Catholic News 2
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) -- A remote village on Alaska's northwest coast has begun a reverse tourism campaign. Residents want visitors to stay away....
EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- The pilot of a small plane that crashed on a busy road near the headquarters of military jet-engine maker Pratt & Whitney, killing a passenger, told police detectives that the wreck was intentional, the mayor said Wednesday....
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Hillary Clinton is pressing Republicans to take a clear stand on Donald Trump as she tries to capitalize on GOP divisions since revelation of his predatory comments about women prompted party leaders to abandon him....
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis renewed his appeal for peace in Syria on Wednesday. Addressing pilgrims and tourists gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the weekly General Audience, Pope Francis said, “I want to emphasize and reiterate my solidarity with all victims of inhuman conflict in Syria.” Pope Francis went on to say, “It is with a sense of urgency that I renew my appeal, begging, with all my strength, those responsible, that steps be taken toward an immediate ceasefire, one imposed and respected at least for the time necessary to allow the evacuation of civilians, especially children, who are still trapped under cruel bombardment.”Click below to hear our report Russian-led airstrikes resumed over the past 24 hours, concentrating on targets within the besieged city of Aleppo.At least 25 people are reported to have died, including children. The bombardments follow a temporary lull called by the Syrian government, in part to allow civilians to leave ...
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis renewed his appeal for peace in Syria on Wednesday. Addressing pilgrims and tourists gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the weekly General Audience, Pope Francis said, “I want to emphasize and reiterate my solidarity with all victims of inhuman conflict in Syria.” Pope Francis went on to say, “It is with a sense of urgency that I renew my appeal, begging, with all my strength, those responsible, that steps be taken toward an immediate ceasefire, one imposed and respected at least for the time necessary to allow the evacuation of civilians, especially children, who are still trapped under cruel bombardment.”
Click below to hear our report
Russian-led airstrikes resumed over the past 24 hours, concentrating on targets within the besieged city of Aleppo.
At least 25 people are reported to have died, including children. The bombardments follow a temporary lull called by the Syrian government, in part to allow civilians to leave rebel-held areas in the east of the city.
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis during his weekly General Audience made an appeal on the eve of the International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction, which this year features the theme: "Reducing mortality."The Holy Father said that “natural disasters could be avoided or at least limited, since their effects are often due to a lack of environmental care by man. The Pope added, “therefore I encourage you to join far-sighted efforts in the protection of our common home, promoting a culture of prevention, also with the help of new advances, in order to reduce the risk to the most vulnerable populations.
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis during his weekly General Audience made an appeal on the eve of the International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction, which this year features the theme: "Reducing mortality."
The Holy Father said that “natural disasters could be avoided or at least limited, since their effects are often due to a lack of environmental care by man. The Pope added, “therefore I encourage you to join far-sighted efforts in the protection of our common home, promoting a culture of prevention, also with the help of new advances, in order to reduce the risk to the most vulnerable populations.
(Vatican Radio) Pakistan’s Supreme Court will hear the final appeal of Christian mother Asia Bibi on Thursday six years after she was sentenced to death for blasphemy.Ms Bibi was accused of blasphemy in 2009, after bringing water for the Muslim labourers she was working with in the field. They refused to drink, saying she had made the water unclean because she was a Christian.If her appeal fails she will be the first woman to be put to death under Pakistan’s controversial blasphemy laws.Release International, which supports persecuted Christians around the world, has been following her case and is calling on Pakistan to release her.Lydia O’Kane spoke to the organization’s press officer Andrew Boyd.Listen: He says that what Release and other organizations are campaigning for “is that the blasphemy laws are repealed that Asia Bibi is acquitted; she’s set free; she’s always denied this charge and if she’s set free and we really ho...
(Vatican Radio) Pakistan’s Supreme Court will hear the final appeal of Christian mother Asia Bibi on Thursday six years after she was sentenced to death for blasphemy.
