Pope: Every night, make an examination of conscience. Read the Gospel http://www.romereports.com/pg157910...examination-of-conscience-read-the-gospel--en
Pope Francis encourages Knights of Columbus to defend religious freedom http://www.romereports.com/pg157922...ts-of-columbus-to-defend-religious-freedom-en
Pope's trip to Korea focuses on 3 points: Youth, Martyrs and Peace http://www.romereports.com/pg157923...ocuses-on-3-points-youth-martyrs-and-peace-en
Pope calls on international community to help persecuted Christians in Iraq http://www.romereports.com/pg157927...nity-to-help-persecuted-christians-in-iraq-en
Pope sends plea for peace via Twitter 2014-08-09 Vatican Radio In a renewed plea for peace, Pope Francis sent the following message through his Twitter account today at 10:00 am: "I ask all Catholic parishes and communities to offer a special prayer this weekend for Iraqi Christians." #prayforpeace. The pope sent a series of three message yesterday to urge Catholic faithful to pray and work for peace, in particular during this difficult time in Iraq and the Middle East.
The Pope's General Audience is Back...and so are pilgrims http://www.romereports.com/pg157936-the-pope-s-general-audience-is-back-and-so-are-pilgrims-en
Pope to send envoy to Christians forced from their homes in Iraq By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Given the "grave situation in Iraq," Pope Francis has asked Cardinal Fernando Filoni to travel to the region to meet church and government officials, but especially to meet Christians chased from their homes by militants of the Islamic State. Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, said Aug. 8 the pope chose Cardinal Filoni, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, for the mission because of the experience he gained in the region as nuncio to Iraq in 2001-2006. The cardinal "was the only diplomat to remain in Iraq" when the U.S.-led coalition invaded in 2003, which demonstrates his "dedication and notable courage," Father Lombardi said. The same day, Pope Francis sent a request through his @Pontifex Twitter account: "I ask all men and women of good will to join me in praying for Iraqi Christians and all vulnerable populations." Announcing Pope Francis' decision to send Cardinal Filoni to the region, Father Lombardi said it was "too soon to say when he will leave and exactly where he will go," but the cardinal definitely will not be joining Pope Francis for his visit to South Korea Aug. 14-18. The cardinal, Father Lombardi said, "will try to meet the people most affected" by the early August advance of Islamic State fighters through the predominantly Christian villages of Ninevah province in northeast Iraq. The fighters reportedly forced tens of thousands of Christians from their homes overnight Aug. 6-7. Many of the displaced, along with many who were forced from Mosul in late July, have sought refuge in Iraqi Kurdistan, which is where Cardinal Filoni hopes to go, Father Lombardi said. In addition to his meetings, the spokesman said, Cardinal Filoni will take a financial donation from Pope Francis to help the displaced. The cardinal told Vatican Radio his assignment was "a gesture that shows the pope's concern for the situation of these Christians who are suffering." Cardinal Filoni said organizing the trip would take some work "because it is not easy to reach." He said he was not frightened of making the trip and was confident the logistics would come together so "I can see how I can be close to these people for a time." Reminded that Chaldean Patriarch Louis Sako of Baghdad had said Aug. 7 that the Christians were facing "a human catastrophe and risk a real genocide," Cardinal Filoni said, "Patriarch Sako is there and so he knows very well" what is happening. The pope has asked the nuncios to all the countries in the region to speak with their host governments about the plea for peace he made Aug. 7 and to ask local Catholics to pray for their neighbors, Father Lombardi said. In the appeal, the pope asked "the international community to take initiatives to put an end to the humanitarian drama underway, to take steps to protect those involved and threatened by violence and to ensure the necessary aid for so many displaced people whose fate depends on the solidarity of others." Pope Francis also is organizing a meeting at the Vatican of the nuncios to all the countries in the Middle East, Father Lombardi said. The meeting probably will take place in early September, "because right now it is more urgent that Cardinal Filoni go."
