Pope Francis

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http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-encourages-students-at-an-elementary

Pope Francis Encourages students at an elementary Catholic School in Harlem to use the Opportunities provided by Education to realise their Dreams
2015-09-26 Vatican Radio

“You have a right to dream…..  Wherever there are dreams, there is joy, Jesus is always present.” This was the message by Pope Francis to children when on Friday he visited Our Lady, Queen of Angels School, in the district of Harlem in  New York.  The largely catholic school is attended by children from poor families, of mainly migrants and African Americans. It has about 300 students ranging from pre-kindergarten through the eighth grade. It was once part of the church of Our Lady Queen of Angels, which was closed in 2007 as part of a large number of church closures by the Archdiocese of New York due to lack of funds and diminishing vocations to the priesthood. Pope Francis encouraged the children to use the opportunities provided by education to realise the dream of a future with greater possibilities.

Here below is the full speech in English.
 

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http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/09/25/pope-francis-new-york-city-madison-square-garden-mass/72757944/

Pope addresses 20,000 at Madison Square Garden
10:43 p.m. EDT September 25, 2015

Pope Francis celebrates Mass at Madison Square Garden on September 25, 2015 in New York City. The pope is visiting New York City during a six-day tour of the United States, that included a stop in Washington D.C. and includes one in Philadelphia. (Photo: Andrew Burton, Getty Images)
NEW YORK — For one night only: Pope Francis headlined Madison Square Garden.

And he awed an estimated crowd of 20,000-plus that packed the Manhattan sports and entertainment arena, celebrating a Mass in which he used a homily in his native Spanish to celebrate religious faith in New York City and other urban areas.

"God lives in our cities. The church lives in our cities," said Francis, prompting one of three rounds of applause from congregants during the liturgy.

"The city that works and walks in smog has seen a great light," he added, prompting smiles and laughter at his re-working of Isaiah's biblical prophesy of Jesus' birth.

Repeating his often invoked concern for the poor, for refugees and for immigrants, Francis also reminded the crowd to help those who lack access to the riches found in urban centers.

"In big cities, beneath the roar of traffic, beneath 'the rapid pace of change', so many faces pass by unnoticed because they have no 'right' to be there, no right to be part of the city. They are the foreigners, the children who go without schooling, those deprived of medical insurance, the homeless, the forgotten elderly," said the pope.
 
http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/pope-s-homily-at-mass-in-madison-square-garden
Pope's Homily at Mass in Madison Square Garden
New York City,  September 25, 2015

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http://www.usccb.org/about/leadership/holy-see/francis/papal-visit-2015/2015-papal-visit-schedule.cfm

Schedule: 2015 Apostolic Journey of Pope Francis to the United States of America

Here is the schedule for Pope Francis' September 2015 Apostolic Journey to the United States of America as released by the Vatican on June 30, 2015.  All times listed are Eastern Daylight Time.
 
saturday, september 26 (new york city, philadELphia)

◾8:40  a.m.  Departure from John F. Kennedy International Airport
◾9:30  a.m.  Arrival at Atlantic Aviation, Philadelphia
◾10:30 a.m. Mass at Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia
◾4:45  p.m.  Visit to Independence Mall
◾7:30  p.m.  Visit to the Festival of Families Benjamin Franklin Parkway
 

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LIVE streaming from EWTN with comments and English translations at the following link:
http://www.ewtn.com/multimedia/live_player.asp

YouTube LIVE streaming on Saturday, September 26, 2015 (and available for viewing later)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gawet9EakCU
Pope Francis in the USA- Holy Mass in Philadelphia
Scheduled for Sep 26, 2015
Local Time: 10.30/12.15-Pope Francis presides at celebration of Holy Mass with Bishops, Clergy, Men and Women Religious of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, on the occasion of his apostolic visit to the United States
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6suZMI5Qymo
Pope Francis in the USA- Meeting for Religious Freedom 
Scheduled for Sep 26, 2015
Local time: 16.30/17.30-Pope Francis participates in the meeting for religious freedom with the Hispanic community and other immigrants in Independence Hall, on the occasion of his apostolic visit to the United States

