(Vatican Radio) Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Apostolic Nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN, addressed the UN’s High Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS Friday. He noted that as many as fifty percent of HIV-positive children die before their second birthday because they lack access to necessary diagnosis, treatment and medication. In fact, he said, the majority of HIV-positive children are not diagnosed until they are four years of age. The Holy See recently took up these concerns by convoking meetings at the Vatican with the executives of drug companies so that a more timely and affordable response can be made to address this tragedy.
P lease find the full statement of Archbishop Auza following, delivered in English:
Mr. President,
After years of shocking narratives on the loss of health and life among men, women and children living with HIV, my delegation is pleased with the progress detailed in the Secretary General’s Report “On the Fast-Track to End the AIDS Epidemic.” It is indeed heartening to set strategic goals and benchmarks with a view to ending this disease, and to do so within the more comprehensive framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. My delegation, however, urges the international community to pay equal attention to the cautionary note raised in the same Report, namely, that “AIDS is far from over […] despite remarkable progress,” and “if we accept the status quo unchanged, the epidemic will rebound in several low- and middle-income countries.”
In this regard, Catholic-inspired organizations often report the persistent obstacles posed by lack of access to early diagnosis and treatment; by lack of appropriate, affordable, and accessible “child-friendly” formulations and dosages of medications for pediatric use; by changes in funding priorities imposed by donor governments and agencies resulting in disruptions of services for those who do not live in the so-called HIV “hot spots”; by frequent stock-outs of medicines and diagnostic equipment and supplies; by interruptions of treatment, especially of women and young people who are subjected to stigma, discrimination and physical and emotional abuse as a result of their HIV status. While global goals and targets will be essentially moving forward, they must be anchored in reality, integrating the very real concerns that respective countries have in considering the holistic well-being of their people. Discrimination and stigmatization can never be an excuse to exclude or leave anyone behind. Every effort must be made to distinguish between policies that discriminate and stigmatize and those that are put in place to discourage risk-taking behaviors and encourage responsible and healthy relationships, especially among youth. While access to prevention, treatment and health care services must be guaranteed to all, they will never be enough by themselves to end HIV transmission and AIDS. We must continue to address their root causes and promote healthy lifestyles.
The obstacles to eradicating the spread of HIV/AIDS give ample evidence of the fact that in different parts of the world, especially in many regions of Africa, health care is still a privilege of the few who can afford it. As Pope Francis has said, access to health care, treatment, and medicines remains a dream for too many. Health-related issues, such as HIV/AIDS and related infections, require urgent political attention, above and beyond all other commercial or political interests. The international community must find the will, the technical expertise, the resources and the methods that provide access to diagnosis and treatment for all, and not simply for a privileged few, for “there is no human life that is more sacred than another, as there is no human life that is qualitatively more significant than another.”
Presently, as many as fifty percent of HIV-positive children die before their second birthday, because they do not have access to the necessary diagnosis, treatment and medication. In fact, the majority of HIV-positive children are not diagnosed until they are four years of age. Taking up these concerns, the Holy See recently convened two meetings in the Vatican with the executive-level leaders of companies that manufacture pharmaceuticals and diagnostic equipment, in order to plan a timelier and more appropriate response to children living with HIV and tuberculosis. These business leaders, together with representatives of specialized multilateral organizations, governments, religious and other non-governmental organizations, agreed that providing affordable, appropriate, and accessible HIV medicines and diagnostic tools for pediatric use everywhere is an urgent global goal, thus committing themselves to overcoming the obstacles and accelerating access to diagnosis, treatment and medication for children living with HIV/AIDS. The Holy See and all the institutions of the Catholic Church are motivated more than ever to consider the plight of children living with HIV. Together let us muster the will, continue to sharpen the technical expertise already available and find the resources necessary to provide access to diagnosis, care and treatment, not only for a privileged few, but for all.
Thank you, Mr. President.
(from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) An estimated 650 participants attending a congress for people with disabilities, gathered in the Paul VI hall on Saturday to be greeted by Pope Francis where he also answered questions from a number of those gathered.
The congress organized by the Italian Bishops Conference was taking place on the occasion of the Year of Mercy jubilee celebration for the sick and persons with disabilities, and on the 25th anniversary of the Sector for Catechesis for the disabled run by the Italian National Catechetical Office.
Listen to Lydia O’Kane’s report
In his prepared remarks, the Pope said, that this 25th anniversary offered them the chance to renew their commitment to ensure that disabled people were fully welcomed in parishes, associations and ecclesial movements.
During the encounter Pope Francis took questions from a number of participants. One of those gathered was Fr Luigi who came from a parish in the South of Rome. He explained to the Pope that sometimes even in his parish not everyone has the capacity to be really welcoming and asked the Holy Father, how was it possible to educate people so they are able to welcome everyone? The Holy Father respond by saying that there was a richness in diversity and it was important to remember that in order to move forward.
Another participant Serena told the Pope that she at times was not aloud to take part in certain celebrations with other people in her parish, due to her disability and asked the Pope to explain to her why this could be so? Pope Francis replied by saying many people are the subject of discrimination and that was a terrible thing. He added that sometimes there are reasons for decisions taken, but told Serena that she as a disabled person had the possibility to be better and that everyone had the possibility to grow.
Following the event the Holy Father greeted the many people with disabilities gathered, many of whom had come bearing gifts for him.
(from Vatican Radio)…
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Saturday addressed the participants of a summer course organized by the Vatican Observatory, reminding them how diversity enriches scientific research, which in turn draws us ever closer to our Creator God.
