News

Details

Last Updated: 19 February 2013

VATICAN CITY, MAY 21, 2007 (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican, the Pope received the Letters of Credence of Justino Maria Aparicio Guterres, the first ambassador from the Democratic Republic of East Timor. The Holy See established diplomatic relations with the country on the same day that East Timor declared its national independence, May 20, 2002.

In his talk to the diplomat the Pope expressed the view that the large turnout in recent presidential elections, won by Nobel Peace Prize-winner Jose Ramos Horta, "demonstrate the great civic maturity of the people of Timor, and the hope they have in the process of constructing a democratic State."

"Those in charge of the political, social and economic life of East Timor," he said, "face an arduous journey not without obstacles: there is no lack of internal and external misunderstandings; resources are insufficient to answer the many needs of health, education and employment; and not everyone is ready to abandon their personal or party interests."

The Church and her pastors in East Timor, where 98 percent of the population is Catholic, said the Holy Father, "inspires and promotes a culture of solidarity and peaceful coexistence in justice, encouraging people to collaborate in favor of progress and the common good, without forgetting the attention due to the poorest and least privileged."

After recalling how on Easter Sunday this year he had mentioned the population of East Timor's "need of reconciliation and peace," the Pope launched an appeal to the authorities in the country "to do everything possible to restore public order effectively, using legal means, and to ensure security for citizens in their daily lives, thanks also to a renewed confidence in the legitimate institutions of the State."

The Holy Father also emphasized how the Church, "in enlightening the moral conscience of political, economic and financial leaders," highlights "the principle of solidarity as the basis for a true economy of communion and distribution of wealth, both in the international and the national spheres. Such solidarity requires that the efforts to resolve problems of underdevelopment, and the sacrifices necessary to overcome economic and political crises, be shared equally, bearing in mind the needs of those least able to defend themselves."

"By means of technical assistance and appropriate training, it is vital to help those countries that are coming out of difficult periods to support stable democratic institutions, and to use their wealth for the good of all inhabitants, ensuring people a dignified moral, civic and intellectual education. ... Through the integral promotion of people, it will be possible to help countries develop, and to help them become the main players in their own progress and partners in international life, facing the future with confidence."

Benedict XVI concluded by giving assurances that bishops, priests and lay faithful in East Timor "will tirelessly continue their mission of evangelization, assistance and charity, ... bearing witness of selfless commitment to the most needy."

CD/LETTERS OF CREDENCE/EAST TIMOR:APARICIOVIS 070521 (500)

Details

Last Updated: 19 February 2013

VATICAN CITY, MAY 21, 2007 (VIS) - Made public today was a Message, dated April 3, from the Holy Father to Paul Kagame, president of the Republic of Rwanda, for that country's annual day of national mourning to mark the beginning of the 1994 genocide. The anniversary day fell on April 7, Easter Saturday.

"I wish to participate," writes the Pope in his Message, "in the national mourning and especially in the prayers for all the victims of that horrendous bloodbath, without distinction of creed, ethnicity or political opinion."

The Holy Father also expresses his hope "that all Rwandans, guided by their civil and religious authorities, commit themselves with greater generosity and effectiveness in favor of national reconciliation and the building of a new country, in truth and justice, in fraternal unity and peace."

"Religious motivations, which are the foundation of Catholics' commitment to family and social life, and the moral principles that derive therefrom, represent a point of encounter for Christians and for all men and women of good will."

Benedict XVI concludes his message by affirming that "the Christian faith, which is shared by the majority of Rwandans, if lived coherently and fully, is a real help in overcoming a past of errors and death, the culminating point of which was the 1994 genocide. At the same time, such faith stimulates trust in the possibility offered to all Rwandans, reconciled to one another, to build a better future together, rediscovering the novelty of love which is the only power that can lead to personal and social perfection and orient history towards good."

