Pope Francis

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2018-07/pope-francis-major-archbishop-shevchuk-audience-ukrainian-greek.html

Pope meets with Head of Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church
04 July 2018, 14:32

Pope Francis receives His Beatitude, Sviatoslav Shevchuk, Major Archbishop of Kyiv-Halych
Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk was received by Pope Francis in a private audience at the Casa Santa Marta on Tuesday.
By Christopher Wells

Pope Francis met on Tuesday with the Father and Head of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church (UGCC), Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, on the occasion of the 1030th anniversary of the baptism of Rus’-Ukraine.

During the audience, Major Archbishop Sviatoslav drew attention to the UGCC’s relations with the other churches that are “heirs to the Baptism by Saint Volodomyr.” Speaking of the Orthodox Churches in Ukraine, his Beatitude spoke of the “painful reality” of divisions. He emphasized that, although the UGCC looks positively on efforts to overcome division, it nonetheless considers such matters internal to the Orthodox Churches, insisting that the UGCC never interferes in or takes part in such efforts.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2018-07/order-virgins-ecclesiae-sponsae-imago.html

Church reproposes Order of Virgins 50 years after its restoration
04 July 2018, 14:25

Consecration of St Genevieve
The Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life releases the Instruction Ecclesiae Sponsae imago in view of the 50th anniversary of the revival of the ancient Order of Virgins.
By Sr Bernadette Mary Reis, fsp

In 2020 it will be 50 years since Pope Paul VI revived the ancient Order of Virgins. Consecrated virgins now number approximately 5,000 and live in every part of the world. The Prefect for the Dicastery for Consecrated Life, Cardinal João Braz de Aviz, says that the new Instruction Ecclesiae Sponsae imago is the first Document to address the make-up and discipline of this form of consecration. It is also a response to the interest shown in this revived vocation. It focuses specifically on its place in the Church’s life, and the necessary discernment and formation required, he says.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-07/pope-francis-mass-lampedusa-5-anniversary.html

Pope commemorating 5th anniversary of Lampedusa visit with Mass
05 July 2018, 11:23

Pope Francis throwing a wreath in the sea in Lampedusa, Italy, on July 8, 2013, in memory of the many who drowned trying to reach Europe.
Pope Francis dedicated his first trip outside Rome to migrants and refugees by visiting them in the tiny Italian island of Lampedusa on July 8, 2013.
By Robin Gomes

Pope Francis will celebrate Holy Mass in Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica on Friday, to commemorate the 5th anniversary of his trip to the tiny Italian island of Lampedusa, one of the main points of entry into Europe for poor and desperate refugees and migrants from North Africa who risk their lives to cross the Mediterranean in overcrowded and unsafe vessels and small boats.

A statement by the Holy See Press Office said that the June 6 Mass “will be a moment of prayer for the dead, for the survivors and for those who care for them.”  Some 200 people are expected to attend the Pope’s Mass, including refugees and carers.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2018-07/pope-francis-nomination-prefect-dicastery-communication-ruffini.html

Pope names new Prefect for Dicastery for Communication
05 July 2018, 12:40

Paolo Ruffini with Pope Francis  (Vatican Media)
Paolo Ruffini, the Director of the Catholic television station TV2000, has been named the new Prefect for the Dicastery for Communication
By Vatican News

Pope Francis on Thursday named Doctor Paolo Ruffini as the new Prefect for the Dicastery for Communication. Dr Ruffini has been serving as Director of the television station of the Italian Bishops’ Conference, TV2000.
 
http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/pope-francis-appoints-award-winning-lay-journalist-as-head-of-vatican-commu
Vatican |  Jul. 5, 2018
Pope Appoints Award-Winning Lay Journalist as Head of Vatican Communications

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-07/pope-francis-baltics-visit-programme.html

Programme of Pope's visit to Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia
05 July 2018, 14:57

Official logos for Papal visit to Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia
The Vatican on Thursday released the programme of Pope Francis' Apostolic Journey to three Baltic nations - Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia - set to take place on 22-25 September 2018.

