SUMMARY:
-
POPE FRANCIS' ADDRESS TO THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS
-
THE POPE'S LETTER TO CARDINALS TO BE ELECTED ON 22 FEBRUARY
-
HOLY FATHER'S CALENDAR FOR JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2014
-
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE HOLY SEE AND CAMEROON
-
TO BE PART OF THE CHAIN OF FAITH IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL INHERITANCE A
CHILD CAN RECEIVE
-
ANGELUS: WE NEED A SUPPLEMENT OF CHARITY IN OUR TIME
-
THE POPE APPOINTS NINETEEN NEW CARDINALS
-
THE POPE'S CONCERN FOR THE PROBLEMS OF DISABILITY
-
THE POPE RECEIVES THE CATHOLIC COMMITTEE FOR CULTURAL COLLABORATION
WITH THE ORTHODOX AND ORIENTAL CHURCHES
-
AUDIENCES
-
OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS
______________________________________
POPE
FRANCIS' ADDRESS TO THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS
Vatican
City, 12 January 2014 (VIS) – This morning, in the Sala Regia of
the Vatican Apostolic Palace, Pope Francis gave his first annual
address to the members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy
See. The Pope thanked the dean of Ambassadors, Jean-Claude Michel of
the Principality of Monaco and recalled the late Alejandro Valladares
Lanza of Honduras, who passed away a few months ago and who was dean
of the Diplomatic Corps for many years.
The
Holy See currently maintains diplomatic relations with 180 countries,
along with the European Union and the Sovereign Military Order of
Malta, and a special mission to the State of Palestine.
With
regard to International Organisations, the Holy See is present in the
United Nations in the quality of an “observer state”, and is also
a member or observer of various organisations and agencies of the UN
system and in a number of regional organisations.
In
his address, Pope Francis first commented that the past year has been
especially rich in gratifying moments not only in the life of the
Church but also in terms of the relations the Holy See maintains with
States and international organisations, such as the establishment of
diplomatic relations with South Sudan, the signing of agreements,
both basic and specific, with Capo Verde, Hungary and Chad, and the
ratification of the agreement with Equatorial Guinea in 2012. He also
emphasised the increasing presence of the Holy See both in Central
America, where it has assumed the role of Extra-Regional Observer in
the Central American Integration System, and in Africa, with the
accreditation of the first Permanent Observer of the Economic
Community of West African States.
He
went on to outline some current world problems, focusing on the
family, conflicts in the Middle East, especially in Syria, Egypt and
Lebanon, and the life of Christians in this region. He also referred
to the dramatic situation in various countries in Africa, such as
Nigeria, the Central African Republic, Mali and South Sudan. He
reiterated the need to reconstruct a climate of reconciliation and
peace in various Asian nations such as Korea. Another central theme
was the situation of the many people forced to leave their countries
on account of famine, violence and abuse, especially in the Horn of
Africa and the Region of the Great Lakes, without forgetting those
who migrate from Latin America to the United States and those from
Africa and the Middle East who seek refuge in Europe. The so-called
throwaway culture, in which people as well as goods and food are
regarded as disposable, and concern for the environment were other
questions the Pope touched upon in his address, ample extracts of
which are offered below:
“In
my Message for the World Day of Peace, dedicated to fraternity as the
foundation and pathway to peace, I observed that 'fraternity is
generally first learned within the family…', for the family 'by its
vocation… is meant to spread its love to the world around it' and
to contribute to the growth of that spirit of service and sharing
which builds peace. This is the message of the Crib, where we see the
Holy Family, not alone and isolated from the world, but surrounded by
shepherds and the Magi, that is by an open community in which there
is room for everyone, poor and rich alike, those near and those afar.
In this way we can appreciate the insistence of my beloved
predecessor Benedict XVI that 'the language of the family is a
language of peace'.
“Sadly,
this is often not the case, as the number of broken and troubled
families is on the rise, not simply because of the weakening sense of
belonging so typical of today’s world, but also because of the
adverse conditions in which many families are forced to live, even to
the point where they lack basic means of subsistence. There is a need
for suitable policies aimed at supporting, assisting and
strengthening the family.