Pope Francis: Angelus appeal for peace in Iraq, Gaza 2014-08-10 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis renewed his call for prayer and concrete assistance for the suffering populations of Iraq this Sunday. Addressing the crowd gathered in St Peter’s Square for the traditional Angelus prayer, the Holy Father also offered prayerful appeals for an end to the fighting between Israeli forces and Hamas militants in Gaza, and for the victims of the Ebola outbreak and for all those fighting to stop it. Let us pray together to the God of peace,” said Pope Francis, “through the intercession of the Virgin Mary: Give us peace, O Lord, in our days, and make us builders of justice and peace.” Vatican Radio’s English translation of the full text of Pope Francis’ remarks is available below: *********************************** Dear brothers and sisters, The news reports coming from Iraq leave us in dismay and disbelief: thousands of people, including many Christians, driven from their homes in a brutal manner; children dying of thirst and hunger in their flight; women taken and carried off; people massacred; violence every kind; destruction of historical, cultural and religious patrimonies. All this gravely offends God and humanity. Hatred is not to be carried in the name of God! War is not to be waged in the name of God! I thank those who, with courage, are bringing succour to these brothers and sisters, and I am confident that an effective political solution on both the international and the local levels may be found to stop these crimes and re-establish the [rule of] law. In order better to ensure those dear suffering populations of my closeness to them, I have named [Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples] Cardinal Fernando Filoni as my Personal Envoy in Iraq, who shall depart from Rome tomorrow [Monday]. In Gaza, also: after a truce, war has once again resumed – a war that cuts down innocent victims and does nothing but worsen the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. Let us pray together the God of peace, through the intercession of the Virgin Mary: Grant us peace, O Lord, in our days, and render us artificers justice and peace. We also pray for the victims of the Ebola virus and for those who are fighting to stop it. I greet everyone present, Romans and pilgrims, in particular the youth of Verona, Cazzago San Martino, and Sarmeola Mestrino, and the Girl Scouts of Treviso. From next Wednesday 13 August, through Monday 18, I will be making an apostolic journey to Korea: please, accompany me with prayer! Thank you. Have a good Sunday and a good lunch. Arrivederci! (From archive of Vatican Radio)
Pope's Angelus address: “You cannot hate in the name of God” http://www.romereports.com/pg157948-pope-s-angelus-address-oeyou-cannot-hate-in-the-name-of-god-en
Pope uses Twitter to call attention to Iraqi Christians http://www.romereports.com/pg157954-pope-uses-twitter-to-call-attention-to-iraqi-christians-en
Pope to Asian Youth: You are bearers of hope and energy for the future http://www.romereports.com/pg157952...-bearers-of-hope-and-energy-for-the-future-en
Vatican calls on Muslim leaders to openly condemn attacks against minorities in Iraq 2014-08-12 http://www.romereports.com/pg157960...condemn-attacks-against-minorities-in-iraq-en
Pope sends video message to the people of Korea 2014-08-12 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has sent a video message to the people of Korea, broadcast on Korean television over the weekend and ahead of his Apostolic journey to Korea. Listen to Lydia O’Kane’s report In the message, the Holy Father begins by inviting the Korean people to pray with him that his upcoming visit will bear fruit for the Church and for Korean society in general. Quoting from the Book of Isaiah the words "Arise, shine!" the Pope asks the Korean faithful to receive the light of the Lord, a light, he says that reflects the faith, hope and love, of the Gospel. While in Korea, Pope Francis will be attending the Sixth Asian Youth Day and he stresses it is to the young people in particular that he brings the Lord’s call “Asian youth wake up! The glory of the martyrs shines on you”, which is also the theme of the event. The Holy Father goes on to say that, “young people are bearers of hope and energy for the future; but they are also the victims of the moral and spiritual crisis of our time. But, the Pope reminds them, that the only person who can save us all is Jesus, the Lord. Speaking about the Korean martyrs he will beatify on this his first Apostolic visit to Asia, the Pope says, "the light of the risen Christ shines like a mirror on the testimony of Paul Yun Ji-chung and 123 companions, all martyrs for the faith. Concluding his video message to the Korean people, Pope Francis underlines how faith in Christ has taken root deep in this land and borne abundant fruit. He also stresses that the elderly are the keepers of this legacy and without them young people are deprived of memories. The relationship between the elderly and young people, says Pope Francis is a guarantee of continuity among the people in a Church where we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-sends-video-message-to-the-people-of-korea
Pope sends letter to UN Secretary General, makes urgent appeal for assistance in Iraq http://www.romereports.com/pg157968...makes-urgent-appeal-for-assistance-in-iraq-en
