Pope Francis

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http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/synod-at-heart-of-papal-liturgies-for-month-of-october-28882/

Synod at heart of papal liturgies for month of October

Vatican City, Sep 30, 2014 / 05:00 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The schedule of liturgical celebrations over which Pope Francis will preside in October is mainly booked with events surrounding the synod of bishops, which culminates with the beatification of Pope Paul VI.

According to the schedule released by the Vatican on Sept. 26, Pope Francis will begin the month of October by kicking off the highly anticipated synod of bishops on the family with an Oct. 4 prayer vigil to be held in St. Peter’s Square at 6p.m. local time.

Following the prayer vigil, Pope Francis will officiate an Oct. 5 mass to mark opening of the Extraordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the Family in St Peter’s basilica at 10a.m.

Reflecting on the theme “the Pastoral Challenges of the Family in the Context of Evangelization,” the Oct. 5-19 third extraordinary synod of bishops was called by Pope Francis last fall in order to prepare the ordinary synod in 2015.

Pope Francis’ next liturgical ceremony following the opening Mass of the synod will be a Mass of Thanksgiving canonization of two Canadian saints which will take place Sunday, Oct. 12, at 10a.m. in St. Peter’s Square.

He will close the synod Sunday, Oct. 19, will a Mass in St Peter’s basilica at 10:30a.m. local time, during which he will beatify the Servant of God Pope Paul VI.

Paul VI is most well-known for his encyclical “Humanae Vitae,” which spoke about the importance of generosity in married love and the principles of responsible parenthood, and his re-convocation of the Second Vatican Council, which had automatically closed with the death of his predecessor, St. John XIII.

The papal ceremonies for the month of October will conclude with a consistory for some causes for canonization in the Consistory Hall of the Apostolic Palace Monday, Oct. 20.
 

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http://www.news.va/en/news/charisms-and-their-action-in-the-christian-communi

Charisms and their action in the Christian community

Vatican City, 2014 (VIS) – The charisms that build the Church and make her fruitful constituted the subject of Pope Francis' catechesis during today's general audience in St. Peter's Square, attended by over 35,000 people.

“Ever since the beginning, the Lord has filled his Church with the gifts of His Spirit, making her forever alive ... and among these gifts, we find some that are particularly valuable for the edification and the progress of the Christian community: these are charisms”, said the bishop of Rome, explaining that in everyday language we often refer to “charisma” in relation to a talent or natural ability. However, from a Christian point of view, a charism is far more than a personal quality, a predisposition or a gift: it is a grace, a gift from God the Father, by the action of the Holy Spirit … so that with the same gratuitous love it may be placed at the service of the entire community, for the good of all”.
 

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http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2014/10/01/pope_francis_asks_for_prayers_for_the_synod_on_the_family/1107623

Pope Francis asks for prayers for the Synod on the family
01/10/2014

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis asked the faithful to pray for the extraordinary general session of the Synod of Bishops on the Family due to open on Sunday.

Around 150 Synod fathers from across the globe will take place in the meeting to discuss the pastoral challenges of the family in the context of evangelization. The Synod will last two weeks, ending with a conclusive Mass on Oct 19.   

Speaking to the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the weekly General Audience the Pope asked for prayers and focused his catechesis on the many gifts of the Holy Spirit.
 

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http://www.news.va/en/news/popes-greetings-to-the-little-apostles-of-charity

Pope's greetings to the Little Apostles of Charity, invitation to pray the rosary, and the memory of Blessed Alvaro del Portillo

Vatican City, 2014 (VIS) – Before the catechesis of this Wednesday's general audience in St. Peter's Square, the Pope received in the Paul VI Hall the participants in the pilgrimage organised by the Secular Institute of the Little Apostles of Charity, founded sixty years ago by Blessed Luigi Monza who worked “with skill and love” in the care of the disabled. Pope Francis mentioned the Institute in his catechesis as an example of the charism of care for the most vulnerable, recalling that the work of Luigi Monza was supported by Pope Paul VI when he was archbishop of Milan, Italy, and urged them to be held as an example “for families and for those who hold public responsibilities”.
 