Ms Bibi was accused of blasphemy in 2009, after bringing water for the Muslim labourers she was working with in the field. They refused to drink, saying she had made the water unclean because she was a Christian.
If her appeal fails she will be the first woman to be put to death under Pakistan’s controversial blasphemy laws.
Release International, which supports persecuted Christians around the world, has been following her case and is calling on Pakistan to release her.
Lydia O’Kane spoke to the organization’s press officer Andrew Boyd.
Listen:
He says that what Release and other organizations are campaigning for “is that the blasphemy laws are repealed that Asia Bibi is acquitted; she’s set free; she’s always denied this charge and if she’s set free and we really hope and pray that she is, that the government will offer her protection and her family protection…”
Speaking about how Asia Bibi has been coping all through this ordeal, Andrew Boyd says that “her health has been very up and down, there have been periods where there has been a lot of concern about her health…”
Asked if there are other cases similar to that of the Christian mother, Mr Boyd comments that, “there are quite a few others who find themselves in that situation, it happens a lot.”
According to Release International Asia Bibi has been described as Pakistan’s highest profile prisoner and her case has been described as the most notorious trial ever to be held in Pakistan.
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Monday received in a private audience Cardinal Angelo Amato, S.D.B., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, during which he authorised the Congregation to promulgate the following decrees:HEROIC VIRTUES- Servant of God Luis Zambrano Blanco, Spanish diocesan priest and founder of the Hogar de Nazareth Secular Institute (1909-1983);- Servant of God Tiburcio Arnáiz Muñoz, Spanish professed priest of the Society of Jesus (1865-1926);- Servant of God Maria Teresa Spinelli, Italian woman religious and founder of the Congregation of Augustinian Sisters, Servants of Jesus and Mary (1789-1850);- Servant of God Maria Costanza Panas (née Agnese Pacifica), Italian professed religious of the Capuchin Poor Clares of the Monastery of Fabriano (1896-1963).
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Monday received in a private audience Cardinal Angelo Amato, S.D.B., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, during which he authorised the Congregation to promulgate the following decrees:
HEROIC VIRTUES
- Servant of God Luis Zambrano Blanco, Spanish diocesan priest and founder of the Hogar de Nazareth Secular Institute (1909-1983);
- Servant of God Tiburcio Arnáiz Muñoz, Spanish professed priest of the Society of Jesus (1865-1926);
- Servant of God Maria Teresa Spinelli, Italian woman religious and founder of the Congregation of Augustinian Sisters, Servants of Jesus and Mary (1789-1850);
- Servant of God Maria Costanza Panas (née Agnese Pacifica), Italian professed religious of the Capuchin Poor Clares of the Monastery of Fabriano (1896-1963).
(Vatican Radio) The Vatican spoke about “the need to continue our collective efforts for the advancement of women” at a meeting on the Advancement of Women taking place at the United Nations General Assembly.Archbishop Bernardito Auza, the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, on Monday told the body “no woman or girl, especially those living in poverty and distress, [should be] left behind.” “In a world where poverty continues to have principally a female face, the promotion of inclusive and equitable economies may have a profound impact in advancing the status of women,” the Vatican diplomat said.“In many places women are experiencing unique economic distress linked to unfair employment policies, unequal pay for equal work, the denial of access to credit and property, victimization in situations of conflicts and migration,” – Archbishop Auza continued – “From this perspec...
(Vatican Radio) The Vatican spoke about “the need to continue our collective efforts for the advancement of women” at a meeting on the Advancement of Women taking place at the United Nations General Assembly.
Archbishop Bernardito Auza, the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, on Monday told the body “no woman or girl, especially those living in poverty and distress, [should be] left behind.”
“In a world where poverty continues to have principally a female face, the promotion of inclusive and equitable economies may have a profound impact in advancing the status of women,” the Vatican diplomat said.
