Pope Francis met this afternoon with the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences who are in Rome for their plenary session to discuss ways to combat human trafficking. Listen to Junno Arocho’s report: Following a greeting by the Academy’s President, Margaret Archer, the Pope welcomed the members and expressed his gratitude for their work in finding…
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(Vatican Radio) The orderly development of “a civil, pluralistic society requires” that the “authentic spirit of religion” not be “confined” to “personal conscience but that its significant role in the construction of society is recognized,” said Pope Francis in his remarks to the Italian president.
Listen to the report by Laura Ieraci :
Pope Francis met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Vatican Saturday morning. It was their first meeting since the president’s election on 3 February.
“The Church offers everyone the beauty of the Gospel and its message of salvation and, to carry out its spiritual mission, it needs conditions of peace and calm, which only public authorities can promote,” the pope said, reflecting on the collaborative relationship between the Holy See and the Italian state, as defined by the Lateran Pacts and the Italian Constitution.
“On the other hand, public authorities—who are primarily expected to create the conditions for a just and sustainable development, so that civil society can develop all its potentialities—can find a valuable and useful support for their action in the commitment and loyal collaboration of the Church,” he said.
Though independent, church and state share “the common responsibility” of meeting people’s “spiritual and physical needs…with humility and dedication,” he said.
The Pope spoke of the impact of Christianity on Italian culture, including art, architecture, customs and family life. He emphasized the need to care for the environment and to develop employment opportunities for Italian youth.
He also expressed gratitude for Italy’s commitment to welcoming numerous migrants who land on the country’s shores and urged Italian authorities to petition the European and international communities for greater commitment to assistance in the area of migration.
(from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) The orderly development of “a civil, pluralistic society requires” that the “authentic spirit of religion” not be “confined” to “personal conscience but that its significant role in the construction of society is recognized,” said Pope Francis in his remarks to the Italian president. Listen to the report by Laura Ieraci: Pope Francis met…
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(Vatican Radio) Cardinal Francis George, archbishop emeritus of Chicago, died Friday at his residence, after a long battle with cancer. The cardinal was 78 years old.
In a statement, the Archbishop of Chicago, Blaise Cupich, described Cardinal George as a man of “peace, tenacity, and courage” who in his ministry always chose the “Church over his own comfort and his people over his own needs.”
Visitation will take place in Chicago’s Holy Name Cathedral, Tuesday and Wednesday. The funeral will be celebrated on Thursday.
With Cardinal George’s death, the College of Cardinals has 223 members, 121 of whom are under the age of 80 and eligible to vote in a conclave.
Listen:
(from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) The Archdiocese of Chicago is mourning the death of its former leader, the retired Cardinal Francis George, who died Friday morning after a long battle with cancer. He was 78 years old. Archbishop Blaise Cupich of Chicago paid homage to his predecessor at a press conference, describing the cardinal as a man of…
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