Israel

A "theological reflection" of the Commission for Religious Relations with Judaism to summarize and clarify the issues that have surfaced in recent decades in Catholic-Jewish dialogue. The importance of revelation, the relationship between the Old and the New Covenant, the relationship between the universality of salvation in Jesus Christ and the belief that God's covenant with Israel was never revoked, the evangelizing work of the Church in reference to Judaism.

"Even the necessary work of renewal of the institutions and structures of the Church is a medium that should lead us to have a living and life-giving experience of God's mercy which alone can guarantee the Church to be that city set on a hill that cannot remain hidden. Only a merciful Church shines". A "beautiful" and "easy" prayer "to say every day: 'Lord, I am a sinner; Lord, I am a sinner: Come with Your mercy".

The events of 50 years ago were "a genuine encounter between the Church and the men and women of our time." At least 60,000 faithful came despite terrorist threats. “Let us set aside all fear and dread, for these do not befit men and women who are loved. Instead, let us experience the joy of encountering that grace which transforms all things.” During the ceremony, Francis embraces Benedict XVI.

Pope Francis recited a prayer to Mary, which he composed for the occasion. His thoughts are for families, children, seniors and the sick and prisoners. He greeted Propaganda Fide officials. In Saint Mary Major, he remained in silence before Mary’s icon.

In the message for the next 53th World Day for Vocations, Francis urges "all the faithful to assume their responsibility for the care and discernment of vocations", as "the call of God by means of a mediation which is communal. God calls us to become a part of the Church and, after we have reached a certain maturity within it, he bestows on us a specific vocation".

The “Vatican City State has its own legal order, entirely autonomous and separate from the Italian legal system”. it has its own judicial bodies, criminal legislation, and “procedural guarantees characteristic of the most advanced contemporary legal systems.” Freedom of the press is not questioned. The goal is “to prosecute an offence under Vatican criminal law. This is not unique because many legislations impose penalties when classified state documents are taken.”

“We must never stop converting; this is what the Holy Year of Mercy is for,” the pope said. “Let us remember in our prayers the dear Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the other leaders of the Orthodox Churches, and let us ask the Lord that relations between Catholics and Orthodox be always inspired by brotherly love."

“The pope feels that the Holy Year is a matter of urgency for the Church of our time, which is called to go out into the edges of existence,” said Cardinal Parolin. ‘Il Giubileo. La misericordia. Francesco’ by Angelo Scelzo “is a good guide to follow the Jubilee, understand what it means, and keep full track of events.”

Speaking to the Association of Italian Catholic Parents, Francis called for an “education to the fullness of humanity.” He told parents that they “are the custodians with the duty and the primary and inalienable right to educate children,” who have the “delicate task of building bridges between school and territory, school and home, and school and civic institutions”.

In a message to the International Workshop on ‘Women and Work’ sponsored by the Pontifical Council for the Laity in Rome, Francis calls for "concrete suggestions and positive role models to harmonise work commitments and family needs".

Sunday, December 13, for the first time in the history of Jubilees, the opening of the Holy Doors in all the cathedrals of the world. The evening of December 8 in St Peter's Square a projection of photographs that present images inspired by mercy on the facade and the dome of St. Peter. "Do not over-dramatize the issue of security in Rome."

The Filipino president gave the pope a tea set in ceramic, typical of his country’s rural regions. Francis reciprocated with a medallion showing the olive tree of peace, so that "we may work for peace."