Pope Francis

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http://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-03/pope-angelus-for-18-march-2018.html#.Wq5hniyQukc.twitter

Pope at Angelus: To know Jesus, one must gaze upon the Cross
18 March 2018, 12:29

Pope Francis greets the faithful gathered in St Peter's Square for the weekly Angelus  (Vatican Media)
By Christopher Wells

Pope Francis’ remarks at Sunday’s Angelus focused on the Gospel of the day, which tells how a group of Greek pilgrims in Jerusalem wanted “to see Jesus.” The Lord’s response to these religious minded Greeks is “surprising”, the Pope said, but ultimately reveals a deeper truth than a simple yes or no answer. Jesus answers their desire by pointing to His imminent Passion and Death: “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.”

To know Jesus, look at the Cross

“One who wishes to know Jesus must gaze upon the Cross, where His glory is revealed,” Pope Francis said. The Cross is not simply a decoration, much less a fashion accessory, but is, instead, “a religious sign to contemplate and comprehend.” He continued, “In the image of Jesus Crucified is revealed the mystery of the death of the Son of God as supreme act of love, font of life and of salvation for the humanity of all time.”
 
https://zenit.org/articles/angelus-address-on-the-need-to-gaze-at-the-crucifix/
Angelus Address: On the Need to Gaze at the Crucifix 
March 18, 2018

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

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http://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-03/pope-francis-letter-argentina.html

Pope writes very personal letter to fellow Argentinians
17 March 2018, 15:59

Seen in the capital Buenos Aires, a billboard featuring Argentine native Pope Francis  (AFP or licensors)
In a letter thanking the people of Argentina for their good wishes on the 5th anniversary of his election, Pope Francis speaks of his love for his country and asks forgiveness of those he may have offended.
By Seàn-Patrick Lovett

The letter, which is written in Spanish, is essentially a thank you note for the greetings and prayers he received from the people of Argentina on the 5th anniversary of his election to the papacy. These expressions of goodwill came not only from the country’s authorities but, in Pope Francis’ own words, “from people of different religious, political and ideological backgrounds”.
 
https://cruxnow.com/global-church/2018/03/17/pope-writes-to-argentina-apologizing-for-offense-caused-by-his-gestures/
Pope writes to Argentina, apologizing for offense caused by his gestures
Inés San Martín   Mar 17, 2018

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http://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-03/full-text-of-letter-of-pope-emeritus-benedict-to-monsignor-vigan.html

Full text of Pope emeritus Benedict's letter released
18 March 2018, 13:10

The letter of Pope emeritus Benedict to Monsignor Viganò
The decision to withhold parts of a letter by Pope emeritus Benedict XVI was motivated by concerns for discretion, according to a new statement from the Secretariat for Communications.
By Vatican News

A statement from the Secretariat for Communication, released by the Press Office of the Holy See, takes note of polemical statements in the press suggesting censorship of a letter by Pope emeritus Benedict XVI. The controversy arose over the digital alteration of a photograph distributed as part of a press kit on the occasion of presentation of a book series on “The Theology of Pope Francis.”

The statement says that at the book launch, only those parts of the “confidential” letter were read which were “considered appropriate and relevant” to the initiative; and in particular, what the Pope emeritus affirmed about the philosophical and theological formation of the current Pope, and the “interior unity” between the pontificates of Benedict XVI and Francis. Comments by the Pope emeritus regarding certain contributors to the series were left aside. The decision to omit those remarks, according to the Press Office statement, was motivated by discretion, and “not by any intent” to censor the former pontiff.

“In order to dispel any doubts,” the statement continues, “it has been decided to publish the letter in its entirety.”
 

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https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/religion/vatican-bows-to-pressure-releases-retired-popes-letter/2018/03/17/27f4d92a-2a08-11e8-a227-fd2b009466bc_story.html?utm_term=.19d9ed11d05c

Vatican bows to pressure, releases retired pope’s letter
by Nicole Winfield | AP  March 17 at 6:26 PM

VATICAN CITY — Stung by accusations of spreading “fake news,” the Vatican on Saturday released the complete letter by Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI about Pope Francis after coming under blistering criticism for selectively citing it in a press release and digitally manipulating a photograph of it.

The previously hidden part of the letter provides the full explanation why Benedict refused to write a commentary on a new Vatican-published compilation of books about Francis’ theological and philosophical background that was released to mark his fifth anniversary as pope.

In addition to saying he didn’t have time, Benedict noted that one of the authors involved in the project had launched “virulent,” ‘’anti-papist” attacks against his teaching and that of St. John Paul II. He said he was “surprised” the Vatican had chosen the theologian to be included in the 11-volume “The Theology of Pope Francis.”
 

