Vatican City, 4 November 2015 (VIS) – The following are reflections by Fr. Federico Lombardi, S.J., director of the Holy See Press Office, regarding a new chapter in discussions on the economic matters of the Holy See. “As is known, a significant part of what has been published is the result of the disclosure of reserved information and documents, and therefore of an illicit activity that must therefore be prosecuted forthwith by the competent Vatican authorities. But this is not what we now wish to speak about, given that it is already the object of much attention. Now, instead, we are interested in considering the content of the disclosures. It can be said that it consists mostly of information that is already known, although often less widely and with less detail, but above all it must be noted that the documentation published relates mostly to an significant effort to gather data and information, initiated by the Holy Father himself in order to carry out a study and reflection on the reform and improvement of the administrative situation of Vatican City State and the Holy See. The COSEA (Commission for Reference on the Organisation of the Economic-Administrative Structure of the Holy See), from whose archive the majority of the published information originates, was instituted by the Pope for the purpose on 18 July 2013 and then dissolved after the fulfilment of its task. This is not, therefore, information obtained against the will of the Pope or of the heads of the various institutions, but generally information obtained or provided with the collaboration of these same institutions, for a common positive purpose. Naturally, a great deal of information of this type must be studied, understood and interpreted with care, equilibrium and attention. Often the same data can give rise to different readings. An example is that of the situation of the Pension Funds, in relation to which a series of very different evaluations has been expressed, from those who speak with concern of a large “gap”, to those that provide instead a reassuring interpretation (as resulted from the official Communiqués published authoritatively through the Holy See Press Office). Clearly there is then the issue of the destination and use of goods belonging to the Holy See. Although regarded in their entirety they appear extremely extensive, they are in fact aimed at supporting over time the vast range of service activities managed by the Holy See or connected institutions both in Rome and in different parts of the world. The origins of the ownership of these goods are varied, and the suitable instruments for knowing their history and development have been available for some time (for example, it would be useful to refer to the economic agreements between Italy and the Holy See in the context of the Lateran Pacts and the work of establishing an effective administration carried out by Pius XI with the assistance of excellent and expert collaborators, a work commonly recognised as wise and far-sighted, also in terms of investments abroad and not only in Rome or Italy). With regard to Peter’s Pence it is necessary to observe that it is employed for various purposes, also in situations, according to the judgement of the Holy Father, in which it may be given trustfully by the faithful in support of his ministry. The Pope’s works of charity for the poor are certainly one of the essential uses, but is certainly not the intention of the faithful to exclude the possibility that the Pope himself may evaluate situations of urgency and the way of responding, in the light of his service for the good of the universal Church. The Pope’s service also includes the Roman Curia, as an instrument of his service; his initiatives outside the Diocese of Rome; communication of his teaching to the faithful in different parts of the world, including the poor and distant; and the support of the 180 Pontifical diplomatic representations throughout the world, which serve the local Churches and intervene as the main agents for distributing the Pope’s charity in the various countries, as well as the Pope’s representatives in local governments. The history of Peter’s Pence illustrates this clearly. These issues return to the fore periodically, but are always occasions for curiosity and polemics. It is necessary to study the situations and specific problems in detail and with professionalism, so as to be able to recognise much that is entirely justified, normal and well-managed (much more than is generally assumed and systematically excluded from the type of publication under consideration here) including the payment of taxes due, and to distinguish where there are problems to be corrected, ambiguities to be clarified, and genuine improprieties or illegal acts to be eliminated. This was precisely the aim of the arduous and complex task initiated at the Pope’s behest with the constitution of the COSEA, which completed its work some time ago, and with the decisions and initiatives which are still in the process of development and implementation (or which are at least in part followed up by recommendations from the same COSEA at the end of its work). The reorganisation of the economic Dicasteries, the appointment of the Reviser general, and the regular working of the competent institutions for the supervision of economic and financial activities, etc., are an objective and incontrovertible reality. The publication in bulk of a large quantity of different forms of information, in large part linked to a phase of work by now complete, without the necessary possibility of further clarification and objective evaluation instead produces the result – unfortunately largely intentional – of creating the contrary impression, that of a permanent reign of confusion, lack of transparency or indeed the pursuit of particular or inappropriate interests. Naturally this does not in any way account for the courage and commitment with which the Pope and his collaborators have faced and continue to face the challenge of improving the use of temporal goods in the service of the spiritual. This, instead, is what would be more greatly appreciated and encouraged in the correct work of providing information to respond appropriately to the expectations of the public and the needs of truth. The path of good administration, correctness and transparency continues and proceeds without uncertainties. The is evidently Pope Francis’ wish and the Holy See has no lack of those who collaborate loyally and to the best of their abilities”….
Vatican City, 4 November 2015 (VIS) – The new executive board of the Foundation for the Holy See “Bambino Gesu” Paediatric Hospital met this morning for the first time following the appointment of the new executives by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin. During the meeting, held in Rome, the board approved the new statutes of the “completely renovated” foundation, which aim “to guarantee transparency, solidarity and innovation”, according to the president Mariella Enoc. There are seven new counsellors: the president Enoc, Pietro Brunetti, Ferruccio De Bortoli, Maria Bianca Farina, Caterina Sansone, Anna Maria Tarantola and Antonio Zanardi Landi….
(Vatican Radio) The Holy See delegation to the United Nations on Tuesday said “Racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia are a serious affront to human dignity and are inexcusable impediments to building an international community committed to the promotion of human rights.”
Archbishop Bernardito Auza, the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations in New York, was speaking during a UN General Assembly committee meeting on the elimination of racism.
Archbishop Auza said the problem can be especially acute during the current refugee crisis, which is the worst since World War II.
