(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis and other members of the Roman Curia began their annual spiritual retreat on the first Sunday of Lent (February 22nd). The retreat is taking place in the town of Ariccia, in the Casa Divin Maestro centre, about 20 miles south of Rome. The Pope is staying there, along with other…
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(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.
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)…
(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…
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(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has received in audience German Chancellor, Angela Merkel.
A Vatican press release said that the colloquium between the two leaders took place in the Vatican Apostolic Palace.
It also revealed that during the cordial exchange Pope Francis and Chancellor Merkel examined a range of topics including the upcoming G7 Summit which will take place in Bavaria and other issues of international impact such as the fight against poverty and hunger; human trafficking and exploitation and the rights of women; global health challenges and the protection of the environment.
The Vatican communiqué also said Francis and Merkel touched on themes of human rights and religious freedom in some parts of the world, and on the importance of spiritual values for social cohesion.
Concluding, they focused on the situation in Europe and in particular on the commitment to reach a peaceful solution for Ukraine.
After being received by the Pope, Merkel met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State who was accompanied by Archbishop Richard Gallagher, Vatican Secretary for Relations with States.
(from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has received in audience German Chancellor, Angela Merkel. A Vatican press release said that the colloquium between the two leaders took place in the Vatican Apostolic Palace. It also revealed that during the cordial exchange Pope Francis and Chancellor Merkel examined a range of topics including the upcoming G7 Summit which…
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