There’s No Winner in War, Says Pope; Even the Victors Lose... from ZENIT in Roswell, Georgia, United States for Tuesday, 20 September 2016Like
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There’s No Winner in War, Says Pope; Even the Victors Lose by Kathleen Naab
We can all be artisans of peace, Pope Francis affirmed at the closing ceremony of today’s World Day of Prayer for Peace in Assisi. And we must be artisans of peace because, he said, even the victors in a war are losers.The meeting, which brought the Pope back to Assisi despite a recentvisit to the town Aug. 4 for the eighth centenary of the Pardon of Assisi, gives continuity to the interreligious meeting Pope John Paul II called 30 years ago in Assisi.
This year’s four-day summit drew interfaith leaders representing a variety of creeds.
“We have come to Assisi as pilgrims in search of peace,” said Pope Francis to the gathering of more than 400 leaders from dozens of different traditions of faith and religion. “We carry within us and place before God the hopes and sorrows of many persons and peoples: we thirst for peace; we desire to witness to peace.”
“[A]bove all,” said Pope Francis, “we need to pray for peace, because peace is God’s gift, and it lies with us to plead for it, embrace it, and build it every day with God’s help.”
The Pope observed that people “do not always understand that war harms the world, leaving in its wake a legacy of sorrows and hate. In war, everyone loses, including the victors.”
He also had harsh words for those who falsely use religion in an attempt to justify violence.
“God’s name is peace,” he said. “The one who calls upon God’s name to justify terrorism, violence and war does not follow God’s path. War in the name of religion becomes a war against religion itself.”
The Pope’s appeal was emphatic: “We have heard the voice of the poor, of children and the younger generations, of women and so many brothers and sisters who are suffering due to war. With them let us say with conviction: No to war! May the anguished cry of the many innocents not go unheeded.”
He also said that to bring peace, the underlying causes of war must be defused: “the lust for power and money, the greed of arms’ dealers, personal interests and vendettas for past wrongs” as well as “poverty, injustice and inequality, the exploitation of and contempt for human life.”
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On ZENIT’s Web page:
Full text:
https://zenit.org/articles/popes-appeal-for-peace-at-closing-ceremony-of-assisi-ceremony/
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Pope’s Morning Homily: ‘There Is No God of War!’ by Deborah Castellano Lubov
‘There is no God of war!’According to Vatican Radio, Pope Francis made this categorical statement during his daily morning Mass today, just hours before he was to leave for the Umbrian hill town of Assisi, to take part in the closing ceremony today of an international summit of interfaith leaders to pray for world peace.
Francis is returning to Assisi, just over a month after his Aug. 4 visit, this time to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Meeting of Prayer for Peace, desired by John Paul II on Oct. 27, 1986.
In this morning’s homily, before departing for the interfaith summit, the Pope stressed that war and “the inhumanity of a bomb that explodes, killing and injuring people, and cutting off humanitarian aid so that it cannot get to children, the elderly, the sick” is the work of “the evil one” who “wants to kill everyone.”
“We are all children of God,” Francis stressed, “And God is the God of peace. There is no god of war. He who makes war is evil; it is the devil who wants to kill everyone. ”
Francis began this morning’s homily, observing, “today, men and women of all religions, we will go to Assisi – not to make a ‘show’: simply to pray and to pray for peace.”
Don’t Turn a Deaf Ear
The Jesuit Pope recalled his letter to all the world’s bishops, calling on them to organize prayer meetings on this day, inviting “Catholics, Christians, believers and all men and women of good will , of any religion, to pray for peace,” because, “the world is at war! The world is suffering!”
Francis commented that today’s First reading concludes in this way: ‘He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will himself also call and not be heard.’
“If we now shut our ears to the cry of these people who are suffering under the bombs, who suffer the exploitation of arms dealers, it may be that when it happens to us, we will not be heard,” the Pope reflected. “We cannot turn a deaf ear to the cry of pain of our brothers and sisters who are suffering from war. ”
War Begins in the Heart
“We do not see the war,” Francis criticized, commenting: “We are scared by some act of terrorism” but “this has nothing to do with what is happening in those countries, in those lands where the bombs, day and night, fall and fall” and “kill children, the elderly, men, women…”
“The war is far away?” asked the Pope. “No! It’s very close” because “the war touches everyone…war begins in the heart .”
