Pope Francis: The blood of murdered Copts a "witness that cries out" 55 307 Print 2015-02-16 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Monday denounced the murder of 21 Coptic Christians by ISIL militants in Libya. The Islamist terrorist organization released a video of the killings on Sunday. Speaking in Spanish to an ecumenical delegation from the Church of Scotland, the Holy Father noted those killed only said “Jesus help me.” “They were murdered just for the fact they were Christians,” Pope Francis said. “The blood of our Christian brothers is a witness that cries out,” said the Pope. “If they are Catholic, Orthodox, Copts, Lutherans, it is not important: They are Christians. The blood is the same: It is the blood which confesses Christ.'' Pope Francis said that in remembering “these brothers who have been killed simply for confessing Christ,” Christians should encourage one another in the ecumenical goal, noting the “ecumenism of blood.” “The martyrs are from all the Christians,” he said. (from Vatican Radio) http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-the-blood-of-murdered-copts-a-witness
Pope on Coptic Christians executed by ISIS: They only said, “Jesus, help me” 2015-02-16 Pope Francis reflected on the execution of 21 Coptic Christians in Libya by Islamic State terrorists. POPE FRANCIS "Their only words were: "Jesus, help me!" They were killed simply for the fact that they were Christians.” Pope Francis spoke about the victims during a meeting with a delegation from the Reformed Church of Scotland. POPE FRANCIS "In our globalized and often confused world, a common Christian witness is a necessary requisite for the effectiveness of our efforts to evangelize.” The Pope told the group he was deeply saddened by the news. The Reformed Church of Scotland's leader, Rev. John Chalmers, was present. POPE FRANCIS "The blood of our Christian brothers and sisters is a testimony which cries out to be heard. It makes no difference whether they be Catholics, Orthodox, Copts or Protestants. They are Christians! Their blood is one and the same. I ask that we encourage each another to go forward with this ecumenism which is giving us strength, the ecumenism of blood. The martyrs belong to all Christians.” During the ecumenical meeting, Pope Francis asked that all Christians unite so that the light of Christ can reach wherever there is only darkness. http://www.romereports.com/pg160382...ted-by-isis-they-only-said-oejesus-help-me-en
Pope prays for Coptic Christians murdered by ISIS. Laments violence and arms trafficking 2015-02-17 In his Tuesday morning Mass, the Pope prayed for the 21 Coptic Christians who were killed by Islamic terrorists in Libya. In his homily, he spoke out against the violent tendencies people show. Everything from war to arms trafficking. POPE FRANCIS "Why are we like this? Why do we have this tendency to destroy? This is the problem. We see it in war and arms trafficking. We are entrepreneurs yes! But of what? Of death! Then we see how nations sell weapons to this country that's at war with this other country, and then it starts selling it to the other country so that the war can continue.” The Pope then added that all people can do good or evil. It just depends on which side one chooses to enrich. Through prayer, the Holy Spirit, he said, helps Christians choose the right path. SUMMARY OF POPE'S HOMILY: "This is the truth. We are also capable of destroying fraternity: Cain and Abel in the first pages of the Bible. They destroy fraternity. This is where wars begin. Jealousy, envy, so much greed for power, to have more power. Yes, this sounds negative, but it is realistic. You only have to pick up a newspaper, any newspaper – left-wing, center, right-ring ... whatever. And you will see that more than 90% of the news is news of destruction. More than 90%. We see this every day". "Why are we like this? Because we are capable of destruction, that’s the problem. There are wars, arms trafficking ... 'But, we are businessmen!' Yes, but of what? Of death? And there are countries that sell weapons, are at war with one side but also selling weapons to them, so that the war continues. A capacity for destruction. It’s not coming from our neighbors: it’s coming from us! ‘Every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually’. Everyone has this seed within, this possibility, but we also have the Holy Spirit who saves us! We must choose, in the little things". "And we have the strength, Jesus reminds us. Remember. He says to us today: 'Remember. Remember Me, I shed my blood for you; remember Me, I have saved you, I have saved you all; Remember Me, I have the strength to accompany you on the journey of life, not on the path of evil, but on the path of goodness, of doing good to others; not the path of destruction, but the path that builds: builds a family, builds a city, builds a culture, builds a home and much, much more". http://www.romereports.com/pg160387...isis-laments-violence-and-arms-trafficking-en