“It
also happens that the elderly are looked upon as a burden, while
young people lack clear prospects for their lives. Yet the elderly
and the young are the hope of humanity. The elderly bring with them
wisdom born of experience; the young open us to the future and
prevent us from becoming self-absorbed. It is prudent to keep the
elderly from being ostracised from the life of society, so as to
preserve the living memory of each people. It is likewise important
to invest in the young through suitable initiatives which can help
them to find employment and establish homes. We must not stifle their
enthusiasm! I vividly recall my experience at the Twenty-Eighth World
Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro. I met so many happy young people! What
great hope and expectation is present in their eyes and in their
prayers! What a great thirst for life and a desire for openness to
others! Being closed and isolated always makes for a stifling, heavy
atmosphere which sooner or later ends up creating sadness and
oppression. What is needed instead is a shared commitment to
favouring a culture of encounter, for only those able to reach out to
others are capable of bearing fruit, creating bonds of communion,
radiating joy and being peacemakers.
“The
scenes of destruction and death which we have witnessed in the past
year confirm all this – if ever we needed such confirmation. How
much pain and desperation are caused by self-centredness which
gradually takes the form of envy, selfishness, competition and the
thirst for power and money! At times it seems that these realities
are destined to have the upper hand. Christmas, on the other hand,
inspires in us Christians the certainty that the final, definitive
word belongs to the Prince of Peace, who changes 'swords into
plowshares and spears into pruning hooks', transforming selfishness
into self-giving and revenge into forgiveness.
“It
is with this confidence that I wish to look to the year ahead. I
continue to be hopeful that the conflict in Syria will finally come
to an end. Concern for that beloved people, and a desire to avert the
worsening of violence, moved me last September to call for a day of
fasting and prayer. Through you I heartily thank all those in your
countries – public authorities and people of good will – who
joined in this initiative. What is presently needed is a renewed
political will to end the conflict. In this regard, I express my hope
that the Geneva 2 Conference, to be held on 22 January, will mark the
beginning of the desired peace process. At the same time, full
respect for humanitarian law remains essential. It is unacceptable
that unarmed civilians, especially children, become targets. I also
encourage all parties to promote and ensure in every way possible the
provision of urgently-needed aid to much of the population, without
overlooking the praiseworthy effort of those countries – especially
Lebanon and Jordan – which have generously welcomed to their
territory numerous refugees from Syria.
“Remaining
in the Middle East, I note with concern the tensions affecting the
region in various ways. I am particularly concerned by the ongoing
political problems in Lebanon, where a climate of renewed cooperation
between the different components of civil society and the political
powers is essential for avoiding the further hostilities which would
undermine the stability of the country. I think too of Egypt, with
its need to regain social harmony, and Iraq, which struggles to
attain the peace and stability for which it hopes. At the same time,
I note with satisfaction the significant progress made in the
dialogue between Iran and the Group of 5+1 on the nuclear issue.
“Everywhere,
the way to resolve open questions must be that of diplomacy and
dialogue. This is the road already indicated with utter clarity by
Pope Benedict XV when he urged the leaders of the European nations to
make 'the moral force of law' prevail over the 'material force of
arms' in order to end that 'needless carnage' which was the First
World War, whose centenary occurs this year. What is needed is
courage 'to go beyond the surface of the conflict' and to consider
others in their deepest dignity, so that unity will prevail over
conflict and it will be 'possible to build communion amid
disagreement'. In this regard, the resumption of peace talks between
Israelis and Palestinians is a positive sign, and I express my hope
that both parties will resolve, with the support of the international
community, to take courageous decisions aimed at finding a just and
lasting solution to a conflict which urgently needs to end. I myself
intend to make a pilgrimage of peace to the Holy Land in the course
of this year. The exodus of Christians from the Middle East and North
Africa continues to be a source of concern. They want to continue to
be a part of the social, political and cultural life of countries
which they helped to build, and they desire to contribute to the
common good of societies where they wish to be fully accepted as
agents of peace and reconciliation.
“In
other parts of Africa as well, Christians are called to give witness
to God’s love and mercy. We must never cease to do good, even when
it is difficult and demanding, and when we endure acts of intolerance
if not genuine persecution. In vast areas of Nigeria violence
persists, and much innocent blood continues to be spilt. I think
above all of the Central African Republic, where much suffering has
been caused as a result of the country’s tensions, which have
frequently led to devastation and death. As I assure you of my
prayers for the victims and the many refugees, forced to live in dire
poverty, I express my hope that the concern of the international
community will help to bring an end to violence, a return to the rule
of law and guaranteed access to humanitarian aid, also in the
remotest parts of the country. For her part, the Catholic Church will
continue to assure her presence and cooperation, working generously
to help people in every possible way and, above all, to rebuild a
climate of reconciliation and of peace among all groups in society.
