Pope Francis

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http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2017/09/10/pope_francis_in_colombia_prays_angelus_in_cartagena/1335984

Pope Francis in Colombia prays Angelus in Cartagena
10/09/2017 19:00

Pope Francis prays the Angelus with Colombians in Cartagena - AFP
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis prayed the Angelus on Sunday with the faithful of Cartagena during his Apostolic Visit to Colombia, inviting them to pay attention to the example of the poor and humble of the Earth.

The Pope recited the traditional prayer of Marian devotion outside the Church and Monastery of St. Peter Claver in Cartagena de Indias.

Ahead of the Angelus, Pope Francis recalled how the image of Our Lady of Chinquinquirá was restored. The Pope prayed before her image at the Cathedral of Bogota on Thursday.

He said that for a long time the image was “abandoned, discoloured, torn and full of holes. It was treated like an old piece of cloth, shown no respect, and finally discarded.”

Tradition has it, he said, that “a humble woman, Maria Ramos, and the first devotee of the Blessed Virgin of Chiquinquirá, saw something different in that piece of cloth.”

The Pope said Ms. Ramos had the courage and faith to restore the image and its lost dignity.

“She encountered and honoured Mary who held her Son in her arms, doing precisely what was despicable and useless in the eyes of others.”

In this way, he said, she became “a model for all those who, in different ways, seek to restore the dignity of our brothers and sisters lost through the pain of life’s wounds, to restore the dignity of those who are excluded.”

Pope Francis said the Lord “teaches us through the example of the humble and those who are not valued” because, through their lowliness, they are able to recognize “the radiance of divine light which transforms and renews all things.”

Finally, the Holy Father noted that the Virgin Mary of Chinquinquirá, as well as the example of St. Peter Claver, invites us to work to promote the dignity of all people, especially the poor, the outcast, the abandoned, immigrants, and those who suffer violence and human trafficking.

“They all have human dignity,” he said, “because they are living images of God.”

Please find below the official English translation of the Pope’s prepared remarks:
 

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http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2017/09/10/pope_in_colombia_appeals_for_‘rejection_of_violence/1335977

Pope in Colombia appeals for ‘rejection of violence in political life’
10/09/2017 19:00

Pope Francis appealed for 'the rejection of violence in political life' after praying the Angelus in Cartagena, Colombia - AFP
(Vatican Radio)  Pope Francis has appealed for “the rejection of all violence in political life” and for an end to the crisis in Venezuela, while on his Apostolic Visit to Colombia.

The Holy Father made the appeal following the prayer of the Angelus on Sunday in Cartagena.

In greetings following the Angelus, Pope Francis said, “I assure all of you of my prayers for each of the countries of Latin America, and in a special way for neighbouring Venezuela.”

He expressed his closeness to the people of Venezuela, “as well as to all those who have found a place of welcome here in Colombia.”

“I appeal for the rejection of all violence in political life and for a solution to the current grave crisis, which affects everyone, particularly the poorest and most disadvantaged of society,” he said.

Finally, Pope Francis asked the Blessed Virgin Mary to intercede “for all the world’s needs and for every one of her children.”

Please find the official English translation of the Pope’s remarks below:
 

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Last videos of Pope Francis’ visit to Colombia Sept. 6-10 -- Sunday

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuYIJhf2H7o
2017.09.10 - Pope Francis in Colombia – Holy Mass with the faithful of Cartagena
Streamed live 4 hours ago
WITH COMMENTARY - (local time 16:00 - 18:15) Pope Francis celebrates Holy Mass with the faithful of Cartagena, the final leg of his Apostolic Journey to Colombia.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sDelnwqUeA
2017.09.11 Pope Francis in Colombia – Farewell ceremony
Streamed live 2 hours ago
INTERNATIONAL SOUND (local time 18:15 - 18:30 on Sunday, 10 September) Farewell ceremony for Pope Francis at the conclusion of his Apostolic Journey to Colombia

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https://zenit.org/

CTV Screenshot
https://zenit.org/articles/full-text-popes-final-homily-of-colombia-trip/
Pope Again Exhorts Colombians:  “Take the First Step” 
Pope Francis’ Final Mass of Trip, Port of Cartagena
September 11, 2017

Returning to a consistent theme of his visit to Colombia, Pope Francis urged Colombians to “take the first step” in his homily at the Port of Cartagena on September 10, 2017.

