Vatican City, 11 June 2015 (VIS) – President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin was received in audience by the Holy Father yesterday afternoon according to a press release from the director of the Holy See Press Office, Fr. Federico Lombardi, S.J.
The private meeting held in the library of the Apostolic Palace began approximately at 6:15pm and lasted some 50 minutes. Afterwards there was a presentation of the president’s entourage and an exchange of gifts. President Putin offered the Pope an image of the famous Church of Christ the Savior which the Holy Father reciprocated with a medallion by artist Guido Veroi that represented the angel of peace—an invitation to build a world of solidarity and peace based on justice—and a copy of the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium.
As foreseen, given the current global state of affairs, the meeting was mainly devoted to the conflict in the Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East.
Regarding the situation in the Ukraine, the Holy Father affirmed that a great and sincere effort is necessary to achieve peace. He agreed on the importance of re-establishing a climate of dialogue and that all parties must commit themselves to enforcing the Minsk Accords. It is also essential to address the serious humanitarian situation, in particular guaranteeing access to humanitarian workers and, with the contribution of all parties, a progressive easing of tensions in the region.
On the other hand, as regards the conflicts of the Middle East, regarding the territories of Syria and Iraq, the common and urgent idea of seeking peace with the concrete participation of the international community, at the same time ensuring the necessary conditions of life to all area of society, including religious minorities, Christians in particular was substantially confirmed.
At the same time as the meeting with President Putin, a meeting was held between Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, secretary for Relations with States, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation , Sergey Lavrov during which the topics of the conflict in the Ukraine and the worrying situation in the Middle East were also discussed….
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Thursday received the members of the Episcopal Conference of Latvia and Estonia on their Visit ad limina Apostolorum .
In written remarks consigned to the Bishops, Pope Francis noted that the countries of Latvia and Estonia had been oppressed for a long time by regimes founded on ideologies contrary to human dignity and human freedom. Now, he warned the Bishops, “you must measure yourselves against other insidious dangers, such as secularism and relativism.” He encouraged them to work without tiring, having confidence “in the proclamation of the Gospel of Christ, the word of salvation for every man of every time and every culture.”
The Holy Father reminded the Bishops that they are not alone in this “renewed evangelization.” They can count on their priests, and he called on them to commit themselves to continual prayer for vocations. He also asked the Bishops to take good care of the formation of new priests.
Pope Francis also noted the good work of men and women in the consecrated life. “Especially in this Year dedicated to them,” he said, “it is fitting to make sure they understand that they are appreciated not only for the services they perform, but primarily for the intrinsic richness of their charism and witness.”
The lay faithful, too, the Pope said, are “indispensable” for the evangelizing mission. Bishops are called to watch over and encourage the proper mission of the laity, so that the lay faithful can “form their consciences and deepen their sense of the Church, in particular the knowledge of social doctrine.” He encouraged the Bishops with their people to support the ecumenical dialogue which “is so necessary today” when social peace is often disrupted by ethnic and linguistic differences.
As has become common in his addresses to Bishops, Pope Francis also focused on the family, which he called “a gift from God for the full realization of man and woman created in His image.” Today, he continued, marriage is often considered a form of “emotional gratification” that can take any form and be modified at will. He said this “reductive conception” of marriage also affects Christians, leading to an easy recourse to divorce or de facto separations. He called on the Bishops to examine themselves with regard to marriage preparations for young couples, and pastoral care for couples living in irregular situations, “so that the children will not become the first victims and the couples will not feel excluded from the mercy of God and the care of the Church.”
Finally, Pope Francis recognized that the economic crisis has led to emigration in Latvia and Estonia, with consequences for families, which are often headed by a single parent. The pastoral care of Bishops and priests, and the loving support of the communities, is particularly important for these families.
At the conclusion of the Visit, Pope Francis gave his Apostolic Blessing to the Bishops, along with the priests, religious, and lay faithful entrusted to their care.
(from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis received the participants in the 39 th international conference of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization on Thursday. The week-long event (June 6-13) brings together roughly 450 participants from scores of countries and every part of the to evaluate the Organization’s recent activities and plan for the work of the coming years.
In remarks to the participants prepared for the audience in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace and delivered on Thursday, Pope Francis focused on three main points: reducing the waste of foodstuffs; educating people in how to practice wholesome nutrition; fostering an attitude of genuine and effective solidarity in order to promote and achieve real food security for all and for everyone.
“Food security must be achieved,” said Pope Francis. “We must begin with our daily lives if we want to change lifestyles, aware that our small gestures can guarantee sustainability and the future of the human family,” he continued.
Pope Francis went on to say, “Let us modify our relationship with natural resources, land use, consumption, and eliminate waste: thus shall we defeat hunger.”
“The Church with its institutions and its initiatives,” concluded Pope Francis, “walks with you, knowing that the earth’s resources are limited and their sustainable use is an urgent need for agricultural development and food security. For this reason, the Church is committed to promoting the change of attitude necessary for the good of future generations.”
(from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) This morning, Thursday 11 June 2015, His Holiness Pope Francis received in Audience the Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper. Following the Audience, Mr Harper met with Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.
In the course of the cordial discussion, the good relations existing between the Holy See and Canada were recognized, as well as the positive spirit of collaboration and dialogue between the federal Government and the Church. In particular, Canada’s commitment to defend and promote religious liberty in the area of fundamental human rights was addressed.
At the conclusion of the conversation some questions of international politics were treated, with reference to Europe and the Middle East and the prospects of peace in that region, as well as the struggle against terrorism and questions related to the environment.
(from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) Journey, service and giving freely of oneself: true Christian witness encompasses all of these characteristics. That’s what Pope Francis stressed in his Homily at Santa Marta Thursday. The Pope stressed that followers of Jesus are called to serve and to proclaim the Gospel freely – and not to be deceived by the belief…
Read more