Pope at Santa Marta: Slain because they were Christian 53 170 Print 2015-02-17 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis offered Mass Tuesday morning for the repose of the souls of the twenty-one Coptic Christians martyred for their faith in Christ. The Mass was attended by the Pope’s personal secretary, Abuna Yoannis Lahzi Gaid, who is Coptic Catholic. Listen: As he prepared to begin Mass in the Santa Marta Chapel, the Pope invited the congregation to join him in prayer for ‘our brother Copts, whose throats were slit for the sole reason of being Christian, that the Lord welcome them as martyrs, for their families, for my brother Tawadros, who is suffering greatly’. He then prayed: “Be my protector, O God, a mighty stronghold to save me. For you are my rock, my stronghold! Lead me; guide me, for the sake of your name”. Monday evening the Pope had made a personal phone call to Patriarch Tawadros, who is the Coptic Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria, to express his sorrow at the brutal murder. During his homily the Pope spoke of man’s capability for evil and destruction and condemned what he termed ‘merchants of death’, business people who sell arms to those at war, furthering a cycle of hate, fratricide and violence. Pope Francis was reflecting on the passage from Genesis that speaks of God’s wrath at man’s wickedness that is a prelude to the great flood. The Pope noted with regret that man, "seems to be more powerful than God", because he is capable of destroying the good things that God has made. Man is capable of destroying fraternity Pope Francis pointed out that in the first chapters of the Bible we find many examples - Sodom and Gomorrah, the Tower of Babel - in which man reveals his wickedness. "An evil that lurks in the depths of the heart”. The Pope noted some people would urge him not to be so negative, but – he continued – “this is the truth. We are also capable of destroying fraternity: Cain and Abel in the first pages of the Bible. They destroy fraternity. This is where wars begin. Jealousy, envy, so much greed for power, to have more power. Yes, this sounds negative, but it is realistic. You only have to pick up a newspaper, any newspaper – left-wing, center, right-ring ... whatever. And you will see that more than 90% of the news is news of destruction. More than 90%. We see this every day". Pope Francis then asked the question: "What is happening in man’s heart?". He said Jesus reminds us that "from within, out of the heart of man, comes evil." Our "weak heart is wounded”. Merchants of death sell arms to those who are at war Pope Francis observed that man always "desires autonomy": "I do what I want and if I want to do something, I will! So, if I want to make war, I will! "Why are we like this? Because we are capable of destruction, that’s the problem. There are wars, arms trafficking ... 'But, we are businessmen!' Yes, but of what? Of death? And there are countries that sell weapons, are at war with one side but also selling weapons to them, so that the war continues. A capacity for destruction. It’s not coming from our neighbors: it’s coming from us! ‘Every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually’. Everyone has this seed within, this possibility, but we also have the Holy Spirit who saves us! We must choose, in the little things". Pope Francis went on to warn against using gossip or slander against our neighbor: "Even in parishes and associations", "jealousy" and "envy" can push people to go to their pastor to speak ill of others. He warned: "This is evil and we all have this ability to destroy". As Lent begins, the Church “invites us to reflect on this”. Pointing to today's Gospel where Jesus rebukes the disciples who are arguing among themselves about having forgotten to bring bread. The Lord tells them to “watch out, guard against the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod". He gives the example of two people: Herod who "is bad, a murderer, and the Pharisees who are hypocrites." In doing so, Jesus reminds them of when he broke the five loaves and urges them to think of the Salvation, of what God has done for all of us. Pope Francis went on to note that "they did not understand, because their hearts were hardened by this passion, by this evil need to argue among each other and see who was guilty of having forgotten the bread". Choosing to do good thanks to the strength Jesus gives us Pope Francis said we have to take the Lord’s message "seriously". “There is nothing strange in this, these are not the words of a Martian", "man is able to do so much good", he continued citing the example of Mother Teresa, "a woman of our time". All