Saturday 22 September 2018

ROMA-VILNIUS
 
07:30  Departure by air from Rome- Fiumicino airport for Vilnius
 
11:30  Arrival at Vilnius International Airport
          WELCOME CEREMONY
          COURTESY VISIT TO THE PRESIDENT in the Presidential Palace
          MEETING with the AUTHORITIES, with CIVIL SOCIETY
          and with the DIPLOMATIC CORPS in the square in front of the
          Presidential Palace

16:30  VISIT TO THE MATER MISERICORDIAE SHRINE
          MEETING with YOUNG PEOPLE in the square in front of the Cathedral
          Visit to the Cathedral
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-07/pope-francis-laudato-si-conference-climate.html#.Wz9izdTN0fc.twitter

Pope on climate crisis: Continue to work for radical change
06 July 2018, 12:18

Pope Francis addresses participants at the International Conference on the Third Anniversary of Laudato si’  (Vatican Media)
An international conference is being held in Rome this week for the third anniversary of Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical, "Laudato si’: On Care for our Common Home." The two-day conference is focusing on the theme “Saving our Common Home and the Future of Life on Earth.”

Pope Francis received participants at a conference on the third anniversary of the encyclical Laudato si' in an audience in the Sala Clementina on Friday. In his remarks to the group, Pope Francis said, “Your presence here is a sign of your commitment to take concrete steps to save the planet and the life it sustains, inspired by the Encyclical’s assumption that ‘everything is connected.’” That principle, he said, “lies at the heart of an integral ecology.”
 
https://zenit.org/articles/pope-francis-addresses-international-conference-saving-our-common-home-and-the-future-of-life-on-earth-full-text/
Pope on Saving Earth: Let Us Think of Lord’s Instructions to St Francis of Assisi to ‘Go and Repair My House’ 
July 06, 2018 15:33•Deborah Castellano Lubov

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-07/pope-francis-mass-anniversary-lampedusa-migrants-refugees.html#.Wz9h3bsNCX0.twitter

Pope urges open hearts, doors towards continuing tragedy of migrants, refugees
06 July 2018, 13:46

Pope Francis at Mass for migrants and refugees on July 6, 2018, in St. Peter's Basilica, Rome.   (Vatican Media)
Pope Francis on July 6 celebrated Mass in Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica to commemorate the 5th anniversary of his July 8, 2013 visit to migrants and refugees in Lampedusa.
By Robin Gomes

Pope Francis on Friday mourned the refugees and migrants lost at sea and reminded the world that their blood cries out to the conscience of each one of us.  The response to the Lord’s appeal, “Where is your brother? His blood cries out to me”, “even if at times generous, has not been enough, and we continue to grieve thousands of deaths,” the Pope said during the July 6 Mass in Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica to commemorate the 5th anniversary of his July 8, 2013 visit to the tiny Italian island of Lampedusa. 
 
https://zenit.org/articles/pope-to-migrants-with-respect-for-culture-laws-of-country-that-receives-you-may-you-work-out-together-the-path-of-integration/
Pope to Migrants: ‘With Respect for Culture & Laws of Country That Receives You, May You Work Out Together the Path of Integration’
July 06, 2018 15:20•

Video at the link below--
https://www.youtube.com/user/vatican

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-07/pope-francis-telegram-cardinal-tauran-death.html

Pope’s condolence at the death of Cardinal Tauran
06 July 2018, 16:29

Pope Francis and Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran.  (Vatican Media)
In a telegram to the sister of Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, Pope Francis recalled the fidelity and love of the late cardinal in the service of the Universal Church.

“Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, whom I entrust to God's mercy, has profoundly marked the life of the universal Church,” Pope Francis wrote in the condolence telegram to Geneviève Dubert, the sister of the late cardinal, the President of the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.

The 74-year old cardinal passed away on July 5 at Hartford, U.S., where he was undergoing treatment for Parkinson’s disease.
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2018-07/cardinal-tauran-pontifical-council-interreligious-dialogue-dead.html#.Wz9TMFWlCRo.twitter
The Church grieves the passing of Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran
06 July 2018, 12:53

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An update on the exhibit, Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination

https://cruxnow.com/global-church/2018/07/06/met-exhibit-on-catholic-imagination-on-track-to-be-the-most-viewed-in-museums-history/

Met exhibit on Catholic imagination on track to be the most viewed in museum’s history
Claire Giangravè   Jul 6, 2018

ROME - Barely two months have passed since the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute in New York inaugurated the exhibit Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination, yet according to a recent press release the show is on its way to becoming the most viewed art show ever for the museum.