MESS/RWANDAN GENOCIDE/KAGAMEVIS 070521 (280)

Details

Last Updated: 19 February 2013

VATICAN CITY, MAY 21, 2007 (VIS) - Archbishop Silvano M. Tomasi C.S., Holy See permanent observer to the United Nations at Geneva, has delivered a speech on the subject of "the Holy See and modern challenges in health promotion," during the course of the 60th World Health Assembly, being held in Geneva from May 14 to 23.

Opening his English-language talk, the archbishop congratulated Margaret Chan, the new director of the World Health Organization (WHO). "We welcome," he said, "her designation of the health of women and of the people of Africa as major concerns during her tenure in office. The Catholic Church has traditionally been in the front line in the promotion of the authentic health of women, by helping them to harmonize their physical, psychological and social well-being with moral and spiritual values. In this line, the Catholic Church is also convinced of the God-given, equal, and complementary dignity of women and men."

"Regarding Africa, the Popes have repeatedly expressed deep concern over its anguished history 'where many nations are still in the grip of famine, war, racial and tribal tensions, political instability and the violation of human rights,' and Pope Benedict XVI has exhorted the international community, 'we must not forget Africa'."

The permanent observer called attention to "resolutions and recommendations with regard to the pandemics of tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV," and recalled how last November "the Vatican's Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care convened more than 500 experts to reflect on 'Pastoral aspects of the treatment of infectious diseases.' In addressing those gathered, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI emphasized the need to implement social justice in the sensitive area of treatment and nursing and therefore to ensure a fair distribution of resources for research and treatment. In this same perspective, as the chancellor of Germany prepared to assume the presidency of both the G8 countries and the European Union, the Holy Father, in a letter to her," emphasized the "need to make available medical and pharmaceutical technology and health care expertise without imposing legal or economic conditions."

The archbishop dwelt upon the Holy See's concern "for the tragic loss of life each year among some 10.5 million children under five years of age; many of these children die of diseases that are treatable in adults but for which appropriate dosages and formulations have not yet been developed for pediatric use." He also noted, "with much regret, that only 15 percent of HIV-positive children in need of anti-retroviral treatment actually have access to these life-saving therapies."

"In all the deliberations during this Assembly and in the subsequent implementation of World Health Assembly resolutions," Archbishop Tomasi concluded, "my delegation urges a perspective on health security that is grounded on an anthropology respectful of the human person in his or her integrity and looks far beyond the absence of disease to the full harmony and sound balance of the physical, emotional, spiritual and social forces within the human person."

DELSS/HEALTH/GENEVA:TOMASIVIS 070521 (500)

Details

Last Updated: 19 February 2013

"The Last Fatima Visionary: My Meetings With Sister Lucia"

VATICAN CITY, MAY 20, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the Pope's introduction to Cardinal Bertone's book "The Last Fatima Visionary: My Meetings With Sister Lucia" (Rai Eri/Rizzoli). The book was written in collaboration with Giuseppe De Carli.

* * *

To Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone
Vatican Secretary of State

Venerable Brother, Sister Lucia entrusts so many memories to the book "The Last Fatima Visionary" that treat of events that have marked the history of the last part of the 20th century. She has entrusted them to this book so that they do not remain merely precious baggage of personal emotions, but be handed over to the collective memory as they are not without significance for secular history.

In reality, during that memorable time that was the Jubilee Year of 2000, we experienced together the chapter that treats of the publication of the third Fatima secret: I, as the prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and you, as the secretary of the same dicastery. The great Pontiff who preceded me, John Paul II, fecund with prophetic inspirations and personally convinced that the "maternal hand" of the Virgin had deflected the bullet that could have been fatal for him, saw that the time had come to remove the veil of mystery that covered the last part of the secret that the Virgin had consigned to the three little shepherds of Fatima. The congregation, which conserved the precious document written by Sister Lucia, was put in charge.