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REv-u9DcUAs
Pope Francis in the USA- Celebration for families and vigil of prayer 
Scheduled for Sep 27, 2015
Local Time (saturday 26 september): 19.30/21.00: Poep Francis participates in the celebration for families and vigil of prayer at the B. Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia

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http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-every-christian-has-a-mission-to-build-up-the

Pope: Every Christian has a mission to build up the Church
2015-09-26 Vatican Radio

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis said on Saturday (26th September) that "every Christian man and woman has received a mission" to help build up the Church.  He said fulfilling that responsibility will require "creativity in adapting to changed situations" and called for "a much more active engagement on the part of the laity."  The Pope’s words came during his homily at Mass celebrated with Bishops, Clergy and Religious in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia. The city is the final leg of his 6-day pastoral visit to the U.S. and the venue for the Church’s World Meeting of Families.

Please find below an English translation of Pope Francis’ homily at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia:
 

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http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2015/09/27/pope_says_religious_liberty_at_heart_of_american_way_of_life/1175048

Pope says religious liberty at heart of American way of life
27/09/2015 00:39

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis addressed the participants in a rally for religious liberty on Saturday afternoon in Philadelphia, Pa. The scene of the gathering was Independence National Historical Park, in the shadow of Independence Hall, where the 2nd Continental Congress voted for independence from the British Crown in 1776, and the participants in the great convention of May-September, 1787, framed the Constitution of the United States of America.

“It was here that the freedoms which define this country were first proclaimed,” said Pope Francis in remarks prepared for the occasion and delivered following an introduction by the Archbishop of Philadelphia, Charles J. Chaput, OFM Cap. “The Declaration of Independence stated that all men and women are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, and that governments exist to protect and defend those rights,” Pope Francis recalled. “Those ringing words continue to inspire us today, even as they have inspired peoples throughout the world to fight for the freedom to live in accordance with their dignity.”

Pope Francis went on to explain that religious liberty is elementary and integral to rightly ordered freedom in society, and includes therefore the right of individual believers and groups of people with shared convictions to live according to their convictions as full and fully participant members of political society. “It is a fundamental right which shapes the way we interact socially and personally with our neighbors whose religious views differ from our own,” explained Pope Francis.  “Religious freedom certainly means the right to worship God, individually and in community, as our consciences dictate,” he continued. “But religious liberty, by its nature, transcends places of worship and the private sphere of individuals and families.”

Pope Francis went on to say “In a world where various forms of modern tyranny seek to suppress religious freedom, or try to reduce it to a subculture without right to a voice in the public square, or to use religion as a pretext for hatred and brutality, it is imperative that the followers of the various religions join their voices in calling for peace, tolerance and respect for the dignity and rights of others.”

Nor is religious liberty devoid of content: it belongs to the public order and is ordered to the common good, as illustrated by the momentous and even heroic labors of many people throughout the history of the United States and in the present, have worked and sacrificed for justice, peace and reconciliation in response to the impetus of their sincere religious convictions. “I take this opportunity to thank all those, of whatever religion, who have sought to serve the God of peace by building cities of brotherly love, by caring for our neighbors in need, by defending the dignity of God’s gift of life in all its stages, by defending the cause of the poor and the immigrant.”

“All too often,” He continued, “those most in need of our help are unable to be heard.” He told the gathered participants, “You are their voice, and many of you have faithfully made their cry heard.  In this witness, which frequently encounters powerful resistance, you remind American democracy of the ideals for which it was founded, and that society is weakened whenever and wherever injustice prevails.”

Pope Francis had particular words of encouragement for the large and growing Hispanic population of the United States, and for recent immigrants. “You should never be ashamed of your traditions,” he said. “Do not forget the lessons you learned from your elders, which are something you can bring to enrich the life of this American land.” The Holy Father also reminded them of their call to be responsible citizens, and to contribute fruitfully to the life of the communities in which they live.