The exhibit “is on track to be one of the Museum’s highest attended exhibitions in its history,” the Met’s statement read.

Over 500,000 visitors have already attended the exhibit at the Met on Fifth Avenue, and 70,000 more have seen the other part of the exhibit at the Met Cloisters, a 40 percent increase compared to the previous year.

The Metropolitan Museum is divided into three locations, The Met Fifth Avenue, The Met Cloisters, and The Met Breuer.

“Heavenly Bodies” is the biggest exhibit of its kind in the history of the museum with over 110 items on display and will be open until October 8. Divided in three sections, the show pays caring homage to the longstanding tradition of Catholicism influencing fashion and vice-versa.
 

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Pope Francis' trip to Bari, July 7, 2018

https://zenit.org/articles/vatican-releases-popes-schedule-for-july-7-2018-visit-to-bari/

Vatican Releases Pope’s Schedule for July 7, 2018, Visit to Bari
June 08, 2018 15:40•
 
The Holy Father’s Schedule

7.00 Departure by helicopter from the Vatican heliport.
 
8.15 Arrival in Piazzale Cristoforo Colombo in Bari.

        The Holy Father is received by:
        –       H.E. Msgr. Francesco Cacucci, archbishop of Bari-Bitonto;
        –       Hon. Michele Emiliano, president of the Puglia Region;
        –       Marilisa Magno, prefect of Bari;
        –       Hon. Antonio Decaro, mayor of Bari.

        Transfer by car to the Pontifical Basilica of Saint Nicholas;

        in the meantime, the Patriarchs transfer to the Basilica from their residences.
 
8.30  In front of the Pontifical Basilica of Saint Nicholas, the Holy Father receives the Patriarchs and greets them individually; in the Basilica, the Patriarchs wait in front of the presbytery.

        The last to enter the Basilica, the Holy Father greets the members of the Dominican Community.
 
8.45  The Holy Father and the Patriarchs descend into the crypt of the Basilica for the veneration of the relics of Saint Nicholas – lighting of the single-flamed lamp.
 
9.15  The Holy Father and the Patriarchs leave the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, and travel by coach to the “Rotonda” on the Bari seafront promenade.

9.30   Bari seafront promenade: Prayer meeting.
 
10.30  At the end of the joint prayer meeting, the Holy Father and the Patriarchs return to the Basilica of Saint Nicholas by coach.

11.00  Basilica of Saint Nicholas: Dialogue (behind closed doors).
13.30  Transfer by coach to the Archbishopric for lunch.
15.30  In the Archbishopric, the Holy Father takes leave of the Patriarchs.
16.00  Before entering the helicopter, the Holy Father takes leave of the Authorities who received him in the morning.
17.15  Arrival at the Vatican heliport.

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Pope Francis' trip to Bari, July 7, 2018

https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2018/07/07/pope-truces-imposed-by-force-wont-bring-peace-to-middle-east/

Pope Francis is flanked by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, left, as he arrives to host a daylong prayer for peace in the Middle East with an unprecedented gathering of Orthodox patriarchs and Catholic leaders in Bari, southern Italy, Saturday, July 7, 2018. (Credit: AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino.)
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/in-bari-pope-decries-murderous-indifference-to-a-weeping-middle-east-61412
In Bari, Pope decries 'murderous' indifference to a weeping Middle East
By Elise Harris

Vatican City, Jul 7, 2018 / 01:43 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Joined by heads of Christian Churches in the Middle East, Pope Francis Saturday condemned the “complicit silence” and indifference of the world to the conflicts tearing the region apart, and urged Christians to pray for peace.

“Indifference kills, and we desire to lift up our voices in opposition to this murderous indifference,” the pope said July 7.

As Christians, “we want to give a voice to those who have none, to those who can only wipe away their tears,” he said. “For the Middle East today is weeping, suffering and silent as others trample upon those lands in search of power or riches.”

“On behalf of the little ones, the simple ones, the wounded, and all those at whose side God stands, let us beg, 'Let there be peace!'”

