Catholic News 2
BERLIN (AP) -- The Islamic State group claimed responsibility Tuesday for a truck attack on a crowded Berlin Christmas market that left 12 people dead and nearly 50 injured, as German security forces hunted for the perpetrator after releasing a man from custody for lack of evidence....
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has expressed his condolences to the family of the Russian ambassador to Turkey who was shot dead by a police officer at an art exhibition.In a message sent by the Holy See’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, to Russian president Vladimir Putin, the Pope said he was “saddened to learn of the violent attack in Ankara, which resulted in the death of Ambassador Andrei Karlov”. He assured the people of the Russian Federation of his prayers and “spiritual solidarity” at this time.The attack on Monday night was carried out by a man in a suit believed to be an-off duty police officer. Footage captured of the incident shows Mevlut Mert Altintas, 22, firing at least eight shots while shouting in Turkish: “Don’t forget Aleppo. Don’t forget Syria.” He was shortly after killed by special forces.Karlov had previously served as an ambassador to North Korea.The full statement by Cardinal Pietro Parolin ...
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has expressed his condolences to the family of the Russian ambassador to Turkey who was shot dead by a police officer at an art exhibition.
In a message sent by the Holy See’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, to Russian president Vladimir Putin, the Pope said he was “saddened to learn of the violent attack in Ankara, which resulted in the death of Ambassador Andrei Karlov”. He assured the people of the Russian Federation of his prayers and “spiritual solidarity” at this time.
The attack on Monday night was carried out by a man in a suit believed to be an-off duty police officer. Footage captured of the incident shows Mevlut Mert Altintas, 22, firing at least eight shots while shouting in Turkish: “Don’t forget Aleppo. Don’t forget Syria.” He was shortly after killed by special forces.
Karlov had previously served as an ambassador to North Korea.
The full statement by Cardinal Pietro Parolin is published below:
His Excellency Vladimir Putin
President of the Russian Federation
Moscow
His Holiness Pope Francis was saddened to learn of the violent attack in Ankara, which resulted in the death of Ambassador Andrei Karlov. His Holiness sends condolences to all who mourn his loss, and in a special way to the members of Ambassador Karlov’s family. In commending his soul to Almighty God, Pope Francis assures you and all the people of the Russian Federation of his prayers and spiritual solidarity at this time.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Secretary of State
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has sent a telegramme of condolences to the Archbishop of Berlin in which he says he is praying for the dead and injured in Monday's attack on a Christmas market in Germany’s capital city.Listen to Linda Bordoni's report: In his message to Archbishop Heiner Koch, the Pope also says he joins “all men and women of good will” who have committed themselves to efforts “so that the murderous folly of terrorism finds no more room in our world.” The telegramme, written by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, on behalf of the Holy Father, says that Francis was deeply saddened and is praying for the 12 persons who were killed and for the many wounded in what he called “the terrible act of violence”. The Pope also expressed his gratitude to the medical and security personnel for their fast and concrete assistance to the victims.12 people were killed on Monday evening when a truck rammed i...
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has sent a telegramme of condolences to the Archbishop of Berlin in which he says he is praying for the dead and injured in Monday's attack on a Christmas market in Germany’s capital city.
Listen to Linda Bordoni's report:
In his message to Archbishop Heiner Koch, the Pope also says he joins “all men and women of good will” who have committed themselves to efforts “so that the murderous folly of terrorism finds no more room in our world.”
The telegramme, written by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, on behalf of the Holy Father, says that Francis was deeply saddened and is praying for the 12 persons who were killed and for the many wounded in what he called “the terrible act of violence”.
The Pope also expressed his gratitude to the medical and security personnel for their fast and concrete assistance to the victims.
12 people were killed on Monday evening when a truck rammed into crowds at a Berlin Christmas market.
Berlin police have confirmed that there are also 48 others who were injured.