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At the link:  press release and the full English text of Benedict XVI’s letter

https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/vatican-responds-to-lettergate-releases-full-letter-of-benedict-xvi

Sat Mar 17, 2018 - 1:13 pm EST
BREAKING: Vatican admits leaving out another key paragraph from Benedict’s letter on Francis
Diane Montagna

VATICAN, March 17, 2018 (LifeSiteNews) —  The Vatican’s Secretariat for Communications today has issued a statement on the Viganò-Benedict ‘Lettergate’ controversy, confirming reports that a second significant paragraph of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s letter to the head of Vatican communications, Msgr. Dario Viganò, was left out during the presentation of a new 11-booklet series on the theology of Pope Francis.

The missing paragraph reveals Benedict’s “surprise” that a German theologian known for “spearheading anti-papal efforts” against himself and Pope John Paul II, especially “on issues of moral theology,” was featured as a contributor in the 11-volume series titled “The Theology of Pope Francis.”

Here below is the Vatican Secretariat for Communications press release and the full text of Benedict XVI’s letter (the translation is my own).
 
Pope emeritus Benedict XVI’s Letter

Benedictus XVI

Pope Emeritus

Most Reverend Msgr. Dario Edoardo Viganò

Prefect of the Secretariat for Communications

Vatican City

February 7, 2018


Most Reverend Monsignor,

Thank you for your kind letter of January 12 and for the attached gift of the eleven small volumes edited by Roberto Repole.

I applaud this initiative which is intended to oppose and react to the foolish prejudice that  Pope Francis is only a practical man without any special theological or philosophical training, while I have been only a theorist of theology with little understanding of the concrete life of a Christian today.

The small volumes demonstrate, rightly, that Pope Francis is a man of deep philosophical and theological formation, and they therefore help to show the interior continuity between the two pontificates, although with all the differences of style and temperament.

However, I do not feel I can write a brief and dense theological page on them, because throughout my entire life it has always been clear that I would write and express myself only on books that I had also truly read. Unfortunately, also for physical reasons alone, I am unable to read the eleven little volumes in the near future, all the more so other  commitments that I have already undertaken await me.

Only as a footnote, I wish to note my surprise over the fact that Professor Hünermann, who during my pontificate distinguished himself for spearheading anti-papal efforts, is also featured among the authors. He was a key figure in the release of the “Kölner Erklärung,” which in relation to the encyclical Veritatis Splendor, virulently attacked the Pope’s magisterial authority, especially on issues of moral theology. Additionally, the “Europäische Theologengesellschaft,” which he founded, was initially conceived by him as an organization in opposition to the papal magisterium. Later, the ecclesial sense of many theologians blocked this orientation, making that organization a normal instrument of encounter among theologians.

I am sure you will understand my refusal and I offer you cordial greetings.

Yours,

Benedict XVI
 

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http://www.ncregister.com/blog/edward-pentin/full-text-of-benedict-xvis-letter-to-mons.-vigano

Mar. 17, 2018
Vatican Reveals Full Text of Benedict XVI’s Letter to Msgr. Viganò

The Vatican released on Saturday the full text of Benedict XVI's letter to Msgr. Vigano showing that two paragraphs were concealed. The Vatican said it had no intention to censor the letter but chose to leave out parts of it as the letter was confidential. The story as it developed.

Edward Pentin

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http://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-03/pope-at-pre-synodal-meeting-on-youth--young-people-must-be-taken.html#.Wq-LfFlPbDo.twitter

Pope at Pre-Synodal Meeting: Young people must be taken seriously
19 March 2018, 09:44

Pope Francis - Pre-synodal meeting with young  (Vatican Media)
Pope Francis commits the Church to listening to young people, “no one excluded”, in preparation for the October Synod of Bishops on the theme: Youth, faith and vocational discernment.
By Seàn-Patrick Lovett

Pope Francis opened the Pre-Synodal meeting in Rome on Monday with a provocation: “Too often we talk about young people without asking what they think”, he said. There are those, said the Pope, who tend to “idolize” youth, and others who prefer to keep young people “at a safe distance”, rather than allowing them to be the protagonists of their own futures.

The contribution of young people

The Pope cited examples of God speaking through young people in the Bible: Samuel, David and Daniel, for example. He told those present that the Church needs them: “You have been invited as representatives of the young people of the world because your contribution is indispensable”, he said. This is because the upcoming Synod is also, in the Pope’s words: “An appeal to the Church to rediscover a renewed youthful dynamism”.

