At the Angelus, Pope Francis recites a Hail Mary with the pilgrims for the Genoa tragedy victims and their loved ones . The Assumption of Mary means that "God wants to save all of mankind, body and soul". The resurrection of the flesh "is an element proper to Christian revelation, a cornerstone of our faith". "We are called to serve and glorify God with all our being, body and soul".
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.
The president signed the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BLO) for Mindanao. For many, it is the key to a lasting peace with the rebels and a tool to counter Islamist extremism. However, "It is still too early to see how the different ethnic groups will react", said Fr D'Ambra. Some 30,000 to 40,000 armed fighters are expected to be demobilised.
In Vietnam, Typhoon Son Tinh, now a tropical depression, has hit rural and urban areas, including Hanoi. At least 20 dead and 16 missing. More than 15,000 houses have been damaged or destroyed and more than 110,000 hectares of crops have been inundated. In the Philippines, the tropical depression Josie is about to leave the country but has already killed five.
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.