Reconciliation and peace are likewise fundamental priorities in other
parts of Africa. I think in particular of Mali, where we nonetheless
note the promising restoration of the country’s democratic
structures, and of South Sudan, where, on the contrary, political
instability has lately led to many deaths and a new humanitarian
crisis.
“The
Holy See is also closely following events in Asia, where the Church
desires to share the joys and hopes of all the peoples of that vast
and noble continent. On this, the fiftieth anniversary of diplomatic
relations with the Republic of Korea, I wish to implore from God the
gift of reconciliation on the peninsula, and I trust that, for the
good of all the Korean people, the interested parties will tirelessly
seek out points of agreement and possible solutions. Asia, in fact,
has a long history of peaceful coexistence between its different
civil, ethnic and religious groups. Such reciprocal respect needs to
be encouraged, especially given certain troubling signs that it is
weakening, particularly where growing attitudes of prejudice, for
allegedly religious reasons, are tending to deprive Christians of
their liberties and to jeopardize civil coexistence. The Holy See
looks, instead, with lively hope to the signs of openness coming from
countries of great religious and cultural traditions, with whom it
wishes to cooperate in the pursuit of the common good.
“Peace
is also threatened by every denial of human dignity, firstly the lack
of access to adequate nutrition. We cannot be indifferent to those
suffering from hunger, especially children, when we think of how much
food is wasted every day in many parts of the world immersed in what
I have often termed the 'throwaway culture'. Unfortunately, what is
thrown away is not only food and dispensable objects, but often human
beings themselves, who are discarded as 'unnecessary'. For example,
it is frightful even to think there are children, victims of
abortion, who will never see the light of day; children being used as
soldiers, abused and killed in armed conflicts; and children being
bought and sold in that terrible form of modern slavery which is
human trafficking, which is a crime against humanity.
“Nor
can we be unmoved by the tragedies which have forced so many people
to flee from famine, violence and oppression, particularly in the
Horn of Africa and in the Great Lakes Region. Many of these are
living as fugitives or refugees in camps where they are no longer
seen as persons but as nameless statistics. Others, in the hope of a
better life, have undertaken perilous journeys which not infrequently
end in tragedy. I think in particular of the many migrants from Latin
America bound for the United States, but above all of all those from
Africa and the Middle East who seek refuge in Europe.
“Still
vivid in my memory is the brief visit I made to Lampedusa last July,
to pray for the numerous victims of the refugee crisis in the
Mediterranean. Sadly, there is a general indifference in the face of
these tragedies, which is a dramatic sign of the loss of that 'sense
of responsibility for our brothers and sisters', on which every civil
society is based. On that occasion I was also able to observe the
hospitality and dedication shown by so many people. It is my hope
that the Italian people, whom I regard with affection, not least for
the common roots which unite us, will renew their praiseworthy
commitment of solidarity towards the weakest and most vulnerable,
and, with generous and coordinated efforts by citizens and
institutions, overcome present difficulties and regain their
long-standing climate of constructive social creativity.
“Finally,
I wish to mention another threat to peace, which arises from the
greedy exploitation of environmental resources. Even if 'nature is at
our disposition', all too often we do not 'respect it or consider it
a gracious gift which we must care for and set at the service of our
brothers and sisters, including future generations'. Here too what is
crucial is responsibility on the part of all in pursuing, in a spirit
of fraternity, policies respectful of this earth which is our common
home. I recall a popular saying: 'God always forgives, we sometimes
forgive, but when nature – creation – is mistreated, she never
forgives!'. We have also witnessed the devastating effects of several
recent natural disasters. In particular, I would mention once more
the numerous victims and the great devastation caused in the
Philippines and other countries of South-East Asia as a result of
typhoon Haiyan.