“May the Lord grant us peace in our hearts,” Pope Francis prayed. May He “take away all desire for greed, covetousness, for fighting. No! Peace, peace!” the Pope exclaimed again. So that “our heart is the heart of a man or woman of peace. And beyond the divisions of religions: everyone, everyone, everyone!
We should be ashamed
With this reality, the Pope stressed there can be no divisions between faiths. “It is not enough to simply thank God because maybe the war “does not affect us.”
“We think today not only about the bombs, the dead, the wounded; but also about the people – children and the elderly – for whom humanitarian aid has yet to arrive so they can eat. Medicines cannot arrive. They are hungry, sick! Because the bombs are preventing the aid from getting to them.”
Pope Francis concluded, saying that while we pray today, it would be nice if all of us were to feel ashamed that “humans, our brothers, are capable of doing this,” and that during today’s day of prayer and penance, that this cry for peace opens our hearts to compassion, love, and saves us from selfishness.
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Pope Kicks Off Visit to Assisi for World Day of Prayer for Peace by Deborah Castellano Lubov
Pope Francis has returned to the Italian town of Assisi today, just over a month after his Aug. 4 visit, this time to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Meeting of Prayer for Peace, desired by John Paul II on Oct. 27, 1986.According to a statement released by the Holy See Press Office, at10:55 a.m. Rome time, Francis’ helicopter took off from the Vatican heliport for the visit to Assisi for the World Day of Prayer, in the ambit of the event “Thirst for Peace: Religions and Cultures in Dialogue,” promoted by the diocese of Assisi, by the Franciscan Families and by Rome’s Sant’Egidio Community.
Once the helicopter landed in the Migaghelli sports field, the Pope was received at Santa Maria degli Angeli by Archbishop-Bishop of Assisi-Nocera Umbra-Gualdo Tadino, Monsignor Domenico Sorrentino; by the Honorable Catiuscia Marini, President of the Umbria Region; by Raffaele Cannizzaro, Prefect of Perugia and by Stefania Proietti, Mayor of Assisi.
The Pope went by car to the Sacred Convent of Assisi and was received by the Custos, Father Mauro Gambetti; by His Holiness Bartholomew I, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople; by Abbas Shuman, Vice-President of Al Azhar (Egypt); by His Grace Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury; by His Holiness Ephrem II, Syro-Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and by the Chief Rabbi of Rome, Riccardi Di Segni.
They all arrived together at the Sixtus IV Cloister, where they were awaited by representatives of the world churches and religions, and bishops of Umbria. The Holy Father greeted all the representatives individually.
At 1:00 pm, Francis took part in a lunch at the refectory of the Sacred Convent, which included refugees from suffering countries, who currently are being offered housing by the Sant’Egidio Community. In the course of the pleasant meeting, Marco Impagliazzo, President of Sant’Egidio Community, recalled the 25th anniversary of the Patriarchy of His Holiness Bartholomew I.
Sant’Egidio has informed ZENIT that the menu for today’s lunch consisted of an appetizer with bresaola, arugula and mozzarella, trofie pasta with pesto, turkey with beans and a roasted mushroom, and a fruit tart for dessert.
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On ZENIT’s Web page:
Full Program: https://zenit.org/articles/program-for-popes-assisi-visit-today/
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Reading of Notices After Communion by Fr. Edward McNamara
Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy and dean of theology at the Regina Apostolorum university.Q1: Should community notices, such as dates of youth meetings, matrimony courses, when prayer meetings will be held, and the like be read after Communion? Or should they be read after Mass is finished (i.e., outside the liturgy)? Q2: Should organ music continue to play softly when the priest is purifying the chalice after Communion and the tabernacle on the main altar still open? — L.B., Rabat, Malta
A: In answer to question one we can say that the correct moment for such announcements is after the closing prayer but before the final blessing. If necessary the people may be instructed to sit down. Thus the General Instruction of the Roman Missal [GIRM] says r the concluding rites:
“90. The concluding rites consist of
“a. Brief announcements, if they are necessary;
“b. The priest’s greeting and blessing, which on certain days and occasions is enriched and expressed in the prayer over the People or another more solemn formula;
“c. The dismissal of the people by the deacon or the priest, so that each may go out to do good works, praising and blessing God;
“d. The kissing of the altar by the priest and the deacon, followed by a profound bow to the altar by the priest, the deacon, and the other ministers.
“166. When the prayer after Communion is concluded, brief announcements to the people may be made, if they are needed.