It was his final Mass in Colombia, and he again made a plea for peace, noting that the first step is “to go out and meet others with Christ the Lord.”

The Holy Father cited the model of Saint Peter Claver, whose shrine he visited earlier the same day:

“Here, in the Sanctuary of Saint Peter Claver, where the progress and application of human rights in Colombia continue to be studied and monitored in a systematic way, the Word of God speaks to us of forgiveness, correction, community and prayer.”

The Pope went on to describe what he had experienced on the trip, especially “many testimonies from those who have reached out to people who had harmed them; terrible wounds that I could see in their own bodies; irreparable losses that still bring tears.”

“Yet they have reached out, have taken a first step on a different path to the one already travelled.”

Francis stressed the personal human role required for a change in Colombian suffering, noting that, “We can contribute greatly to this new step that Colombia wants to take.”  And he reminded the congregation: “Jesus tells us that this path of reintegration into the community begins with a dialogue of two persons.

“Nothing can replace that healing encounter; no collective process excuses us from the challenge of meeting, clarifying, forgiving.”

The Holy Father concluded with a direct appeal for peace:  “If Colombia wants a stable and lasting peace, it must urgently take a step in this direction, which is that of the common good, of equity, of justice, of respect for human nature and its demands.”

Vatican translation of Pope Francis’ homily at Mass at the Port of Cartagena, Colombia, September 20, 2017
 

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http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2017/09/11/pope_francis_offers_final_greetings_to_colombia/1336016

Pope Francis offers final greetings to Colombia
11/09/2017 01:30

Pope Francis greets people at the San Francisco neighborhood in Cartagena, Colombia - AP

(Vatican Radio)  Pope Francis offered a final greeting at the conclusion of his Apostolic Visit to Colombia following Mass in Cartagena, inviting Colombians to continue the journey anew each day.

He thanked the many people who had prepared his visit for their hard work and sacrifice, especially offering his gratitude to Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and civil authorities.

“These have been intense and beautiful days; I have been able to meet many people and to experience many things that have touched me deeply,” he said.

Pope Francis invited Colombians not to be content with “taking the first step”.

“Instead, let us continue our journey anew each day, going forth to encounter others and to encourage concord and fraternity. We cannot just stand still.”

Finally, the Holy Father had one final exhortation.

“Colombia, your brothers and sisters need you. Go out to meet them.  Bring them the embrace of peace, free of all violence. Be “slaves of peace, forever”. SLAVES OF PEACE, FOREVER.”
 

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https://zenit.org/

Goodbye Colombia CTV Screenshot

https://zenit.org/articles/popes-telegram-to-colombian-president-santos/
Pope’s Telegram to Colombian President Santos 
Holy Father Departed for Rome at 7 p.m. from Cartagena Airport
September 11, 2017

Provided by Vatican Press Office

 HIS EXCELLENCY JUAN MANUEL SANTOS
 PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF COLOMBIA
 BOGOTÁ
 BOLLETTINO N. 0584 – 10.09.2017 2

RETURNING TO ROME AT THE CONCLUSION OF MY APOSTOLIC VISIT TO
 COLOMBIA I ONCE AGAIN WISH TO EXPRESS SINCERE THANKSGIVING TO
 ALMIGHTY GOD FOR THE MANY GRACES RECEIVED OVER THE PAST FEW DAYS.
 WITH RENEWED GRATITUDE FOR THE HOSPITALITY I HAVE RECEIVED, I ASSURE
 YOUR EXCELLENCY AND ALL THE BELOVED PEOPLE OF COLOMBIA OF MY
 CONTINUED PRAYERS FOR THE PEACE AND PROSPERITY OF THE NATION. 

