When Russian nationalism emerged as a political force at the end of the Soviet era, Orthodoxy was seen more as part of the nation’s cultural heritage than as a source of ideas. The role of the then abbot of the Sretensky Monastery in Moscow, who later became Metropolitan Tikhon in Crimea.
We need to "accompany Jesus to the Cross " and not just "up to a certain point", says Francis during mass this morning. " The sign is our ability to bear humiliation ."
"I too am a catechist," Francis said to participants from 50 countries who are attending the conference on catechesis. "Being" a catechist, "not doing" catechism, matters more since it encapsulates life. Catechists should not be afraid to go with Jesus in the peripheries of human existence.
The group is led by Ake Sellstrom, who already investigated the use of chemical weapons in Ghouta. There have been at least 14 cases of use of these deadly weapons. Both sides of conflict, the army and rebels accused. UN Security Council works for a resolution on Damascus’ hand over of chemical weapons.
Christians , moderate Muslims , Shiites are strangled by terrorist violence in Syria , Egypt, Kenya , Pakistan ... This flare up is a sign of the deep crisis of Islam, which has not yet addressed the discernment of the modern world and prefers to take refuge in an outdated Islam. The Islamic world must recognize connivance with such violence. The commitment of Christians to dialogue with Islam and modernity.
During the Mass celebrated this morning , Francis says that " You need to" go out, out walking along the streets ”. And it is ' necessary' to know Jesus in the language of action." Yesterday he concelebrated with the Maronite bishops calling for prayer for the Middle East .
At a two-day forum dedicated to Arctic development and environmental safety, President Putin announces that it is time for an industrial breakthrough in the region, a treasure trove of hydrocarbons and a central route place for new shipping lanes. The authorities reassure environmentalists that only the most innovative technologies will only be used with the highest ecological standards.
Moderate tone and rejection of nuclear weapons. Commitment to dialogue . The sanctions do not affect the political elites , but the common people. No use of force in Syria. Obama expresses appreciation. Hollande shakes hands with Rouhani . For Israel , the speech of the new president of Iran is " full of hypocrisy."
At the General audience, Francis says that the Church is "one" while understanding different cultures and languages . "Do I, as a Catholic, live this unity of the Church? Or do I not care, because I am closed within my small group or myself? " . "When I think or hear that so many Christians are persecuted and even give their lives for their faith, does it touch my heart or not at all?”.
" Migrants and Refugees: Towards a Better World” is the theme chosen by Francis for the Day that will be celebrated on January 19. In his message, the Pope writes that when faced with a phenomenon of unprecedented proportions calls for international cooperation and a spirit of profound solidarity and compassion”, "close collaboration between the migrants’ countries of origin and their countries of destination" and " , the elimination of prejudices and presuppositions in the approach to migration", "to see, and then to enable others to see, that migrants and refugees do not only represent a problem to be solved, but are brothers and sisters to be welcomed, respected and loved. They are an occasion that Providence gives us to help build a more just society, a more perfect democracy, a more united country, a more fraternal world and a more open and evangelical Christian community. "
"God , who has no history , because He is eternal, wanted to make history , walking close to His people. But even more He wanted to become one of us and as one of us, walk with us, in Jesus." "And the Lord Jesus, even in our personal lives is with us : in the Sacraments . The Sacrament is not a magic ritual : it is an encounter with Jesus Christ , where we meet the Lord."
As he opened the the Permanent Episcopal Council of the Bishops' Conference, the archbishop of Genoa spoke on behalf of the Italian Church about its "closeness" to Syria and the whole Middle East, " which for far too long has lived in violence and fear". The harm of individualism "poisons groups and peoples". Violence against Christians "seems to be intensifying."
Francis' first words on his visit to Sardinia, dedicated to the world of work. In an unscripted address he denounces a culture that “discards” grandparents and young people, but "a world where young people have no work has no future". "We want a fair system that helps us all move forward". “Men and women must be at its centre, not the money". "Lord, teach us to fight for work”.
Subscribe to the newsletter to receive verified news, analysis and insights from Asian countries every week.
Subscribeto the newsletter