The driver of the truck fled the scene on foot. A 23-year-old Pakistani asylum seeker was arrested, but police later cast doubt on whether the arrested man was the attacker, saying it was possible the real perpetrator was still on the run.
The Catholic church in Tanzania is calling for programmes and initiatives that are meant to promote social and economic growth in the country to respect the environment and the dignity of every citizen.The call was made at recent two-day Symposium organized by Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) in collaboration with the University College of Stella Maris in Mtwara Diocese. The meeting was held on the theme: The contribution of social teaching of the Catholic Church in economic growth and social development.Below is an article on the meeting by By Pascal MwanacheThe Catholic Church through her economic stakeholders have insisted that environmental protection, natural resources and the dignity of every citizen are key things in the determination of country’s economic growth.This was discussed during the two days Symposium prepared by Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) in collaboration with the University College of Stella Maris in Mtwara Diocese under the theme: 'The con...
The Catholic church in Tanzania is calling for programmes and initiatives that are meant to promote social and economic growth in the country to respect the environment and the dignity of every citizen.
The call was made at recent two-day Symposium organized by Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) in collaboration with the University College of Stella Maris in Mtwara Diocese. The meeting was held on the theme: The contribution of social teaching of the Catholic Church in economic growth and social development.
Below is an article on the meeting by By Pascal Mwanache
The Catholic Church through her economic stakeholders have insisted that environmental protection, natural resources and the dignity of every citizen are key things in the determination of country’s economic growth.
This was discussed during the two days Symposium prepared by Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) in collaboration with the University College of Stella Maris in Mtwara Diocese under the theme: 'The contribution of social teaching of the Catholic Church in economic growth and social development,' which was attended by various economic stake holders from all over the country.
Bishop Gervas Nyaisonga of Mpanda Diocese, who was among the Guest Speakers said that economic growth must consider care for the environment, use of resources in respect to God's plan of creation as a priority.
"Productive economy and sustainable development, want us to think beyond ourselves, beyond our benefits and reflect about God's plan of creation” he said adding that “Otherwise, let us be prepared to pay a debt of damaging the ecosystem.”
He asked the development partners, economists and citizens in general to change their attitude towards the environment, and treat it as a brother or sister.
An Economists from the University of St. Augustine of Tanzania, Mwanza (SAUT), Ponsiano Mtui said that in most cases the economic growth forgets the vulnerable people of the society. This includes women, children and elderly people of the society. Economic growth should also consider environment degradation impact if one wants to get accurate data.
“When investors come, their activities often cause destruction to the environment but this destruction/damage in most cases isn’t included in the figure. This puts the credibility of the figures presented to public in question,” he said adding that "In reality the more our economy is growing higher, the more the damage it brings to the environment.”
He warned that economic growth issue to be taken as a sensitive issue for the protection of future generations.
The symposium was also attended by Bishop Titus Mdoe of the Catholic Diocese of Mtwara, Bishop Bruno Ngonyaji of Lindi diocese, Secretary General of Tanzania Episcopal Very Rev Raymond Saba, and Principle of Stella Maris College Mtwara Very Rev Fr Dr Charles Kitima .
(Source: AMECEA Blog)
(Vatican Radio) Elderly residents of an Italian town hit by a devastating earthquake are to receive help from a Catholic lay association.The Sant'Egidio Community has launched a project in Amatrice to provide a support centre to assist the elderly population and to welcome back senior citizens who evacuated the town following the deadly quake on August 24 which claimed the lives of nearly 300 people.A protocol, signed today by the organisation and the Town of Amatrice, aims at helping elderly residents to return as best as possible back to their ordinary way of life.The mayor of Amatrice, Sergio Pirozzi, stressed "the importance of the project in a situation that remains very difficult".The project will facilitate the return of those residents who fled to housing units in the wider province of Amatrice, as well as setting up a meeting place for senior citizens in the town.According to data from January last year, 50 percent of Amatrice's 2,657 population were ove...
(Vatican Radio) Elderly residents of an Italian town hit by a devastating earthquake are to receive help from a Catholic lay association.