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http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2017/09/11/pope_francis_inflight_press_conference/1336254
Pope Francis: Inflight press conference
11/09/2017 17:48

Pope Francis responds to reporters' questions during an inflight press conference during his return trip from Colombia. - REUTERS

(Vatican Radio) His now traditional inflight press conference was cut short by turbulence, but Pope Francis managed to answer numerous questions on current issues, including climate change, immigration, and the ongoing crisis in Venezuela.

The first questions were asked by Colombian reporters, regarding the Apostolic Visit. Asked what concrete steps Colombians can take to overcome the divisions and hatred caused by decades of civil war, Pope Francis responded that he would like to see Colombians take as a motto “Let’s take the second step” – a reference to the motto of the Visit, “Let’s take the first step.” The “sins” that occurred during years of conflict causes souls to become sick – but this illness is not culpable; it is caused by “ugly sins.” But there are nonetheless steps toward peace.

CORRUPTION

Pope Francis was asked about corruption, which can be even more devastating to a country than outright violence. The Holy Father noted that he had touched on this topic numerous times. God never tires of forgiving sin, he said, but corruption is a kind of sin with a difference: the corrupt person tires of seeking forgiveness, and even forgets how to ask for forgiveness.  “He is not able to ask for forgiveness,” the Pope said, and for this reason, it is very difficult to help someone who is corrupt. But, he said, “God can do it. I pray for that.”

With regard to the peace process, Pope Francis said in different situations many groups must be integrated. He said that the technical or political aspects of the peace process are necessary, but they will only go so far. If the people do not embrace peace, political steps can only go so far. It is only when the people “take peace” in their hands, that it can end well.

CLIMATE CHANGE

The Pontiff also responded to questions about climate change, especially with regard to politicians and others who refuse to collaborate with other nations because they deny that climate change is caused by humans. Pope Francis responded that such people must go to the scientists, who speak clearly and precisely. He worried about the consequences of failing to change our lifestyles: “If we do not turn back, we will go down,” he said. He emphasized that everyone has a moral responsibility to respond to the “very serious” issue of climate change, not only politicians, but each one of us. If someone has doubts about man-made climate change, they must go to the scientists, and then make their decisions: “And history will judge the decisions.”

US IMMIGRATION POLICY

Speaking of the recent decision by the U.S. President Donald Trump to rescind an Obama administration immigration policy known as DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), Pope Francis said he had not read enough to express an opinion. He said, though, that separating young people from their families is not good either for the young or for the family. Noting that the policy was crafted by the executive branch, rather than through the legislature, the Pope said there may be hope that it could be considered anew. He said Trump presents himself as pro-life, “and if he is a good pro-lifer, he understands that the family is the cradle of life, and that he must defend the unity” (of the family). He spoke of the need young people have of roots, and noted that he had spoken about the importance of dialogue between young people and the elderly. “Young people need to find their roots again,” he said. “Anything that goes against the roots,” he continued, “steals their hope.”

Reminded that the new American policy meant young people might be deported from the United States, Pope Francis said this would mean losing roots; “and this is a problem.” He insisted, though, that he did not want to express his opinion because he prefers not to speak on issues he has not studied. But he called attention to the suffering Mexico has endured, and called for prayer for that country.
 