It was a time of light, not only because the message could thus be known by all, but also because the truth could be unveiled in the midst of the confusion of apocalyptic interpretations and speculations that circulated in the Church and created anxiety among the faithful instead of inviting them to prayer and penance. Nevertheless, on the other hand, one could see the comforting development of Marian piety, authentic font of Christian life, around the imposing shrine of Fatima and in every part of the world where devotion to the Virgin, under the influence of the apparitions of Fatima, took deep root in the faith of the people, inviting men and women to consecrate themselves to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The conversations between the visionary, the last remaining of the three shepherd children, and you, a bishop sent by the Pope, have been important not only for the verification of the veridicality of the facts, but also as an occasion to know the limpid freshness of the soul of Sister Lucia, the intelligence of the heart typical of her femininity, transferred into a robust Christian faith. Through this humble nun, there shines the role of the Virgin Mary who with her maternal hand accompanies the Christian through life's bitterness.

I myself oversaw the drafting of the theological commentary on the event, after having intensely prayed and deeply meditated on the contents of the pages written by Sister Lucia. I was deeply affected by the consoling promise of the Most Holy Virgin, which was like a synthesis and precious seal: "My Immaculate Heart will triumph." As it had been written, "Mary's 'fiat,' the word of her heart, changed the history of the world, because it introduced the Savior into this world -- because thanks to this 'yes' God could become man among us and he will remain such forever."

And again, "From the time that God himself has a human heart and directed human freedom toward the good, toward God, freedom for evil does not have the last word." The message of Fatima is a further confirmation of this.

I invoke the protection of the Most Holy Virgin for all those who will read the testimony offered with this book and to you, dear cardinal, and to Doctor Giuseppe De Carli, who shared the work of producing this memoir, I impart the apostolic blessing.

From the Vatican, Feb. 22, 2007.

[Translation by ZENIT]

© Copyright 2007 -- Libreria Editrice Vaticana

Code: ZE07052008

Date: 2007-05-20

Details

Last Updated: 19 February 2013

"Safeguard the Common Good, Respect the Truth"

VATICAN CITY, MAY 20, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI delivered today before reciting the midday Regina Caeli with several thousand people gathered in St. Peter's Square.

* * *

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I desire above all to renew my thanks to the Lord for my apostolic trip to Brazil which I undertook May 9-14 and, at the same time, I thank all those who accompanied me in prayer. As you know I traveled to Brazil for the opening of the 5th General Conference of the Episcopate of Latin America and the Caribbean. But before such a great ecclesial event, I had an opportunity to meet the Brazilian Catholic community. Many faithful came to the city of São Paolo for this occasion and especially for the first canonization of a native of Brazil: Father Antônio de Santa'Ana Galvão. I plan to speak about this trip at greater length on Wednesday during the general audience. In the meantime I invite you to continue to pray for the conference that is taking place in Aparecida, Brazil and for the journey of the people of God who live in Latin America.

The World Communications Day offers another motive for prayer and reflection today. This year the theme is "Children and the Media: A Challenge for Education." The educational challenges of today are often linked to the influence of the mass media, which competes with school, the Church and even the family. In this context an adequate formation in the right use of media is essential: Parents, teachers, and the ecclesial community are called to collaborate to educate children and young people to be selective and to develop a critical attitude, cultivating a taste for what is aesthetically and morally valid.

But the media too must make its contribution to this educational task, promoting the dignity of the human person, marriage and the family, and the accomplishments and aims of civilization. Programs that inculcate violence and antisocial behavior or that vulgarize human sexuality are unacceptable, and much more so when they are directed at the young. Thus I renew the appeal to the leaders of the media industry and workers in social communications that they safeguard the common good, respect the truth and protect the dignity of the human person and the family.

Dear brothers and sisters, the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, which the liturgy celebrated last Thursday, in some countries is celebrated today. Jesus, risen, returns to the Father. In this way he opens the passage to eternal life for us and makes the gift of the Holy Spirit possible. As the apostles did then, we too, after the Ascension, gather together in prayer to invoke the outpouring of the Spirit, in spiritual union with the Virgin Mary (cf. Acts 1:12-14). May her intercession obtain for the whole Church a renewed Pentecost.