of us, he said, "are capable of doing good, but we are also all capable of destruction; destruction great and small and even within our own family. [We are capable of destroying] our children", not allowing them to grow "in freedom, not helping them to mature; cancelling out our children”. We are capable of this and this means that we need to constantly “meditate, pray, discuss things with each other, so as not to fall into this evil that destroys everything": "And we have the strength, Jesus reminds us. Remember. He says to us today: 'Remember. Remember Me, I shed my blood for you; remember Me, I have saved you, I have saved you all; Remember Me, I have the strength to accompany you on the journey of life, not on the path of evil, but on the path of goodness, of doing good to others; not the path of destruction, but the path that builds: builds a family, builds a city, builds a culture, builds a home and much, much more". During Lent, we pray not to be misled by temptations The Pope concluded: "We ask the Lord, today, before the beginning of Lent for this grace: to always choose the right path with his help and not be misled by temptations down the wrong path." (from Vatican Radio) http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-at-santa-marta-slain-because-they-were-christ
Papa Francis is a Holy man...not afraid to tell the truth. He is basically stating the world is turning evil. Lord help us, I think the messenger has come May Gods Will be Done Read below...thank you Glen for posting. Pope Francis pointed out that in the first chapters of the Bible we find many examples - Sodom and Gomorrah, the Tower of Babel - in which man reveals his wickedness. "An evil that lurks in the depths of the heart”. The Pope noted some people would urge him not to be so negative, but – he continued – “this is the truth. We are also capable of destroying fraternity: Cain and Abel in the first pages of the Bible. They destroy fraternity. This is where wars begin. Jealousy, envy, so much greed for power, to have more power. Yes, this sounds negative, but it is realistic. You only have to pick up a newspaper, any newspaper – left-wing, center, right-ring ... whatever. And you will see that more than 90% of the news is news of destruction. More than 90%. We see this every day". Pope Francis then asked the question: "What is happening in man’s heart?". He said Jesus reminds us that "from within, out of the heart of man, comes evil." Our "weak heart is wounded”.
"A prominent American Catholic gay rights group was given VIP treatment for the first time at an audience with Pope Francis on Wednesday, a move members saw as a sign of change in the Roman Catholic Church." ... as we have seen in the USA, "normalizing" perversion and abortion is leading to the libeling, mocking and PERSECUTION of Christians ... Same-Same for Europe ........ I'm still praying that Pope Francis is just doing a Jedi Mind Trick on satan's operatives! "Gay Catholic Group Gets VIP Treatment at Vatican for First Time" http://www.Newsmax.com/Newsfront/gay-catholic-group-vatican/2015/02/18/id/625417/ GOD SAVE ALL HERE!
"Is the Left’s Honeymoon with Pope Francis Finally Over?" http://www.crisismagazine.com/2015/gay-marriage-honeymoon-pope-francis
Pope Francis: Those who win everything can still be failures 2015-02-19 In his Thursday morning mass, Pope Francis warned against letting the pursuit of success overtake everything else in life. He said that when Christians live only for themselves, their lives can easily become failures. POPE FRANCIS "A person can win everything, but in the end become a failure. You might say, 'But no, they built him a monument, they painted his portrait …' Perhaps, but he failed beacuse he didn't choose right from wrong.” He said people must consider God and others when making decisions. The Pope recommended people slow down, reflect and remember that God is not an enemy but someone trying to help. EXTRACTS FROM THE HOMILY OF POPE (Source: Vatican Radio) "The choice is between God and other gods who do not have the power to give us anything other than trivial, pithy little things that pass. It is not easy to choose, we always have this habit of following the herd, like everyone else. Everyone and no one. Today the Church tells us: 'But, stop! Stop and choose.' This is good advice. It would do us all good to stop and think a little during the day: What is my lifestyle like? Which path am I on?" "The search for personal success, for possessions, without a thought for the Lord, for one’s family is always the wrong path to choose. There are two questions we must ponder: How is my relationship with God and how is my relationship with my family? A person can earn everything, but in the end become a failure. He failed. That life is a failure. 'But no, they built him a monument, they painted his portrait ... ". But you failed: you did not choose well between life and death." "'Blessed are they who hope in the Lord'. When the Lord gives us this advice - 'Stop! Choose today, choose '- He doesn’t abandon us. He is with us and wants to help us. But we have to trust Him; we have to have faith in Him. 'Blessed are they who hope in the Lord'. Today, when we stop to think about these things and make decisions, choose something, we know that the Lord is with us, beside us, helping us. He never abandons us to ourselves, never. He is always with us. Even in the moment of choosing, He is with us." http://www.romereports.com/pg160418-pope-francis-those-who-win-everything-can-still-be-failures-en
