of Catholic institutions fired for violating Catholic moral standards
 

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http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-to-cuba-jesus-loves-you-from-the-heart

Pope to Cuba: Jesus loves you from the heart
2015-09-18 Vatican Radio

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has sent a videomessage to the people of Cuba on the eve of his Apostolic visit to the country. In the message to the people of Cuba which was broadcast on Thursday evening, Pope Francis said he was visiting their country to share their faith and their hope. He expressed the joy he felt when thinking about their fidelity  to the Lord, and the strength it gave him thinking about the courage with which they face the difficulties of everyday and the love with which they help and support each other along the path of life.
 

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http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2015/09/pope_francis_united_states_vis.html

Pope Francis United States visit TV schedule, live streaming, itinerary, bio and more (photos)
on September 17, 2015 at 4:27 PM, updated September 17, 2015 at 5:26 PM

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Pope Francis visits the United States for six days next week. After four days in Cuba, he arrives in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday and travels to New York and Philadelphia. Here is his schedule, a TV and live stream schedule, a short biography, and other facts about his trip.

While Pope Francis makes his first trip to the richest country in the world -- visiting the White House, the Capitol and a cathedral on New York's gilded Fifth Avenue -- he also is to extend what has been a papacy centered on the poor while he attends a meal for the homeless and visits a school in East Harlem and a prison.

The Plain Dealer will travel with a local group heading to Philadelphia Sept. 25-27 and will chronicle their experiences. Check back for daily updates on cleveland.com.

TV schedule
•Papal Visit Channel: Time Warner Cable will offer uninterrupted coverage from Cuba and the U.S. on its special Papal Visit Channel on 199. Consult your TWC on-screen guide for the appropriate channel. Coverage begins 8 a.m. Sunday at Pope Francis's Mass at Havana Revolution Square in Cuba.
•Cable networks EWTN and CatholicTV will provide live coverage.
•Cable news networks are expected to cover many of the public appearances.

Live streaming
•The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is to provide live streaming of all the papal visit events on its web site: usccb.org
•In addition, some individual sites will offer live streams, listed below.

Video on demand
•The USCCB is to post video on demand soon after each event has closed, here.

POPE FRANCIS VISIT TO CUBA
Schedule

SATURDAY, Sept. 19, Rome and Havana
•10:15 a.m.: Departure from Rome's Fiumicino airport for Havana.

•4:05 p.m.: Arrival ceremony at Havana's Jose Marti International Airport. Speech by Pope Francis.
 

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http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-arrives-in-cuba-encourages-reconcilia

Pope Francis arrives in Cuba, encourages reconciliation
2015-09-20 Vatican Radio

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis began his apostolic visit to Cuba Saturday, touching down in the nation’s capital Havana where he was greeted by the country’s president Raúl Castro, other authorities, and bishops.

The Holy Father’s 19-22 September visit to the island nation coincides with the eightieth anniversary of the renewal of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Cuba and the Holy See.

This year, the country also celebrates one hundred years since our Lady of Charity of El Cobre was named patroness of Cuba by Pope Benedict XV.

Pope Francis is the third pontiff to go to the Caribbean nation, which was visited by Saint John Paul II in 1998, and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in 2012.

Please find below the full prepared text of Pope Francis’s speech at the welcoming ceremony at the Havana airport:
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xu8pU8fvXCg
Pope Francis in Cuba - Welcome ceremony in Havana
Streamed live on Sep 19, 2015

Local time: 16.05/16.45-Pope Francis arrives by air at Havana's Airport, where the official welcome ceremony takes place in the presence of the highest State authorities.

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http://vaticaninsider.lastampa.it/en/the-vatican/detail/articolo/francesco-usa-43453/

09/19/2015
US-Cuba thaw is “an event that fills us with hope”

“For some months now, we have witnessed an event which fills us with hope: the process of normalizing relations between two peoples following years of estrangement.” Pope Francis has arrived in Havana, for the first leg of his transatlantic journey that takes him to Cuba and then the US. In his first speech, he encourages the thaw which occurred in recent months, spurred by Vatican diplomacy.

Speaking to journalists on board the flight to Cuba, the Pope said: "the world is thirsting for peace" and mentioned the tragic waves of migration caused by war. "I was very touched because one of the families of refugees who are staying in the parish of Sant'Anna came to bid me farewell: you could see the look of pain on their faces... Thank you for all the work you are going to be doing to build bridges, even small ones."
   
In the presence of Raúl Castro, who went to greet him at the airport, the Pope quoted the poet and journalist José Martí, the 19th century revolutionary who fought against the Spanish occupation of Cuba, affirming with his words that the thaw in US-Cuban relations marks the victory of “the system of universal growth” over “the forever-dead system of groups and dynasties”. Francis encouraged “political leaders to persevere on this path and to develop all its potentialities as a proof of the high service which they are called to carry out on behalf of the peace and well-being of their peoples, of all America, and as an example of reconciliation for the entire world.”