[Translation by ZENIT]

[After praying the Regina Caeli, the Holy Father greeted pilgrims in six languages. In Italian, he said:]

The fighting between Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip and the rocket attacks against the inhabitants of nearby Israeli cities, which have provoked military intervention, are bringing about a bloody deterioration of the situation and causing dismay.

Once again, in the name of God, I ask that an end be brought to this tragic violence, while to the suffering Palestinian and Israeli populations I desire to express my solidarity and assurance of my prayerful remembrance.

I appeal to the sense of responsibility of all the Palestinian authorities that, in dialogue and firmness, they take up again the difficult path of understanding, neutralizing the violent. I invite the Israeli government to moderation and exhort the international community to multiply efforts for the re-launching of negotiations. May the Lord bring forth and sustain makers of peace!

[In English, he said:]

I am pleased to welcome the English-speaking pilgrims gathered here today. In the Gospel, Jesus prays that all may be one, just as he and the Father are one. He desires the world to know that he is the one sent by the Father. By working for reconciliation and peace, may Christians everywhere bear clearer witness to the Father's love for the world, so that all mankind may come to believe in his only-begotten Son Jesus Christ. God bless you!

© Copyright 2007 -- Libreria Editrice Vaticana

Code: ZE07052001

Date: 2007-05-20

Details

Last Updated: 19 February 2013

Interview With Director of British Evangelization Agency

LONDON, MAY 20, 2007 (Zenit.org ).- A new report on church attendance in the United Kingdom suggests that many Britons have no connection with organized religion, and that the majority of those who identify themselves as Christian never go to Church.

The Christian relief and development agency Tearfund released the report "Churchgoing in the U.K." in April, which revealed that more than half of those polled claim to be Christians.

Monsignor Keith Barltrop, director of the Catholic Agency to Support Evangelization (CASE) of the bishops' conference of England and Wales, tells ZENIT in this interview that the key to successful evangelization in the modern world is renewing a sense of confidence among Catholics in their faith.

Q: How did the decision by the bishops of England and Wales to establish CASE three years ago herald a change in the way the Church engages with evangelization?

Monsignor Barltrop: First of all, the decision to establish CASE heralded a recognition by the bishops that there was already a certain amount happening at grass roots level in England and Wales regarding evangelization, but it needed more official support and coordination if the challenges of 21st century Britain were to be met.

When the archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, asked me to help in setting up CASE, he told me that we needed to look at such new ecclesial movements and distil the secrets of their success into the mainstream of parish life, so that evangelization would no longer be a foreign, or even an embarrassing, concept to Catholics, but something they felt happy to engage in.

The bishops were thus trying to root in English and Welsh soil the understanding that Pope John Paul II gave the universal church -- that the time has come for a new evangelization. By that he meant that secularization had made such inroads into what were once Christian societies that the Church needed a new ardor and new methods in evangelization.

Q: What are the biggest obstacles to evangelization in Europe today?

Monsignor Barltrop: The biggest obstacles are sheer ignorance or "forgetting" of the Gospel, and the fact that many people who think they know what Christianity means actually have a distorted and woefully incomplete picture.

The "forgetfulness" of Christianity -- summed up in the well-known saying that "God is missing but not missed" -- is a phenomenon with a complex origin. In the 20th century the twin disasters of Communism and Fascism led people to become profoundly disillusioned with all attempts to explain and save the world. People have now become consumers of spirituality and religion, as they are of material products, and Catholic truth itself can become one more lifestyle option among others.

This problem is compounded by the way values of Christian origin -- such as justice, equality and human rights -- have become detached from their Christian roots and are now even being turned against the Church, so that the very proclamation of the truth is seen as somehow oppressive and destructive of human freedom and happiness. In such a world it becomes difficult to avoid the impression that evangelization is about clever manipulation of the truth or, even worse, associated with that fundamentalism which the modern world both fears and is, paradoxically, responsible for.

