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WASHINGTON (AP) -- Donald Trump may or may not have paid federal income taxes for years after losing nearly $916 million. But if he did avoid paying taxes, he's a "genius" at taking advantage of a loophole-ridden law, his supporters said Sunday....
For weeks after the vote, the abuse kept coming: Venomous, sexist phone calls and emails, venting rage at the five women on Seattle's City Council who outvoted four men to derail a sports arena project....
(Vatican Radio) After celebrating Mass in Baku’s Church of the Immaculate Conception, the city’s Salesian centre, Pope Francis encouraged Azerbaijan’s small Catholic community in their witness of the faith, before leading the faithful in the Angelus prayer.In off-the-cuff remarks delivered after his prepared Angelus address, the Pope stressed that he is not “wasting time” travelling long distances to visit such a small community of Catholics in Azerbaijan and explained why it is so important for him to travel to these nations “on the peripheries.” Please see below an English translation of the Pope’s off-the-cuff remarks:Someone may think that the Pope wastes so much time: travelling so many kilometres to visit a small community of 700 people, in a country of 2 million. Yet it is a community which is not uniform, because among you there are several languages spoken: Azeri, Italian, Spanish… many languages. It ...
(Vatican Radio) After celebrating Mass in Baku’s Church of the Immaculate Conception, the city’s Salesian centre, Pope Francis encouraged Azerbaijan’s small Catholic community in their witness of the faith, before leading the faithful in the Angelus prayer.
In off-the-cuff remarks delivered after his prepared Angelus address, the Pope stressed that he is not “wasting time” travelling long distances to visit such a small community of Catholics in Azerbaijan and explained why it is so important for him to travel to these nations “on the peripheries.”
Please see below an English translation of the Pope’s off-the-cuff remarks:
Someone may think that the Pope wastes so much time: travelling so many kilometres to visit a small community of 700 people, in a country of 2 million. Yet it is a community which is not uniform, because among you there are several languages spoken: Azeri, Italian, Spanish… many languages. It is a community on the peripheries. But the Pope, in this, imitates the Holy Spirit: he also descended from heaven to a small community in that closed periphery of the Cenacle. And to that community, which was fearful, felt poor and perhaps persecuted or rejected, the Holy Spirit imparts fortitude, power, and bold eloquence to go forth and proclaim the name of Jesus! And the doors of that community in Jerusalem, which were closed for fear or shame, were thrust wide open releasing the power of the Spirit. The Pope wastes time as the Holy Spirit did in those days!
Only two things are necessary: Mary was among that community. Don’t forget our Mother! And in that community resided charity, a fraternal love, which the Holy Spirit poured into their hearts. Have courage! Go ahead! Without fear, go ahead!
Below, see the official English language translation of Pope Francis’ prepared remarks for the Angelus:
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In this Eucharistic celebration I have given thanks to God with you, and also for you: here the faith, after the years of persecution, has accomplished wonders. I wish to recall the many courageous Christians who trusted in the Lord and were faithful in the face of adversity. As did Saint John Paul II, I offer you the words of the Apostle Peter: “Honour to you who believe” (1 Pt 2:7; Homily, Baku, 23 May 2002).
Our thoughts turn now to the Virgin Mary, who is venerated in this country not only by Christians. To her we address the words of the Angel Gabriel who brought her the good news of salvation, prepared for humanity by God.
In the light that radiates from the maternal gaze of Mary, I offer a warm greeting to you, dear faithful of Azerbaijan, as I encourage each of you to witness joyfully to faith, hope and love, united among yourselves and with your Pastors. I greet and thank in a particular way the Salesian family, who take such good care of you and who promote various good works, and the Missionary Sisters of Charity: continue with enthusiasm your work in the service of all!
Let us entrust these intentions to the intercession of the Most Holy Mother of God and let us invoke her protection upon your families, the sick and the elderly, and upon all those who suffer in body or spirit.