The agreement that drew Raúl Castro and Barack Obama together, leading to the resumption of diplomatic relations, was signed in the Vatican, in the presence of the Vatican Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin and Francis acted as guarantor. Now, the Pope is asking for this work to be continued and so he repeated the appeal sent out by John Paul II, who in 1998 invited Cuba, with “all its magnificent possibilities”, to open itself up to the world and the world open itself to Cuba. 

 In his welcome speech, Raúl Castro recalled "his appreciation for the Pope's support in the process of normalisation of US-Cuban relations." "The embargo which is causing so much harm," Castro stressed, "is cruel, immoral and illegal; it needs to stop." "Guantanamo need sto be rerurned to Cuba".
 

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http://www.local10.com/news/text-of-raul-castros-speech-after-pope-francis-arrival/35371896

Text of Raul Castro's speech after Pope Francis' arrival
Published On: Sep 19 2015 06:41:50 PM EDT   Updated On: Sep 19 2015 08:28:03 PM EDT

HAVANA - 

Cuban President Raul Castro praised Pope Francis' critiques of the global economic system, saying it has "globalized capital and turned money into its idol."

In a lengthy speech welcoming the pope at Havana's international airport Saturday, Castro said Cuba's communist government has "founded an equitable society with social justice."

Here is a translation of Castro's speech:

Your Holiness,
 
The people and government of Cuba welcome you with profound affection, respect and hospitality.
 
We feel particularly honored with your visit. You will see how deeply we love our homeland, for which we are capable of the greatest sacrifices. We have always followed in the steps of the heroes of our America, who bestowed upon us their honor, courage and generosity. It is from them that we have learned to exercise Marti’s axiom that homeland is Humanity.

Your Holiness,
 
The people and government of Cuba welcome you with profound affection, respect and hospitality.
 
We feel particularly honored with your visit. You will see how deeply we love our homeland, for which we are capable of the greatest sacrifices. We have always followed in the steps of the heroes of our America, who bestowed upon us their honor, courage and generosity. It is from them that we have learned to exercise Marti’s axiom that homeland is Humanity.
 

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http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2015/09/pope_francis_united_states_vis.html
Pope Francis United States visit TV schedule, live streaming, itinerary, bio and more (photos)
on September 17, 2015 at 4:27 PM, updated September 17, 2015 at 5:26 PM

 
SUNDAY, Sept. 20, Havana
•9 a.m.: Mass in Havana's Revolution Square.
 The pope is to give first communion to five children.
•4 p.m.: Visit with Cuba's President Raul Castro in Havana's Palace of the Revolution.
•5:15 p.m.: Celebration of vespers with priests, religious and seminarians in Havana Cathedral.
•6.30 p.m.: Greeting to young people at the Father Felix Varela cultural center in Havana.
 

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http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-in-havana-the-face-of-the-person-besi

Pope Francis in Havana: the face of the person beside you
2015-09-20 Vatican Radio

(Vatican Radio) On the morning of the 20th of September, the first full day of the 10th Apostolic journey to Cuba, the United States and the United Nations of Pope Francis he presided over Holy Mass in Havana's iconic 'Plaza de la Revoluciòn highlighting the importance of service for Catholics. The head of Vatican Radio's English programme Sean Patrick Lovett attended this event and shared with us his impressions.

I suppose I should be grateful (and, believe me, I am). Not everyone gets the chance to see Plaza de la Revolución, in the heart of Havana, at 6 o’clock in the morning. To stand beneath the haughty gaze of Che Guevara on the very spot where both John Paul II and Benedict XVI celebrated Mass (in 1998 and 2012 respectively).

Fortunately I was not alone. Thousands of people had gathered during the night to catch a glimpse of the man they believe can really make a difference to their lives. In effect, by facilitating the thaw between their island nation and the United States, he already has.
 

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http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-in-cuba-serve-rather-than-be-served

Pope in Cuba: serve rather than be served
2015-09-20 Vatican Radio

(Vatican Radio) On the first full day of his Apostolic Journey to Cuba, Pope Francis celebrated the Sunday Mass in Havana's Plaza de la Revolución, focusing on the theme of service.

As the Holy Father arrived in the Plaza, he stopped along the way to bless and embrace several young people with special needs, a gesture to which he gave voice in his homily: "Serving others chiefly means caring for their vulnerability."

The Pope also praised the Cuban people’s love of beauty, saying “God’s holy and faithful people in Cuba is a people with a taste for parties, for friendship, for beautiful things."

