Pope Francis

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Photo gallery at the link

http://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-01/pope-francis-plenary-congregation-doctrine-faith.html

Pope: Mission of CDF has an "eminently pastoral visage"
26 January 2018, 13:00

Archbishop Luis Francisco Ladaria Ferrer, Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Pope Francis received members of the Congregation in an audience marking the conclusion of their Plenary Session. 
By Christopher Wells

Pope Francis met Friday with participants in the Plenary Session of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, thanking members of the dicastery for their “delicate service” to the Church, and noting the “particular bond” between the Congregation and the “successor of Peter, who is called to confirm the brethren in the faith, and the Church in unity.”

In defence of the Faith and the Sacraments

The Holy Father thanked them, too, for their commitment to supporting the magisterium of the Bishops “in defence of the faith and of the sanctity of the Sacraments” with regard to current questions requiring great “pastoral discernment.” In particular, the Pope mentioned the work of examining cases concerning “graviora delicta” (more serious crimes, such as clerical sexual abuse or grave abuses of the Sacraments), and questions of the dissolution of marriages “in favour of the faith” (the so-called “Petrine privilege”).

In this sense, the Pope said, the work of the Congregation “in recalling the transcendent vocation of man” and the relationship between man’s reason and the values of truth and goodness, realized through faith in Jesus Christ, “appears decisive.” He continued, “Nothing can help man recognize himself and God’s plan for the world than opening himself to the light that comes from God.”
 

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http://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-01/pope-pontifical-academy-theology-.html

Pope urges members of Theological Academy to take up new challenges
26 January 2018, 11:55

Marking 300 years since the foundation of the Pontifical Academy for Theology by Pope Clement XI, the Pope received its members in audience urging them to stay in contact with other educational institutions and to continue to sow the good seed of the Gospel in the vast field of knowledge.
By Linda Bordoni

Pope Francis has encouraged members of the Pontifical Academy of Theology to continue to go forward promoting a fruitful encounter between faith and the ever new challenges posed by a changing world.

He was addressing some 50 Academy members whom he received in audience in the Vatican’s Consistory Hall. 

Three centuries of history
 
Remarking on the Academy’s 300th anniversary this year, Pope Francis said that this constitutes a significant milestone as well as an opportunity to look ahead with renewed awareness of its identity and the wish to re-launch its mission in the Church. 

Pointing out that the Pontifical Academy of Theology has undergone various changes of structure and organization in order to meet the ever new challenges posed by the different social and ecclesial contexts, the Pope noted that it was conceived as a “place for theological formation of the clergy at a time when other institutions were deficient and inadequate for this purpose”.
 

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http://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-01/pope-francis-inauguration-gaudium-et-spes-chair.html

New "Gaudium et spes" Chair to study relationship between Christian and secular thought
25 January 2018, 13:25

Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, Grand Chancellor of the John Paul II Pontifical Theological Institute for Marriage and Family Sciences
By Christopher Wells

On Thursday, the John Paul II Pontifical Theological Institute for Marriage and Family Sciences solemnly inaugurated the “Gaudium et spes” Chair, dedicated to studying “the interaction between Christian and secular thought.”

The new academic Chair was established as part of the Pontifical Institute, itself a new foundation, brought into being in September of last year with the motu proprio “Summa familiae cura.”

Letter of Pope Francis

The Inauguration of the Gaudium et spes Chair was marked by a Pontifical Letter from Pope Francis, which was published by Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, the President of the Pontifical Academy for Life, and Grand Chancellor of the Institute.

In his letter, Pope Francis expressed his appreciation for the work of the Institute and his hopes and best wishes for the new Chair. He noted that Gaudium et spes was promulgated on the final day of the Second Vatican Council, and was, he said, “able to express and give form to the profound intentions that guided the calling and unfolding of the Council.”
 
The new Chair, the Pope said, “fits in well within the horizon of your particular academic mission toward marriage and the family.” The Church, he said, through Gaudium et spes, has been able to “express a profoundly renewed understanding of the ‘gospel of the family’” leading ultimately “to the intense synodal period that culminated in the Apostolic Exhortation Amoris laetitia.”