Q: Why is it often difficult to engage Catholics with the need to support evangelization?

Monsignor Barltrop: In Britain, one of the main factors is that evangelization is associated with a certain kind of Protestantism, or with related images such as people preaching aggressively on street corners and "televangelists" looking for money.

By making known a variety of Catholic methods of evangelization, and especially by associating it with the Eucharist and Eucharistic adoration, CASE tries to get across the message that there is a Catholic way of evangelizing.

There is also the problem that evangelization is seen as the preserve of specialists, but we want Catholics to see that it is fundamentally about living and sharing their faith in everyday life, with the people they meet at home, in the office or in their neighborhood.

This means Catholics need to recover a sense of confidence in their faith, and to see it as something coherent -- nothing less than the splendor which radiates meaning to every corner of the universe. Where there has been poor catechesis, liturgical deformation or a false understanding of ecumenism or interfaith work, Catholics lose the sense that the Gospel is a marvelous treasure that all need to hear.

Q: A report released recently by Tearfund on church attendance in the United Kingdom found that, while 53% of adults still claim to be Christian, only 15% attend church at least once a month. How do you explain this discrepancy?

Monsignor Barltrop: I think that by claiming to be Christian, people are saying they want to be associated with Christian values such as kindness, fairness and compassion. Obviously that is an inadequate understanding of Christian identity, which is actually based on faith in Christ leading to a personal relationship with him which can only be real if it is rooted in active membership of his body, the Church.

However, it does constitute a reminder to the Church that there is more good will and openness to the Christian faith in our society than we might think. It is up to us to find creative ways of engaging with whatever spiritual quest such people are on, however inadequate we judge its basis to be.

Q: How can the Church re-engage people with the Gospel who may never have encountered it?

Monsignor Barltrop: Through a change of mentality where we see ourselves as having something of immense value to offer everyone in our society, and through more imaginative methods.

As an example, I have just come back from a "Christian Spirituality Fair" in one of our Anglican cathedrals, at which I joined the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in blessing animals -- and people -- and in explaining the cross of San Damiano which spoke to St. Francis. We joined Christians of other denominations in reaching out to passers-by, yet were very clear about our Catholic faith and way of life. We have to believe fully in what Pope Paul VI called "the divine power of the message the Church proclaims," and look for creative ways to bring it to non-Christians.

Q: In the three years since the launch of CASE, what have been its main achievements? Is the model of CASE in England and Wales one that could and should be used elsewhere?

Monsignor Barltrop: One of our main achievements has been setting up two Web sites, one for Catholics (www.caseresources.org.uk), and one to interest non-Catholics in the faith (www.life4seekers.co.uk) -- with a third Web site for young teenagers on the way. Through these sites we have been able to identify or create opportunities to get the good news into the public square. For example, this year on Valentine's Day we promoted St. Raphael as our "heavenly helper" in finding a suitable life partner, and this attracted a huge number of hits and interest from the secular and Catholic media.

We have held many training days in dioceses, published many resources -- both printed and online -- and have produced a Directory of Evangelization Resources for Catholics in England and Wales, listing all the groups, movements and training opportunities available. It runs to 168 pages, which is encouraging in itself.

Whether we are a model that should be used elsewhere is hard to say. Setting up an agency is a pragmatic approach which fits well with British culture since an agency implies doing something practical. Other countries may already have a lot of evangelization going on and need a more theologically based approach.

New evangelization is for the whole Church but the approach varies from culture to culture. One thing is constant, though, as Pope John Paul II wrote: "Those who have come into genuine contact with Christ cannot keep him for themselves, they must proclaim him" ("Novo Millennio Ineunte," 40).

Code: ZE07052021

Date: 2007-05-20