“184. Once the prayer after Communion has been said, the deacon makes brief announcements to the people, if indeed any need to be made, unless the priest prefers to do this himself.”
These norms would seem to indicate that the priest or deacon make these announcements. It is a fairly widespread practice, however, that at least on some occasions a layperson may make specific announcements as, for example, a member of a parish youth group, or some other lay association makes an invitation to participate in activities.
The indications stress that such announcements should be brief. Only very exceptionally should this time be used for longer interventions in normal masses. On special occasions such as ordinations this time may be used for a brief thanksgiving speech. During funerals a eulogy may be pronounced at this time, although norms and customs vary from one country to another.
With respect to music after Communion the GIRM has the following to say about music:
“88. When the distribution of Communion is finished, as circumstances suggest, the priest and faithful spend some time praying privately. If desired, a psalm or other canticle of praise or a hymn may also be sung by the entire congregation.
“163. When the distribution of Communion is finished, the priest himself immediately and completely consumes at the altar any consecrated wine that happens to remain; as for any consecrated hosts that are left, he either consumes them at the altar or carries them to the place designated for the reservation of the Eucharist.
“Upon returning to the altar, the priest collects any fragments that may remain. Then, standing at the altar or at the credence table, he purifies the paten or ciborium over the chalice then purifies the chalice, saying quietly, Quod ore sumpsimus (Lord, may I receive), and dries the chalice with a purificator. If the vessels are purified at the altar, they are carried to the credence table by a minister. Nevertheless, it is also permitted, especially if there are several vessels to be purified, to leave them suitably covered on a corporal, either at the altar or at the credence table, and to purify them immediately after Mass following the dismissal of the people.
“164. Afterwards, the priest may return to the chair. A sacred silence may now be observed for some period of time, or a Psalm or another canticle of praise or a hymn may be sung (cf. above, no. 88).
“313. The organ and other lawfully approved musical instruments are to be placed in an appropriate place so that they can sustain the singing of both the choir and the congregation and be heard with ease by all if they are played alone. It is appropriate that, before being put into liturgical use, the organ be blessed according to the rite described in the Roman Ritual.
“In Advent the organ and other musical instruments should be used with a moderation that is consistent with the season’s character and does not anticipate the full joy of the Nativity of the Lord.
“In Lent the playing of the organ and musical instruments is allowed only to support the singing. Exceptions are Laetare Sunday (FourthSunday of Lent), Solemnities, and Feasts.”
Therefore, we can distinguish two moments, the priest during the purification and the priest on returning to the chair. There are also two different songs. The song during the distribution of Communion and an optional hymn or psalm to be sung during thanksgiving unless a period of silence is observed.
I would say that, except during Lent, the organ could continue to play some final strains of the Communion song during the purification. Many of the faithful have already ceased singing and begun their personal thanksgiving, and occasionally the choir receives Communion after the faithful at this time.
However, while observing silence is usually preferred, the above norms seem to indicate that if a meditative psalm or hymn is chosen this should be sung by all and not be simply an organ piece.
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Follow-up: Muslims’ Presence at Mass
In the wake of our commentary on non-Christians attending Mass (see Sept. 6) a reader from India asked: “Sometimes we have some Hindu politicians attending the Holy Mass. Is it all right if they are asked to address the congregation, standing in front of the sacristy, on a loud speaker?”
As in most cases, context determines how one should act. It might be true that anything a politician does is in view of the next election, but when politicians win elections they also hold public offices and are vested with legitimate authority.
Thus, for example, a governor or mayor could attend Mass on a special occasion and say something like: “On behalf of all the citizens I wish to express our appreciation of the contribution of our Catholic fellow citizens to the progress of our society and desire for them a joyful celebration of this feast.” This could be quite acceptable as it is a public recognition from a representative of civil society.
It would be different to have the candidates for an election as this could be interpreted as using the Mass for political purposes and would not be advisable.
On rare occasions, usually authorized by the bishop, a person who is also a politician, might be allowed to address the people outside of Mass regarding some Catholic value or principle that is being attacked and which requires a response on several levels, including political action. Among such issues would be the defense of life, religious freedom and, in India, the right of Christians to establish their own schools.
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Readers may send questions to zenit.liturgy@gmail.com. Please put the word “Liturgy” in the subject field. The text should include your initials, your city and your state, province or country. Father McNamara can only answer a small selection of the great number of questions that arrive.