Pope Francis: Never use God as a cover for injustice 0 0 Print 2015-02-20 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Saying we must never use God as a cover for injustice, Pope Francis warned on Friday (February 20th) against those who follow all the outward signs of piety but then exploit or mistreat their employees. The Pope’s words came during his homily at his morning Mass celebrated in the Santa Marta residence. Pope Francis used his homily to reflect on how Christians, especially during Lent, should not confine themselves to outside signs of piety like fasting and charity and instead must reach out to those in need. He said Jesus wants from us a fasting that breaks the evil chains, frees those who are oppressed, clothes those who are naked and carries out justice. This, he explained, is a true fasting, a fasting which is not a just an outward appearance or observance but a fasting which comes from the heart. Love of God and neighbour are one and the same “And in the tablets of the law, there’s the law towards God and the law towards our neighbour and both of these go together. I can’t say: ‘But no, I follow the three commandments first and the others more or less.’ No, if you don’t follow one, you can’t follow the other and if you follow one you must follow the other. They are united: Love of God and love of our neighbour is one and the same thing and if you want to show genuine and not just formal penance, you must show it before God and also towards your brothers and towards your neighbour.” Grave sin to use God as a cover for injustice Pope Francis highlighted the example of somebody who goes to Mass every Sunday and receives communion but then asked: does that person pay his or her employees in cash under the table, maybe a salary below the going rate and without making the necessary social security contributions? “So many men and women of faith, have faith but then divide the tablets of the laws. ‘Yes, I do this’ – ‘But do you practice charity?’ – Yes of course, I always send a cheque to the Church’ – ‘Ok, that’s good. But at your home, within your own Church, are you generous and are you fair with those who are your dependents - be they your children, your grandparents, your employees?’ You cannot make offerings to the Church on the shoulders of the injustice that you practice towards your dependents. This is a very serious sin: using God as a cover for injustice.” At Lent make room in our hearts for those who have erred The pope went on to explain how during Lent Christians should be reaching out to those who are less fortunate, be they children, old people without private health insurance who may have to wait eight hours to be seen by a doctor and those who have erred and who are now in prison. “No, with those types of people I don’t (associate) ….’ He’s in prison: if you’re not in prison it’s because our Lord has helped you not to sin. Do you have room in your heart for prisoners in jail? Do you pray for them so that the Lord can help them to change their life?’ May the Lord accompany us on our Lenten journey so that our external observance becomes a profound renewal of the Spirit. That’s what we prayed for. That the Lord may give us this grace.” http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-never-use-god-as-a-cover-for-injustic
Pope meets with Bishops from Ukraine and calls for war truce to be respected 2015-02-20 The Bishops of Ukraine visited the Pope to discuss how the war is affecting Ukrainians and the Church. Before, the Pope met with Bishops from the Greek Catholic Church, along with their Major Archbishop, Sviatoslav Shevshuk. "Ukrainian colors are beautiful. And the jewelry. Everything, everything ... " The Pope then held a closed door meeting with Bishops from the Latin Church. "I am greatly saddened by the war." They prayed together and, as usual, the Pope gave them a written document describing his thoughts on the situation. He told the Bishops that he has been praying for peace and for the victims of the conflict. He also called on all parties to respect the recent truce. As the meeting continued, the Pope said that he knows about "the historical