Examples from the online questionnaire
 
http://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-03/pope-young-people-questions-pre-synodal-meeting.html
Pope responds to young people’s questions at Pre-Synodal meeting
19 March 2018, 15:46
5 questions from young people from different experiences and parts of the world. And 5 answers from Pope Francis ranging from the dignity of women to spiritual formation.

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

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Gallery of photos at the link

http://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-03/pope-francis-ordination-apostolic-nuncio-korea-nicaragua-georgia.html

Pope Francis: "Prayer is the first task of the Bishop"
19 March 2018, 18:17

Episcopal Ordination in St Peter's Basilica  (Vatican Media)
Pope Francis’s homily followed closely the homily proposed in the The Roman Pontifical for the Ordination of a Bishop. This text is a catechesis of the history and office of Bishop in the Catholic Church. It reminds us that:

“In the Bishop surrounded by his Priests, our Lord Jesus Christ himself, having become High Priest for ever, is present among you. For, through the ministry of the Bishop, Christ himself never fails to proclaim the Gospel and to administer the sacraments of faith to those who believe.”

Chosen for things pertaining to God

Pope Francis departed from this text after it reminds those about to be ordained that they have “been chosen by the Lord…chosen from among men and appointed on their behalf for those things that pertain to God.” Pope Francis added that they have “not been chosen for other things; for other business; not for worldliness; not for politics.” And he asked them to “flee from the temptation of becoming princes."
 

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

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http://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-03/pope-francis-anniversary-of-pontificate.html

Pope Francis 19 March 2013 — 19 March 2018
19 March 2018, 10:17

On the occasion of Pope Francis' 5th anniversary, the statistics gathered by the Holy See’s Press Office helps us reflect on the importance of his Papacy.
By Sr Bernadette Mary Reis, fsp

On 19 March, 2013, the Solemnity of St Joseph, Pope Francis celebrated Mass inaugurating his pontificate. Since then, the 81 year old pontiff has certainly left his mark on the Church. The statistics put together by the Holy See’s Press Office (see below) give us but an outline of Pope Francis’ papacy.

In the footsteps of John Paul II and Benedict XVI

Pope Francis has demonstrated that he is continuing in the footsteps of both John Paul II and Benedict XVI. The themes of both synods – the Family and young people – were very dear to John Paul II. And both Encyclicals have connections with Benedict XVI. The first, Lumen Fidei, is based on a manuscript begun by Pope Benedict and concludes his Encyclicals on Faith, Hope and Charity. The second, Laudato Si’, not only cites Pope Benedict numerous times, but also treats a recurring theme from Pope Benedict’s pontificate.

Pope Francis'  Signature

But Pope Francis is also leaving his own mark on the Papacy, one which is rooted in his formation and pastoral experience in Argentina. The creation of a special Council of Cardinals to assist him in the reform of the Roman Curia is a concrete example of the collegiality that Pope Francis embraces.

Perhaps most remarkable of all is the Pope’s affable and affectionate personality which shines through every public and personal encounter with him. Francis is a Pope who enters into the everyday lives of people with phone calls and letters, with “Good evening”, “enjoy your lunch”, and “please don’t forget to pray for me.”

Statistics released by the Holy See's Press Office
 

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http://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2018-03/cardinal-keith-o-brien-dies-at-80.html

Cardinal Keith O'Brien dies at 80
19 March 2018, 09:35

Cardinal Keith O'Brien
Cardinal Keith O’Brien has died at the age of 80. The former Archbishop of St Andrews & Edinburgh in Scotland passed away on Monday morning at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Newcastle-upon-Tyne surrounded by family and friends.

He had been in the care of the Little Sisters of the Poor in Newcastle, but was hospitalised after a fall in February.

The Cardinal resigned as Archbishop of the Archdiocese five years ago after admitting sexual misconduct.

Archbishop Leo Cushley, St Andrews & Edinburgh, said: “In life, Cardinal O’Brien may have divided opinion – in death, however, I think all can be united in praying for the repose of his soul, for comfort for his grieving family and that support and solace be given to those whom he offended, hurt and let down. May he rest in peace.”

He received the Sacrament of the Sick on Saturday after Archbishop Cushley, visited him in hospital.
 

