(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has answered 30 questions presented to him from children from around the world. Loyola Press is publishing the responses in a book due to be published on 1 March called Dear Pope Francis .
The United States-based Jesuit publishing house approached Pope Francis about the idea last year, and received a positive response. They then asked Jesuits from around the world to collect questions from children aged 6-13, including Catholics and non-Catholics. They also asked the children to send drawings, which are included in the book.
They received 259 questions from 26 countries in 14 languages. The book’s editor, Fr. Paul Campbell, SJ, then sat down with a committee and chose the questions to send the Pope.
“One of the lines we use to describe this book is: Little children have big questions,” Fr. Campbell told Vatican Radio.
Listen to the interview by Alessandro Gisotti with Father Paul Campbell, SJ:
“Yes they are questions from little children, but they are very, very profound questions,” – Fr. Campbell said – “The Holy Father was very clear that it was terribly difficult to answer these questions.”
The Jesuit priest said one thing that comes out of reading the book is the Holy Father’s profound sensitivity to the suffering of children around the world.
“I believe it was William from the United States who asked the question if you could cause one miracle…what would it be? And the Holy Father said ‘to stop the suffering of children’,” – Father Campbell explained – “and it is very clear to me that the Holy Father’s heart is full of compassion for those who suffer.”
This book is only a small way of giving suffering people hope.
“The Holy Father wants to reach out to children and adults to everyone who experiences suffering – which means all of us – to tell us that he does not understand suffering, that he cannot explain it, but that he does believe that Jesus did suffer for us, and that is the only thing that gives him hope and comfort,” Father Campbell said.
(from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis dedicated his General Audience on Wednesday to the theme of proper disposition expected by Christian faith toward the goods of the world, saying that they serve the common good if used in accordance with the demands of justice, charity and mercy, though they become a source of corruption and death if used selfishly and arrogantly.
Click below to hear our report
The Holy Father went on to discuss the Biblical account of Naboth, a man unjustly put to death so that King Ahab might take possession of his property. Departing from his prepared text, the Pope recommended the slim, powerful volume by St. Ambrose of Milan, the great 4 th century bishop and Doctor of the Church, on the account in 1 Kings 21 , as especially pertinent and helpful Lenten reading . “This is not a story from other times,” he said. “It is a story of today, as well, a story of the powerful who exploit the poor, who exploit the people for their own gain. It is the story of human trafficking, of slave labor, of poor people who work ‘under the table’ and for a pittance in order to enrich the powerful – it is the story of corrupt politicians who want more and more. For this, I said it would do us well to read St. Ambrose’s book on Naboth – because it is a book about current events.”
Pope Francis went on to say that Jesus tells us that we show our greatness not by domineering but by humbly serving one another. “Just as the Lord sent the prophet Elijah to call Ahab to repentance, he sent his Son to show the power of his mercy which triumphs over sin and injustice,” he said.
Pope Francis concluded with a call that we all during this Holy Year ask the Lord to draw near to sinners, to show us His mercy, and to redeem the many situations of injustice in our world by the power of His grace and forgiveness.