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http://www.catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2017/pope-says-he-hopes-trump-reconsiders-daca-decision.cfm

CNS/Paul Haring

A transcript of the Q and A during the inflight press conference-- 

http://www.lastampa.it/2017/09/11/vaticaninsider/eng/the-vatican/migrants-those-who-governs-must-manage-the-problem-prudently-GFKpPgt4Wn2UjPNnKIHWXI/pagina.html

The Pope on climate change, humankind “is a stupid and stubborn man, that does not see”
Pubblicato il  11/09/2017
andrea tornielli

“I leaned out to greet the children and didn’t see the glass, and... pum! The Pope with a smile and an obvious dark bruise framing his left cheek, answers the question on how he feels after the small accident that happened to him in Cartagena. Immediately after the Avianca flight took off from Cartagena, Francis spoke for 38 minutes with journalists on immigration, climate change, Trump’s latest measures and the situation in Venezuela. He confirmed that he had a private meeting with the Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, but denied that there was talk of immigration. He expressed his support to Italy for what the country is doing by trying to manage the emergency landings and regulate immigration flows.”

The Italian Church has expressed understanding for the government’s policy on restricting departures from Libya. There was news about your meeting with Mr. Gentiloni, President-in-Office of the Italian Council: did you talk about this issue? And what do you think about this policy of blocking departures, bearing in mind the fact that migrants who remain in Libya live in inhumane conditions?
 

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http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2017/09/11/pope_francis_and_the_c9_interview_with_council_secretary/1336057

Pope Francis and the C9: Interview with Council Secretary
11/09/2017 07:00

Bishop Marcello Semeraro, Secretary of the Council of Cardinal Advisers. On Monday, Vatican Radio published an interview with Bishop Semeraro on the work of the Council.

(Vatican Radio) The Council of Cardinal Advisors – the so-called C-9 – is holding its 29th Reunion this week, with meetings set to take place in the Vatican from 11-13 September. The Council, established by Pope Francis on 28 September 2013, was created to assist the Holy Father in the governance of the universal Church, and to study the project of revision of the Apostolic Constitution Pastor Bonus, which regulates the Roman Curia.

The group consists of nine Cardinals from the Vatican and around the world, as well as a Secretary, Bishop Marcello Semeraro. In an exclusive interview with Vatican Radio’s Alessandro Gisotti, Bishop Semeraro spoke about the work of the C-9, how Pope Francis participates in the group’s activities, and the next phase of the ongoing reform of the Curia.

WORK OF THE COUNCIL

Bishop Semeraro described the work of the Council of Cardinals with three key words: listening, reflecting, and verifying. The Council, he said, listens to the contributions of the Church; reflects on those contributions, and looks into the details of them, considering the best way of going forward. It then makes proposals to the Pope; as Bishop Semeraro explained, the Council has a consultative, rather than a deliberative role.

The Council, he said, is a synodal structure, and in this sense the Cardinals are able to serve both the Pope and the local Churches. Pope Francis chose them precisely in order that they might be, “in some sense ‘sensitive antennae’ that are capable of capturing, somehow, the instances of the local Churches over a broad range.” As such, it is an organism that is situated within the context of episcopal collegiality.

POPE FRANCIS' PARTICIPATION
 
https://zenit.org/articles/20th-meeting-of-council-of-cardinals-in-progress-2/
21st Meeting of Council of Cardinals In Progress 
“C9” Continues Work of Curial Reform
September 11, 2017

© PHOTO.VA - OSSERVATORE ROMANO

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http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2017/09/12/pope_francis_grants_assent_for_erection_of_new_eparchy/1336380

Pope Francis grants assent for erection of new Eparchy
12/09/2017 14:35

Bishop Yosafat Moshchych was elected as the first bishop of the new Eparchy of Chernivtsi by the Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church. - RV

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has granted his assent to the decision of the Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church to erect the Eparchy of Chernivtsi, with its seat in the same city and with territory taken from the Eparchy of Kolomyia- Chernivtsi, making it a suffragan of the Metropolitan see of Ivano-Frankivsk.

The Synod of Bishops of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church has elected as the first bishop of the Eparchy of Chernivtsi Bishop Yosafat Moshchych, C.M.S.A.A., currently titular bishop of Pulcheriopoli and auxiliary of Ivano-Frankivsk.