“Pope
Paul VI noted that peace 'is not simply the absence of warfare, based
on a precarious balance of power; it is fashioned by efforts directed
day after day towards the establishment of an order willed by God,
with a more perfect justice among men and women'. This is the spirit
which guides the Church’s activity throughout the world, carried
out by priests, missionaries and lay faithful who with great
dedication give freely of themselves, not least in a variety of
educational, healthcare and social welfare institutions, in service
to the poor, the sick, orphans and all those in need of help and
comfort. On the basis of this 'loving attentiveness', the Church
cooperates with all institutions concerned for the good of
individuals and communities.
“At
the beginning of this new year, then, I assure you once more of the
readiness of the Holy See, and of the Secretariat of State in
particular, to cooperate with your countries in fostering those bonds
of fraternity which are a reflection of God’s love and the basis of
concord and peace. Upon you, your families and the peoples you
represent, may the Lord’s blessings descend in abundance. Thank
you”.
THE
POPE'S LETTER TO CARDINALS TO BE ELECTED ON 22 FEBRUARY
Vatican
City, 13 January 2014 (VIS) – Published below is the letter sent
today by the Holy Father to the future cardinals to be created on 22
February, whose names were announced publicly following the Angelus
prayer on Sunday.
“Dear
brother,
“On
the day that your designation as part of the College of Cardinals is
made public, I wish to send you a cordial greeting along with the
guarantee of my closeness and prayer. It is my hope that, joined with
the Church of Rome and “clothed in the virtues and sentiments of
the Lord Jesus”, you may help me with fraternal efficacy in my
service to the Universal Church.
“The
cardinalship does not imply promotion; it is neither an honour nor a
decoration; it is simply a service that requires you to broaden your
gaze and open your hearts. And, although this may appear paradoxical,
the ability to look further and to love more universally with greater
intensity may be acquired only by following the same path of the
Lord: the path of self-effacement and humility, taking on the role of
a servant. Therefore I ask you, please, to receive this designation
with a simple and humble heart. And, while you must do so with
pleasure and joy, ensure that this sentiment is far from any
expression of worldliness or from any form of celebration contrary to
the evangelical spirit of austerity, sobriety and poverty.
“Until
we meet, then, on 20 February, when our two days of reflection on the
family commence. I remain at your disposal and ask you, please, to
pray for me and to ask for prayers on my behalf.
May
Jesus bless you and the Holy Virgin protect you.”
HOLY
FATHER'S CALENDAR FOR JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2014
Vatican
City, 13 January 2014 (VIS) – The Office of Liturgical Celebrations
of the Supreme Pontiff has published the following calendar of
liturgical celebrations over which the Holy Father will preside from
September to November:
JANUARY
Sunday,
19: Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. At 4 p.m., pastoral visit to the
Roman parish of “Sacro Cuore di Gesu a Castro Pretorio.
Saturday,
25: Solemnity of the Conversion of St. Paul. At 5.30 p.m.,
celebration of Vespers at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside-the-Walls.
FEBRUARY
Sunday,
2: Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, 18th World Day of
Consecrated Life. At 10 a.m., Holy Mass with the members of the
Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Societies of Apostolic Life.
Sunday,
16: 4 p.m., pastoral visit to the Roman parish of “San Tommaso
Apostolo”.
Saturday,
22: 11 a.m., Ordinary Public Consistory for the creation of new
cardinals.
Sunday,
23: Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. 10 a.m., Holy Mass with the new
cardinals in the Papal Chapel.
AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE HOLY SEE AND CAMEROON
Vatican
City, 13 January 2014 (VIS) – Today, at the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of the Republic of Cameroon and Yaounde, a framework
Agreement was signed between the Holy See and the Republic of
Cameroon on the legal status of the Catholic Church in Cameroon.
The
Agreement was signed, on behalf of the Holy See, by Archbishop Piero
Pioppo, apostolic nuncio to Cameroon, and for the Republic of
Cameroon, by Pierre Moukoko Mbonjo, minister for External Relations.
The
Agreement, which consists of nine articles, regulates the
relationship between the Church and the State who, within a framework
of the independence and autonomy of both parties, undertake to work
together for the moral, spiritual and material wellbeing of the human
person and for the promotion of the common good. It will come into
effect upon signing, in accordance with article 9 of the same
Agreement.