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http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/cardinal-mueller-do-not-remove-challenges-of-gospel-40921/

Cardinal Mueller: Do not remove challenges of Gospel

Cordoba, Spain, Oct 1, 2014 / 02:14 am (CNA/EWTN News).- With the Synod on the Family just days away, the head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith cautioned against deconstructing the Gospel message to make it artificially easy.

“We can talk a lot about God, and in the end, do so without faith,” warned Cardinal Gerhard Mueller during a Sept. 28 Mass at the cathedral in Cordoba, where he delivered an address on St. John of Avila.

“We can 'deconstruct' the Gospel and Tradition and remake them to the liking of today's world, making their demands easy and accommodating them to the fragile, superficial, immature and post-modern man.”

However, he cautioned, if we were to deprive ourselves “of the chance to confront our lives with the divine Word, we would also lose the chance to enjoy the authentic happiness that Christ brings, who did not come to take away the crosses of life but to make our burden lighter and to encourage us to always do the will of God.”
 

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http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/us-bishops-promoting-days-with-religious-as-year-of-consecrated-life-nears

US Bishops Promoting 'Days With Religious' as Year of Consecrated Life Nears
Washington, D.C.,  October 01, 2014

As the Catholic Church prepares to celebrate the Year of Consecrated Life, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations is promoting “Days with Religious” initiatives and resources to help families learn about the consecrated life of religious men and women.

Activities will focus on sharing experiences of prayer, service and community life with those living a consecrated life.

“Our brothers and sisters in Christ living consecrated lives make great contributions to our society through a vast number of ministries,” said Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, president of USCCB. “They teach in our schools, take care of the poor and the sick and bring compassion and the love of Christ to those shunned by society; others lead lives of prayer in contemplation for the world.”

Pope Francis proclaimed 2015 a Year of Consecrated Life, starting on the First Sunday of Advent, the weekend of November 29, 2014, and ending on February 2, 2016, the World Day of Consecrated life.

The year also marks the 50th anniversary of Perfectae Caritatis, a decree on religious life, and Lumen Gentium, the Second Vatican Council’s constitution on the Church. Its purpose, as stated by the Vatican is to “make a grateful remembrance of the recent past” while embracing “the future with hope.”
 

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http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-at-santa-marta-our-companions-on-lifes-journe

Pope at Santa Marta: Our companions on life’s journey
2014-10-02 Vatican Radio

(Vatican Radio) Guardian angels exist, they are not [the fruit of] imaginative doctrine, but companions that God has placed beside us on our life’s journey said Pope Francis Thursday morning at Mass at Casa Santa Marta, on the day when the Church celebrates the Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels.

Pope Francis said that the readings of the day present us with  two images: the angel and the baby. God placed an angel by our side to watch over us: "If anyone believes that they can walk on their own, they would be greatly mistaken”, they would fall “into that terrible trap of arrogance: Believing we are great", self-sufficient. Jesus taught the apostles to be like children. "The disciples argued about who was the greatest among them, there was an internal dispute ... eh, careerism, eh?

These who were the first bishops, were tempted by careerism. 'Eh, I want to be greater than you ... The first bishops did not set a good example in this, but it is reality. Jesus teaches them the true attitude to have, that "of a child”: docility, the need for advice, the need for help, because the child is the very symbol of the need for help, of docility to keep going ... This is the path. Noty the one of who is greater". Those who are closest to the attitude of a child, are "closer to the contemplation of the Father". They listen to their guardian angel with an open and docile heart:

"According to the tradition of the Church, we all have an angel with us, who protects us, helps us hear things. How often have we heard: 'I should do this, I should not do this, that’s not right, be careful ...': so often! It is the voice of our traveling companion. Be sure that he will guide us to the end of our lives with advice, and so listen to his voice, don’t rebel against it…because rebellion, the desire to be independent, is something that we all have; this is arrogance, the same arrogance of our father Adam in paradise: the very same. Do not rebel: follow his advice”.
 