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http://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-01/cardinal-farrell-launches-international-catechesis-for-wmof.html

Cardinal Farrell launches International Catechesis for WMOF
25 January 2018, 13:52

The Holy See Press Office
By Lydia O’Kane

There are seven months to go until the World Meeting of Families and on Thursday Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life presented to journalists seven catecheses to help and guide dioceses, parishes and families in the lead up to the Dublin event.

7 Catechetical passages

Journalists were treated to a video montage of Italian singer Andrea Bocelli performing the seven catechetical passages at the Sagrada Famiglia in Barcelona, which are based on the Gospel account of the Finding of Christ in the Temple.

The Irish Cardinal said it was his hope that these seven passages would be a source of dialogue and discussion.. “I would hope that couples, friends and same age groups would get together and discuss these catechesis; I would hope then in parishes they would use them as a method to create a discussion among people and I would hope that dioceses would use them and Bishops would use them also.”
 
http://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/8472/world-meeting-of-families-will-promote-christian-vision-of-marriage
25 January 2018 | by Christopher Lamb in Rome   
World Meeting of Families will promote Christian vision of marriage

A major Catholic gathering in Dublin will be focussed on promoting the entirety of Pope Francis’ document on the family rather than the “contentious points”, the cardinal helping to organise the event explained on Thursday.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Prefect of the Laity, Family and Life dicastery, stressed that the hotly debated points in the Pope’s apostolic exhortation “Amoris Laetitia”- such as allowing remarried divorcees to receive communion - were only “contentious in the eyes of a few.”

Following the publication of “Amoris Laetitia” there has been vocal opposition from certain parts of the Church to admitting divorced and remarried Catholics to the sacraments, and in some cases a differing approaches among bishops.

Speaking to journalists at the Vatican today, the cardinal said that the World Meeting of Families, due to take place from 22-26 August in Dublin, will focus on an inclusive message of promoting the Christian understanding of marriage and the family.
 

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http://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-01/pope-confirms-decrees-for-causes-of-saints.html

Pope confirms decrees for causes of Saints
27 January 2018, 11:24

Trappist Monks of Tibhirine in Algeria 
On Friday 26 January 2018, Pope Francis received in audience Cardinal Angelo Amato, S.D.B., Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

During the meeting, the Pope authorized the Congregation to promulgate the Decrees concerning:

- the miracle attributed to the intercession of the Blessed Nazaria Ignazia March Mesa (in religion: Nazaria Ignazia di Santa Teresa di Gesù), Foundress of the Congregation of the Misioneras Cruzadas de la Iglesia Sisters; born in Madrid (Spain) on 10 January 1889 and died in Buenos Aires (Argentina) on 6 July 1943;
 

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http://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-01/pope-highlights-irreplaceable-work-of-italian-red-cross.html#.Wmx49npxXY4.twitter

Pope highlights irreplaceable work of Italian Red Cross
27 January 2018, 12:16

Italian Red Cross members attend an audience with Pope Francis in the Paul VI hall  (Vatican Media
The Pope tells members of the Italian Red Cross their work is “a prophetic sign, so necessary for our world.”

Pope Francis on Saturday welcomed seven thousand members of the Italian Red Cross in the Paul VI hall telling them their organization carried out an irreplaceable service throughout Italy and the world.

The Pope noted that their work deserved the gratitude of every citizen because it “takes place in the most diverse situations”, such as earthquakes and other natural disasters, helping the populations affected.

Aid to migrants
 

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

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http://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-01/pope-telegramme-fire-south-korea.html

Pope praying for victims of fire in South Korea hospital
27 January 2018, 12:48

South Korean rescue workers on the scene of a fire in a hospital in Miryang  (AFP or licensors)
Pope Francis has sent a message of closeness and prayers to those affected by a blaze in a South Korean hospital in which at least 37 patients died.

Pope Francis has expressed solidarity and said he is praying for victims and all those affected by a tragic fire in a hospital in South Korea that killed at least 37 people and injured many more.