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Pope’s Appeal for Peace at Closing Ceremony of Assisi Event by ZENIT Staff
Here is a translation of Pope Francis’ appeal for peace, made at the closing ceremony of the World Day of Prayer for Peace gathering in Assisi today.
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Appeal for Peace of His Holiness Pope Francis
Piazza of Saint Francis, Assisi
Tuesday, 20 September 2016
Men and women of various religions, we gather as pilgrims in the city of Saint Francis. Thirty years ago in 1986, religious representatives from all over the world met here at the invitation of Pope John Paul II. It was the first such solemn gathering that brought so many together, in order to affirm the indissoluble bond between the great good of peace and an authentic religious attitude. From that historic event, a long pilgrimage was begun which has touched many cities of the world, involving many believers in dialogue and in praying for peace. It has brought people together without denying their differences, giving life to real interreligious friendships and contributing to the resolution of more than a few conflicts. This is the spirit that animates us: to bring about encounters through dialogue, and to oppose every form of violence and abuse of religion which seeks to justify war and terrorism. And yet, in the years that have followed, numerous populations have nonetheless been painfully wounded by war. People do not always understand that war harms the world, leaving in its wake a legacy of sorrows and hate. In war, everyone loses, including the victors.
We have prayed to God, asking him to grant peace to the world. We recognize the need to pray constantly for peace, because prayer protects the world and enlightens it. God’s name is peace. The one who calls upon God’s name to justify terrorism, violence and war does not follow God’s path. War in the name of religion becomes a war against religion itself. With firm resolve, therefore, let us reiterate that violence and terrorism are opposed to an authentic religious spirit.
We have heard the voice of the poor, of children and the younger generations, of women and so many brothers and sisters who are suffering due to war. With them let us say with conviction: No to war! May the anguished cry of the many innocents not go unheeded. Let us urge leaders of nations to defuse the causes of war: the lust for power and money, the greed of arms’ dealers, personal interests and vendettas for past wrongs. We need a greater commitment to eradicating the underlying causes of conflicts: poverty, injustice and inequality, the exploitation of and contempt for human life.
May a new season finally begin, in which the globalized world can become a family of peoples. May we carry out our responsibility of building an authentic peace, attentive to the real needs of individuals and peoples, capable of preventing conflicts through a cooperation that triumphs over hate and overcomes barriers through encounter and dialogue. Nothing is lost when we effectively enter into dialogue. Nothing is impossible if we turn to God in prayer. Everyone can be an artisan of peace. Through this gathering in Assisi, we resolutely renew our commitment to be such artisans, by the help of God, together will all men and women of good will.
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Pope’s Meditation During Ecumenical Prayer Gathering of Christians in Assisi by ZENIT Staff
Appeal for Peace of His Holiness Pope Francis
Piazza of Saint Francis, Assisi
Tuesday, 20 September 2016
Men and women of various religions, we gather as pilgrims in the city of Saint Francis. Thirty years ago in 1986, religious representatives from all over the world met here at the invitation of Pope John Paul II. It was the first such solemn gathering that brought so many together, in order to affirm the indissoluble bond between the great good of peace and an authentic religious attitude. From that historic event, a long pilgrimage was begun which has touched many cities of the world, involving many believers in dialogue and in praying for peace. It has brought people together without denying their differences, giving life to real interreligious friendships and contributing to the resolution of more than a few conflicts. This is the spirit that animates us: to bring about encounters through dialogue, and to oppose every form of violence and abuse of religion which seeks to justify war and terrorism. And yet, in the years that have followed, numerous populations have nonetheless been painfully wounded by war. People do not always understand that war harms the world, leaving in its wake a legacy of sorrows and hate. In war, everyone loses, including the victors.
We have prayed to God, asking him to grant peace to the world. We recognize the need to pray constantly for peace, because prayer protects the world and enlightens it. God’s name is peace. The one who calls upon God’s name to justify terrorism, violence and war does not follow God’s path. War in the name of religion becomes a war against religion itself. With firm resolve, therefore, let us reiterate that violence and terrorism are opposed to an authentic religious spirit.
We have heard the voice of the poor, of children and the younger generations, of women and so many brothers and sisters who are suffering due to war. With them let us say with conviction: No to war! May the anguished cry of the many innocents not go unheeded. Let us urge leaders of nations to defuse the causes of war: the lust for power and money, the greed of arms’ dealers, personal interests and vendettas for past wrongs. We need a greater commitment to eradicating the underlying causes of conflicts: poverty, injustice and inequality, the exploitation of and contempt for human life.