The Sant'Egidio Community has launched a project in Amatrice to provide a support centre to assist the elderly population and to welcome back senior citizens who evacuated the town following the deadly quake on August 24 which claimed the lives of nearly 300 people.
A protocol, signed today by the organisation and the Town of Amatrice, aims at helping elderly residents to return as best as possible back to their ordinary way of life.
The mayor of Amatrice, Sergio Pirozzi, stressed "the importance of the project in a situation that remains very difficult".
The project will facilitate the return of those residents who fled to housing units in the wider province of Amatrice, as well as setting up a meeting place for senior citizens in the town.
According to data from January last year, 50 percent of Amatrice's 2,657 population were over 65–years-old, including 669 people over the age of 90.
Sant'Egidio, which has been helping the reconstruction of the town since the 6.2 magnitude earthquake hit, reports that many older people have lost everything including homes and friends. However, they are reluctant to move away to the makeshift shelters set up by the authorities, clinging on instead to what remains of their homes, gardens and animals.
The Community of Sant'Egidio is lay-led and dedicated to evangelisation and charity throughout the world. Enel Cuore, a non profit organisation, will assist in the Amatrice project.
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis made a surprise visit to the Pontifical Council for the New Evangelization on Tuesday, thanking them for their efforts during the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy.The Holy Father was welcomed to the Vatican dicastery by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, its President, and spoke with those present for around 15 minutes.Archbishop Fisichella later told the Osservatore Romano, “Demonstrating a great sense of humanity and friendship in our regard, the Pope wanted to personally wish us a Merry Christmas and renew his gratitude for all our efforts during the Holy Year.”He added that all those present for the surprise visit were “amazed at his affability. He told us of his joy for the experience of the Jubilee, and he reiterated to us the particular importance of the Missionaries of Mercy.”
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis made a surprise visit to the Pontifical Council for the New Evangelization on Tuesday, thanking them for their efforts during the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy.
The Holy Father was welcomed to the Vatican dicastery by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, its President, and spoke with those present for around 15 minutes.
Archbishop Fisichella later told the Osservatore Romano, “Demonstrating a great sense of humanity and friendship in our regard, the Pope wanted to personally wish us a Merry Christmas and renew his gratitude for all our efforts during the Holy Year.”
He added that all those present for the surprise visit were “amazed at his affability. He told us of his joy for the experience of the Jubilee, and he reiterated to us the particular importance of the Missionaries of Mercy.”
Vatican City, Dec 20, 2016 / 06:44 am (CNA/EWTN News).- What are being called two major acts of terrorism in just the past 24 hours have prompted Pope Francis to again beg for an even stronger commitment to putting such bloody attacks, which have marred many parts of the world over the past 18 months, to an end.“Pope Francis unites to all men and women of good will who commit so that the homicidal madness of terrorism no longer finds space in our world,” a Dec. 20 telegram from the Vatican read.“In this sense, His Holiness implores God the merciful Father for consolation, protection and his comforting blessing.”The note, signed by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, was addressed to Berlin Archbishop Heiner Koch after an apparent terrorist attack yesterday left 12 dead and 48 wounded.According to CNN, a large truck barreled into crowds of shoppers at a Christmas market near the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in Berlin’s western Breitsche...
Vatican City, Dec 20, 2016 / 06:44 am (CNA/EWTN News).- What are being called two major acts of terrorism in just the past 24 hours have prompted Pope Francis to again beg for an even stronger commitment to putting such bloody attacks, which have marred many parts of the world over the past 18 months, to an end.
“Pope Francis unites to all men and women of good will who commit so that the homicidal madness of terrorism no longer finds space in our world,” a Dec. 20 telegram from the Vatican read.
“In this sense, His Holiness implores God the merciful Father for consolation, protection and his comforting blessing.”
The note, signed by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, was addressed to Berlin Archbishop Heiner Koch after an apparent terrorist attack yesterday left 12 dead and 48 wounded.