events that have marked your land.” He told them politics should not be their main focus, adding that there are 'socio-cultural realities and human tragedies that await your direct and positive contribution.' He reminded the Bishops that as citizens with full rights, they have the right to take part in shaping the future of their country. However, he added that Bishops should not "promote concrete political action, but instead should reaffirm the values that unite Ukrainian society.” Later in the meeting, the Pope said he regrets that "a small group of people has been enriched at the expense of the majority of citizens," which have also "contaminated" public institutions. Since the crisis erupted, the Pope has made consistent appeals for peace in Ukraine. But to avoid depicting the war as between "Russian Orthodox" and "Catholics," he always adds that he regrets the violence taking place on both sides. http://www.romereports.com/pg160449...ne-and-calls-for-war-truce-to-be-respected-en
Pope: Don't be a two faced Christian. If you pay your employees unjustly, don't donate money 2015-02-20 In his Friday morning Mass, the Pope reflected on living the Christian faith coherently in public and private. He said that sometimes, Christians separate faith from justice. He set the example of a Christian who may donate money to the Church, but then pays his employees poorly. POPE FRANCIS "But at home, within your own Church, are you generous and are you fair with those who depend on you? Be they your children, your grandparents or your employees? You cannot give a donation to the Church that comes from the shoulders of an injustice you practice against those who depend on you. This is a very serious sin. Using God as a shield to cover an injustice.” Pope Francis called on Christians to help those in needy, especially during Lent. SUMMARY OF POPE'S HOMILY: (Source: Vatican Radio) "Pope Francis used his homily to reflect on how Christians, especially during Lent, should not confine themselves to outside signs of piety like fasting and charity and instead must reach out to those in need. He said Jesus wants from us a fasting that breaks the evil chains, frees those who are oppressed, clothes those who are naked and carries out justice. This, he explained, is a true fasting, a fasting which is not a just an outward appearance or observance but a fasting which comes from the heart. Love of God and neighbour are one and the same "And in the tablets of the law, there’s the law towards God and the law towards our neighbour and both of these go together. I can’t say: ‘But no, I follow the three commandments first and the others more or less.’ No, if you don’t follow one, you can’t follow the other and if you follow one you must follow the other. They are united: Love of God and love of our neighbour is one and the same thing and if you want to show genuine and not just formal penance, you must show it before God and also towards your brothers and towards your neighbour.” Grave sin to use God as a cover for injustice Pope Francis highlighted the example of somebody who goes to Mass every Sunday and receives communion but then asked: does that person pay his or her employees in cash under the table, maybe a salary below the going rate and without making the necessary social security contributions? "So many men and women of faith, have faith but then divide the tablets of the laws. ‘Yes, I do this’ – ‘But do you practice charity?’ – Yes of course, I always send a cheque to the Church’ – ‘Ok, that’s good. But at your home, within your own Church, are you generous and are you fair with those who are your dependents - be they your children, your grandparents, your employees?’ You cannot make offerings to the Church on the shoulders of the injustice that you practice towards your dependents. This is a very serious sin: using God as a cover for injustice.” http://www.romereports.com/pg160443...our-employees-unjustly-don-t-donate-money--en
Pope: Pray that the Roman Curia and I can overcome temptations 2015-02-23 During his weekly Angelus prayer, Pope Francis discussed the Gospel passage about how Jesus was tempted in the desert. POPE FRANCIS "The desert is the place where the voice of God and the voice of the tempter can be heard. In the noise, in the confusion, this cannot be done.” The Church remembers this passage on the first Sunday of Lent. The Pope explained that the Lenten season is about listening, so he recommended reading the Gospel. He also asked the pilgrims to pray for him and members of the Roman Curia. They began several days of spiritual exercises after the Angelus prayer. Pope Francis will return to Rome on Friday the 27th. POPE FRANCIS "I ask that you pray for us, that in the "desert” of the Spiritual Exercises, we may listen to the voice of Jesus, and also correct the many defects that we have. And to also confront the temptations that attack us every day.” At the end of the Angelus, some of the local homeless people distributed a book called "Keeping Your Heart" to the pilgrims. It was a gift from Pope Francis. He recommended reading it because it contains basic teachings about Christianity that will help with "spiritual growth.” http://www.romereports.com/pg160453-pope-pray-that-the-roman-curia-and-i-can-overcome-temptations-en