Pope to Korean leaders: Honour our ancestors, treasure youth 2014-08-14 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) After his arrival in Seoul on Thursday morning, Pope Francis began his Apostolic Voyage to South Korea with private Mass at the Apostolic Nunciature in Seoul. Following Mass, the Holy Father proceeded to the Presidential Palace, known as the “Blue House,” where he was greeted by President Park Geun-hye. The two leaders met for a brief courtesy visit, which included an exchange of gifts. Pope Francis then met with civil authorities, including Korean political leaders, a representative of the Diplomatic Corps, and other leaders. “It is a great joy for me to come to Korea,” the Pope said, “the land of the morning calm, and to experience not only the natural beauty of this country, but above all the beauty of its people and its rich history and culture.” In his address, Pope Francis spoke of the two occasions that have brought him to South Korea: the Sixth Asian Youth Day, and the Beatification of 124 Korean martyrs. “These two celebrations complement one another,” the Holy Father said. “Korean culture understands well the inherent dignity and wisdom of our elders and honors their place in society. We Catholics honor our elders who were martyred for the faith because they were willing to give their lives for the truth which they had come to believe and by which they sought to live their lives.” But, the Pope continued, “A wise and great people do not only cherish their ancestral traditions; they also treasure their young, seeking to pass on the legacy of the past and to apply it to the challenges of the present. Whenever young people gather together, as on the present occasion, it is a precious opportunity for all of us to listen to their hopes and concerns.” With regard to the challenges and opportunities facing the world today, the Pope said “it is especially important for us to reflect on the need to give our young people the gift of peace” – an appeal that resonates strongly in Korea, “a land which has long suffered because of a lack of peace.” The quest for peace, he said, is especially incumbent on political leaders, who must recognize that “peace can be won through quiet listening and dialogue, rather than by mutual recriminations, fruitless criticisms, and displays of force.” Political leaders, he said, direct their efforts to the goal of building a better, more peaceful, just, and prosperous world for our children.” Pope Francis stressed the importance of letting “the voice of every member of society be heard” as Korea struggles to deal with the important issues of the day. And once again, he called for a “special concern” to be shown “for the poor, the vulnerable, and those who have no voice.” The Holy Father concluded his address by quoting Pope St John Paul II, the last Pope to visit Korea, who was convinced that “the future of Korea will depend on the presence among its people of many wise, virtuous and deeply spiritual men and women.” Making those words his own, Pope Francis assured Korea’s leaders “of the continued desire of Korea’s Catholic community to participate fully in the life of the nation.” Below, please find the full text of Pope Francis’ address to the civil authorities, which was delivered in English: Madam President, Honorable Government and Civil Authorities, Distinguished Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Dear Friends, It is a great joy for me to come to Korea, the land of the morning calm, and to experience not only the natural beauty of this country, but above all the beauty of its people and its rich history and culture. This national legacy has been tested through the years by violence, persecution and war. But despite these trials, the heat of the day and the dark of the night have always given way to the morning calm, that is, to an undiminished hope for justice, peace and unity. What a gift hope is! We cannot become discouraged in our pursuit of these goals which are for the good not only of the Korean people, but of the entire region and the whole world. I wish to thank President Park Geun-hye for her warm welcome. I greet her and the distinguished members of the government. I would like to acknowledge also the members of the diplomatic corps, the civil and military authorities, and all those present who by their many efforts have assisted in preparing for my visit. I am most grateful for your hospitality, which has immediately made me feel at home among you. My visit to Korea is occasioned by the Sixth Asian Youth Day, which brings together young Catholics from throughout this vast continent in a joyful celebration of their common faith. In the course of my visit I will also beatify a number of Koreans who died as martyrs for the Christian faith: Paul Yun Ji-chung and his 123 companions. These two celebrations complement one another. Korean culture understands well the inherent dignity and wisdom of our elders and honors their place in society. We Catholics honor our elders who were martyred for the faith because they were willing to give their lives for the truth which they had come to believe and by which they sought to live their lives. They teach us how to live fully for God and for the good of one another. A wise and