The Holy See Press Office has confirmed that Pope Francis will address a Joint Session of the United States Congress on 24 September 2015 during his pastoral visit to the U.S.A. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, John Boehner, made the announcement earlier on Thursday. In his statement, Mr. Boehner said the Holy Father’s…
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The Holy See Press Office has confirmed that Pope Francis
will address a Joint Session of the United States Congress on 24 September 2015
during his pastoral visit to the U.S.A. The Speaker of the House of
Representatives, John Boehner, made the announcement earlier on Thursday. In
his statement, Mr. Boehner said the Holy Father’s “historic visit” would make
him the “first leader of the Holy See to address a joint meeting of Congress,”
adding that he was “truly grateful that Pope Francis has accepted our invitation.”
Mr. Boehner noted that “in a time of global upheaval, the
Holy Father’s message of compassion and human dignity has moved people of all
faiths and backgrounds. His teachings, prayers, and very example bring us back
to the blessings of simple things and our obligations to one another.”
A statement from the Archdiocese of Washington described the
announcement as “a great honor and tremendous joy to welcome our Holy Father,
Pope Francis, to the Archdiocese of Washington during his proposed pastoral
visit to the United States in September.”
On his January 19 return flight from the
Philippines to Rome, Pope Francis met with the press corps travelling with him
and said that his September 2015 trip to the U.S. would take him to
Philadelphia, New York and Washington. During his press conference with journalists
aboard that flight, he announced that he would be addressing the General
Assembly of the United Nations in New York City, as well as confirming his
presence and participation in the World Meeting of Families set to take place
in Philadelphia on September 26 & 27….
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis held a Google Hangout Thursday afternoon with several disabled kids from around the world, in an event sponsored by Scholas Ocurrentes, a charity which brings together young people via sports, art, and technology. Speaking from the Paul VI Audience Hall, he said Scholas can help them by building bridges and communicating. Listen to our report:
“When you communicate, you give the best you have inside, and you receive the best from others, and that is very important,” he said. “When we don’t communicate, we stay alone with our limitations, and that is bad for us.” Pope Francis said disabled youth have a “treasure chest”, which must be shared with others. “If we keep it inside, it stays there inside,” he said. “When we share it with others, the treasure multiplies itself, for that treasure is for others…Because of sharing, you receive from others and it multiplies.” He also told them to “try, [and] stay calm” when they encounter difficulty, and to “not be afraid”, because “we can overcome anything.” Pope Francis also admitted some of his own troubles, and said he is a “disaster with machines”, saying he did not know how to work a computer, adding “What a shame.” (from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis held a Google Hangout Thursday afternoon with several disabled kids from around the world, in an event sponsored by Scholas Ocurrentes, a charity which brings together young people via sports, art, and technology. Speaking from the Paul VI Audience Hall, he said Scholas can help them by building bridges and communicating. Listen to…
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(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has sent a Message to the annual National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC, which was attended by US President Barack Obama, lawmakers from both parties, and thousands of guests.
A portion of the Message was read during the event, which has taken place since 1953.
“Dear friends, I send prayerful good wishes for you, for the fruitfulness of your work,” reads the message.
I ask you to pray for me, and to join me in praying for our brothers and sisters throughout the world who experience persecution and death for their faith,” continues Pope Francis.
“Upon you, your families, and those whom you serve, I cordially invoke God’s blessings of wisdom, joy, and peace.”
The full contents of the text was scheduled to be read at the lunch portion of the event.
(from Vatican Radio)…