(from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) The Holy See delegation pointed out the role Catholic institutions play in post-conflict peacebuilding around the world in an address to the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday. “The Holy See, as a subject of International Law, has always been a promoter of peace between countries, actively participating in the work of the UN, while the local Catholic churches have always been a factor of reconciliation at the national level,” said Monsignor Simon Kassas, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations in New York. “Churches, as well as many faith-based organizations and development NGOs, have always been at the vanguard of pacification and reconstruction of regions and countries struck by wars and conflicts,” the Vatican diplomat continued. The delegation from Venezuela had sponsored an Open Debate in the UN Security Council on Post-conflict Peacebuilding: Review of the Peacebuilding Architecture . “The actions of the Holy See, and of Catholic institutions worldwide, are fully consistent with the pleas of this Chamber, and other United Nations fora, to limit the use of arms and implement strategies of dialogue and negotiation to bridge the way to peaceful co-existence, in diversity, and to use the world’s industrial might and technological prowess to bring about the peacebuilding aspirations of all,” Msgr. Kassas said. The full text of Msgr. Kassas’ remarks are below Intervention of Monsignor Simon Kassas Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations during the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on Post-conflict Peacebuilding: Review of the Peacebuilding Architecture New York, 23 February 2016 Mr, President, My delegation wishes to thank the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for convening this Open Debate on “Post-Conflict Peacebuilding: Review of the Peacebuilding Architecture.” Eleven years ago, drawing on the experience of the first 50 years of the United Nations, the High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change identified “a key institutional gap: there was no place in the United Nations system explicitly designed to avoid State collapse and the slide to war or to assist countries in their transition from war to peace” (Report, paragraph 261). Consequently, following the 2005 World Summit Outcome document, the General Assembly and the Security Council created the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), as a subsidiary body of both UN organs. Afterwards the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) was put in place and a Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO) was also created. The PBC and the PBSO should be praised for the work accomplished in many countries [-Burundi, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia and the Central African Republic-], while the PBF deserves a generous and constant financial support from the UN members. However, the conclusions of the Secretary General’s Advisory Group on the Review of the Peacebuilding Architecture show the complexity and difficulty of peacebuilding efforts. The ability of the PBC to engage with the host government, as well as civil society and the most important stakeholders on the ground, in the conduct and implementation of coordinated actions remains crucial. In addition, there are several factors largely dependent on the Security Council’s, and other UN bodies’, substantive and coordinated engagement on each situation. Furthermore, the ultimate success of peacebuilding relies on the attention given to the PBC by the whole International Community. Appropriately, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development address the special need of financial, trade and development assistance for countries in post-conflict situation. Goal 16 of the same 2030 Agenda is devoted to the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies, and all its targets are relevant for situations of post-conflict. However, in his address to the 70 Th session of the General Assembly, Pope Francis that “…solemn commitments… are not enough, even though they are a necessary step toward solutions. …Our world demands of all government leaders a will which is effective, practical and constant, concrete steps and immediate measures…” not forgetting “that, above and beyond our plans and programs, we are dealing with real men and women who live, struggle and suffer, and are often forced to live in great poverty, deprived of all rights” (Address of His Holiness Pope Francis to United Nations Organization, 25 September 2015). The Addis Ababa Action Agenda recognizes “the importance for achieving sustainable development of delivering quality education to all girls and boys” including “migrant and refugee children, and those in conflict and post-conflict situations, and providing safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all” (N. 78). The same Agenda stresses that “Capacity development will be integral to achieving the post-2015 development agenda”. It calls “for enhanced international support and establishment of multi-stakeholder partnerships for implementing effective and targeted capacity building”, especially “in countries in conflict and post-conflict situations” (N. 115). In his speech to the General Assembly Pope Francis noted that integral human development “presupposes and requires the right to education – also for girls (excluded in certain places) – which is ensured first and foremost by respecting and reinforcing the primary right of families to educate their children, as well as the right of churches and social groups to support and assist families in the education of their children. Education conceived in this way is the basis for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda”. Mr. President, The Holy See, as a subject of International Law, has always been a promoter of peace between countries, actively participating in the work of the UN, while the local Catholic churches have always been a factor of reconciliation at the national level. Churches, as well as many faith-based organizations and development NGOs, have always been at the vanguard of pacification and reconstruction of regions and countries struck by wars and conflicts. Moreover, the almost 100,000 elementary and secondary schools as well as colleges and universities throughout the world, that are run by Catholic organizations, are an essential contribution to building and maintaining peace. The Catholic healthcare network encompasses more than 25,000 hospitals, dispensaries, clinics, homes for the elderly, the chronically ill or disabled, orphanages and childcare centers. All are a part of maintaining locally stable and secure environments essential for the comprehensive approach to peacebuilding as recommended in the 2015 Review of the United Nations Peacebuilding Architecture. The actions of the Holy See, and of Catholic institutions worldwide, are fully consistent with the pleas of this Chamber, and other United Nations fora, to limit the use of arms and implement strategies of dialogue and negotiation to bridge the way to peaceful co-existence, in diversity, and to use the world’s industrial might and technological prowess to bring about the peacebuilding aspirations of all. Mr. President, In his recent visit to Mexico, Pope Francis addressed the civil authorities and diplomatic corps (13 February 2016) and discussed the building blocks of peace. He said: “Leaders of social, cultural and political life have the particular duty to offer all citizens the opportunity to be worthy contributors of their own future, within their families and in all areas were human social interaction takes place. In this way, they help citizens to have real access to the material and spiritual goods, which are indispensable: adequate housing, dignified employment, food, true justice, effective security, a healthy and peaceful environment.” It seems to my delegation that these words of Pope Francis are of the very essence of the architecture of peacebuilding, which we are discussing here today. Thank you, Mr. President. (from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, said on Tuesday it was “essential” that Italian legislation not equate civil unions with marriage.