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http://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope-francis/mass-casa-santa-marta/2018-03/pope-at-mass-look-at-crucifix.html#.WrEF0PF6-vU.twitter

Pope Francis: “Looking at the Crucifix heals our poisoned hearts”
20 March 2018, 12:36

Pope Francis celebrates Mass at Casa Santa Marta  (Vatican Media)
During his homily on Tuesday at Casa Santa Marta, Pope Francis invites us to look at a Crucifix when we are depressed and tired out with life’s journey.
By Sr Bernadette Mary Reis, fsp

Pope Francis’ reflection was inspired by the first reading from the book of Numbers 21,4-9. The people were exasperated because of the long journey and were tired of eating the same food. They complained about the food saying they would die in the desert because of God and Moses.

We forget the Lord’s strength

As they drew closer to the promised land, some of the Israelites became skeptical because the scouts sent by Moses reported a land rich in produce but inhabited by a people who would be impossible to defeat. “By looking only at their own strength, they forgot the Lord’s strength which had liberated them from 400 years of slavery,” Pope Francis notes.
 

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http://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-03/pope-francis-holy-thursday-regina-coeli-prison.html

Pope's Holy Thursday liturgy in Rome’s Regina Coeli prison
20 March 2018, 16:23

Pope Francis washing the feet of prisoners on Holy Thursday in Paliano, Italy, in 2017.
Pope Francis' March 29 trip to Regina Coeli will include the rite of the washing of the feet, a visit to the sick and a meeting with detainees of the 8th Section.
By Robin Gomes

For the 4th time in his 5-year pontificate, Pope has chosen a prison for the Holy Thursday liturgy.  This year, the Holy Father will go to Rome’s best known prison, the “Regina Coeli”, in the evening of March 29, where he will celebrate the Mass of the Last Supper. It will include the washing of the feet of 12 inmates, in commemoration of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples.

Beside the Mass, he will also visit the sick inmates in the infirmary and meet some of the prisoners of the 8th Section.
 

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http://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-03/pope-audience-mass-living-eucharist.html

Pope at Audience: ‘Mass makes us a living Eucharist’
21 March 2018, 11:27

Pope Francis arrives in St. Peter's Square for the Wednesday General Audience  (Vatican Media)
Continuing his catechesis on the Mass, Pope Francis at the Wednesday General Audience invites Christians to make an examination of conscience and to be transformed into a living Eucharist.
By Devin Watkins

Pope Francis continued his catechesis on the Mass at the weekly General Audience, reflecting on the rite of Holy Communion, which is the culmination of the Liturgy.

He recalled Jesus’ words in the Gospel of John (6:54-55): “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.”
 
https://zenit.org/articles/general-audience-on-communion-culminating-moment/
GENERAL AUDIENCE: On Communion, Culminating Moment
March 22, 2018

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

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http://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-03/pope-francis-to-visit-ireland-for-world-meeting-of-families.html

Pope Francis to visit Ireland for World Meeting of Families
21 March 2018, 11:22

Pope Francis will travel to Dublin, Ireland in August to attend the World Meeting of Families. He made the announcement at his weekly General Audience on Wednesday
By Lydia O'Kane

The Pope will arrive in Dublin on Saturday, 25 August, and will take part in the ‘Festival of Families’ in Croke Park stadium which will feature personal stories of faith shared by families, each representing the five continents.

On Sunday 26 August, he will preside at Holy Mass in the Phoenix Park which will close the five day event.
 

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http://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2018-03/vatican-prefect-communication-resigns-.html

Vatican’s Prefect for Communication resigns
21 March 2018, 12:40

Monsignor Dario Edoardo Vigano  (Vatican Media)
Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Monsignor Dario Edoardo Viganò, Prefect of the Vatican’s Secretariat for Communication.

Pope Francis on Wednesday accepted the resignation of Mons. Dario E. Viganò, the man he had chosen to spearhead the Vatican media reform.

In a letter published by the Holy See Press Office, the Pope said that after having reflected carefully on Monsignor’s Viganò’s request to step down from his position as Prefect of the Secretariat for Communication, he accepts his resignation “not without some effort”.

In the letter the Pope nominates Viganò "Assessor" for the Dicastery of Communication asking him to stay on within the Secretariat so as to be able to continue to give his “human and professional contribution” to the new Prefect and to the media reform.
 
https://cnstopstories.com/2018/03/21/pope-accepts-resignation-of-communications-prefect/
Pope accepts resignation of communications prefect
Posted on March 21, 2018

http://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/8765/so-just-how-did-an-attempt-to-show-continuity-between-benedict-and-his-successor-go-so-wrong-
21 March 2018 | by Christopher Lamb in Rome ,  Christa Pongratz-Lippitt   
So just how did an attempt to show continuity between Benedict and his successor go so wrong?

https://onepeterfive.com/monsignor-vigano-prefect-of-the-vatican-secretariat-for-communications-has-resigned/
Monsignor Viganò, Prefect of the Vatican Secretariat for Communications, Has Resigned
Steve Skojec    March 21, 2018

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http://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-03/vatican-releases-pope-francis--scheudle-for-holy-week.html

Vatican releases Pope Francis' schedule for Holy Week
21 March 2018, 15:04

Looking ahead to Holy Week
Vatican News will be broadcasting the papal liturgies throughout Holy Week, with live English commentary.
By Christopher Wells

The Vatican is preparing for Holy Week with a full schedule of celebrations scheduled for the holiest portion of the Church year.

