12/07/2013VATICAN Pope: World Day of the Sick , "we are called to be conformed to Christ, the Good Samaritan of the Afflicted " The test of true faith is the gift of self , "especially for those who do not deserve it , for those who suffer, for those who are marginalized ." Jesus did not take away from human disease and suffering, but transformed and reduced it. Reduced, because they no longer have the last word, instead it is new life in fullness; transformed , because in union with Christ, they can be transformed from negative to positive . Vatican City ( AsiaNews) - "
The test of true faith in Christ is the gift of self, spreading love for one's
neighbor, especially for those who do not deserve it , for those who suffer,
for those who are marginalized ." And
"by virtue of Baptism and Confirmation we are called to be conformed to
Christ , the Good Samaritan of all the...
12/07/2013VATICAN Pope: respect for human dignity against the "culture of waste" Society of efficiency at all costs hides a practical atheism. The weakest and most fragile are real victims of this culture. In the social doctrine "there is the defense of religious freedom, of life in all its phases, the right to work and to decent work , the family, education ... " .
12/07/2013VATICAN Pope: Internet "is indispensable" for Church but at the same time "not enough." The proclamation of the Gospel, in fact, "requires authentic and direct human relationships to result in a personal encounter with the Lord." But you have to " be present, always with evangelical style , in what for many , especially young people, has become a kind of living environment, to awaken in the heart the insistent questions about the meaning of our existence."
12/06/2013VATICAN For Pope, faith in God "is not and can never be a source of violence or intolerance" In his audience with the International Theological Commission, Francis spoke of the mission of the theologian as something that is "at once fascinating and risky" and of the "sensus fidelium", which he describes as a sort of "spiritual instinct" that enables the faithful "to discern that which is in conformity with the apostolic faith and the spirit of the Gospel."
12/06/2013VATICAN Pope: Praying is a bit like annoying God to listen to us, certain that He will "Jesus tells us: 'Ask ', but he also tells us: 'Knock on the door', and those who knock on the door make noise, they disturb". "Prayer has these two attitudes: it is in needy and certain" because "when we ask for something, we are in need", "but also , when it is true, it is certain: ' Listen to me I think you can do it because you promised . '"
12/06/2013ASIA- SOUTH AFRICA The world bows down to Nelson Mandela by Paul Wang The South African leader passed away last night at the age of 95. He was the first black president of his country. Tributes of Desmond Tutu and FW de Klerk : He taught a divided nation to live together. Also from Nobel Peace Laureates Aung San Suu Kyi and the Dalai Lama. Even China calls him "friend", although many of Mandela petitions for Tibet and dissidents have been ignored .
12/05/2013VATICAN Pope to create Commission for the Protection of Children On 22 February consistory for the appointment of new cardinals. The Commission, proposed by the Council of Cardinals, will advise the Pope on the Holy See’s commitment in the protection of children and ministry for victims of abuse.
12/04/2013VATICAN Pope appeals for nuns abducted in Syria and "for all the people kidnapped during the conflict " During the general audience in his continuing reflection on the "Creed" , he spoke of the " resurrection of the body". The Pope underlined that we are "the disciples of the One who came , comes every day and will come at the end of the world" and since Jesus is risen, "he has opened the way" and will resurrect us too: "this is not a lie. If Jesus is alive, do you think that will leave us to die and never share in his resurrection? " .
12/03/2013VATICAN Pope: "Our Lord is joyful" this is why we “can not have a joyless Church" "We are not accustomed to thinking of Jesus smiling, joyful. Jesus was full of joy." "The joy of the Church is to evangelize, to move forward and talk about her Spouse. And also transmit this joy to the children she gives birth to, the children she nourishes".
12/02/2013VATICAN - ISRAEL Pope receives Netanyahu and hopes for peace soon between Israelis and Palestinians The Prime Minister renews invitation to Francis to visit Israel , which should take place at the end of May next year. Relations between the State authorities and Catholics and between Israel and the Holy See also discussed, with the hope of a speedy conclusion of overdue Accord.
12/02/2013VATICAN Pope: Christmas is not just "a nice memory”, but a "journey" towards an "encounter with the Lord" But what is important is allowing ourselves to be open to an encounter with the Lord." "When we go to meet the Lord, we are - let's face it - the masters of this meeting , but when we let Him encounter us, it is He who enters us, it is He who makes us new again, because this is the coming, this is what the coming of Christ means".
12/01/2013VATICAN Pope: the hope of Advent to end all wars Pope Francis mentions the prophecy of Isaiah, turning "swords" into "ploughshares" and "spears" in "pruning hooks". Humanity must find a shared horizon for its existence. The Church and the world are walking together toward the final goal. The Virgin Mary is the model to emulate. The Pontiff's thoughts also go out to people living with AIDS, grateful to missionaries and health care workers who quietly stand by them.