“In many places women are experiencing unique economic distress linked to unfair employment policies, unequal pay for equal work, the denial of access to credit and property, victimization in situations of conflicts and migration,” – Archbishop Auza continued – “From this perspective, the fight for the advancement of women must also mean assuring them equal access to resources, capital and technology. Notwithstanding the fact that women constitute the majority of the poor and are affected by the burden of poverty in very specific ways, they are nevertheless often courageously at the forefront in the fight to eradicate extreme poverty.”
The full text of his remarks are below
Statement by H.E. Archbishop Bernardito Auza
Apostolic Nuncio, Permanent Observer of the Holy See
71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Third Committee
Agenda Item 27: Advancement of women
Madam Chair,
My delegation thanks the Secretary General for raising awareness, through his reports, of the need to continue our collective efforts for the advancement of women, so that no woman or girl, especially those living in poverty and distress, be left behind. Progress has been made, as underlined in the Secretary General’s Report. As Pope Francis observed: “The equal dignity of men and women makes us rejoice to see old forms of discrimination disappear, and within families there is a growing reciprocity.” Persistent challenges remain however. It is alarming that about 35 percent of women worldwide have experienced physical violence at some point in their lives, mostly domestic and sexual.
Special attention must be given to this truly scandalous situation, so that effective measures and programs can be put in place to combat and defeat this deplorable type of behavior towards women. Condemning all forms of violence against women as unacceptable, Pope Francis has spoken in particular of “domestic violence and various forms of enslavement” which, he strongly denounced as “craven acts of cowardice.” Pope Francis often insists that “violence within the family is a breeding-ground of resentment and hatred in the most basic human relationships” whereas it is precisely the family that is “the primary setting for socialization” and that is better able to “introduce[s] fraternity into the world!” In a social context where support for family values and for the respect and protection of each one of its members, in particular women and girls, is lacking, violent behaviors may also breed new forms of social aggression. This extends to the economic, political, social, and cultural spheres, where it may lead to various forms of exclusion and exploitation, when women are deprived of economic resources and restricted in their ability to exercise their political rights and participation, as mentioned in the Secretary General’s Report. Catholic social doctrine considers such multi-faceted violence and exclusion as a major impediment to integral human development.
Madam Chair,
In a world where poverty continues to have principally a female face, the promotion of inclusive and equitable economies may have a profound impact in advancing the status of women. In many places women are experiencing unique economic distress linked to unfair employment policies, unequal pay for equal work, the denial of access to credit and property, victimization in situations of conflicts and migration. From this perspective, the fight for the advancement of women must also mean assuring them equal access to resources, capital and technology. Notwithstanding the fact that women constitute the majority of the poor and are affected by the burden of poverty in very specific ways, they are nevertheless often courageously at the forefront in the fight to eradicate extreme poverty. As Pope Francis noted: “doubly poor are those women who endure situations of exclusion, mistreatment and violence, since they are frequently less able to defend their rights. Even so, we constantly witness among them impressive examples of daily heroism in defending and protecting their vulnerable families.”
Madam Chair,
The Holy See supports the Secretary-General’s recommendations to pay special attention to female genital mutilations. Pope Francis specifically identifies “reprehensible female genital mutilation” as an example of “unacceptable customs [that] still need to be eliminated.” Many Catholic institutions and organizations, in particular women religious, are on the frontlines working to change cultural practices and empower young women to resist such violence. Their initiatives are always accompanied by quality education for girls. Moreover, the fight against trafficking in persons and other forms of modern-day slavery is a top priority of the Holy See. The Santa Marta Group, Talitha Kum and the #EndSlavery campaign are just some of the initiatives that Pope Francis has inspired. To raise greater public awareness of these crimes, Pope Francis has designated February 8 as “International Day of Prayer and Reflection against Human Trafficking.” It is the feast of St. Josephine Bakhita, a saint from Sudan who was kidnapped as a child, then sold and resold into slavery. “Today, as in the past, slavery is rooted in a notion of the human person which allows him or her to be treated as an object.” This is against all the principles that the United Nations stands for. We are thus summoned to fight every form of slavery that still plagues our world.