In a telegramme sent by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, on the Pope’s behalf, Francis said he is deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and of injuries caused by the outbreak of the fire in Sejong Hospital, Miryang.

He expressed heartfelt solidarity with all those affected by this tragedy and said he is praying especially for the repose of the deceased and for the healing of those injured.

Pope Francis also offered encouragement to the civil authorities and emergency personnel as they assist the victims of this disaster, and upon all he invoked the divine blessings of strength and consolation
 

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Video at the link

http://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-01/pope-francis-mass-saint-mary-major.html#.Wm2w1SXa1Yo.twitter

Pope: When Mary is in the home, the devil does not enter
28 January 2018, 12:03

Pope Francis celebrates Mass at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major  (Vatican Media)
On the Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Pope Francis celebrated Mass at the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome.
By Christopher Wells

Pope Francis celebrated the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on Sunday at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major on the occasion of the translation of the Icon of Mary “Salus Populi Romani” – Salvation of the Roman People. The Icon was returned to its home in the Borghese Chapel in the Basilica after it was restored by the Vatican Museums.

The image of Mary Salus Populi Romani is an object of particular devotion for people of Rome, and for Pope Francis as well, who routinely comes to the Basilica to venerate the Icon, especially before and after his Apostolic journeys throughout the world.
 
https://zenit.org/articles/popes-homily-for-feast-of-translation-of-salus-populi-romani-marian-icon/
Pope’s Homily for Feast of Translation of ‘Salus Populi Romani’ Marian Icon 
January 28, 2018

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http://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-01/pope-francis-angelus-prayer-afghanistan-leprosy.html

Pope Francis looks out over the crowds in St Peter's Square, as he prays for victims of terror attacks in Afghanistan.  (Vatican Media)
http://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-01/angelus-pope-francis-gospel-reflection.html
Angelus: Jesus our Teacher, powerful in words and deeds
28 January 2018, 14:15

Pope Francis reflected on Sunday's Gospel ahead of the Angelus on Sunday.
By Vatican News

At the Angelus in St Peter’s Square on Sunday, Pope Francis reflected on the Gospel for the fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time.

A prophet powerful in word and deed
 
The Holy Father set the day’s Gospel within “the larger story described as the ‘day in Capharnaum’.” When Jesus exorcises a demon from a man, He “is presented as ‘a prophet powerful in word and in deed’.” Those who witnessed the exorcism, the Pope said, “are amazed by His words, because they are not ordinary words, they do not resemble what they were used to hearing.” He explained that this was because “Jesus has a fullness of authority. His doctrine is new: ‘A new teaching, given with authority,’ as Mark the Evangelist says.”
 
http://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-01/pope-s-angelus-for-28-january-2018--full-text.html
Pope's Angelus for 28 January 2018: Full text
28 January 2018, 13:06

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

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https://zenit.org/articles/pope-to-ukrainian-greek-catholics-i-am-here-today-to-say-i-am-close-you/

Pope to Ukrainian Greek Catholics: ‘I Am Here Today to Say I Am Close You’ 
January 28, 2018

© Vatican Media
Pope Francis visited Rome’s Greek-Catholic Community of Ukrainians today at the Basilica of St. Sophia on Via Boccea, northwest of Rome, Jan. 28, 2018.

Pope St John Paul II visited St. Sophia in Rome in 1984, to pay homage to the tomb of Cardinal Josyp Slipyi, the Head of the Greek Catholic Community of Ukraine who was harshly persecuted under the Soviet regime, including 18 years in prison, before eventually being freed. Blessed Pope Paul VI was there, previously in 1969, for the consecration of the Basilica, the initiative of Cardinal Slipyi.

The Pope arrived around 4 p.m., after having celebrated Mass this morning at Rome’s Marian Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, and after having his traditional noon Angelus.

Jumbotrons were set up outside the church transmitting coverage to the faithful unable to be inside. Faithful welcomed the Pope with Ukrainian Christmas songs because for Greek-Catholic Ukrainians, following the Julian calendar, it is still Christmastime, since the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple is February 18.
 