Noting the vibrant faith which so many people in the Hispanic community and so many recent immigrants possess, the deep sense of family life and all those other values which they have inherited, Pope Francis said, “By contributing your gifts, you will not only find your place here, you will help to renew society from within.”

Pope Francis concluded his remarks to the gathered participants in the meeting for religious liberty at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, cradle of American liberty, with a prayer that the United States of America and each person present be renewed in gratitude for the many blessings and freedoms they  enjoy.  “May you defend these rights,” he said, “especially your religious freedom, for it has been given to you by God himself.”

Below please find the English translation of the Pope’s prepared address at the Meeting for Religious Liberty
 

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http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2015/09/27/pope_thanks_families_for_witness_to_truth,_goodness,_beauty/1175057

Pope thanks families for witnessing to truth, goodness and beauty
27/09/2015 03:09

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Saturday thanked all families who bear witness to the beauty of family life. The Holy Father was speaking in Philadelphia at a Prayer Vigil for the 8th World Meeting of Families taking place at the city’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

The Pope listened to six couples giving testimony about the joys and difficulties of family life in different parts of the globe. He then set aside his prepared remarks and spoke off the cuff, telling his enthusiastic audience that God loved the world so much he sent his own Son into a family because Mary and Joseph had their hearts open and ready to receive his love.

Pope Francis acknowledged that family life brings many difficulties and many worries but he said God gave us the light of the Resurrection so that we have the strength to go forward in hope. What God most wants from us, he said is to knock on the doors of families and to find people who love each other, who bring up their children  with love and who contribute to a society of truth, goodness and beauty.

Please find below the full prepared text of Pope Francis’s words at the Prayer Vigil for the Meeting of Families in Philadelphia' Benjamin Franklin Parkway
 

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The last day...

http://www.usccb.org/about/leadership/holy-see/francis/papal-visit-2015/2015-papal-visit-schedule.cfm

Schedule: 2015 Apostolic Journey of Pope Francis to the United States of America

Here is the schedule for Pope Francis' September 2015 Apostolic Journey to the United States of America as released by the Vatican on June 30, 2015.  All times listed are Eastern Daylight Time.
 
sunday, September 27 (philadelphia)

◾9:15   a.m.  Meeting with bishops at St. Martin's Chapel, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
◾11:00  a.m. Visit to Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility
◾4:00  p.m.   Mass for the conclusion of the World Meeting of Families, Benjamin Franklin Parkway
◾7:00   p.m.  Visit with organizers, volunteers and benefactors of the World Meeting of Families, Atlantic Aviation

◾8:00   p.m.  Departure for Rome
 

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LIVE streaming from EWTN with comments and English translations at the following link:
http://www.ewtn.com/multimedia/live_player.asp

YouTube LIVE streaming on Sunday, September 27, 2015 (and available for viewing later)--

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ij2hsu5Exoo
Pope Francis in the USA - Meeting with Bishops, guests of the World Meeting of Families 
Scheduled for Sep 27, 2015
Local time: 9.05/10.15 -Pope Francis meets the Bishops, guests of the World Meeting of Families in the St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tldw1ptJW-A
Pope Francis in the USA - Visit to detainees 
Scheduled for Sep 27, 2015
Local Time 10.50/12.00 Ppe Francis visits detainees at Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility in Philadelphia.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pgIayS4xR8
Pope Francis in the USA - Holy Mass concluding the World Meeting of Families 
Scheduled for Sep 27, 2015
Local Time 15.20/18.15: Pope Francis presides at celebration of Holy Mass concluding the World Meeting of Families at B. Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMYBopameEY
Pope Francis in the USA - Greetings and Farewell Ceremony 
Scheduled for Sep 28, 2015
Local Time (sunday 27 september) 18.50/19.45 - Greeting to the organizing committee, volunteers, benefactors, and farewell ceremony at the International Airport of Philadelphia.

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http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2015/09/27/pope_meets_with_five_abuse_survivors_in_philadelphia_/1175146

Lombardi: Pope meets with 5 abuse survivors in Philadelphia
27/09/2015 15:51

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis met on Sunday with three women and two men who had been sexually abused as children. The half hour meeting took place early in the morning at the St Charles Borromeo seminary in Philadelphia on the last day of the Pope’s visit to the United States. The abuse survivors were accompanied by the Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston, head of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, as well as the Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia and by Bishop Fitzgerald who heads the local diocesan office for child protection.