Pope at Angelus: Lent is a time of battle against evil 78 1422 Print 2015-02-22 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis said Lent is a time where we struggle against the temptations of Satan and worldliness. His words came at his Sunday Angelus address at the end of which he announced the distribution of 50,000 free copies of a pocket-sized booklet called “Safeguard your Heart” containing reflections on Jesus’ teachings. Many of those distributing the booklets to the pilgrims present in St Peter’s Square were homeless people. Listen to this report by Susy Hodges: In his Angelus address the Pope recalled how Jesus went into the solitude of the wilderness for 40 days where he successfully overcame temptations in “a hand-to-hand combat” with Satan. And through his victory over Satan, he said, “we have all triumphed but we need to protect this victory in our daily lives.” He went on to explain how in the wilderness we can listen to God’s voice and that of the tempter. And we listen to God’s voice through his words and that why it’s important to read the Holy Scriptures because otherwise we’re unable to resist the lure of the evil one. The Pope said it was for this reason that he wanted to renew his advice to the faithful to read the Gospel every day and reflect on its meaning, even for just 10 minutes and carry around a copy in one’s pocket or bag every day. The Lenten wilderness, he continued, “helps us to say ‘no’ to worldliness, to “idols”, it helps us to make courageous choices in line with the Gospel and to strengthen our solidarity with our brothers and sisters.” He concluded by reminding those present that he and other members of the Roman Curia would be beginning their spiritual retreat later on Sunday. Pray for us, he urged, so that in this “wilderness” of the spiritual exercises "we can hear Jesus’ voice and also correct the many defects that we all have and thereby overcome the temptations that attack us every day.” In his address following the recitation of the Angelus, Pope Francis announced a personal initiative of his which was the distribution of 50,000 free copies of a small booklet to those present in St Peter’s Square. Holding up the pocket-sized booklet which is entitled “Safeguard your Heart,” the Pope explained that it contains several key “teachings of Jesus and the essential tenets of our faith.” These included, he said, "the seven sacraments, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the 10 commandments, the virtues and works of charity." Pope Francis said a group of volunteers, including many homeless people, were distributing it to the pilgrims present in St. Peter’s Square. He urged everybody to take a copy of the booklet and carry it around with them to help in their conversion and spiritual growth which always comes from the heart. It’s there, he stressed, that we play out the daily choice “between good and evil, between worldliness and the Gospel, between indifference and sharing.” “Humanity needs justice, peace and love and we can have this only by returning with our hearts towards God who is the source of all this.” (from Vatican Radio) http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-at-angelus-lent-is-a-time-of-battle-against-e
Pope Francis declares Armenian saint Doctor of the Church 52 136 Print 2015-02-23 Vatican Radio (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has declared Armenian poet and monk, Saint Gregory of Narek, a Doctor of the Universal Church. Meeting with Cardinal Angelo Amato, Prefect of the Congregation for the Cause of Saints on Saturday ahead of his departure for Aricca on Lenten retreat, the Pope confirmed the proposal put forward by the Plenary Session of the Congregation to confer the title of Doctor of the Universal Church on the 10th century saint. St. Gregory of Narek is widely revered as one of the greatest figures of medieval Armenian religious thought and literature. Born in the city of Narek in about 950 A.D., St. Gregory came from a line of scholars and churchmen. St. Gregory received his education under the guidance of his father, Bishop Khosrov, author of the earliest commentary on the Divine Liturgy, and from Anania Vartabed, abbess of Narek Monastery. He and his two brothers entered monastic life at an early age, and St. Gregory soon began to excel in music, astronomy, geometry, mathematics, literature, and theology. He became a