Pope Francis spoke at the opening of a prayer encounter during his July 7 daytrip to Bari for an ecumenical gathering of patriarchs and heads of Christian churches in the Middle East, which holds the theme “Peace be upon you! Christians together for the Middle East.”
 

Video at the link
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-07/pope-francis-bari-peace-relics-nicholas.html
Pope Francis venerates relics of St. Nicholas of Bari
07 July 2018, 16:20

Videos:  Welcoming the Patriarchs and the prayer meeting
https://www.youtube.com/user/vatican

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Pope Francis' trip to Bari, July 7, 2018

Photo gallery at the link

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-07/pope-francis-bari-peace-conclusion-day-of-prayer.html

Pope Francis in Bari: ‘May the Middle East be an ark of peace, not war!’
07 July 2018, 11:39

Pope Francis gives a speech in Bari, flanked by the heads of Eastern churches  (AFP or licensors)     
At the end of a closed-door dialogue with leaders of Catholic and Orthodox Christians on Saturday, Pope Francis greets the faithful gathered in the Square outside the Basilica of St Nicholas of Bari, and invites them to pray for peace in the Middle East. (With photo gallery)
By Sr. Bernadette Mary Reis, fsp

Pope Francis addressed the faithful gathered in the square outside of the Basilica of St Nicholas, in the Italian city of Bari, on Saturday after meeting with Catholic and Orthodox leaders. He reflected on the Middle Eastern origins of the Christian tradition, and of the commitment undertaken by the religious leaders to walk, pray, and work together “in the hope that the art of encounter will prevail over strategies of conflict”.
 

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https://zenit.org/articles/feature-pope-francis-visits-city-of-st-nicholas-in-unprecedented-ecumenical-gesture-for-the-middle-east/

FEATURE: Pope Francis Visits City of St. Nicholas in Unprecedented Ecumenical Gesture for the Middle East 

Zenit Takes You to Bari, Where Holy Father & Christian Leaders Reflected On & Prayed for Middle East
•July 08, 2018 13:34•Deborah Castellano Lubov

Pope Francis has denounced murderous indifference toward the tragedies that have struck the Middle East, and rallied together in the southern Italian city of Bari with Christian leaders of the Middle East in an unprecedented initiative. But why was Bari chosen? Perhaps not everyone knows that in Bari, ecumenism, isn’t just an idea, but it is its reality, and this all traces back to St. Nicholas…

Zenit was on the ground and wants to give our readers an inside look.

 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-07/pope-francis-angelus-prophet-honor.html#.W0HwpTxV1FA.twitter

Pope at Angelus: ‘God overturns human prejudices’
08 July 2018, 12:39

Pope Francis prays the Angelus on Sunday  (Vatican Media)
In his remarks ahead of the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, Pope Francis says God overturns every human preconception and prejudice, which prevent us from grasping reality.
By Devin Watkins

Pope Francis, in his Sunday Angelus address, reflected on the day’s Gospel (Mk 6:1-6), which recounts how Jesus’ return to his hometown lead to incredulity on the part of those who saw him grow up.

The Pope said people from all areas surrounding Nazareth showed up to see “this son of the people” who had become known as a wise teacher and powerful healer.

“But what could have been a success turned into a resounding rejection, to the point that Jesus could not work any miracles there, but only a few healings.”
 
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-07/pope-francis-sea-sunday-turkson-message.html#.W0Hwur1YKb0.twitter
Pope Francis prays for seafarers on Sea Sunday
08 July 2018, 12:12

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-07/pope-francis-bari-peace-thanks-angelus.html
Pope Francis ‘thankful’ for ecumenical Bari visit
08 July 2018, 12:50

Video at the link below--
https://www.youtube.com/user/vatican

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-07/pope-condolences-flooding-victims-japan.html

Pope Francis sends condolences to the victims of flooding in Japan
09 July 2018, 14:12

Damage sustained in flooding in Japan  (ANSA)
Pope Francis sends a message to the people of Japan expressing his sadness over the loss of life and injury caused by recent flooding
 
Here is the full text of the message.

Deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and of the injury caused by the serious floods following the heavy rains in Japan, His Holiness Pope Francis expresses heartfelt solidarity with all those affected by this tragedy.  His Holiness prays especially for the repose of the deceased, the healing of those injured and the consolation of all those who grieve.  The Holy Father likewise offers encouragement to the civil authorities and all those involved in the search and rescue efforts as they assist the victims of this disaster. Upon all he willingly invokes abundant blessings.

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-07/pope-appoints-paul-james-mason-military-bishop-great-britain.html

Pope appoints Bishop Paul James Mason to Bishopric of the Forces in Great Britain
09 July 2018, 12:00

Bishop Paul James Mason, Auxiliary Bishop of Southwark, with priests and deacons from the Kent Pastoral Area
Bishop Paul James Mason, currently an Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Southwark, England, will become the 8th Bishop of Great Britain's Military Ordinariate.

Bishop Mason was born in North Shields in the diocese of Hexham and Newcastle in the north of England in 1962. After completing high school at St. Anselm’s Roman Catholic High School in North Shields, and Kings College in London, he worked in Turin and London until 1992.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-07/pope-francis-world-youth-day-panama.html#.W0Spb9JMvEQ.twitter

Pope to attend World Youth Day 2019 in Panama
10 July 2018, 09:23

World Youth Day cross
Pope Francis will attend the next World Youth Day event, set to take place in Panama on 22-27 January 2019, according to the Holy See Press Office.
By Devin Watkins

The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Greg Burke, confirmed on Monday that Pope Francis will participate in the upcoming World Youth Day 2019 in Panama.

The Holy Father will arrive at the event a day after it begins and take part from the 23rd to the 27th of January.

A brief statement said the Pope had accepted an invitation from the government of Panama and from the country’s Catholic bishops.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2018-07/nicaragua-church-cardinal-bishop-nuncio-attack.html

Nicargua: cardinal, nuncio and bishop attacked by paramilitaries
10 July 2018, 15:11

The injured Auxiliary Bishop of Managua, Silvio Jose Baez
The Catholic Church in Nicaragua has strongly condemned an attack by pro-government paramilitaries on three leading members of the local church.
By Susy Hodges

In Nicaragua, Cardinal Leopoldo Brenes, Archbishop of Managua, Archbishop Waldemar Stanislaw Sommertag, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Central American nation and the Auxiliary Bishop of Managua, Jose Silvio Baez were roughed up on Monday by pro-government paramilitaries.

The attack took place as the three prelates, priests and a delegation of journalists arrived outside the San Sebastian Basilica in Diriamba, south of the Nicaraguan capital to help anti-government protesters trapped inside the besieged church.
 

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-07/world-meeting-families-dublin-booked-pope-francis.html#.W0YnICsE5ac.twitter

WMOF in Dublin: All papal events booked out six weeks in advance
11 July 2018, 15:06 

Noticeboard giving details of World Meeting of Families events.
Organizers for the World meeting of Families (WMOF) say excitement is growing ahead of Pope Francis’ visit to the gathering with all tickets now booked out including for the closing Papal Mass in Dublin’s Phoenix Park.
By Susy Hodges

Brenda Drumm,  Media Director of the World Meeting of Families (WMOF),  says that for many people Pope Francis “has become the Pope of the family” and this helps explain why all tickets have been booked out for the WMOF events including half a million tickets made available for the closing Papal Mass in Dubin's Phoenix Park.

In an interview with Vatican News, Drumm said “anticipation and excitement is growing” in Dublin in the run-up to the 6-day gathering (from August 21-26) and is part and parcel of the steady momentum that began to build up after the announcement that Pope Francis would be attending the final 2 days of the WMOF on August 25 and 26.
 

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https://zenit.org/articles/united-states-pope-francis-names-coadjutor-bishop-of-san-jose/

United States: Pope Francis Names Coadjutor Bishop of San Jose 
•July 11, 2018 16:17•ZENIT Staff•Catholic Church
 
Pope Francis on July 11, 2018, named Bishop Oscar Cantú as Coadjutor Bishop of San Jose, California. Bishop Cantú was up until now Bishop of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Bishop Cantú will succeed the present bishop of San Jose, Bishop Patrick McGrath, upon his retirement.