Just as Nigerians were beginning to see the tide start to turn against Boko Haram militants, a relatively new menace has arisen. Nigeria now has to grapple with the increase in violent clashes blamed on Fulani herdsmen. Communities in Nigeria, particularly those in the North Central and Southern states of Nigeria are coming under constant attacks.On 25 April this year, suspected Fulani herdsmen launched perhaps one of their deadliest attacks ever in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State. They attacked seven villages of Nimbo Ngwoko, Ugwuijoro, Ekwuru, Ebor, Enugu Nimbo, Umuome and Ugwuachara. Several houses, Churches, vehicles and animals were destroyed. The number of those killed varies. Local media spoke of a bloodbath in which 60 persons were killed. Others put the figure at 150 persons. Since then attacks, though not a similar scale, have continued on a regular basis.A few days ago, on 26 September, suspected Fulani herdsmen were said to have been behind the kidnap of...
Just as Nigerians were beginning to see the tide start to turn against Boko Haram militants, a relatively new menace has arisen. Nigeria now has to grapple with the increase in violent clashes blamed on Fulani herdsmen. Communities in Nigeria, particularly those in the North Central and Southern states of Nigeria are coming under constant attacks.
On 25 April this year, suspected Fulani herdsmen launched perhaps one of their deadliest attacks ever in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State. They attacked seven villages of Nimbo Ngwoko, Ugwuijoro, Ekwuru, Ebor, Enugu Nimbo, Umuome and Ugwuachara. Several houses, Churches, vehicles and animals were destroyed. The number of those killed varies. Local media spoke of a bloodbath in which 60 persons were killed. Others put the figure at 150 persons. Since then attacks, though not a similar scale, have continued on a regular basis.
A few days ago, on 26 September, suspected Fulani herdsmen were said to have been behind the kidnap of the Rector of Nigeria’s Tansi Major Seminary, Fr. Emmanuel Dim. When he was kidnapped, Fr. Emmanuel was travelling in a vehicle from Nssuka together with two other priests. Fr. Dim was later released. Church authorities said no ransom was paid. Fr. Dim’s two companions were said to be nursing injuries.
The Bishop of Nsukka Diocese in Nigeria, Godfrey Igwebuike Onah has found himself at the centre of it all by virtue of being the shepherd of the diocese.
In a candid interview with Vatican Radio’s Africa Service, Bishop Onah said he is not entirely satisfied with the response of the Federal Government of Nigeria to the growing insecurity in the area.
“We have a Northerner, a Fulani, Moslem as President. For his own credibility in the country, he needs to come our clearly and firmly … clearly and firmly and protect the lives of Nigerians no matter where they live,” Bishop Onah said.
The Bishop, however, expressed sympathy for security personnel in Nigeria.
“In all fairness to the Police in Nigeria, we see them expose themselves every day to great danger without much to show for it in terms of equipment or even remuneration and one would not blame them if they run at the first possibility. Many of them have been heroic…,” Bishop Onah adds.
Asked about an appropriate Church response under the circumstances, Bishop Onah says he is bewildered that the insecurity is not being brought under control.
“The Church finds itself in a very difficult situation. One; we are providing immediate solace and comfort to those who are constantly terrorised and butchered without respect by fellow Nigerians, supposedly…then (we also) are preaching to Nigerians and the government to do the right thing for the conversion of hearts and accept the fact that we are all Nigerians within a multi-ethnic and multi-religious environment,” said Bishop Onah.
Bishop Onah also criticised foreign governments who profit from the “so-called” Small Arms and Light Weapons sold to Africa and for politics that lead to the impoverishment of Africa. He had these words: “The world has everything to gain from a stable, wealthy Africa because, by the time you have hundreds of young people who have nothing to lose because they have been impoverished, every part of the world will feel their anger because you cannot negotiate with a person who has nothing to lose.
(Fr. Paul Samasumo, Vatican Radio)
Email: engafrica@vatiradio.va
Listen here to Bishop Onah as he talks to Fr. Paul Samasumo of Vatican Radio.