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

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http://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope-francis/mass-casa-santa-marta/2018-01/pope-homily-santa-marta0.html

Pope says there is no humility without humiliation
29 January 2018, 15:17

Pope Francis celebrates Mass at Casa Santa Marta  (Vatican Media)
Pope Francis addressed the faithful gathered in the Casa Santa Marta for morning Mass on Monday and reflected on the First Reading of the Day.
By Linda Bordoni

Pope Francis told believers that there is no true humility without humiliation.

The Pope was speaking during morning Mass at the Casa Santa Marta on Monday as he reflected on the first liturgical reading of the day which speaks of the humiliation of King David.

Pope Francis said David was indeed a great man: he had overcome Goliath, he had “a noble soul” because twice he could have killed Saul but he had not done so. But David, he continued, was also a sinner: he had committed the serious sins of adultery and had arranged the murder of Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband.

“And yet, Francis noted, the Church venerates him as a saint" because he let himself be transformed by the Lord, he “accepted” forgiveness, he repented and recognized himself as a sinner.
 

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http://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-01/pope--indifference-a-virus-that-is-contagious-in-our-time.html

Pope: Indifference a virus that is contagious in our time
29 January 2018, 12:45

Pope Francis greets participants attending an International Conference on Anti-Semitism  (Vatican Media)
Pope Francis stresses the importance of responsiblity, remembrance and education in the fight against anti-semitism.

In his speech to participants attending the Rome International Conference on the Responsibility of States, Institutions and Individuals in the Fight against Anti-Semitism in the OSCE Area, the Pope got right to the heart of his address by emphasizing three words, responsibility, indifference and memory.

Regarding responsibility, Pope Francis said, “we are responsible when we are able to respond. It is not merely a question of analyzing the causes of violence and refuting their perverse reasoning, but of being actively prepared to respond to them.”
 
https://zenit.org/articles/popes-address-to-international-conference-on-responsibility-of-all-in-fight-against-anti-semitism/
Pope’s Address to International Conference on Responsibility of All in Fight Against Anti-Semitism 
January 29, 2018

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https://zenit.org/articles/pope-to-roman-rota-the-decisive-role-of-conscience/

Pope to Roman Rota: The Decisive Role of Conscience 
January 29, 2018

© Vatican Media
Pope Francis on January 29, 2018, stressed the “centrality of conscience” in an address to the Prelate Auditors, officials, lawyers, and collaborators of the Tribunal of the Roman Rota on the occasion of the solemn inauguration of the Judicial Year. He gave the address during an audience with the group in the Clementine Hall of the Vatican Apostolic Palace.

“The conscience assumes a decisive role in the demanding choices that couples must face to welcome and build the conjugal union and hence the family according to God’s plan,” the Pope said.  The explained that the “sphere of conscience” has been in the forefront of discussions by the last two synods of bishops and is reflected in the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia.

“This derives from the awareness that the Successor of Peter and the Synod Fathers have developed regarding the urgent need for listening, on the part of the Pastors of the Church, to the requests and expectations of those faithful who have kept their consciences silent and absent for long years and were subsequently helped by God and by life to regain some light, turning to the Church to have their conscience at peace,” according to the Holy Father.

The Pope cited the two Documents in the form of a Motu proprio, enacted in 2015, to reform of the marriage annulment process.  He noted that the reforms are designed to speed the process and make it more just. Added to that, he pointed to the first five chapters of Amoris Laetitia as “the extraordinary richness of the conjugal covenant as designed by God in the Scriptures and lived by the Church throughout history”.
 
https://zenit.org/articles/popes-address-to-the-tribunal-of-the-roman-rota/
Pope’s Address to the Tribunal of the Roman Rota 
January 29, 2018

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-revamps-ecclesiastical-universities-in-new-apostolic-constitution-77172

Pope revamps ecclesiastical universities in new apostolic constitution

Vatican City, Jan 29, 2018 / 06:40 am (CNA/EWTN News).- On Monday Pope Francis released a new apostolic constitution calling for a “radical” reform to the nature and curriculum of ecclesiastical universities and institutions.