TO
BE PART OF THE CHAIN OF FAITH IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL INHERITANCE A
CHILD CAN RECEIVE
Vatican
City, 12 January 2014 (VIS) – This morning at 9.30 in the Sistine
Chapel, on the festivity of the Baptism of the Lord, the Holy Father
presided for the first time in his pontificate over the Holy Mass of
Baptism. During the celebration, Pope Francis baptised 32 babies: 18
girls and 14 boys. One of the children, Giulia, was the daughter of a
couple married by civil rites only, who asked the Pope during an
audience if he would baptise their child.
“These
children are a link in a chain. You, as parents, have a son or a
daughter to baptise, but a some years from now they too will have a
child to baptise, then a grandchild... And this is the chain of
faith! What does this mean? I want to say only this: you are those
who will transmit the faith, you are the transmitters. You have the
duty of transmitting faith to these children. It is the most
beautiful inheritance you can offer them: faith! Only this. Today,
take this thought home with you. We must be transmitters of faith.
Think of these, think always about how you can transmit faith to your
children”.
During
his homily Pope Francis joked about the noise and the crying of the
babies. “Today the choir is singing, but the most beautiful choir
is that of children, who make noise... Some will cry, perhaps because
they are uncomfortable or because they are hungry: if they are
hungry, mothers, go ahead and feed them, because they are the centre
of today's celebration”.
ANGELUS:
WE NEED A SUPPLEMENT OF CHARITY IN OUR TIME
Vatican
City, 12 January 2014 (VIS) – “I like to baptise children, I like
it very much. … Every child who is born is a gift of joy and hope,
and each child who is baptised is a prodigy of faith and a cause for
celebration for the family of God”, said the Pope after appearing
at the window of his study to pray the Angelus with the faithful
gathered in St. Peter's Square, shortly before baptising 32 children
in the Sistine Chapel on the festivity of the Baptism of Jesus.
“Today's
Gospel emphasises that when Jesus received baptism from John in the
River Jordan, the heavens opened up for him”, explained Pope
Francis. “The manifestation of the Son of God on earth marks the
beginning of a great time of mercy, after sin closed the heavens,
raising a barrier between human beings and their Creator. … In
Christ, God gave us the guarantee of indestructible love. Since the
Word was made flesh, it is possible to see the open heavens. It was
possible for the shepherds of Bethlehem, for the Magi from the East,
for the Baptist, for Jesus' Apostles, for St. Stephen, the first
martyr... And it is also possible for each of us, if we allow
ourselves to be filled with God's love, which is given to us the
first time in Baptism, by means of the Holy Spirit”.
When
Jesus received the baptism of penance from John the Baptist,
expressing his solidarity with the penitent people – since He was
without sin and therefore without the need for conversion – God the
Father let His voice be heard from heaven. … Jesus received the
approval of the celestial Father, Who sent Him precisely because He
wished to share in our condition, in our poverty. Sharing is the true
way to love. Jesus did not disassociate Himself from us, He
considered us to be His brothers, and shared with us. And in this way
He made us, along with Him, children of God the Father. This is the
revelation and the source of true love”.
“Does
it not seem to you that in our times there is the need for a
supplement of fraternal sharing and love?” asked the Pope. “Does
it not appear to you that we all need a supplement of charity? Not
that which is limited to offering occasional help without
involvement, without putting oneself on the line, but rather that
charity which implies sharing, taking on the discomfort and suffering
of one's brother”.
“We
pray that the Holy Virgin sustain us by her intercession in our
efforts to follow Christ on the way of faith and charity, the path we
set out on by virtue of our Baptism”.
Following
the Angelus, the Holy Father addressed parents who are preparing for
the baptism of their children, joining with them in their joy, and
inviting them to “rediscover the beauty of faith and return anew to
the Sacraments and to the community”.
THE
POPE APPOINTS NINETEEN NEW CARDINALS
Vatican
City, 12 January 2014 (VIS) – Following today's Angelus prayer,
Pope Francis announced that on 22 February, feast of the Chair of St.
Peter, a consistory will be held during which 19 new cardinals will
be appointed. They will comprise 16 electors and 3 archbishops
emeritus, from twelve different countries from all over the world,
and “represent the deep ecclesial relationship between the Church
of Rome and the other Churches throughout the world”. The day after
the consistory, the Holy Father will preside at a solemn
concelebration with the new Cardinals, while on February 20 and 21 he
will hold a consistory with all the cardinals to reflect on the theme
of the family.
-
Archbishop Pietro Parolin, secretary of State.