Catholic Bishops in the Democratic Republic of Congo Saturday issued a communique clarifying reasons for suspending their participation in the ongoing national dialogue. Last week, the Catholic Bishops withdrew from the national dialogue after clashes that started on 20 September lead to deaths in the capital Kinshasa. According to a Conférence Episcopale Nationale du Congo (CENCO) statement, the Bishops want broader participation and conditions that are more inclusive before they can rejoin the dialogue.“The bishops continue to support this dialogue, but wish that all parties, including minorities, are represented,” read the statement circulated to the French Africa Service of Vatican Radio.The Bishops’ statement came on the same day as the AP news agency quoted Congo's electoral commission President saying a national election, originally scheduled for November this year, was now likely to take place at the end of 2018, a two-year delay. T...
Catholic Bishops in the Democratic Republic of Congo Saturday issued a communique clarifying reasons for suspending their participation in the ongoing national dialogue. Last week, the Catholic Bishops withdrew from the national dialogue after clashes that started on 20 September lead to deaths in the capital Kinshasa.
According to a Conférence Episcopale Nationale du Congo (CENCO) statement, the Bishops want broader participation and conditions that are more inclusive before they can rejoin the dialogue.
“The bishops continue to support this dialogue, but wish that all parties, including minorities, are represented,” read the statement circulated to the French Africa Service of Vatican Radio.
The Bishops’ statement came on the same day as the AP news agency quoted Congo's electoral commission President saying a national election, originally scheduled for November this year, was now likely to take place at the end of 2018, a two-year delay. The announcement from the electoral body is likely to cause more unrest in the country.
Corneille Nangaa said Saturday that voter registration lists wouldn't be ready until July 2017 and the commission then needs 504 days to organise the vote. His comments come after dozens died last week in Kinshasa when security forces clashed with anti-government demonstrators opposed to the Presidential election delay.
President Joseph Kabila's political future has been a source of tension. His mandate was supposed to end in December. Opposition leaders accuse him of delaying elections to keep power.
A high court has said Kabila can stay in office until a new leader is elected.
(Vatican Radio /AP)
(Vatican Radio) After having celebrated Mass on Sunday morning upon his arrival in Azerbaijan, Pope Francis schedule foresees a meeting with the nation’s President, Ilham Heydar Aliyev in the Presidential Palace of Baku.Here, he receives the full Guard of Honor salute which is reserved for visiting dignitaries during the official Welcome Ceremony.As per protocol, Pope Francis and President Aliyev then met for a private meeting which takes place behind closed doors.President Ilham Aliyev, the fourth President of Azerbaijan, has been in office since 2003. He also functions as the Chairman of the New Azerbaijan Party and the head of the National Olympic Committee. Ilham Aliyev is the son of Heydar Aliyev, who was President of Azerbaijan from 1993 to 2003. Pope Francis has many engagements on this final day of his 16th Apostolic Journey which has taken him to Georgia and to Azerbaijan. After meeting with the President, he will pay a visit to the Baku Monument for the Victi...
(Vatican Radio) After having celebrated Mass on Sunday morning upon his arrival in Azerbaijan, Pope Francis schedule foresees a meeting with the nation’s President, Ilham Heydar Aliyev in the Presidential Palace of Baku.
Here, he receives the full Guard of Honor salute which is reserved for visiting dignitaries during the official Welcome Ceremony.
As per protocol, Pope Francis and President Aliyev then met for a private meeting which takes place behind closed doors.
President Ilham Aliyev, the fourth President of Azerbaijan, has been in office since 2003. He also functions as the Chairman of the New Azerbaijan Party and the head of the National Olympic Committee. Ilham Aliyev is the son of Heydar Aliyev, who was President of Azerbaijan from 1993 to 2003.
Pope Francis has many engagements on this final day of his 16th Apostolic Journey which has taken him to Georgia and to Azerbaijan. After meeting with the President, he will pay a visit to the Baku Monument for the Victims Fallen in the Battle for Independence. Pope Saint John Paul II visited this site when he travelled to Azerbaijan in May 2002.
Here the Pope participates in a ceremony which sees the laying of a wreath in the presence of the Major of Baku.