Bishop Yosafat Moshchych

Bishop Yosafat Moshchych was born on 16 September 1976 in Stariy Rozdil, in the region of Lviv.
 

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http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2017/09/13/pope_francis_reflects_on_colombia_visit_at_general_audience/1336593

Pope Francis reflects on Colombia Visit at General Audience
13/09/2017 13:53

Pope Francis waves to the crowds at the General Audience on Wednesday morning. During the Audience, the Holy Father reflected on his recent Apostolic Visit to Colombia. - AFP
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis dedicated his General Audience remarks to his recent Apostolic Visit to Colombia, which concluded on Sunday.

After thanking the many people who helped make his Visit possible, Pope Francis said one of the most striking things on his visit was the many fathers and mothers who brought their children to see the Pope, and to be blessed by him. He said a people capable of having children, and of lifting them up with such pride, has a future – and this, he said, “pleased me very much.”

CONTINUITY WITH EARLIER PAPAL VISITS

The Holy Father noted that his Visit was in continuity with those of the two previous Popes who had travelled to Colombia, Bd Paul VI and St John Paul II. This continuity, he said, was “animated by the Spirit, who guides the steps of the people of God along the paths of history.”

"LET US TAKE THE FIRST STEP"

Referring to the motto of the Visit, “Let us take the first step,” Pope Francis said the process of reconciliation in Colombia, after a half century of internal conflict, has now begun. “With my visit,” he said, “I wanted to bless the effort of that people, to confirm them in faith and in hope, and to receive their testimony, which is a richness for my ministry and for the whole Church.”
 

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http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2017/09/13/c9_cardinals_meet_to_discuss_vatican_reforms/1336616

C9 cardinals meet to discuss Vatican reforms
13/09/2017 14:53

Pope Francis meeting with his Council of Cardinals, known as the C9 - ANSA
(Vatican Radio) The head of the Holy See press office, Greg Burke, held a briefing for journalists on Wednesday to report on this week’s meeting of the so-called 'C9' Council of Cardinals. The aim of this 21st session of the C9 was to reflect on the ongoing reforms of the Curia.

The meeting took place over three days, from Monday to Wednesday, with Pope Francis joining the group of his closest advisors for the Tuesday morning and afternoon sessions.

Two members of the C9, Cardinal George Pell from Australia and Cardinal Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya from Congo, were unable to attend this week’s meeting.

The other Church leaders, led by Honduran Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga, reflected on some of the pope’s texts related to the reform of the Curia, including his traditional Christmas greetings, his speeches to the consistories of February and October 2015 and his words marking the 50th anniversary of the Synod of Bishops.

A main focus for discussion at this encounter was how the Curia can be an instrument of evangelization at the service of the pope and the local Churches. In particular the cardinals talked about the need for decentralization, the role of the nunciatures, the selection of personnel, especially the need for a less clerical and more international staff, with an increase in the number of women and young people.

The cardinals also discussed Pope Francis’ recent Motu Proprio ‘Magnum Principium’, reflecting on how it may affect the work of the Congregation for Divine Worship, and they reviewed the statutes of the new office for Laity, Family and Life, which was instituted on September 1st 2016.

Three other prelates gave presentations about the work of their offices: Archbishop Rino Fisichella spoke about his Council for New Evangelisation, Cardinal Sean O’Malley updated the cardinals on the work of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, and at the final session, Cardinal Fernando Filoni spoke to the cardinals about the work of his 'Propaganda Fide' Congregation.
 

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http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2017/09/13/holy_see_thanks_oman_for_helping_rescue_indian_priest/1336520

Holy See’s gratitude to Oman, others in helping rescue abducted Indian priest
13/09/2017 10:54

Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil descending an Omani air force plane in Muscat, after his release. - AFP
(Vatican Radio) The Vatican has received with deep gratitude the news of the release of an Indian Catholic priest Father Tom Uzhunnalil, after 18 months of captivity following his abduction by unknown gunmen in March last year in Yemen.  The Salesian of Don Bosco priest arrived in the Omani capital Muscat in an air force plane soon after his release on Tuesday, Sept. 12.