-
Archbishop Lorenzo Baldisseri, secretary general of the Synod of
Bishops
-
Archbishop Gerhard Ludwig Muller, emeritus of Regensburg, Germany,
prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
– Archbishop
Beniamino Stella, prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy.
– Archbishop
Vincent Nichols of Westminster, Great Britain.
– Archbishop
Leopoldo Jose Brenes Solorzano of Managua, Nicaragua.
– Archbishop
Gerald Cyprien Lacroix of Quebec, Canada.
– Archbishop
Jean-Pierre Kutwa of Abidjan, Cote D'Ivoire.
– Archbishop
Orani Joao Tempesta, O. Cist. of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
– Archbishop
Gualtiero Bassetti of Perugia-Citta della Pieve, Italia.
– Archbishop
Mario Aurelio Poli of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
– Archbishop
Andrew Yeom Soo jung of Seoul, Korea.
– Archbishop
Ricardo Ezzati Andrello, S.D.B. of Santiago del Chile, Chile.
– Archbishop
Philippe Nakellentuba Ouedraogo of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
– Archbishop
Orlando B. Quevedo, O.M.I. of Cotabato, Philippines.
– Archbishop
Chibly Langlois of Les Cayes, Haiti.
The
three archbishops emeritus are:
– Archbishop
Loris Francesco Capovilla, ex prelate of the Shrine of Loreto and ex
personal secretary of Blessed John XXIII.
– Archbishop
Fernando Sebastian Aguilar, C.M.F. emeritus of Pamplona, Spain.
– Archbishop
Kelvin Edward Felix, emeritus of Castries, Saint Lucia.
THE
POPE'S CONCERN FOR THE PROBLEMS OF DISABILITY
Vatican
City, 11 January 2014 (VIS) – This morning the Pope received in
audience the Italian member of Parliament Ileana Argentin, known for
her commitment to issues related to disability.
According
to the Holy See Press Office, Argentin, herself disabled, wrote a
letter to the Pope requesting the opportunity to speak with him about
various issues related to disability. The Holy Father responded
promptly, inviting her to meet with him this morning in the Apostolic
Palace. Argentin explained focused principally on the importance of
supporting the parents of seriously disabled people, who experience
great anxiety about what may happen to their children after their own
deaths, and the difficulties their siblings may encounter in assuming
the responsibility of care. Other issues were also considered, such
as the need to overcome barriers of accessibility to disabled people
in public and Church buildings.
Pope
Francis showed great interest in the issues brought to his attention
by Argentin and cordially assured her of his participation in
initiatives and encouragement for all persons dedicated to
confronting the problems linked to disability with increasing
commitment and awareness.
THE
POPE RECEIVES THE CATHOLIC COMMITTEE FOR CULTURAL COLLABORATION WITH
THE ORTHODOX AND ORIENTAL CHURCHES
Vatican
City, 11 January 2014 (VIS) – This morning Pope Francis received
the Catholic Committee for Cultural Collaboration with the Orthodox
and Oriental Churches, which is the responsibility of the president
of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, Cardinal
Kurt Koch.
Paul
VI, during Vatican Council II, instituted the Catholic Committee for
Cultural Collaboration. Shortly after the Pope's historic encounter
with the Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras, the current committee was
created upon the initiative of the then-secretary for Promoting
Christian Unity, and thanks to the generosity of benefactors it
continues to offer study bursaries to clergy and laypeople from the
Orthodox Churches and the Oriental Orthodox Churches who wish to
complete their studies in theology in the academic institutions of
the Catholic Church. The Committee also supports other projects in
the field of ecumenical collaboration.
“The
path of reconciliation and renewed brotherhood between Churches,
admirably marked by the first historic meeting between Pope Paul VI
and the ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras, also needed the experiences
of friendship and sharing born of mutual awareness between the
exponents of the different Churches, and in particular between young
people starting out in holy ministry”, commented Pope Francis.
The
Holy Father thanked the benefactors and members of the Committee's
Managing Council which is holding its annual meeting in Rome, and
addressed special greetings to students. “Your stay among us is
important for dialogue between Churches, today and above all,
tomorrow. I give thanks to God for offering me this beautiful
opportunity to meet you and to tell you that the Bishop of Rome
wishes you all the very best. I hope that every one of you may have a
joyful experience of the Church and of the city of Rome, spiritually
and culturally enriching, and that you are enabled to feel not like
guests, but rather as brothers among brothers. I am sure, on the
other hand, that your presence is enriching for the study communities
you attend”.