May a new season finally begin, in which the globalized world can become a family of peoples. May we carry out our responsibility of building an authentic peace, attentive to the real needs of individuals and peoples, capable of preventing conflicts through a cooperation that triumphs over hate and overcomes barriers through encounter and dialogue. Nothing is lost when we effectively enter into dialogue. Nothing is impossible if we turn to God in prayer. Everyone can be an artisan of peace. Through this gathering in Assisi, we resolutely renew our commitment to be such artisans, by the help of God, together will all men and women of good will.
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Pope’s Meditation During Ecumenical Prayer Gathering of Christians in Assisi by ZENIT Staff
Pope Francis returned to the Italian town of Assisi today, just over a month after his Aug. 4 visit, this time to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Meeting of Prayer for Peace, desired by John Paul II on Oct. 27, 1986.After having lunch in the Sacred Convent, at approximately 3:15 p.m, the Pope met individually His Holiness Bartholomew I, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople; His Holiness Ignatius Ephrem II, Patriarch of Antioch Syrian Orthodox; His Grace Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury and Primate of the Church of England; Prof. Zygmut Bauman, sociologist and philosopher (Poland); Prof. Din Syamsuddin, chairman of the Ulema Council, Indonesia; Chief Rabbi David Rosen (Israel).
At 4 p.m., the representatives of different religions prayed for peace in different places of Assisi. All Christians gathered in the Lower Basilica of St. Francis for an Ecumenical prayer. Below is the Vatican-provided translation of the Pope’s meditation during the Ecumenical Prayer of Christians:
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Gathered before Jesus crucified, we hear his words ring out also for us: “I thirst” (Jn 19:28). Thirst, more than hunger, is the greatest need of humanity, and also its greatest suffering. Let us contemplate then the mystery of Almighty God, who in his mercy became poor among men.
What does the Lord thirst for? Certainly for water, that element essential for life. But above all for love, that element no less essential for living. He thirsts to give us the living waters of his love, but also to receive our love. The prophet Jeremiah expressed God’s appreciation of our love: “I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride” (Jer 2:2). But he also gave voice to divine suffering, when ungrateful man abandoned love – it seems as if the Lord is also speaking these words today – “they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns, that can hold no water” (v. 13). It is the tragedy of the “withered heart”, of love not requited, a tragedy that unfolds again in the Gospel, when in response to Jesus’ thirst man offers him vinegar, spoiled wine. As the psalmist prophetically lamented: “For my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink” (Ps69:21).
“Love is not loved”: this reality, according to some accounts, is what upset Saint Francis of Assisi. For love of the suffering Lord, he was not ashamed to cry out and grieve loudly (cf. Fonti Francescane, no. 1413). This same reality must be in our hearts as we contemplate Christ Crucified, he who thirsts for love. Mother Teresa of Calcutta desired that in the chapel of every community of her sisters the words “I thirst” would be written next to the crucifix. Her response was to quench Jesus’ thirst for love on the Cross through service to the poorest of the poor. The Lord’s thirst is indeed quenched by our compassionate love; he is consoled when, in his name, we bend down to another’s suffering. On the day of judgment they will be called “blessed” who gave drink to those who were thirsty, who offered true gestures of love to those in need: “As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me” (Mt 25:40).
Jesus’ words challenge us, they seek a place in our heart and a response that involves our whole life. In his “I thirst” we can hear the voice of the suffering, the hidden cry of the little innocent ones to whom the light of this world is denied, the sorrowful plea of the poor and those most in need of peace. The victims of war, which sullies people with hate and the earth with arms, plead for peace; our brothers and sisters, who live under the threat of bombs and are forced to leave their homes into the unknown, stripped of everything, plead for peace. They are all brothers and sisters of the Crucified One, the little ones of his Kingdom, the wounded and parched members of his body. They thirst. But they are frequently given, like Jesus, the bitter vinegar of rejection. Who listens to them? Who bothers responding to them? Far too often they encounter the deafening silence of indifference, the selfishness of those annoyed at being pestered, the coldness of those who silence their cry for help with the same ease with which television channels are changed.