“The primary need today is for the whole People of God to be ready to embark upon a new stage of Spirit-filled evangelization,” the Pope said in the document, “Vertatis Gaudium.”

This new stage of evangelization, he said, “calls for a resolute process of discernment, purification and reform. In this process, a fitting renewal of the system of ecclesiastical studies plays a strategic role.”

Signed Dec. 8, 2017, and published Jan. 29, 2018, the 87-page document is Francis' is titled “Veritatis Gaudium,” meaning “the joy of truth.”

The document deals specifically with ecclesiastical universities and faculties, which, differing from regular Catholic universities, offer Vatican-approved degrees required to teach in seminaries or at pontifical universities.

It consists of two parts dedicated to general norms and specific norms, and also contains an appendix and norms of application. The document is meant to “update” previous norms, and abrogates any prior rules which contradict the new ones laid out by Pope Francis in Veritatis Gaudium.

The document abrogates any contrary norms established by John Paul II's 1979 Apostolic Constitution “Sapientia Christiana,” issued after a careful study of the Second Vatican Council's decree “Optatam Totius” on ecclesiastical studies. However, John Paul II's 1990 Apostolic Constitution “Ex corde Ecclesiae” is not impacted , as it deals specifically with Catholic colleges and universities, rather than ecclesiastical academic entities.
 
https://zenit.org/articles/pope-francis-new-apostolic-constitution-veritatis-gaudium-on-ecclesiastical-universities-and-faculties/
Pope Francis’ New Apostolic Constitution ‘Veritatis Gaudium’ on Ecclesiastical Universities & Faculties 
January 29, 2018

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http://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope-francis/mass-casa-santa-marta/2018-01/pope-at-mass_shepherds-show-tenderness-closeness-of-jesus.html#.WnBSc6YRZqk.twitter

Pope at Mass: 'Shepherds should show tenderness and closeness of Jesus'
30 January 2018, 11:31

Pope Francis preaches at Mass in the Casa Santa Marta  (Vatican Media)
During his homily at Mass in the Casa Santa Marta on Tuesday morning, Pope Francis says those entrusted with shepherding God’s people should always show Jesus’ tenderness and closeness, as set out in the readings of the day (Mark 5:21-43).
By Devin Watkins

Pope Francis took his cue from the day’s Gospel according to Mark, which indicates “a day in the life of Jesus”.

The two healing stories recounted by Mark need “to be contemplated more than reflected upon”, he said, since they are a model for shepherd, bishops, and priests.
 

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http://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-01/pope-francis-archbishop-scicluna-bishop-barros.html

Statement of Holy See Press Office concerning mission of Archbishop Charles Scicluna
30 January 2018, 15:30

The Holy See Press Office has revealed that Maltese Archbishop Charles Scicluna has been sent to Chile to receive information on the case of Bishop Juan Barros.
 
"Regarding some recently received information concerning the case of Bishop Juan de la Cruz Barros Madrid, Bishop of Osorno (Chile), the Holy Father arranged for Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna, Archbishop of Malta and President of the College for the examination of appeals (in matters of delicta graviora) for the Ordinary Session of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, to go to Santiago de Chile to listen to those who have expressed the will to submit elements in their possession."

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-taps-scicluna-to-investigate-barros-accusations-64326
Pope taps Scicluna to investigate Barros accusations

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http://www.catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2018/vatican-spokesman-insists-pope-aides-are-united-on-approach-to-china.cfm

Vatican spokesman insists pope, aides are united on approach to China
By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service
1.30.2018 10:25 AM ET

CNS/Paul Haring
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Catholics who have accused top members of the Roman Curia of making overtures to China's communist government without the knowledge of Pope Francis are "fostering confusion and controversy," said the director of the Vatican press office.

The rumors of division between the pope and his top aides made headlines in late January after Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, retired archbishop of Hong Kong, met personally with Pope Francis to discuss his opposition to encouraging two bishops to retire so they could be replaced by two bishops approved by the government, but whose status with the Vatican has been troubled.

