Holy See Press Office declaration in relation to the report made public in Pennsylvania on August 14, according to which the Catholic Church has covered up sexual abuse committed by more than three hundred priests over the course of 70 years. "By finding almost no cases after 2002, the Grand Jury’s conclusions are consistent with previous studies showing that Catholic Church reforms in the United States drastically reduced the incidence of clergy child abuse."
At the general audience, Pope Francis continues hiscatechesis on idolatry: "Human nature, to escape from precariousness, seeks a 'do-it-yourself' religion". The golden calf "is a symbol of wealth ... success, power and money ... the temptations of all time". "Our salvation comes from the One who became poor, who accepted failure". "In Christ our fragility is no longer a curse, but a place of encounter with the Father". The memory of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Edith Stein, patron saint of Europe.
At the Angelus, Pope Francis marks the 40th anniversary of the death of Montini, whom he will canonize on October 14th. Encounter with Jesus goes "beyond the immediate satisfaction of material needs". God's work does not consist in "doing" things, but in "believing" in the One He has sent. The memorial of the dedication of the basilica of Saint Mary Major, "the Virgin Mary, Salus populi romani".
By changing article 2,267, the pontiff commits the Church to the worldwide abolition of the death penalty. The previous version of article (from 1992) allowed capital punishment, albeit under strict conditions. China, Saudi Arabia, and Iran are among the countries that execute the most.
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.
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.
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