Before Christ Crucified, “the power and wisdom of God” (1 Cor 1:24), we Christians are called to contemplate the mystery of Love not loved and to pour out mercy upon the world. On the cross, the tree of life, evil was transformed into good; we too, as disciples of the Crucified One, are called to be “trees of life” that absorb the contamination of indifference and restore the pure air of love to the world. From the side of Christ on the Cross water flowed, that symbol of the Spirit who gives life (cf. Jn 19:34); so that from us, his faithful, compassion may flow forth for all who thirst today.
Like Mary by the Cross, may the Lord grant us to be united to him and close to those who suffer. Drawing near to those living as crucified, and strengthened by the love of Jesus Crucified and Risen, may our harmony and communion deepen even more. “For he is our peace” (Eph 2:14), he who came to preach peace to those near and far (cf. v. 17). May he keep us all in his love and unite us, so that we may be “one” (Jn 17:21) as he desires.[Original text: Italian] [Vatican-provided text]
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Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, addressed world leaders on Monday at a summit held at the United Nations, aimed at tackling global issues surrounding refugees and migrants. Sponsored by the Vatican’s Permanent Observer mission to the UN, along with Caritas Internationalis and the Geneva-based International Catholic Migration Commission, the one-day meeting at the UN headquarters in New York marks the first time the General Assembly has called for a summit on this issue. According to Vatican Radio, the organizers’ hope for the summit is that it will help toward achieving a more responsible and predictable system for responding to large movements of refugees and migrants.Below is the Vatican Radio-provided text of Cardinal Parolin’s intervention:
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Statement on Roundtable #1: Addressing the Root Causes of Large Movements of Refugees and Migrants
By His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin Secretary of State of His Holiness Pope Francis
Mr. Chair,
During the preparatory phases of this Summit, much attention and effort have been dedicated to the search for durable solutions and more effective ways of sharing responsibility in the face of large movements of refugees and migrants.
The greatest challenge before us, however, is to identify and act on the root causes that force millions of people to leave their homes, their livelihoods, their families and their countries, risking their very lives and those of their loved ones in the search for safety, peace and better lives in foreign lands.[In his report In safety and dignity: addressing large movements of refugees and migrants, the UN Secretary General maintained that causes of refugee movements include “conflict, violence, persecution, political repression and other serious human rights violations.”]
The primary cause of today’s refugee and migrant crisis is man-made: namely, wars and conflicts. Since human choices provoke conflicts and wars, it is well within our power and responsibility to address this root cause that drives millions to become refugees, forced migrants and internally displaced persons. The Holy See thus pleads for a common commitment on the part of individual governments and the international community to bring to an end all fighting, hatred and violence, and to pursue peace and reconciliation. The Holy See remains firmly convinced that, as Pope Francis has often stated, the way to resolve open questions must be that of diplomacy and dialogue.
Moreover, in the last few years religious persecution has become more and more a cause of displacement. Although other groups are heavily targeted, many reports confirm that Christians are by far the most persecuted faith group, speaking of “religious-ethnic cleansing”, which Pope Francis calls “a form of genocide”. Some of those persecuted, even in asylum countries, are facing harassment in refugee settings. We must not abandon them.
The preparatory document for this Roundtable rightly highlights that the availability and use of low technology weaponry has resulted in the spread of conflict, especially in countries and societies where the rule of law is fragile and poverty is widespread.
Mr. Chair,
The Holy See has repeatedly called to limit strictly and to control the manufacture and sale of weapons, where the likelihood of their illegal use and their falling into the hands of non-state actors is real and present. The proliferation of any type of weapons aggravates situations of conflict and results in huge human and material costs, provoking large movements of refugees and migrants and profoundly undermining development and the search for lasting peace.
Addressing the root causes of displacement of peoples requires strength and political will. As Pope Francis has said, this “would mean rethinking entrenched habits and practices, beginning with issues involving the arms trade, the provision of raw materials and energy, investment, policies of financing and sustainable development, and even the grave scourge of corruption”.
Finally, the Holy See feels itself compelled to draw urgent attention to the plight of those migrants fleeing from situations of extreme poverty and environmental degradation. While these are not recognized by international conventions as refugees and thus do not enjoy any particular legal protection, nonetheless they suffer greatly and are most vulnerable to human trafficking and various forms of human slavery.
For this reason, in our efforts to address effectively the root causes of large movements of refugees and other forced migrants, we should also strive to eliminate the structural causes of poverty and hunger, attain more substantial results in protecting the environment, ensure dignified and productive labor for all, provide access to quality education, and give appropriate protection to the family, which is an essential element in human and social development.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
1. Pope Francis, Address to the Members of the Diplomatic Corps Accredited to the Holy See for the Traditional Exchange of New Year Greetings, Vatican City, 13 January 2014.