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http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-to-assyrian-patriarch-we-are-close-in

Pope Francis to Assyrian Patriarch: we are close in faith, persecution
2014-10-02 Vatican Radio



(Vatican Radio) “No religious, political or economic motives can justify what is happening to hundreds of thousands of innocent men, women and children:”  that’s what Pope Francis said Thursday, calling what is happening to Christians and other minorities in Iraq and Syria “daily persecution.” 

Pope Francis was speaking in a Vatican audience to Catholicos Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East, Mar Dinkha IV.  The Patriarch is head of one of the oldest Christian churches – tracing its roots back to the first century in Iraq, Iran, Syria and Turkey.  Though theological discussions are on-going, the Assyrian Church of the East is not in communion with Rome.
 

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http://www.news.va/en/news/to-the-prelates-of-chad-the-behaviour-of-the-churc

To the prelates of Chad: the behaviour of the Church is a model for all society



Vatican City, 2014 (VIS) – The implementation of catechetical methods for inculturation, the defence of the family and the role of women, and the need for dialogue with other religions in a country where Catholics are a minority are the main themes of the discourse Pope Francis handed to the bishops of Chad this morning, at the end of their “ad Limina” visit. The Holy Father writes that the Catholic communities in this country “are growing, not only numerically, but also in terms of quality and the strength of their efforts”, and expressed his satisfaction for the work carried out in the spheres of education, health and development.
 

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http://www.news.va/en/news/papal-representatives-in-the-middle-east-gather-in

Papal representatives in the Middle East gather in the Vatican to discuss the situation of Christians in the region



Vatican City, 2014 (VIS) – The papal representatives in the Middle East are meeting in the Vatican from 2 to 4 October, at the Holy Father's behest, to discuss the presence of Christians in the region, due to the grave situation that has prevailed in recent months. The meeting began this morning at the Secretariat of State and was attended by the Superiors of the Secretariat of State and the Roman Curia directly linked with the issue, as well as the Holy See Permanent Observers at the United Nations in New York and Geneva, and the apostolic nuncio to the European Union.
 

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If I remember correctly, "Evangelii gaudium" is an apostolic exhortation and not a papal encyclical.

http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-charity-in-truth-is-the-basis-for-pea

Pope Francis: Charity in truth is the basis for peace
2014-10-02 Vatican Radio

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Thursday met with participants of the Plenary assembly of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.

In his address, the Holy Father noted the Plenary assembly coincides with the fifth anniversary of Benedict XVI’s encyclical Caritas in veritate, which Pope Francis called “a foundational document for the evangelization of the social sphere.”

Caritas in veritate, the Pope said, drew attention “to the benefits, but also the dangers of globalization.” Pope Francis highlighted the issue of the exploitation of labour markets, as well as the growth of poverty and inequality. Referring to his own encyclical, Evangelii gaudium, Pope Francis pointed out “three basic instruments for the social inclusion of those most in need: education, access to health care, and work for all.”

The Holy Father said “it is necessary to keep alive concern for the poor and social justice,” which must involve the sharing of the riches that are produced and “the universalization of free markets in the service of families;” as well as “the redistribution of sovereignty, both on the national and supra-national levels.”

Caritas in veritate also addressed other current social issues, including environmental concerns, and especially the link between “environmental ecology and human ecology.”

The principles of Caritas in veritate, the Pope said, are extremely relevant today: “A truth-filled love is,” he said, “is the basis on which to build the peace that today is especially desired and necessary for the good of all.”

Below, please find Vatican Radio’s translation of the complete text of the Pope’s remarks:
 

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http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-are-we-open-or-closed-to-gods-way-of

Pope Francis: Are we open or closed to God's way of salvation?
2014-10-03 Vatican Radio

(Vatican Radio) Are we open to the gift of God’s salvation, or do we prefer to take refuge in the safety of our man-made rules and regulations? That was the question Pope Francis posed during his homily at the morning Mass at Santa Marta on Friday, as Philippa Hitchen reports...