According to CNN, a large truck barreled into crowds of shoppers at a Christmas market near the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church in Berlin’s western Breitscheidplatz neighborhood around 8p.m. local time Dec. 19, going roughly 40 mph.
The driver of the truck fled the scene on foot, but is believed to have been arrested about a mile and a half from the crash site. However, the man apprehended by police, a Pakistani who had sought asylum, denies the act.
A passenger was found dead inside the truck, and a tweet by the Berlin police confirm that the man was a Polish citizen.
Berlin police have said they are confident the truck was driven into the crowd intentionally, and are treating the incident as a terrorist attack, though until now no claim of responsibility has been made.
In the telegram, Pope Francis said he learned of the attack with “deep emotion,” and expressed his own participation “in the mourning of their relatives expressing his compassion and assuring of his closeness to their pain.”
“In prayer he entrusts the deceased to the mercy of God beseeching him for the healing of the wounded,” the telegram read, expressing gratitude to emergency security services for their “active commitment” in the situation.
The Berlin attack came on the heels of another act of terrorism, when the Russian ambassador to Turkey was assassinated Dec. 19 by an off-duty policeman, who shouted “allahu akbar,” meaning “God is great,” after firing eight rounds at the diplomat.
The ambassador, Mr. Andrei Karlov, 62, had been giving a speech at an art gallery in Ankawa at the time of his death.
According to statements the gunman made before being shot dead, such as “don’t forget Aleppo,” the attack is believed to have been in retaliation for Russian involvement in Syria.
In a separate Vatican telegram, also signed by Cardinal Parolin and addressed to Russian president Vladimir Putin, Pope Francis said he was “saddened” to learn of the ambassador’s assassination.
He offered his condolences to Karlov’s family, and entrusted his soul to God. The Pope assured Putin that he and all members of the Russian Federation of his “prayers and spiritual solidarity” at this time.
In addition, earlier this morning Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with the States, called the Russian ambassador to the Holy See, Alexander Avdeev, to offer his condolences for Karlov’s murder.
IMAGE: CNS/Paul HaringBy Carol GlatzVATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis has chosen, for the first time, a woman to head the Vatican Museums.Barbara Jatta, 54, is an Italian art historian and graphic arts expert, who had been serving as vice-director of the museums since June.The Vatican announced the appointment Dec. 20.She will begin her new role as director of the museums Jan. 1, 2017, replacing 77-year-old Antonio Paolucci, who had been director since 2007.Each year millions of people visit the Vatican Museums, which include the Sistine Chapel and more than 50 different galleries. It is one of the largest museums in the world with 200,000 objects in its collections -- 20,000 of which are on public display -- 27,000 square feet of frescoes, and 4.35 miles of exhibit space.Jatta started working at the Vatican in 1996 when she was hired to head the Vatican Library's departments of prints. In 2010, she was named curator of the artwork in the prints department at the library.She has d...
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring
By Carol Glatz
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis has chosen, for the first time, a woman to head the Vatican Museums.
Barbara Jatta, 54, is an Italian art historian and graphic arts expert, who had been serving as vice-director of the museums since June.
The Vatican announced the appointment Dec. 20.
She will begin her new role as director of the museums Jan. 1, 2017, replacing 77-year-old Antonio Paolucci, who had been director since 2007.
Each year millions of people visit the Vatican Museums, which include the Sistine Chapel and more than 50 different galleries. It is one of the largest museums in the world with 200,000 objects in its collections -- 20,000 of which are on public display -- 27,000 square feet of frescoes, and 4.35 miles of exhibit space.
Jatta started working at the Vatican in 1996 when she was hired to head the Vatican Library's departments of prints. In 2010, she was named curator of the artwork in the prints department at the library.
She has degrees in literature, archive administration and art history, specializing in the history of drawing, engraving and graphic arts. She also taught history of graphic arts at the "Suor Orsola Benincasa" University in Naples. She is married and the mother of three children.