AUDIENCES
Vatican
City, 11 January 2014 (VIS) – Today, the Holy Father received in
audience:
-
Cardinal Marc Ouellet, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.
-
Archbishop Beniamino Stella, prefect of the Congregation for the
Clergy.
-
Ileana Argentin.
OTHER
PONTIFICAL ACTS
Vatican
City, 13 January 2014 (VIS) – Today, the Holy Father:
-
erected the new apostolic exarchate for the Maronite faithful
resident in Western and Central Africa, in ad Ibadan, Nigeria.
-
appointed Rev. Simon Faddoul, president of Caritas-Lebanon, as the
first apostolic exarch without episcopal title, and as apostolic
visitor for the Maronite faithful resident in Southern Africa.
-
appointed Bishop Georges Chihane, eparchal vicar of Cairo and Sudan
of the Maronites, as apostolic vistor for the Maronite faithful
resident in the countries of North Africa nost included in the
eparchal territory.
-
appointed Archbishop Basile Georges Casmoussa, emeritus of Mossul,
Iraq, and bishop of the Syro-Catholic patriarchal curia, as apostolic
visitor for the faithful of Syrian rite resident in Western Europe.
On
Saturday 11 January the Holy Father:
-
erected the new eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle of Melbourne of the
Syro-Malabars (Catholics 30,000), extending throughout the continent
of Australia.
-
appointed Bishop Bosco Puthur of the major archiepiscopal curia of
Ernakulam-Angamaly of the Syro-Malabars, India, as first bishop of
the eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle of Melbourne of the
Syro-Malabars and apostolic visitor for the faithful of the
Syro-Malabar rite resident in New Zealand.
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appointed Bishop Raphael Thattil, auxiliary of Trichur, India, as
apostolic visitor for the Syro-Malabars resident in India outside the
territory of the major archiepiscopal curia.
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gave his assent to the canonical election by the Synod of Bishops of
the Chaldean Church of Rev. Habib Al-Naufali , as archbishop of
Bassorah of the Chaldeans (Catholics 850, priests 1, permanent
deacons 1, religious 7), Iraq. The archbishop-elect was born in
Baqofa, Iraq in 1960 and ordained a priest in 1998. He holds a
licentiate from the University of Mossul. He has served in a number
of pastoral roles, including parish priest of St. George in Baghdad,
director of the library of Babel College, judge of the eparchial
Tribunal of First Instance and head of the Chaldean mission in
London.
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gave his assent to the canonical election by the Synod of Bishops of
the Chaldean Church of Fr. Yousif Thomas Mirkis, O.P., as bishop of
the archieparchy of Kerkuk of the Chaldeans (Catholics 7,000, priests
6, religious 4), Iraq. The bishop-elect was born in Mossul, Iraq in
1949 and ordained a priest in 1980. He holds a doctorate in theology
and history of religions from the University of Strasbourg, France.
He is the co-founder of the faculty of philosophy and theology of
Babel College, where he has served as director of studies and
professor. From 1994 to 2000 he was superior of the Community of the
Dominican Fathers in Baghdad and director of the publishing house
“Al-Nasira”. In 2006 he founded the Academy of Humanistic
Sciences in Baghdad and is currently superior of the Community of
Dominican Fathers in Baghdad, Iraq.
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gave his assent to the canonical election by the Synod of Bishops of
the Chaldean Church of Rev. Saad Sirop, as auxiliary bishop of the
Patriarchate of Babylon of the Chaldeans (Catholics 150,000 priests
17, religious 67), Iraq. The bishop-elect was born in Baghdad, Iraq
in 1972 and ordained a priest in 2001. He holds a doctorate in
philosophy. He has served as priest in the parish of Santiago in
Baghdad, director of studies and vice-rector of the faculty of
philosophy and theology of Babel College, priest of the Chaldean
cathedral of St. Joseph in Baghdad, dean of the Chaldean priests of
Baghdad and secretary of the Commission for Christian Youth in
Baghdad.
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assigned the titular see of Forziana to Bishop Mar Bawai Soro, who
serves in the eparchy of St. Peter Apostle of San Diego of the
Chaldeans, U.S.A.
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