2. Pope Francis, Address to the UN Systems Chief Executives Board for Coordination, Vatican City, 9 May 2014.[Courtesy of Vatican Radio]
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Vatican Confirms Cardinal Parolin Will Attend Signing of Peace Agreement in Colombia by Sergio Mora
On Monday, Sept. 26, Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, will attend the signing of the Peace Agreement between the Government of Colombia and the irregular Armed Revolutionary Forces of Colombia (FARC).He will do so after attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the Vatican’s spokesman, Greg Burke, confirmed. Colombian Foreign Relations Minister, Maria Angela Holguin had already anticipated the news, but the Holy See confirmed it yesterday.
Also attending the signing, in Cartagena, of the “End of the Conflict and the Building of a Stable and Lasting Peace,” will be 13 Presidents, Holguin said, adding that this historic event will be witnessed by the Presidents of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama, Cuba, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Peru, Chile and Paraguay.
Also present will be the Foreign Ministers of Norway and Sweden, the US Secretary of State, John Kerry; and the top representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs, Italian Federica Mogherini, as well as the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon; the Secretary General of the Organization of American States, Luis Almagro; the President of the World Bank, Jim Yong Kim and the President of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde.
Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and Rodrigo Londono Echeverri (alias “Timochenko”), head of FARC, will sign the agreement. A religious ceremony will be held later in the church of Saint Peter Claver.
The signed agreement will have to be approved or rejected by Colombians in a referendum to be held on October 2, in regard to which the Church is not supporting a “yes” or a “no,” but inviting all to a broad debate so that the citizenry’s vote is duly informed.
Negotiations between the government and FARC ended on August 24.Three days later, the guerrilla group began the definitive cease-fire. On August 31, Pope Francis received with joy the news of the end of the negotiations and entrusted the results of the same to the protection of Mary, Queen of Peace.
In addition, Pope Francis expressed that he “entrusts the Peace Process in Colombia to the Virgin Mary.”
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Program for Pope’s Assisi Visit Today by ZENIT Staff
Pope Francis is returning to the Italian town of Assisi today, just over a month after his Aug. 4 visit, this time to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Meeting of Prayer for Peace, desired by John Paul II on Oct. 27, 1986.Related: Read more on the history and the meaning of the Assisi meetings.
Here are the details of Francis’ program:
10.30 Departure from Vatican City’s Helicopter Pad
11.05 Landing at Assisi’s Migaghelli Sports Field near the Basilica of St Mary of the Angels.
Pope Francis will be greeted by Bishop Domenico Sorrentino of Assisi and the local authorities
11.30 Arrival at the Holy Convent of Assisi
The Pope will be greeted by:
Father Mauro Gambetti, Custodian of the Holy Convent, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, a Muslim reprepresentative, Dr Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, the Syro-Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch, Efrem II, a Jewish representative and the Supreme Head of Tendai Buddhism (Japan)
They then move to the Cloister of Sixtus IV where the representatives of Christian denominations and World Religions are waiting.
12.00 The Holy Father greets all the representatives one by one.
13.00 Lunch together in the refectory of the Holy Convent that also will be attended by several war victims.
15.15 Pope Francis meets individually with the following:
Bartholomew I, a Muslim representative, Archbishop Justin Welby, Patriarch Efrem II and a Jewish representative.
16.00 Prayers for Peace
ECUMENICAL PRAYER OF CHRISTIANS taking place in different places in the Lower Basilica of St. Francis
17.00 All the participants exit from the Lower Basilica and meet with the Representatives of other religions who have prayed in different places and they move to the podium in the Square.
17.17 CLOSING CEREMONY in St. Francis Square
Greeting by Bishop Domenico Sorrentino.
Messages read by:
A testimony from a victim of war, Patriarch Bartholomew I, a Muslim representative, a Jewish representative, Japanese Buddhist Patriarch, Professor Andrea Riccardi, founder of the Sant’Egidio Community, address by Pope Francis, Letter appealing for peace that will be handed to children in various countries, a moment of silence for the victims of war, the signing of an Appeal for Peace and the lighting of two candles, exchanging the sign of peace
18.30 Pope Francis leaves by car for the St. Mary of the Angels Heliport.
19.30 Arrival at the Vatican City Heliport.
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