The so-called Cirinnà bill would give legal recognition to same-sex civil unions, as well as granting the members of such unions limited rights to adopt children. Debate on the proposed legislation is taking place in Italy’s Senate this week.
The Vatican diplomat was speaking after the annual reception with Italian government officials to mark the anniversary of the Lateran Pacts, the 1929 treaty between Italy and the Holy See which settled the longstanding disputes arising over the nineteenth century Italian takeover of the Papal States, and also established the Vatican City State.
The meeting took place at the Italian Embassy to the Holy See, and both the Italian President Sergio Mattarella and the Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi attended the event.
“The [Cirinnà] bill came up, but did not enter into our discussions. I think everyone’s position is clear, although it is not clear what will be happening in the coming days,” the Cardinal said.
“However, at the same time we must other backdoors, quite apart from the direct reference to stepchild adoption, which could be derived from equating civil unions with marriage,” continued Cardinal Parolin.
He added it was “essential” to respect the ruling of the Constitutional Court that any legislation not equate civil unions to marriage.
Cardinal Parolin called the meeting “good” and said the parties spoke about other bilateral issues, including the recently concluded agreement on fiscal matters, collaboration during the Jubilee year, and the “great themes” of education and the family.
“It was positive…there is a desire for collaboration, and a willingness to overcome any difficulties which might arise,” he said.
(from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis held a General Audience on Wednesday in St. Peter’s Square. In remarks to pilgrims and tourists gathered for the occasion, the Holy Father continued his series of catecheses on Divine Mercy, focusing specifically on the proper disposition expected by Christian faith toward the goods of the world. Below, please find the English-language summary of Pope Francis’ catechesis, which was delivered in Italian
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Dear Brothers and Sisters: Continuing our weekly catecheses inspired by this Holy Year of Divine Mercy, we now consider the Bible’s teaching on the right use of wealth and power. The Scriptures show that these serve the common good if used in accordance with the demands of justice, charity and mercy. Used selfishly and arrogantly, they become a source of corruption and death, as we see in the story of Naboth, unjustly put to death so that King Ahab might take possession of his property. Jesus tells us that we show our greatness not by domineering but by humbly serving one another. Just as the Lord sent the prophet Elijah to call Ahab to repentance, he sent his Son to show the power of his mercy which triumphs over sin and injustice. Jesus is the true King, whose saving power is shown in the cross. During this Holy Year let us ask him to draw near to sinners, to show us his mercy, and to redeem the many situations of injustice in our world by the power of his grace and forgiveness.
Following the summary, the Holy Father greeted English-speaking pilgrims and visitors
I greet the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, especially those from England, Scotland, Ireland, Sweden, Gabon, Mozambique and the United States of America. With prayerful good wishes that the present Jubilee of Mercy will be a moment of grace and spiritual renewal for you and your families, I invoke upon all of you joy and peace in our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you all!
(from Vatican Radio)…