“My delegation is fully aware of the legal and other complexities of migration, especially in cases of massive forced exodus or displacements due to conflicts or catastrophes,” he said.
“Over and above all other considerations, however, it is necessary always to see the human face of migration, to recognize the migrant as a fellow human being, endowed with the same human dignity and rights as we are,” Archbishop Auza continued.
“This is most especially true when we deal with persons who were forced to migrate against their will, like the refugees, the persecuted for religious or ethnic reasons, and those who are being trafficked for sexual exploitation, slave labor and other forms of abuse,” he added.
The full statement is below
Statement of H.E. Archbishop Bernardito Auza
Apostolic Nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See
Third Committee of the 70th Session of the General Assembly
Agenda Item 70: Elimination of racism, racial discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerance
New York, 3 November 2015
Mr. Chair,
My delegation wishes to thank the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance for his Report. The Report’s recommendations regarding xenophobia and religious intolerance are especially relevant and deserve serious consideration.
Racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia are a serious affront to human dignity and are inexcusable impediments to building an international community committed to the promotion of human rights. Human dignity is not something conferred by the State or by any human law. It is not subject to whatever form of social or economic status. It does not disappear in a moment of need or vulnerability; rather, it is inherent to every human being regardless of race, sex, national or ethnic origin, religion or social, economic and cultural circumstances.
Mr. Chair,
There are currently more than 60 million refugees, asylum-seekers and internally displaced persons worldwide as a result of conflicts and persecutions. Fifteen new conflicts have broken out or have been reignited in the past five years, while numerous persistent conflicts remain unresolved. Even more frightening is the fact that there seems to be no end in sight. The number of people globally displaced by conflict has nearly quadrupled since last year, increasing from roughly 11,000 in 2010 to 42,500 daily,1 so many of whom have been driven away from their homes and countries by one form of discrimination or another.
Pope Francis exhorts us that in finding a response to the many crises literally knocking at our door, “we must not be taken aback by their numbers, but rather view them as persons, seeing their faces and listening to their stories, trying to respond as best we can to their situation,” in a way that “is always humane, just and fraternal.”2
My delegation is fully aware of the legal and other complexities of migration, especially in cases of massive forced exodus or displacements due to conflicts or catastrophes. Over and above all other considerations, however, it is necessary always to see the human face of migration, to recognize the migrant as a fellow human being, endowed with the same human dignity and rights as we are. This is most especially true when we deal with persons who were forced to migrate against their will, like the refugees, the persecuted for religious or ethnic reasons, and those who are being trafficked for sexual exploitation, slave labor and other forms of abuse.
We must resist the tendency to recoil at the enormity and complexity of the crisis. We must fight the temptation to turn inward, labeling the “other” as a threat to our way of life. We must make the crisis we face as an opportunity to realize a more just and fraternal world for all.
In many of the countries of origin of migrants and refugees, the most heinous crimes against religious freedom have been and continue to be committed: executions, forced conversions, egregious “religious taxes” and confiscation of properties as “penalties” for professing another religion. Religious and ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by these abuses perpetrated by violent non-state actors who are clearly intent on destroying religious, cultural and ethnic diversities. The Holy See appeals to the International Community to do all it can to stop violent non-state actors who wantonly violate fundamental human rights.
Moreover, my delegation calls on the States and Governments concerned to reconsider national laws that are susceptible to fomenting xenophobia, religious and ethnic discrimination and even violence. We call on those of all religions to respect one another and at all times to leave open channels of dialogue and avenues of concrete cooperation to foster mutual knowledge and appreciation.
Mr. Chair,
Racial discrimination, xenophobia and intolerance have no place in a world committed to peace, genuine pluralism and the common good of all humanity.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
1Opening Remarks of Mr. António Guterres, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, at the 66th Session of the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner’s Programme, Geneva, 5 October 2015.
2 Pope Francis, Address to the United States Congress, Washington, DC. 24 September 2015.
(from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Wednesday gave his support to the work of Aid to the Church in Need, which offers help to persecuted Christians around the world.
The Church in Poland is marking on Sunday a “Day of Solidarity with the Persecuted Church”, which is promoted by Aid to the Church in Need in collaboration with the Polish Bishops’ Conference. This year, the Day for Solidarity will be used to offer spiritual and material assistance in particular to Christians in Syria.
“Your work of prayer and solidarity bring relief and support to our brothers and sisters who suffer for Christ in the Middle East and around the world,” Pope Francis said while greeting Polish pilgrims at his weekly general audience.
“I support you with my blessing,” he continued.
When greeting Arabic-speaking pilgrims, Pope Francis also made a special appeal for “the Lord to protect [their families] from evil.”
(from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis held his weekly general audience in St Peter’s Square on Wednesday morning. In his catechisis, he continued to reflect on the importance of family as a place where we learn the values of forgiveness and reconciliation.
Dear Brothers and Sisters: Following the recent Assembly of the Synod of Bishops which reflected on the vocation and mission of the family, today we reflect on the importance of the family as the place where we learn the value of forgiveness. Each day, in the words of the Our Father, we ask God to forgive us and to grant us the grace to forgive others. As difficult as forgiveness may be, it is essential for our personal growth, our capacity to acknowledge our failures and to mend broken relationships. It is a virtue we learn first in the family. Forgiveness strengthens families in love and, through them, makes society as a whole more loving and humane. It is a solid rock on which to build our lives and an eloquent sign of our Christian discipleship and obedience to the Father’s will. May the coming Jubilee of Mercy encourage families everywhere to rediscover the power of forgiveness, and enable the great family of the Church to proclaim the power of God’s reconciling love at work in our world.
(from Vatican Radio)…