Finally, my delegation remains very supportive of, and active in, efforts and initiatives aimed at protecting women’s dignity and advancement, and at improving their living conditions and participation within the family and society. Thank you, Madam Chair.
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis said Christians are already united when they are persecuted by terrorists or world powers in what he called an ecumenism of the “blood.” He was speaking in an off-the-cuff address on Wednesday to participants at the Conference for Secretaries of the Christian World Communions, an international ecumenical organization. The Pope began his remarks by noting that ecumenism is about journeying alongside others with Christ: it can be a simple journey together, done with prayers and helping others or it can be "a working ecumenism for the many men and women who nowadays suffer injustices, wars." He urged his listeners to show charity towards their neighbours, saying this is ecumenism, being united on our journey with Jesus.Pope Francis also spoke about how it is necessary to recognize a particular type of ecumenism that especially applies to our present world, a so-called ecumenism of the "blood" whereby all Christians reg...
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis said Christians are already united when they are persecuted by terrorists or world powers in what he called an ecumenism of the “blood.” He was speaking in an off-the-cuff address on Wednesday to participants at the Conference for Secretaries of the Christian World Communions, an international ecumenical organization.
The Pope began his remarks by noting that ecumenism is about journeying alongside others with Christ: it can be a simple journey together, done with prayers and helping others or it can be "a working ecumenism for the many men and women who nowadays suffer injustices, wars." He urged his listeners to show charity towards their neighbours, saying this is ecumenism, being united on our journey with Jesus.
Pope Francis also spoke about how it is necessary to recognize a particular type of ecumenism that especially applies to our present world, a so-called ecumenism of the "blood" whereby all Christians regardless of their denomination are viewed and treated in the same way by those who persecute them.
“When terrorists or world powers persecute Christian minorities or Christians, when they do this, they don’t ask: ‘But are you Lutheran? Are you Orthodox? Are you Catholic? Are you a Reformed Christian? Are you a Pentecostal?’ No! ‘You are a Christian!’ They only recognize one of them: the Christian. The enemy never makes a mistake and knows very well how to recognize where Jesus is. This is ecumenism of the blood.”
The Pope said Coptic Orthodox friars murdered on the beaches of Libya are "our brothers" as they too gave witness to Jesus in their lives and when they met their death.
(Vatican Radio) The Holy See’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations, Archbishop Bernardito Auza, said the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development “depends upon going beyond the language of economics and statistics,” adding that “considerations of a moral, spiritual and religious dimension cannot be ignored without serious detriment to the person’s development.”“Starting from this principle of equal dignity, a new person-centered paradigm in development emerges, making everyone, including the poor and the marginalized, active agents rather than passive beneficiaries of development,” the Vatican diplomat said on Tuesday.“Sustainable development will always be a public-private partnership, requiring both honest government and equally honest businesses,” – Archbishop Auza concluded – “Both require leaders who can inspire and direct these institutions, their systems and their practices. My delegation t...
(Vatican Radio) The Holy See’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations, Archbishop Bernardito Auza, said the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development “depends upon going beyond the language of economics and statistics,” adding that “considerations of a moral, spiritual and religious dimension cannot be ignored without serious detriment to the person’s development.”
“Starting from this principle of equal dignity, a new person-centered paradigm in development emerges, making everyone, including the poor and the marginalized, active agents rather than passive beneficiaries of development,” the Vatican diplomat said on Tuesday.
“Sustainable development will always be a public-private partnership, requiring both honest government and equally honest businesses,” – Archbishop Auza concluded – “Both require leaders who can inspire and direct these institutions, their systems and their practices. My delegation therefore encourages national efforts, particularly in developing countries, that foster both the good governance and honest entrepreneurship that sustain and foster integral human development.”