God’s only wish, Pope Francis told his listeners, is to save his people, but so often we want to make the rules for our own salvation. This is the dramatic paradox of so many of the Bible stories which culminate in the life of Jesus himself. Reflecting on the Gospel reading of the day, the Pope spoke of Jesus’ sadness at being rejected and ignored by his own people. “If the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon,” Jesus warns the people of Chorazin and Bethsaida, “they would long ago have repented.” Just as the prophets were rejected and killed by their people, so they do the same to Jesus. And it’s the leaders, the Pope said, who provoke this resistance to the salvation he’s offering:
 

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http://www.news.va/en/news/to-the-clergy-do-not-limit-yourselves-to-merely-ac

To the clergy: do not limit yourselves to merely acting as priests – “be” priests

Vatican City, 3 October 2014 (VIS) – This morning in the Clementine Hall the Holy Father received in audience the participants in the Plenary Assembly of the Congregation for the Clergy. “The vocation is truly a treasure that God places in the hearts of some men, chosen by Him and called to follow Him in this special state of life. This treasure, that must be discovered and brought to light, is not made to 'enrich' someone alone. He who is called to the ministry is not the 'master' of his vocation, but rather the administrator of a gift that God has entrusted to him for the good of all the people, or rather for all humanity, even those who have drifted away from religious practice or do not profess faith in Christ”. Pope Francis added that “at the same time, all the Christian community is the custodian of the treasure of these vocations, destined to its service, and must always be aware of its task of promoting, welcoming and accompanying them with affection”.
 

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

Pope Francis meets President of Sri Lanka
2014-10-03 Vatican Radio



(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis met on Friday with the president of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa, who also held talks with the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. During their meeting the Pope and the President discussed the situation in Sri Lanka, with particular reference to recent social and economic progress.

Their discussion also focused on the forthcoming visit that Pope Francis will make to the island nation next January,

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http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2014/10/03/pope_to_ccee_the_healing_power_of_jesus_for_europe_/1107806

Pope to CCEE: The healing power of Jesus for Europe and families
03/10/2014

(Vatican Radio/VIS)  “Family and future of Europa” is the theme of the plenary assembly taking place in these days at the Council of European Episcopal Conferences. This morning Pope Francis received seventy of its members, to whom he delivered an off-the-cuff address. He subsequently handed them a written discourse underlining how, as pastors close to their flock, they well know the complexity of the panorama and the challenges the mission of the Church faces, even in Europe.

“We are called to be an 'outbound' Church, in movement from the centre towards the peripheries to reach out to all, without fear, without distrust, and with apostolic courage”, says the document.
 

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http://www.news.va/en/news/second-day-of-the-meeting-on-the-presence-of-chris

Second day of the meeting on the presence of Christians in the Middle East



Vatican City, 3 October 2014 (VIS) – The meeting of various Papal Representatives and Superiors of the competent dicasteries, convoked in the Vatican at the behest of the Holy Father to analyse “The presence of Christians in the Middle East”, continued today. During this morning’s meeting, the Secretary for Relations with States gave a general presentation on the political situation in the Middle East and on the principles guiding the action of the Holy See, demonstrating the global repercussions of what happens in the Region. Peace is to be sought by means of a “regional” and comprehensive solution that does not overlook the interests of any of the parties, through dialogue and not through unilateral decisions imposed by force. With reference to the phenomenon of terrorism, the Secretary for Relations with States emphasised the importance of combating the fundamentalism at its base. An important role should be played by religious leaders, favouring interreligious dialogue and in particular the collaboration of all for the good of society. The Holy See, in following the political situation in the Middle East, and more generally in its relations with countries with a Muslim majority, considers to be fundamental issues the protection and respect for Christians and other religious minorities as fully-entitled citizens, and human rights, especially that of religious freedom.
 

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http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/the-synod-on-the-family-a-look-beyond-the-media-hype-62303/

The Synod on the Family: a look beyond the media hype

Vatican City, Oct 2, 2014 / 05:01 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- As the media centers upon the question of whether the Church will change its teaching regarding reception of the Eucharist by those living in complex situations, there is a danger that many of the other, no less significant, issues may be falling to the wayside.