priest at the age of 25 and dedicated himself to God. He lived most of his life in the monastery of Narek, where he taught at the monastic school. St. Gregory began his writings with a commentary on the “Song of Songs,” which was commissioned by an Armenian prince. Despite his reservations that he was too young for the task, the commentary became famous for its clarity of thought and language and its excellence of theological presentation. He also wrote a number of famous letters, sharagans, treasures, odes, melodies, and discourses. Many of his prayers are included in the Divine Liturgy celebrated each Sunday in Armenian Churches around the world. St. Gregory’s masterpiece is considered to be his Book of Lamentations. Also known as Narek, it is comprised of 95 prayers, each of which is titled “Conversation with God from the depth of the heart.” A central theme is man’s separation from God, and his quest to reunite with Him. St. Gregory described the work this way: “Its letters like my body, its message like my soul.” He called his book an “encyclopedia of prayer for all nations.” It was his hope that it would serve as a guide to prayer for people all over the world. After the advent of movable type, the book was published in Marseille in 1673, and has been translated into at least 30 languages. St. Gregory of Narek is remembered by the Armenian Church in October of each year. (from Vatican Radio) http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-francis-declares-armenian-saint-doctor-of-the
Spiritual Exercises for the Roman Curia begin in Ariccia The geography of Elijah 33 403 Print 2015-02-23 L’Osservatore Romano On Sunday, 22 February, Pope Francis went to to Ariccia to participate in spiritual exercises for Lent at the House of the Divin Maestro of the Pauline Fathers. During the week, the Preacher, Carmelite Fr Bruno Secondin, will present a pastoral reading of the Prophet Elijah's theme of “Servants and Prophets of the Living God”. Aboard one of the two buses which left the Vatican for Ariccia, the Pope arrived at the Residence at 4:40 pm. He was welcomed by Archbishop Angelo Becciu, Substitute of the Secretary of State; Fr Leonardo Sapienza, Regent of the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household; Fr Valdir José De Castro, Superior General of the Society of St Paul, along with the religious community of Ariccia. Then at 6 pm Francis participated in Eucharistic Adoration and the celebration of Vespers, listening to the preacher's introduction in which he reflected on the invitation “leave your own ‘village’”. The next day, 23 February, they focused on Elijah's “school of mercy” and following his example of leading a “life on the periphery”, after a Eucharistic celebration on the theme: “Go East, hide yourself and return to your roots”. http://www.news.va/en/news/spiritual-exercises-for-the-roman-curia-begin-in-a
Pope Francis Accepts Invitation to Visit Ukraine http://www.news.lk/news/world/item/6335-pope-francis-accepts-invitation-to-visit-ukraine
The Pope authorized the burial of a homeless man in the Vatican Teutonic cemetery 2015-02-25 Willy Herteller died on December 12, 2014 at a hospital near the Vatican. He was buried at this cemetery within the Vatican on January 9th. Herteller was a homeless person well known around St. Peter's Square. The Pope personally allowed him he be buried at the Teutonic cemetery, which is located between St. Peter's Basilica and Paul VI Hall. It's a centuries-old graveyard, and Herteller will rest among princes and knights. He is the first homeless person buried there. Herteller was a friend of Archbishop Americo Ciani. And so Ciani asked the Pope if his friend could be buried in that cemetery. After Pope Francis consented, the archbishop chaired the funeral. Willy Herteller was 80 and survived off charity in St. Peter's Square. http://www.romereports.com/pg160482...eless-man-in-the-vatican-teutonic-cemetery-en
Is there an agenda at work behind Pope Francis’ back? Posted on 23 February 2015 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf Monday Vatican is out. First paragraph… Pope Francis: An Agenda Behind his Back? Is there an agenda at work behind Pope Francis’ back? As he carries out his plan of renewal for the Church, one that is based on the purification of hearts, on pastoral efforts and on evangelization through attraction, many individuals are trying to exploit his spontaneity, and also his naivete, in order to advance their personal, political agenda for the Church. How much the Pope has understood the cross-interests at work behind his back is yet to be determined. Certainly, the way his words have so often been taken out of context and misinterpreted may have alerted him to some degree that this is going on. […] Read the rest there! Sample… It’s as if the Church of 1968 has broken out again.