The fifteenth installment of the Vatican Observatory’s summer course for astronomers falls on the 125th anniversary of the Observatory’s founding.
Listen to Devin Watkins’ report:
In his address to the summer course participants, Pope Francis focused on the importance of cultural diversity in scientific research. Noting the diverse provenance of the participants, he said their desire to discover the truth of the cosmos will lead them to the Creator.
“God’s creation, and our own place in it, is shared by men and women of very diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. All of us dwell under the same sky. All of us are moved by the beauty revealed in the cosmos and reflected in the study of the heavenly bodies and substances. In this sense, we are united by the desire to discover the truth about how this marvellous universe operates; and in this, we draw ever closer to the Creator.”
The Holy Father also reminded them that the mission of the Vatican Observatory, founded by Pope Leo XIII in 1891, is to employ “new scientific instruments as well as the tools of dialogue and cooperation with other centres of research”.
This fifteenth installment of the summer course is concerned with the study of water in our solar system and beyond, and the Pope noted its beauty and importance.
“From the tiniest snowflake to the greatest waterfalls, from lakes and rivers to immense oceans, water fascinates us by its power and, at the same time, its simplicity. The great civilizations originated beside rivers, and in our day access to pure water continues to be an issue of justice for the human race, for rich and poor alike.”
He concluded his remarks by reminding them of the commitment required by scientific research, which can also be a source of great joy. He said, “May you always find joy in your research and share the fruit of your studies with humility and fraternity.”
The official translation of Pope Francis’ address can be found below:
Greeting of His Holiness Pope Francis to Participants in the Summer Course of the Vatican Observatory
I am happy to welcome you, the professors and students of the summer course organized by the Jesuit Fathers of the Vatican Observatory. This impressive representation of persons from various countries and different cultures is a sign of how diversity can greatly enrich scientific research. I thank Father Paul Mueller, the Vice-Director of the Observatory, and the professors who generously accompany you young astronomers in the complex and exciting activity of studying the universe, the incomparable gift of the Creator. My gratitude goes also to those who through their generosity have contributed to make this international course possible.
Pope Leo XIII established the Vatican Observatory in 1891, exactly 125 years ago, not least to confirm the Church’s support for “true and solid science, whether human or divine” (Motu Proprio Ut Mysticam, 14 March 1891) . Over the years, the Observatory has sought to fulfil its original purpose by employing new scientific instruments as well as the tools of dialogue and cooperation with other centres of research.
Your presence at this summer school is also a sign that the desire to understand the universe, God’s creation, and our own place in it, is shared by men and women of very diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. All of us dwell under the same sky. All of us are moved by the beauty revealed in the cosmos and reflected in the study of the heavenly bodies and substances. In this sense, we are united by the desire to discover the truth about how this marvellous universe operates; and in this, we draw ever closer to the Creator.
It is timely and providential that this fifteenth summer school is concerned with the study of water in the solar system and elsewhere. We all know how essential water is here on earth: for life, for us human beings and for our work. From the tiniest snowflake to the greatest waterfalls, from lakes and rivers to immense oceans, water fascinates us by its power and, at the same time, its simplicity. The great civilizations originated beside rivers, and in our day access to pure water continues to be an issue of justice for the human race, for rich and poor alike.
Dear brothers and sisters, scientific research demands great commitment, yet can sometimes prove lengthy and tiresome. At the same time, it can, and should be, a source of deep joy. I pray that you will be able to cultivate that interior joy and allow it to inspire your work. Share it with your friends, your families and your nations, as well as with the international community of scientists with whom you work. May you always find joy in your research and share the fruit of your studies with humility and fraternity.
With these prayerful good wishes, I cordially invoke the Lord’s abundant blessings upon you and your work. And I ask you please to remember me in your prayers. Thank you.
(from Vatican Radio)…
Bulletin for 6/12/2016
(Vatican Radio) The Press Office of the Holy See released a statement on Friday, clarifying the reason for which the independent audit of some areas of Vatican finances being conducted by the financial services agency, PricewaterhouseCoopers, had been suspended, and announcing a new agreement between the parties, under which the accounting firm shall resume its work. Below, please find the full text of the official English-language statement.
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As previously noted, with respect to the relationship between the Holy See and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) it was deemed useful to suspend auditing activity to examine the meaning and scope of certain contract clauses, as well as to examine the manner in which the contract was executed. Together with PwC, those issues were duly examined in an atmosphere of serene collaboration, resolving the questions originally identified. In particular, it was recognized that, by law, the task of performing the financial statement audit is entrusted to the Office of the Auditor General (URG), as is normally the case for every sovereign state. Given that, in conformity with the legal framework in force this institutional responsibility falls upon the URG, PwC will play an assisting role and will also be available to those dicasteries that wish to avail themselves of its support and consulting services. It is important to clarify that, contrary to what has been reported by some sources, the suspension was not due to considerations regarding the integrity or the quality of PwC’s work, nor is it attributable to the desire of one or more entities of the Holy See to hinder reforms. The path towards a correct and appropriate implementation of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) is normally complex and prolonged. That path requires a series of legislative choices as well as the adoption of administrative and accounting procedures, which are presently under development. Keeping in mind the valued activity already carried out by PwC, the Holy See announces that the parties, have entered into a new agreement which, in conformity with the institutional framework, provides for a broader collaboration with PwC that is adaptable to the Holy See’s needs. This agreement permits all of the entities of the Holy See to participate more actively in the reforms under way. With this initiative, the Holy See will promptly reassume its collaboration with PwC. The commitment to the economic-financial audit of the Holy See and of the State of Vatican City has been, and remains, a priority.
(from Vatican Radio)…