In a statement the head of the Holy See press office, Fr Federico Lombardi, said the Pope spoke with each survivor, listening to their stories and praying together with them. Fr Lombardi said the Holy Father expressed his “participation in their suffering” as well as his pain and sense of shame for those who had been abused by members of the clergy. The statement said some of the five victims had also been abused by their teachers or members of their own families. Pope Francis renewed his personal commitment, and that of the whole Church, to ensure that survivors are “listened to and treated with justice”,  that those responsible are punished, and that such crimes are effectively combatted and prevented in the Church and in society. He also thanked the survivors for their “essential contribution” in establishing the truth and embarking on a “path of healing”

Please find below the full text of the Pope’s words to the five sex abuse survivors in Philadelphia:
 

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http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2015/09/27/pope_to_us_bishops__accountability_for_sex_abuse_victims/1175135

Pope to US Bishops: accountability for sex abuse victims
27/09/2015 15:30

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis held a private meeting with victims of clerical sex abuse in Philadelphia on Sunday (27th September) and told bishops afterwards that such crimes "must not be kept secret for any longer" and promised on behalf of the Church "the accountability of all." The Pope said he remained "overwhelmed with shame that men entrusted with the tender care of children violated these little ones and caused grievous harm.  I am profoundly sorry. God weeps."  He thanked the survivors for their courage in "shining the light of Christ” on the "evil" of the sexual abuse of children. The Pope’s remarks came during an address with bishops attending the World Meeting of Families on the final day of his pastoral visit to the U.S.

Please find below an English translation of the Pope's off-the-cuff remarks on sex abuse

“I hold the stories and the suffering and the sorrow of children who were sexually abused by priests deep in my heart.  I remain overwhelmed with shame that men entrusted with the tender care of children violated these little ones and caused grievous harm.  I am profoundly sorry. God weeps.

The crimes and sins of the sexual abuse of children must not be kept secret for any longer. I pledge the zealous vigilance of the Church to protect children and the promise of accountability for all.

They, the survivors of abuse, have become true heralds of hope and ministers of mercy. We humbly owe each one of them and their families our gratitude for their immense courage in shining the light of Christ against the evil of the sexual abuse of children.

I’m telling you this because I’ve just met with a group of sex abuse victims who are being helped and accompanied here in Philadelphia.”

In his other remarks to the Bishops in Philadelphia, Pope Francis spoke out against "consumerism” and today's throw-away society, saying “consumerism determines what is important,” “does not “favor bonding and has little to do with human relationships.”  He also warned against running after the latest fad in contemporary society.

The Pope said a Christianity which does little in practice, while incessantly “explaining” its teachings “is dangerously unbalanced.”  For “all the obstacles” we see before us, he said, “gratitude and appreciation should prevail over concerns and complaints.”

Please find below the rest of the Pope's remarks to US Bishops at Saint Martin's Seminary in Philadelphia:
 

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http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/confinement-is-not-exclusion-pope-francis-visits-with-philly-inmates-28605/

Confinement is not exclusion! Pope Francis visits with Philly inmates

Philadelphia, Pa., Sep 27, 2015 / 09:12 am (CNA/EWTN News).- During his visit to a Philadelphia correctional facility this morning, Pope Francis said every person is marked and bruised by life, but Jesus washes away our sins and invites us to live a full life. 

“Life is a journey, along different roads, different paths, which leave our mark on us,” the Pope said. “All of us need to be cleansed, to be washed. All of us are being sought out by the Teacher, who wants to help us resume our journey.”

“The Lord goes in search of us; to all of us he stretches out a helping hand.”

Pope Francis met with some 100 inmates and their families at Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility, in one of the last public events of his pastoral visit to the United States. The inmates were Christian and Muslim, and racially diverse. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, their charges ranged from murder and rape to robbery and drug offenses.
 