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord
 
Holy Week 2018 begins on Palm Sunday, March 25th, with the celebration of the thirty-third World Youth Day, celebrated at the diocesan level. The Church’s yearly celebration of young people alternates between international celebrations, held every two-three years, and diocesan events.

This year’s World Youth Day has the theme, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God.” Those are the words of the Archangel Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin at the Annunciation, as related in the Gospel of St Luke.

For the diocese of Rome, the celebration will take place in St Peter’s Square, with Pope Francis presiding at the Blessing of Palms and the Procession for Palm Sunday, followed by the Mass of the Passion of the Lord.
 

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http://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope-francis/mass-casa-santa-marta/2018-03/pope-santa-marta-god-loves-us-like-mother-father.html

Pope at Santa Marta: ‘God’s love is like that of a mother and father’
22 March 2018, 15:56

Pope Francis celebrates Mass at Casa Santa Marta
Speaking during the homily at morning Mass at the Casa Santa Marta Pope Francis reflected on the love the Lord has for each of us.
By Linda Bordoni

Addressing the faithful present for morning Mass on Thursday, Pope Francis said that to seek the Sacrament of Penance is not like going to the Laundromat to wash away the dirt, it is to receive God’s loving embrace.

As we approach Holy Week, the Pope reiterated that the Lord is ever faithful and that he never forgets us, and this, he said, gives us reason to rejoice and to hope.

Referring to the first liturgical reading of the day from the Book of Genesis, he recalled God’s promise to maintain his covenant with Abraham, a covenant, the Pope said, He will remember forever.
 

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https://zenit.org/articles/father-cantalamessa-put-on-the-armor-of-light/

Father Cantalamessa: ‘Put on the Armor of Light’ 
‘Purity and love of neighbor represent dominion over self and the gift of self to others.’
March 23, 2018

© Vatican Media
Here is the fifth Lenten homily given this year by the preacher of the Pontifical Household, Capuchin Father Raniero Cantalamessa.
***
Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, ofmcap.
Fifth Lent Sermon 2018
“PUT ON THE ARMOR OF LIGHT”
Christian Purity

In our commentary on the exhortations in the Letter to the Romans, we have now come to the passage that says,

The night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires (Rom 13:12-14).
 

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http://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2018-03/south-sudan-pope-francis-sant-egidio.html#.WrUfrCt3mic.twitter

Pope Francis expresses closeness to South Sudan ecumenical delegation
23 March 2018, 16:01

Pope Francis meets delegation of the Council of Churches of South Sudan in the Vatican  (ANSA)
Pope Francis on Friday received Church representatives from South Sudan who updated him on the situation in the war-torn nation.
By Linda Bordoni

A delegation of the ecumenical Sudan Council of Churches met with Pope Francis in the Vatican before speaking to the press at the headquarters of the Rome-based Sant’Egidio Community which is engaged in peace negotiations in the country.

Archbishop John Baptist Odama of Gulu in Uganda, who has been involved in mediating between South Sudan’s warring parties, told Vatican News that Pope Francis was very happy to meet with the ecumenical delegation:

“Working together as Christians is more important than stressing our differences” he said.
 

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http://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2018-03/pope-highlights-moral-values-taught-by-the-gospel.html#.WrY9MlTVVa0.twitter

Pope highlights moral values taught by the Gospel
24 March 2018, 11:48

Pope Francis   (ANSA)
Pope Francis on Saturday greeted representatives from Trentino in Northern Italy who for twenty years have collaborated generously with the Holy See, especially with the Governorate of Vatican City State, in various activities and initiatives.

In his words to those gathered the Pope said that the audience offered him the opportunity to express appreciation for their commitment to concretely supporting various projects, aimed especially at welcoming pilgrims and visitors here at the Vatican.

Traditional Values

With your contribution, he continued, “you express the traditional values ​​of faith, hard work and solidarity so rooted in your land. There is a great need in our days for people who know how to make a courageous testimony of the moral values ​​taught by the Gospel.”