Below please find the full text of Pope Francis’ prepared homily for the Holy Mass celebrated in Plaza de la Revolución in Havana, Cuba:

Homily of Pope Francis

Holy Mass, Havana, Plaza de la Revolución

Sunday, 20 September 2015
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWNKVqz3PMc
Pope Francis in Cuba-Holy Mass and Angelus in Havana 
Streamed live on Sep 20, 2015
Local time: 9.00/11.15- Pope Francis celebrates Holy Mass and recites the Angelus prayer in the Plaza de la Revoluciòn in Havana, on the occasion of his apostolic visit to the island.

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http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-in-havana-prays-for-success-of-colombia-peace

Pope in Havana: prays for success of Colombia Peace talks
2015-09-20 Vatican Radio

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis appealed on Sunday (20th September) for a successful outcome to the ongoing peace talks between the Colombian government and representatives of the FARC rebels that are taking place in the Cuban capital.  The Pope’s appeal came in his Angelus address following Mass on the first full day of his pastoral visit to Cuba.  He spoke of the “crucial importance of this present moment” and prayed it may lead to a “definite reconciliation, saying we do not have the right to allow ourselves “yet another failure” on this path towards peace and reconciliation.

Please find below the English translation of the Pope’s Angelus Message delivered from Havana’s Revolution Square:
 

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http://abcnews.go.com/International/pope-francis-meets-fidel-castro-mass-cuba/story?id=33889903

Pope Francis Meets Fidel Castro After Mass in Cuba
Sep 20, 2015, 1:27 PM ET

Pope Francis met with former Cuban leader Fidel Castro in Cuba today after this morning's Mass, Vatican spokesman Father Lombardi said.

The pope then went to back to the Nunciature, and then with a small group, he went to Fidel Castro's home for another meeting. Castro’s wife was also there with his children and grandchildren. They were together for about 30 to 40 minutes.

Francis gave Castro several books, a book and two CDs of homilies and a copy of his two encyclicals.

In return, Castro gave Francis an interview book entitled, "Fidel and Religion," written in 1985 by Freitas Betto. Fidel wrote a dedication in it: "For Pope Francis, on occasion of his visit to Cuba, with the admiration and respect of the Cuban people."

The atmosphere was "familiar and informal," Father Lombardi said, and the conversation centered around "protecting the environment and the great problems of the contemporary world."
 

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http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2015/09/20/pope_francis_meets_former_cuban_president_fidel_castro/1173398

Pope Francis meets former Cuban president Fidel Castro
20/09/2015 20:49

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http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2015/09/20/pope_gives_mosaic_of_our_lady_of_el_cobre_to_cuban_president/1173338

Pope gives mosaic of Our Lady of El Cobre to Cuban president
20/09/2015 23:00

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Sunday held talks with Cuban president Raul Castro during the first full day of the Holy Father’s Apostolic Journey to the island nation.The hour long private meeting took place in the imposing Revolution Palace in Havana that houses the government and presidential offices, as well as the headquarters of Cuba's communist party.

Following the encounter, President Castro gave the Pope a large Crucifix made out of wooden oars, while Pope Francis gave his host a mosaic of ‘Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre’, patroness of the Cuban people, made by the Vatican's Mosaic Studio.
 

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http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-at-vespers-be-a-poor-and-merciful-church-in-c

Pope at Vespers: Be a poor and merciful Church in Cuba
2015-09-21 Vatican Radio

(Vatican Radio) Speaking at Vespers in Havana's Cathedral on Sunday, Pope Francis put aside his prepared homily and spoke from the heart to priests, religious and seminarians, urging them to to be "a poor Church" and to "never tire of showing mercy" to others. The Pope's words came in response to two opening addresses from the Cardinal Archbishop of Havana, Jaime Ortega, who spoke about the Church in Cuba as poor in resources but rich in solidarity and fraternity, and from a young sister, Yaileny Ponce Torres, who talked of her work at a government-run centre for 200 patients suffering from mental and physical traumas.

The Pope thanked all religious who care for the abandoned, the sick and those whom society would like to "throw away", reminding them of Jesus words: Whatever you did for the least of my brothers, you did for me.

A full report on the Pope's words at Vespers will follow -  below please find an English translation of the Pope’s prepared homily at Vespers with priests, religious and seminarians on Sunday:
 
http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-urges-young-cubans-to-keep-hope-alive
Pope Francis urges young Cubans to keep hope alive
2015-09-21 Vatican Radio


The YouTube video shows both events
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsQFo1IEUOo
Pope Francis in Cuba- Celebrations of Vespers
Streamed live on Sep 20, 2015
Local time: 17.15/18.15 - Pope Francis presides at the Celebrations of Vespers with Priests, Men and Women Religious and Seminarians at the Cathedral of La Habana.