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http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-makes-impromptu-stop-at-statue-marking-jewish-catholic-unity-49648/

Pope makes impromptu stop at statue marking Jewish-Catholic unity

Pittsburgh, Pa., Sep 27, 2015 / 02:59 pm (Aid to the Church in Need).- Pope Francis paid an unscheduled visit to St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia this afternoon to bless a statue celebrating improved Vatican relations with the Jewish community.

The bronze statue, titled “Synagoga and Ecclesia in Our Time,” depicts two figures – signifying Christianity and Judaism – sitting beside each other and displaying their sacred texts in postures of dialogue.

“This statue is exactly a demonstration of two sisters of the same dignity, the church and the synagogue,” said Vatican spokesperson Father Federico Lombardi.

The statue, which was crafted by a Philadelphia native, revolutionizes past artwork on relations between the Catholic Church and Jewish communities. In the past, the Catholic Church was often depicted as a triumphant figure celebrating its defeat of a blindfolded woman representing the Jewish community.
 

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http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2015/09/27/pope_francis_closes_world_meeting_of_families_2015/1175235

Pope Francis closes World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia with a call to openness to miracles of love for the sake of families of the world
27/09/2015 22:38

Pope Francis presided over an open air Holy Mass in Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia on Sunday to close the  World Meeting of Families 2015. The two-day meeting brought together thousands of delegates from different parts of the world who represented families in their countries. In his homily, Pope Francis encouraged families to build their lives on love, reminding them also that God's love is for everyone, and warning against narrowing God's love and works to a selected group of people.
 
http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/pope-s-homily-at-conclusion-of-world-meeting-of-families
Pope's Homily at Conclusion of World Meeting of Families
Philadelphia,  September 27, 2015

Here is a Vatican translation of the homily Pope Francis gave this afternoon at the closing Mass of the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. A ZENIT transcription and translation of the remarks he added off-the-cuff are included in brackets.
* * *
Today the word of God surprises us with powerful and thought-provoking images. Images which challenge us, but also stir our enthusiasm.
 

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http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2015/09/28/dublin_to_host_9th_world_meeting_of_families_in_2018/1175245

Pope Francis concludes visit to USA, and leaves for Rome
28/09/2015 01:00

Pope Francis concluded his visit to the United States of America with words of gratitude to the authorities and to the organisers of the World Meeting for Families, 2015, and a message of encouragement to families to strive for holiness.

Please find below the Pope's farewell speech delivered, Sunday September 27th, at Philadelphia International Airport

My days with you have been brief. But they have been days of great grace for me and, I pray, for you too. Please know that as I prepare to leave, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and hope. I am grateful to all of you and to the many others who worked so hard to make my visit possible and to prepare for the World Meeting of Families. In a particular way I thank Archbishop Chaput and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the civil authorities, the organizers, and all the many volunteers and benefactors who assisted in ways large and small.
 

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http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2015/09/28/dublin_to_host_9th_world_meeting_of_families_in_2018/1175245

Dublin to host 9th World Meeting of Families in 2018
28/09/2015 00:13

The President of the Pontifical Council for Families, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, has announced that the next World Meeting of Families will be held in 2018 in Dublin, Ireland. He made the announcement on Sunday in Philadelphia, USA, at the end of the concluding Holy Mass of the World Meeting of Families 2015. The World Meeting of Families is an event that takes place every three years. It was started by St. Pope John Paul II in 1994 with the aim of celebrating the church's role in building the family. The Dublin Meeting will be the ninth.

Archbishop Eamon Martin, the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, said he was "delighted" about the news.
 

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http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/full-transcript-of-pope-francis-inflight-interview-from-philadelphia-to-rome-60499/

Full transcript of Pope Francis' inflight interview from Philadelphia to Rome

Vatican City, Sep 28, 2015 / 08:31 am (CNA/EWTN News).- In a 47 minute Q&A with journalists on his way back to Rome Pope Francis touched on sensitive topics such as forgiving abusers and conscientious objection, as well as the upcoming synod of bishops and women’s ordination.