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Copyright © 2016 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. www.catholicnews.com. All rights reserved. Republishing or redistributing of CNS content, including by framing or similar means without prior permission, is prohibited. You may link to stories on our public site. This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. To request permission for republishing or redistributing of CNS content, please contact permissions at cns@catholicnews.com.
By Junno Arocho EstevesVATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Expressinghis condolences to victims and their families, Pope Francis called for an endto terrorism following a string of deadly attacks in Berlin and Ankara.Similar to an attack with a truck that took place inJuly in Nice, France,a tractor-trailer veered into the crowded Breitscheidplatz Christmas market in Berlin and plowed through bystanders, killing 12 people and wounding nearly 50.In a Dec. 20 telegram sent byCardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, to Archbishop Heiner Koch of Berlin, the popeprayed for the families of the dead and the wounded, "assuring hiscloseness in their pain.""Pope Francis joins allpeople of good will who are workingso that the homicidal madness of terrorism does not find any more roomin our world," Cardinal Parolin wrote.Cardinal Parolin said the popereceived news of the attack with "profound emotion" and joined thefamilies of the victims in their mourning and "entrusts the dead to themercy of Go...
By Junno Arocho Esteves
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Expressing his condolences to victims and their families, Pope Francis called for an end to terrorism following a string of deadly attacks in Berlin and Ankara.
Similar to an attack with a truck that took place in July in Nice, France, a tractor-trailer veered into the crowded Breitscheidplatz Christmas market in Berlin and plowed through bystanders, killing 12 people and wounding nearly 50.
In a Dec. 20 telegram sent by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, to Archbishop Heiner Koch of Berlin, the pope prayed for the families of the dead and the wounded, "assuring his closeness in their pain."
"Pope Francis joins all people of good will who are working so that the homicidal madness of terrorism does not find any more room in our world," Cardinal Parolin wrote.
Cardinal Parolin said the pope received news of the attack with "profound emotion" and joined the families of the victims in their mourning and "entrusts the dead to the mercy of God."
Cardinal Reinhard Marx of Munich and Freising, Germany, president of the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Community, said news of the attack in Berlin had "deeply shocked me" and called on the people of Germany to "hold together and stand united as a society."
"The violence on the Christmas market is the opposite of what visitors were seeking. My compassion goes to the relatives of the dead and injured. For all of them, I will pray," he said Dec. 20.
Police detained an asylum-seeker from Pakistan who was near the attack. However, as of Dec. 20, authorities said they are unsure whether he was the driver of the truck.
The attack in Berlin occurred not long after the assassination of Russia's ambassador to Turkey, Andrey Karlov, by a lone gunman during the opening of an art exhibition in Ankara.
Mevlut Mert Altintas, an off-duty Turkish policeman, shot Karlov several times, shouting "Allahu akbar (God is great). Do not forget Aleppo! Do not forget Syria! Do not forget Aleppo! Do not forget Syria!"
The gunman was later shot and killed by police. Several family members and the gunman's roommate were detained by investigators seeking a possible connection with terrorist groups.
Cardinal Parolin conveyed the pope's condolences to President Vladimir Putin of Russia, saying he was "saddened to learn of the violent attack in Ankara."
"In commending his soul to almighty God, Pope Francis assures you and all the people of the Russian Federation of his prayers and spiritual solidarity at this time," Cardinal Parolin wrote.
The Vatican also told journalists that Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Vatican secretary for relations with states, telephoned the Russian ambassador to the Holy See, Alexander Avdeev, to "express his condolences for the murder of the Russian ambassador to Turkey."
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Follow Arocho on Twitter: @arochoju.
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Copyright © 2016 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. www.catholicnews.com. All rights reserved. Republishing or redistributing of CNS content, including by framing or similar means without prior permission, is prohibited. You may link to stories on our public site. This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. To request permission for republishing or redistributing of CNS content, please contact permissions at cns@catholicnews.com.
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