The full statement is below
Statement by H.E. Archbishop Bernardito Auza Apostolic Nuncio, Permanent Observer of the Holy See Seventy-first Session of the United Nations General Assembly Second Committee Agenda Item 19: Sustainable Development
Mr. Chair,
The Preamble of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development states that the goals and targets enumerated therein “are integrated and indivisible and balance the three dimensions of sustainable development: economic, social and environmental,” with the human person at the heart of the Agenda. The success of the 2030 Agenda depends upon going beyond the language of economics and statistics precisely because the real emphasis must be on the human person. Therefore, considerations of a moral, spiritual and religious dimension cannot be ignored without serious detriment to the person’s development. The Holy See prefers to call this wider and fuller understanding of a person-centered development as “integral human development,” which includes sustainable development.1
Mr. Chair,
Past reports of the Secretary General on Entrepreneurship for Development have noted that the transition from promoting economic growth at all costs to an agenda of sustainable development calls for a “paradigm shift in development thinking.” This shift is not merely a change affecting policies and institutions: it also demands a change in the relationships among peoples as well as between human beings and the environment, our common home.
This new development mindset must start with an understanding of the inherent dignity of each person and the centrality of the common good to all social goals and efforts. Only such foundations can truly lead to a “drive for the development of a social and solidarity economy.”2 Mainstreaming the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development3 will only lead to integral human development if they build upon the fundamental and inalienable principle of the equal dignity of all persons.
Starting from this principle of equal dignity, a new person-centered paradigm in development emerges, making everyone, including the poor and the marginalized, active agents rather than passive beneficiaries of development. As Pope Francis said, “To enable these real men and women to escape from extreme poverty, we must allow them to be dignified agents of their own destiny. Integral human development and the full exercise of human dignity cannot be
imposed. They must be built up and allowed to unfold for each individual, for every family, in communion with others, and in a right relationship with all those areas in which human social life develops – friends, communities, towns and cities, schools, businesses and unions, provinces, nations, etc.”
What we need to avoid is an economic, social and environmental analysis centered not on the person but primarily on the pursuit of the biggest financial margins. Such economic reductionism can never lead to integral human development, as it subjects everything to the laws of competition and to a Darwinian economy of the survival of the fittest; it also sets in motion a relentless process of exclusion and inequality that causes an exponentially growing gap between the haves and the have-nots, the exclusion and marginalization of ever-growing masses of people without work, without possibilities, without any means of escape from poverty.5
My delegation believes that we must take a hard look at such a purely market-driven economic model, and temper it with the fundamental demands of human dignity and the common good. This is not an argument against the proper role of markets in coordinating the economic decision making of free individuals or the important role of business and entrepreneurs in a prosperous and efficient economy. Nevertheless, development is impossible without upright men and women, without economic actors and politicians whose consciences are attuned to the requirements of the common good. Thus Pope Francis encourages that those who are engaged in the noble vocation of business look beyond the biggest margin and “see themselves challenged by a greater meaning in life” that “will enable them truly to serve the common good….”6 An ethical grounding is critical to a well-ordered market economy, which is a mutually beneficial exchange and not a zero-sum, survival of the fittest, winner-and-loser exchange.
It is from this perspective that my delegation commends the Report of the Secretary-General on Entrepreneurship for Development.7 Sustainable development will always be a public-private partnership, requiring both honest government and equally honest businesses. Both require leaders who can inspire and direct these institutions, their systems and their practices. My delegation therefore encourages national efforts, particularly in developing countries, that foster both the good governance and honest entrepreneurship that sustain and foster integral human development.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
1 Note of the Holy See on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, n.25.
2 A/71/210.
3 A/71/76-E/2016/55.
4 Pope Francis, Address to the UN General Assembly, 25 September 2015.
5 Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, n. 53.
6 Ibid, n. 203.
7 A/71/201.
