Archbishop Barwa among the Sisters of the Handmaids of Mary in Sarat

Francis sends a message to the Ecumenical Patriarch on the feast day of Saint Andrew, teh Patriarchate’s patron saint. The "primary duty" of Christians is to offer an example of dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation to a world where war will end when people realise that they are brothers and sisters.

During the Angelus, Pope Francis noted that "The Lord never abandons us" and this can help overcome "fear and discouragement" along with "pessimism, closure, and apathy" at this time of pandemic. The pontiff urged the faithful to pray for the new cardinals.

Commentary (in Italian) on the Gospel of the Sunday before Advent B (Mark 13:33-37).

At the Altar of the Chair in St Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis celebrated Mass with the new cardinals created in yesterday’s consistory. “[W]hy should we be caught up with earthly concerns?” “Why should we look for ‘patrons’ to help advance our career?” “Some people seem to think that being compassionate, helping and serving others is for losers. Yet these are the only things that win us the victory”. “When the Church worships God and serves our neighbour, she does not live in the night. However weak and weary, she journeys towards the Lord.”

During the consistory held at the Altar of the chair, Pope Francis placed the biretta on 13 new cardinals. Those from the Philippines and Brunei were absent due to problems related to the pandemic. All the cardinals wore masks and stood at a distance from each other. One of the new cardinals, Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, delivered the opening greetings.

The decision comes Pope Francis. “For nearly ten years, he has targeted me (personally), the Church and the system,” Archbishop Cornelio said. “[T]his has left deep wounds in the diocese, and now the wounds of division can begin to heal.”

Mgr Bejoy N. D'Cruze succeeds Card Patrick D’Rozario. The inauguration ceremony was held this morning in the cathedral. The laity are the strength that can lead the diocese and interfaith dialogue.

Sheeza Maqsood, 16, was converted to Islam at gun point; under threat of death to her family, she had to marry one of the kidnappers, who raped her for a month and a half. NGOs appeal to the government and the police for greater resources to help and defend minorities.

The Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life is launching a campaign to invite young people to spread the "virtual hugs" exchanged with the elderly online with the initiative "The elderly are your grandparents".

Farmers are marching towards the capital to protest against the recent agricultural reform, which liberalises agricultural markets. Small farmers complain that the new law favours large groups. For Prime Minister Modi, the new law will help tens of millions of farmers. The Catholic Church speaks out on the issue.

Archbishop Pallipparambil: "The recent trend in violence against women in the region is worrying." Likro Mossang, president of the Women's Association in the Diocese of Miao: adequate education and awareness is the right way to combat violence against women.

At the general audience, Francis recalls that the Church it consists of listening to the teaching of the apostles, custody of shared communion, the breaking of bread and prayer. If these "coordinates" are missing, there is no ecclesiality.

The armed attack unleashed last night at 2 am and continued until morning. The Christians who had gathered since yesterday slept in a common tent and were attacked. The village is isolated and no one is allowed to enter. The police deny all violence. Arun Pannalal, president of the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum: These are attacks linked to a planned conspiracy.

St George’s Orthodox Church in Cheppad is in middle of a dispute. Activists and Christian groups have launched a protest to save the building, including a hunger strike. The church’s 800-year-old apse contains prised murals and paintings. Under pressure, the authorities changed the original route, endangering the future of the church.