“The Holy See fervently thanks all those who worked for his release, and especially His Majesty the Sultan of Oman and the competent authorities of the Sultanate,” read a brief statement by the Holy See’s Press Office Tuesday evening, after the news of the priest’s release.  “Fr. Uzhunnalil will remain for a few days in a Salesian community in Rome before going home to India,” the Holy See added.
 
‎

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http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/fr-tom-to-pope-francis-i-offered-my-suffering-for-you-and-the-church-74095/

Fr. Tom to Pope Francis: I offered my suffering for you and the Church

Father Tom Uzhunnalil meets with Pope Francis in Vatican City on Sept. 13, 2017. Credit: L'Osservatore Romano

Vatican City, Sep 13, 2017 / 11:25 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Just one day after being released from 18 months of captivity, Indian priest Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil shared an emotional meeting with Pope Francis, saying that throughout his time as a prisoner, he offered his suffering for the Pope and the Church.

According to a Sept. 13 article published in the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, the encounter took place at the Pope's residence in the Vatican's St Martha guesthouse immediately after the general audience on Wednesday.

Photos of the encounter show an emotional scene as Fr. Uzhunnalil bends down to kiss the Pope's feet, after which the Pope tenderly gives the priest his blessing.

While Fr. Uzhunnalil appeared with an overgrown beard in the majority of photos published during his time in captivity, today's pictures show him clean-shaven and dressed in clerics.

According to L'Osservatore Romano, Fr. Uzhunnalil thanked the Pope, saying “(I) prayed for you every day, offering my suffering for your mission and for the good of the Church.” These words, the newspaper reports, moved the Pope to tears
 

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http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2017/09/14/pope_at_mass_‘cross_of_christ_is_mystery_of_love’/1336797

Pope at Mass: ‘Cross of Christ is mystery of love’
14/09/2017 12:55

Pope Francis celebrates Mass at the Casa Santa Marta on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis celebrated his first daily Mass in the Casa Santa Marta on Thursday following the summer break, reflecting on the Cross of Christ as the mystery of love.

On the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, Pope Francis during his homily at daily Mass preached on the “mystery of love” that is the Cross of Christ and warned against two spiritual temptations related to it.

The first temptation, he said, is to think of Christ without a cross or to reduce him a “spiritual teacher”. The second, he said, is to think of a cross without Christ or to remove all hope in a type of “spiritual masochism”.

Pope Francis said the Liturgy speaks of the Cross as a noble and faithful tree, pointing out that it is not always easy to understand the Cross. “We advance in the mystery of love only through contemplation,” he said.
 

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http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2017/09/14/pope_francis_urges_new_bishops_to_cultivate_discernment__/1336876

Pope Francis urges new Bishops to cultivate discernment
14/09/2017 16:05

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Thursday urged Bishops to cultivate what he called an “attitude of listening” and to avoid being “imprisoned by nostalgia.”

Addressing Catholic Bishops from across the globe who have been appointed during the past year, the Pope focused on the need for discernment.     

The Bishops have just completed an annual training programme organized by the Congregation for Bishops.

 “Authentic discernment,” the Pope said, “although definitive at every step, is always an open and necessary process, and can be completed and enriched”.

Insisting that discernment “can’t be reduced to repeating formulas” Francis  pointed out that it is, in fact, an “antidote against rigidity, because the same solutions aren’t valid everywhere.”

You must  have the courage  to ask yourself whether yesterday’s proposals are still evangelically valid, the Pope said to the new Bishops, highlighting the importance for all pastors to not be stuck in the margins but to have the capacity of “evaluating God’s times.”
 