"In spite of the danger of being accused of breach of confidentiality," Cardinal Zen wrote on a Facebook post Jan. 29, he had decided "to tell you what His Holiness said: 'Yes, I told them (his collaborators in the Holy See) not to create another Mindszenty case!'"
 
http://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2018-01/burke-holy-see-china.html
Burke: Pope in constant contact with Secretariat of State regarding China issues
30 January 2018, 16:27

The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Greg Burke, has released the following statement regarding issues pertaining to China:
 
“The Pope is in constant contact with his collaborators, in particular in the Secretariat of State, on Chinese issues, and is informed by them faithfully and in detail on the situation of the Catholic Church in China and on the steps in the dialogue in progress between the Holy See and the People’s Republic of China, which he follows with special attention. It is therefore surprising and regrettable that the contrary is affirmed by people in the Church, thus fostering confusion and controversy”.

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https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/find-good-readers-for-mass-pope-francis-says-75871

Find good readers for Mass, Pope Francis says

Vatican City, Jan 31, 2018 / 05:36 am (CNA/EWTN News).- On Wednesday, Pope Francis spoke about the importance of the Liturgy of the Word, and the resulting importance of having lectors who can proclaim the readings and the Responsorial Psalm well.

“We must look for good readers!” he said Jan. 31, in off-the-cuff comments during the general audience.

Good readers and psalmists understand what they are reading and can convey it well, he continued, explaining that they need to be prepared by reading over the text before Mass.
 
https://zenit.org/articles/general-audience-on-the-liturgy-of-the-word/
GENERAL AUDIENCE : On the Liturgy of the Word (FULL TEXT) 
January 31, 2018

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

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http://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope-francis/mass-casa-santa-marta/2018-02/pope-reflects-on-death-at-mass-at-casa-santa-marta.html#.WnL13w4nrvI.twitter

Pope reflects on death at Mass at Casa Santa Marta
01 February 2018, 11:49

Pope Francis preaches the homily at the morning Mass at the Casa Santa Marta on Thursday.  (Vatican Media)
The thought of death saves us from the illusion of being “masters of time.” At Mass on Thursday morning, Pope Francis’ homily focused on the reality of death.

In his homily at the daily Mass at Casa Santa Marta, Pope Francis reflected on three realities: “Death is a fact; death is an inheritance; death is a memory.”

“We are neither eternal nor ephemeral: we are men and women on a journey in time, time that begins, and time that ends.” Inspired by the reading from the First Book of Kings, on the death of David, Pope Francis invited everyone “to pray, and to ask for the grace of a sense of time” in order not to be “imprisoned” by the present moment, “closed in on oneself.” Death, the Pope said, “is a fact that affects everyone.” For some it comes later, for some sooner, “but it comes.”
 

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The Vatican and the Knights of Malta

http://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/8488/pope-blocks-recruitment-as-knights-of-malta-tussle-for-control-of-order

01 February 2018 | by Christopher Lamb   
Pope blocks recruitment as Knights of Malta tussle for control of order

Pope Francis has told an elite section of the Order of Malta to stop admitting new members until reforms have been carried out, while declining a request from those knights to hand them greater control of the organisation.

The move comes just over a year after the Grand Master of the order, Fra’ Matthew Festing, resigned following a public stand-off with the Pope and an unprecedented intervention by the Vatican.

It resulted in the election last April of Fra’ Giacomo dalla Torre del Tempio di Sanguinetto who took over as interim leader with a brief to reform the 11th century organisation, a religious order that combines a vast global charitable enterprise with a byzantine governance structure. Knights from across the world are due to gather in Rome next week for a major summit on planned reforms.

But Fra’Giacomo is now grappling with a bid by a small group of knights to gain more power over the order. This emerged in a letter written on 16 December by the knight’s Grand Commander, Fra’ Ludwig Hoffman von Rumerstein, to Francis. It was sent without consultation with the order’s governing body.