great people do not only cherish their ancestral traditions; they also treasure their young, seeking to pass on the legacy of the past and to apply it to the challenges of the present. Whenever young people gather together, as on the present occasion, it is a precious opportunity for all of us to listen to their hopes and concerns. We are also challenged to reflect on how well we are transmitting our values to the next generation, and on the kind of world and society we are preparing to hand on to them. In this context, I think it is especially important for us to reflect on the need to give our young people the gift of peace. This appeal has all the more resonance here in Korea, a land which has long suffered because of a lack of peace. I can only express my appreciation for the efforts being made in favor of reconciliation and stability on the Korean peninsula, and to encourage those efforts, for they are the only sure path to lasting peace. Korea’s quest for peace is a cause close to our hearts, for it affects the stability of the entire area and indeed of our whole war-weary world. The quest for peace also represents a challenge for each of us, and in a particular way for those of you dedicated to the pursuit of the common good of the human family through the patient work of diplomacy. It is the perennial challenge of breaking down the walls of distrust and hatred by promoting a culture of reconciliation and solidarity. For diplomacy, as the art of the possible, is based on the firm and persevering conviction that peace can be won through quiet listening and dialogue, rather than by mutual recriminations, fruitless criticisms and displays of force. Peace is not simply the absence of war, but “the work of justice” (cf. Is 32:17). And justice, as a virtue, calls for the discipline of forbearance; it demands that we not forget past injustices but overcome them through forgiveness, tolerance and cooperation. It demands the willingness to discern and attain mutually beneficial goals, building foundations of mutual respect, understanding and reconciliation. May all of us dedicate these days to peace, to praying for it and deepening our resolve to achieve it. Dear friends, your efforts as political and civic leaders are directed to the goal of building a better, more peaceful, just and prosperous world for our children. Experience teaches us that in an increasingly globalized world, our understanding of the common good, of progress and development, must ultimately be in human and not merely economic terms. Like most of our developed nations, Korea struggles with important social issues, political divisions, economic inequities, and concerns about the responsible stewardship of the natural environment. How important it is that the voice of every member of society be heard, and that a spirit of open communication, dialogue and cooperation be fostered. It is likewise important that special concern be shown for the poor, the vulnerable and those who have no voice, not only by meeting their immediate needs but also by assisting them in their human and cultural advancement. It is my hope that Korean democracy will continue to be strengthened and that this nation will prove to be a leader also in the globalization of solidarity which is so necessary today: one which looks to the integral development of every member of our human family. In his second visit to Korea, twenty-five years ago, Saint John Paul II stated his conviction that “the future of Korea will depend on the presence among its people of many wise, virtuous and deeply spiritual men and women” (8 October 1989). In echoing his words today, I assure you of the continued desire of Korea’s Catholic community to participate fully in the life of the nation. The Church wishes to contribute to the education of the young, the growth of a spirit of solidarity with the poor and disadvantaged, and the formation of new generations of citizens ready to bring the wisdom and vision inherited from their forebears and born of their faith to the great political and social questions facing the nation. Madam President, Ladies and Gentlemen, I thank you once more for your welcome and hospitality. May God bless you and all the beloved Korean people. In a special way, may he bless the elderly and the young people, who, by preserving memory and inspiring courage, are our greatest treasure and our hope for the future. (From archive of Vatican Radio) Share NEWS.VA ARCHIVE SourceALL FIDES OSSERVATORE-ROMANO PRESS-OFFICE VATICAN-INFORMATION-SERVICE VATICAN-RADIO CTV VATICAN-VA
Pope prays with Asian youth for the unity of Korea http://www.romereports.com/pg157994-pope-prays-with-asian-youth-for-the-unity-of-korea-en
Pope Francis prays at the shrine where the first Korean priest was born 2014-08-15 http://www.romereports.com/pg157992...ine-where-the-first-korean-priest-was-born-en
Pope prays for victims of South Korea's deadly ferry accident 2014-08-15 http://www.romereports.com/pg157985...ms-of-south-korea-s-deadly-ferry-accident--en
Pope's first Mass in South Korea: Embrace hope, embrace life http://www.romereports.com/pg157989-pope-s-first-mass-in-south-korea-embrace-hope-embrace-life-en
Pope gets off popemobile, to greet families of ferry victims http://www.romereports.com/pg158001-pope-gets-off-popemobile-to-greet-families-of-ferry-victims--en