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http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2017/09/15/pope_contemplates_our_lady_of_sorrows_at_santa_marta_mass/1337010

Pope contemplates Our Lady of Sorrows at Santa Marta Mass
15/09/2017 12:22

Pope Francis’ homily at the Mass in the Casa Santa Marta this morning focused on the figure of Our Lady of Sorrows, whose feast day the Church celebrates on September 15th.

Contemplating the Mother of Jesus

We need to contemplate the Mother of Jesus, said the Pope, we need to contemplate “this sign of contradiction, because Jesus is victorious, but upon the Cross”. This is a contradiction, he said, that we can’t understand. “It takes faith to understand it, at least to come close (to understanding) this mystery”.

The first disciple

Mary knew and lived her whole life with a pierced heart. “She followed Jesus and heard the people’s comments, sometimes for Him, sometimes against. But she was always right behind her Son. That’s why we call her the first disciple”. It was Mary’s concern, continued Pope Francis, that brought about this “sign of contradiction” in her heart
 

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https://cruxnow.com/

Pope Francis looks at a carousel during a meeting with Italian circus performers. (Credit: L'Osservatore Romano/handout.)
https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2017/09/15/circus-performers-joyful-vocation-pope-says/

Circus performers have a ‘joyful’ vocation, pope says
Junno Arocho Esteves  September 15, 2017

ROME - Meeting with an association of traveling circus and street performers, carnival workers, musicians and magicians, Pope Francis thanked the artists for their dedication in bringing joy to men, women and children.

The “joyful vocation” of entertaining people of all ages is also a mission to provide “healthy and clean fun without the need to go low to look for material to entertain people,” the pope said during a Sept. 15 audience with Italy’s National Association of Traveling Performers.

“It is true: Yours is a handcrafted beauty, different from that product of the great powers of entertainment, which is a bit sterile, less human,” the pope said. “I confess that I prefer yours, which gives the air of awe, of enchantment and yet is the result of hours and hours of hard work.”
 

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http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2017/09/15/holy_see_recalls_priest_from_nunciature_in_washington/1337065

Holy See recalls priest from Nunciature in Washington
15/09/2017 14:55

Flags of the United States and the Holy See - EPA
(Vatican Radio) The Press Office of the Holy See has released the following statement concerning the possibility that a member of the Holy See’s diplomatic mission to Washington may have violated laws relating to child pornography.

The priest in question, the statement says, has been recalled to Vatican City, in accordance with common diplomatic practice.

STATEMENT

On August 21 last, the Department of State of the United States of America notified the Secretariat of State, through diplomatic channels, of a possible violation of laws relating to child pornography images by a member of the diplomatic corps of the Holy See accredited to Washington.

The Holy See, following the practice of sovereign states, recalled the priest in question, who is currently in Vatican City.

Having received such information from the United States government, the Secretariat of State transmitted this information to the Promoter of Justice of the Vatican Tribunal.

The Promoter of Justice opened an investigation and has already commenced international collaboration to obtain elements relative to the case.
 

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http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2017/09/17/pope_at_angelus_%e2%80%98open_your_hearts_to_forgiveness/1337360

Pope at Angelus: ‘open your hearts to forgiveness'
17/09/2017 13:50

Pope Francis waves to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square for the Sunday Angelus - AFP
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has urged all Christians to open their hearts to forgiveness.

Speaking to the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the Sunday Angelus, the Pope said that to be able to build peace one must be able to forgive.

“Forgiveness does not deny the injustice one has been subjected to, but it acknowledges the fact that the human being, created in the image of God, is always superior to the wrong that is committed” he said.

The Pope was reflecting on the Gospel reading of the day which narrates the “Parable of the unforgiving servant.”
 
https://zenit.org/articles/angelus-address-on-forgiveness/
Angelus Address: On Forgiveness 
September 17, 2017

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9p1u1P25qU
2017.09.17 - Angelus Domini