Duly titled “The Pastoral Challenges of the Family in the Context of Evangelization,” the aim of this extraordinary synod, set for Oct. 5-19, is to examine how to best proclaim the Gospel of the Family within the context of today's diverse challenges and considerations.

While the topics on the expected agenda are varied – ranging from single motherhood, to the pastoral care of children of same-sex couples, to the challenge of promoting monogamy in cultures where polygamy is the norm – the majority of attention in Western media has been given to the debate over whether divorced and civilly remarried persons who have not received an annulment should, in select cases, be readmitted to the Sacraments.

However, the challenges facing the family today reach far beyond the issues which solely affect the families in the West, according to Fr. Thomas Rosica, English-language spokesman for the Synod on the Family. “The question of divorce and remarriage and access to the sacraments may be a burning issue in many countries of the west,” he told CNA on Oct. 1, yet “it is by no means the only issue that the universal Church is facing.”

Rather, many of the concerns being brought to the synod, he said, focus on the pastoral care of the family, for instance, in situations of extreme poverty, single parenthood, conflict and war, migration, and so on.

As the world looks to this Synod on the Family, Fr. Rosica explained, the central questions being asked pertain to how pastors, teachers, and ordinary faithful are “acknowledging what's taking place,” examining how to begin teaching “the beauty of marriage, the importance of family life, the importance of bringing children into the world.”
 

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http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2014/10/04/apostolic_nuncios_call_for_end_to_war_in_middle_east_/1107931

Apostolic nuncios call for end to war in Middle East
04/10/2014

(Vatican Radio) The apostolic nuncios representing the Pope in the Middle East gathered at the Vatican this week for a three-day meeting to discuss the dire situation of violence and unrest in the region. The theme of the meeting was “The presence of Christians in the Middle East”.

A press brief, titled “No more war and violations of human rights!” was issued on Saturday at the conclusion of the Oct 2-4 meeting. In it, the nuncios call for an end to the multiple conflicts currently underway and to the grave violations of human rights.

In the brief, they emphasize:
The urgency of delivering humanitarian assistance to those in need.
Their concern about the ongoing trafficking of arms and of persons.
The right of Christians and of the other religious groups to remain in their lands.
Their concern for the violent activities of Islamic State.
And the legitimacy of stopping the unjust aggressor, in accordance with international law.

Read the full brief below:
 

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http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-to-disabled-athletes-you-are-a-sign-of-hope

Pope to disabled athletes: You are a sign of hope
2014-10-04 Vatican Radio

(Vatican Radio) It was day to remember for thousands of disabled athletes of the Italian Paralympic Committee who gathered with their families in the Paul VI hall on Saturday to meet Pope Francis.

The encounter was part of the “Believe To Be Alive” event taking place this weekend, dedicated to Paralympic sport.
 
As part of the “Believe To Be Alive” event, the road leading to Saint Peter’s square will, for the first time literally become an outdoor training centre on Sunday, where disabled athletes will show what they have learned to do thanks to sports.

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http://www.news.va/en/news/synod-on-the-family-begins-sunday

Synod on the Family begins Sunday
2014-10-03 L’Osservatore Romano



“Respect for every position, mutual charity and a genuinely constructive attitude” in the knowledge “that brotherly communion grows in freedom”.

According to Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, this is the spirit that will bring to life the work of the Extraordinary Assembly which opens on Sunday, 5 October. The Cardinal presented the theme and methods at a press briefing on Friday, 3 October, highlighting that “it is important to express oneself clearly and with courage” because “to manifest one's thought” serves to enrich the debate and helps “to identify the pastoral choices most appropriate for the family in modern context”. He then expressed the hope that, through “calm and fair debate”, the participants may seek “the truth together” and that each would not “give precedence to” his own “point of view as exclusive”. The Cardinal also urged the press to “convey to the public the genuine content of the assembly”.