The monument is known as the ‘Alley of Martyrs’ and it is situated on one of the highest hills in Baku overlooking the Caspian Sea.
A long marble wall stretches the length of the memorial, with a portrait of each martyr standing above the tombstone and grave of their final resting place. Hundreds of the Azeris who lost their lives in the Karabakh hostilities and the events of Black January lie in repose, and an eternal flame underneath a large dome stands adjacent to the wall.
Just across the street from the memorial’s location is the Parliament building – thus the cemetery serves as a constant reminder to the nation’s leaders and policymakers of the immense sacrifices that earlier generations made in order to secure the nation’s freedom.
(Vatican Radio) The joyful witness of Azerbaijan’s small Catholic community, which has “accomplished wonders” even after years of persecution, was at the centre of Pope Francis’ address at Baku’s Salesian centre, where he celebrated Sunday Mass as part of his day-long pastoral visit to the nation.Listen to Ann Schneible’s report: “In this Eucharistic celebration I have given thanks to God with you, and also for you,” Pope Francis said during his Angelus address at the conclusion of Sunday’s Mass in the Church of the Immaculate Conception.“Here,” he said, “the faith, after the years of persecution, has accomplished wonders.” The Pope recalled “the many courageous Christians who trusted in the Lord and were faithful in the face of adversity.”The Holy Father encouraged the Azerbaijan Catholics in their joyful witness “to faith, hope and love, united among (themselves) and with (their)...
(Vatican Radio) The joyful witness of Azerbaijan’s small Catholic community, which has “accomplished wonders” even after years of persecution, was at the centre of Pope Francis’ address at Baku’s Salesian centre, where he celebrated Sunday Mass as part of his day-long pastoral visit to the nation.
Listen to Ann Schneible’s report:
“In this Eucharistic celebration I have given thanks to God with you, and also for you,” Pope Francis said during his Angelus address at the conclusion of Sunday’s Mass in the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
“Here,” he said, “the faith, after the years of persecution, has accomplished wonders.”
The Pope recalled “the many courageous Christians who trusted in the Lord and were faithful in the face of adversity.”
The Holy Father encouraged the Azerbaijan Catholics in their joyful witness “to faith, hope and love, united among (themselves) and with (their) Pastors.”
He made particular mention of the Salesians, as well as the Missionary Sisters of Charity, for their respective ministries, before entrusting all of these intentions to Mary.
In a few off-the-cuff remarks, Pope Francis acknowledged how Catholics in Azerbaijan – who number in the hundreds nationwide – are truly a “community of the periphery,” and encouraged them to move forward without fear.
The Holy Father likened his visit to the small Catholic community to that of the Holy Spirit, who descended on the small “community” gathered in the Upper Room.
Earlier that morning, during his homily for the Mass, Pope Francis spoke on “two essential aspects of the Christian life: faith and service.”
The Lord “invites patient waiting, without ever losing hope; above all, he emphasizes the importance of faith, since it is by faith that man will live.”
“When faith is interwoven with service, the heart remains open and youthful, and it expands in the process of doing good,” the Holy Father continued.
“Thus faith, as Jesus tells us in the Gospel, becomes powerful and accomplishes marvellous deeds.”
In following the call to service, Pope Francis warned Christians against two key temptations: that of becoming lukewarm, and that of seeing service only as a way of gaining prestige and power.
Finally, the Pope recalled the words of the recently canonized St Teresa of Calcutta, saying: “The fruit of faith is love. The fruit of love is service. The fruit of service is peace.”
BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) -- Hungarians were voting Sunday in a referendum called by Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government to seek support for its opposition to any future, mandatory European Union quotas for accepting relocated asylum seekers....
BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) -- The guns have been silenced, the agreement signed and a historic handshake between former enemies made in front of the entire world. Now it's time for Colombians to decide whether or not to support a peace deal with the country's largest rebel movement....
LONDON (AP) -- U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May said Sunday that Britain would trigger the formal process for leaving the European Union before April, putting to rest weeks of speculation on the timing of the move....
