During the Angelus Pope Francis met almost 100,000 young Italians who came to Rome on pilgrimage. “[I]t is necessary to live coherently with the promises of Baptism, renewed in Confirmation, not with hypocrisy: these promises have two aspects: renunciation of evil and attachment to goodness,” he said. “It is good not to do evil, but it is evil not to do good". The pontiff singled out priests and nuns to thank them for their patience with young people. He blessed the images of Our Lady of Loreto and the San Damiano Cross that were handed over to a delegation from Panama, site of the next World Youth Day.
The separation between politics and religion in Islam is an urgent need. Egypt and Syria are two cases in point. The war in Iraq (and in Syria) is above all an intra-Islamic war. European countries must push Islamic countries to implement equality among all citizens, regardless of religion, and absolute equality between men and women. Here is an interview with Jesuit Fr Samir Khalil Samir, a great Islam expert.
Pope Francis begins a new cycle of catechesis on the commandments. The theme of important idolatry for atheists and believers. Christians, tarot cards and palm readers to predict the future. "In ancient times human sacrifices were made to the idols, but also today: for the career some sacrifice their children, neglecting them or simply not generating them". "Money steals life and pleasure leads to loneliness. Economic structures sacrifice human lives for greater profits ". True God teaches us to live in the reality of every day. The invitation to an examination of conscience: "What is my idol? Take it off and throw it out the window. "
"Faced with the cry of hunger – all sorts of "hunger" – of so many brothers and sisters in every part of the world, we cannot remain indifferent and calm spectators,” said Francis during the Angelus. “Never throw away leftover food", Francis added. Instead, “use it again or give it to those who can eat it, to those who need it.” He called for prayers to the Virgin Mary so “that programmes dedicated to development, food, and solidarity in the world prevail, not those of hatred, armaments and war." Tomorrow is the UN-sponsored World Day against Trafficking in Persons.
Evacuations underway in the northeastern province of Stung Treng, on the border with Laos. Rescuers' efforts continue. 27 dead are ascertained; 131 missing. Message of condolences from the Archbishop of Seoul and a contribution of 43 thousand euros for aid.
Panic-stricken residents continue to escape, seeking shelter on rooftops or heading to evacuation centres. South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, China and Norway are taking part in the operations. Pope Francis sends a message of condolences.
Following the implosion of the dam, 5 billion cubic meters of water poured downstream, sweeping away houses and causing an unknown number of missing. More than 6 thousand residents of the eight surrounding villages are now homeless. The upper part of the structure was damaged 24 hours before it collapsed. The infrastructure project involves Laotian, Thai and South Korean companies. Seoul sends rescue teams.
Cross and inscription "Catholic Church" removed from church facade. The ban on holding summer youth camps for catechism. Meanwhile, the vaccine scandal breaks out, a sign of a lack of moral values in Chinese society. Vaccinating young people in the spirit, helping them discover their faith, would help Chinese society. The considerations of a priest blogger.
The disappearance of a child who was sold has "nothing to do with the Congregation of the Missionaries of Charity". The nuns are victims of "many myths [. . .] information distorted and false news” as well as “baseless innuendo". Sr Prema gives her version of events and defends her congregation. Only two weeks before, the authorities described the children’s home involved as an “excellent environment for the care of children”. Now they have been taken by social services.
