Russia

At the General Audience Pope Francis indicates the "clues" that help us understand whether "we live the Eucharist well or not so well": "seeing those who take part in the celebration as our brothers and sisters", " feeling forgiven and forgiving others" and "coherency between the liturgy and our life". Do I help, am I close to, do I pray for those who have problems" or am I indifferent? Or maybe I just gossip: 'Did you see how he or she was dressed?'".

The Pope Emeritus "lives a discreet life, without any public dimension, but this does not mean that he is isolated, closed as if in a strict cloister". His relationship with Pope Francis "also includes moments of personal encounter, dialogue ... one goes to the home of the other and vice versa. And then there are other forms of contact for example the phone or messages that are sent: a completely normal relationship and, I would add, one of solidarity".

The Cobra Gold Drills are held in Thailand, with ASEAN, Japanese and South Korean troops. The soldiers have to kill cobras and drink their blood. Observers include Russia, Pakistan and Vietnam. Beijing troops only part of exercises related to emergencies. China is also invited to maritime exercises in the Pacific Ocean.

The 25 year old was arrested and admitted his guilt. Witnesses: he was shouting against God and Christianity. Among the victims, a nun who tried to stop the killer. Local priest she is a "martyr of Christ".

In the Mass this morning, Francis speaks of rediscovering the "sense of the sacred", "entering into the mystery of God, allowing ourselves to be part of the mystery". Visiting the Pope in Santa Marta is not a tourist attraction.

At the Sunday Angelus, Pope Francis invites and urges all Christians to be "shining lights not lights that have gone out" to bring the "light of Christ” to all. Thanks to healthcare professionals ("Thank you very much for your valuable work!") ahead of the World Day of the Sick. Prayers for families who have sick members: "Do not be afraid of fragility". Greetings for the athletes and organizers of the Winter Olympics in Sochi (Russia). Closeness to all those affected by natural disasters.

Cuts in the Fed's aid to the US economy have followed the rescue of financial markets, but in so doing they have generated monetary shockwaves that have hit countries like Argentina, Turkey, Venezuela, Thailand, Ukraine, South Africa, Chile, Indonesia, India, Brazil, Taiwan, Malaysia, and many more. This marks the failure of the state as an engine of the economy, as well as the failure of political distortions of the economy by China, the US, and others.

To walk the path of Jesus we must ask ourselves about our first encounter with Him "that filled us with joy". "With courts everything is possible: corruption, vices, crimes. Courts favor these things".

The document seems to give large space to the ideas of anti-Church groups and NGOs. The Vatican remains open to talk with the UN Committee; the latter, however, seems unresponsive to its overtures. For the Vatican, the report represents an unacceptable interference in the Church's doctrinal positions on family, sexuality, contraception and abortion. There is no confrontation between the Holy See and the United Nations, only respect for the world body.

The 22nd edition of the Winter Olympics opened today in Russia. Several Western leaders boycotted the event to protest Russia's laws against "homosexual propaganda." Instead, the spotlight is on Chinese President Xi Jinxing, and on the two countries' closer economic, energy, defence, and trade ties.

At morning Mass Francis speaks of the "three graces" to ask God for at the end of our life. Like King David, who says to his son, "You be strong and be a man. Observe the law of the Lord, your God, proceeding in His ways, and according to His laws."

The pontiff and PIME's superior general exchange views after Mass at Sanctae Marthae, which was also attended by PIME's vicar general.