The Pope answered 11 questions posed in English, Spanish and Italian Sept. 27 while on board his American Airlines overnight flight from Philadelphia to Rome.

Among the themes addressed were the new, streamlined annulment process, women’s ordination to the priesthood, the migrant crisis and whether or not government officials have a right to conscientious objection.

He reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s position on women’s ordination to the priesthood, saying that St. John Paul II led the lengthy reflections and discussion on the topic and it “cannot be done,” though it’s not because women “don’t have the capacity.”

Please read below for the full English transcription:

Vatican spokesman Fr Federico Lombardi S.J. greeted everyone onboard before going immediately into the questions and answers. He introduced each of the journalists before their questions.

Pope Francis: Good evening to all and thank you for the work because you went about from one place to the other and I was in a car but you…thank you very much.

Elizabeth Dias, Time Magazine: Thank you so much Holy Father, Elizabeth Diaz from TIME magazine. We are all so curious…this was your first visit to the U.S. What surprised you about the U.S. and what was different to what you might have expected?

Pope Francis: It was my first visit. I’d never been here before. What surprised me was the warmth, the warmth of the people, so lovable. It was a beautiful thing and also different: Washington the welcome was warm but more formal; New York was a bit exuberant. Philadelphia very expressive. Three different kinds of welcome. I was very struck by this kindness and welcome but also by the religious ceremonies and also by the piety, the religiosity of the people...you could see the people pray and this struck me a lot. Beautiful.
 

[Sister]

grace-land -- I had him streaming on my computer.  Oh happy day.

So sorry to see him leave -- he brought so much joy to so many people!

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grace-land -- I had him streaming on my computer.  Oh happy day.

So sorry to see him leave -- he brought so much joy to so many people!

Sister, I was watching him, too!  Awesome! 

Pope Francis has a week to rest, because the Synod of Bishops for the family starts on October 4 and will last for three weeks.  It's a continuation from last year's synod.

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A good explanation of the Synod of Bishops, “Ordinary” synods  and “Extraordinary” synods.

http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/irish-bishops-gear-up-for-synod

Irish Bishops Gear Up for Synod
Ireland,  September 29, 2015

Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh and Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin, president and vice president respectively of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, will represent the Irish bishops at the XIV Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the theme “The Vocation and Mission of the Family in the Church and Contemporary World”.

The synod will take place in Rome from 4 to 25 October, and it has been informed by feedback from parishes on family life in Ireland, and from around the world.

The Irish episcopal conference has prepared a list of frequently asked questions regarding the synod:
--
What is the Synod of Bishops?

Bishops representing all regions of the world will meet in Rome from 4-25 October 2015.

This is the fourteenth meeting of the Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, for which the theme is “The vocation and the mission of the family in the Church and contemporary world”.

The Synod of Bishops is a permanent institution established by Blessed Pope Paul VI, on 15 September 1965, in response to the desire of the bishops at the Second Vatican Council to keep alive the positive spirit engendered by the experience of the Council. The word “synod”, derived from two Greek words syn meaning “together” and hodos meaning “road” or “way”, means a “coming together”. A Synod is a religious meeting or assembly at which bishops, gathered around and with the Holy Father, have the opportunity to interact with each other and to share wisdom, information and experiences, in the common pursuit of pastoral solutions which have a universal validity and application. Saint John Paul II referred to the Synod as “a particularly fruitful expression and instrument of the collegiality of bishops” (Speech to the Council of the Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops, 30 April 1983: L’Osservatore Romano, 1 May 1983).

What is the difference between the Extraordinary Synod of 2014 and the Ordinary Synod of 2015?

“Ordinary” Synods are held at fixed intervals and “Extraordinary” synods are held to address some important matter. In view of the greater urgency that justify their convocation, the preparation of extraordinary general assemblies of the Synod of the Bishops is shorter. The participants also are fewer, consisting of the heads of Eastern Catholic Churches, the presidents (only) of episcopal conferences, three members of religious institutes and the cardinals who head dicasteries of the Roman Curia. As of October 2014, there have been three such assemblies, in 1969, 1985 and 2014.