Catholic News 2
PYONGYANG, North Korea (AP) -- The top North Korean official for U.S. relations told The Associated Press on Friday that his country is now a nuclear threat to be reckoned with, and Washington can expect more nuclear tests and missile launches like the ones earlier this week as long as it attempts to force his government's collapse through a policy of pressure and punishment....
LONDON (AP) -- On its face Britain looked the same on Friday: The White Cliffs of Dover gleamed, the clamor of construction rumbled across London and bathers in the Hampstead Heath park took a dip in a murky pond while the rare sun lasted....
LONDON (AP) -- Britain has jumped. Now it is wildly searching for the parachute....
(Vatican Radio) A three-day event entitled “Living Fully 2016: Disability, Culture and Faith” is taking place in the Vatican.The initiative is organised by the Kairos Forum and takes place under the auspices of the Pontifical Council for Culture, and other organizations that work with disability.The aim of the gatherings is to celebrate the lives and stories of disabled people within culture and faith, and introduces the study of disability theology from within a cultural perspective.Amongst the participants are Mary O’Meara, Executive Director for the Department of special needs ministries for the Archdiocese of Washington, and Terry O’Meara, Executive Director for the International Catholic Foundation for the Service of Deaf Persons.The O’Mearas dropped into Vatican Radio on the first day of the event and told Linda Bordoni the conference aims for a cultural change that will transform disabled people into the protagonists of society and the Church o...
(Vatican Radio) A three-day event entitled “Living Fully 2016: Disability, Culture and Faith” is taking place in the Vatican.
The initiative is organised by the Kairos Forum and takes place under the auspices of the Pontifical Council for Culture, and other organizations that work with disability.
The aim of the gatherings is to celebrate the lives and stories of disabled people within culture and faith, and introduces the study of disability theology from within a cultural perspective.
Amongst the participants are Mary O’Meara, Executive Director for the Department of special needs ministries for the Archdiocese of Washington, and Terry O’Meara, Executive Director for the International Catholic Foundation for the Service of Deaf Persons.
The O’Mearas dropped into Vatican Radio on the first day of the event and told Linda Bordoni the conference aims for a cultural change that will transform disabled people into the protagonists of society and the Church on a par with everyone else.
Listen to their extended conversation:
Mary O’Meara says that after this empowering event, she hopes the momentum will push forward into a deeper relationship with disabled persons where there is more of a dialogue.
“For so long now we have been talking about persons with disabilities – we have been providing access by providing ramps or having an interpreter present – but I would like to see now a culture of ‘belonging’, where we’re not just talking ‘about’, but in communion ‘with’” she says.
Terry says he wants to see deaf people “become leaders in their communities, leaders within the Church”.
Hopefully, he says, we will see more and more deaf people become priests, sisters and deacons and participating fully in the life of the Church.
“Most deaf people are educated to a high degree; they have the capabilities of being involved in anything and in all parts of the life of the Church”.
The O’Mearas also speak of the inspiration and hope that has emerged in the world of disability following Pope Francis’ call for inclusion of disabled people in society.
Pope Francis prayed in the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral of the Holy Etchmiadzin on Friday at the start of his 14th Apostolic Journey abroad. He prayed together with His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch-Catholicos of All Armenia and a select group of around 100 other dignitaries.Listen to the report by Linda Bordoni: One of the main focuses of Pope Francis’ journey will be on consolidating relations with the Armenian Apostolic Church.That’s perhaps why the very first thing Pope Francis did upon his arrival in Yerevan was to pay a visit to the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral of the Holy Etchmiadzin and pray there together with the Catholicos, Karekin II.Originally known as the Holy Mother of God Church, the 4th-century church is the oldest state-built church in the world. To the ringing of bells, the Pope and the Catholicos bowed to kiss the cross and the Book of the Gospels before embracing in a sign of peace.They then prayed Psalm 122 together at the...
Pope Francis prayed in the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral of the Holy Etchmiadzin on Friday at the start of his 14th Apostolic Journey abroad.
He prayed together with His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch-Catholicos of All Armenia and a select group of around 100 other dignitaries.
Listen to the report by Linda Bordoni:
One of the main focuses of Pope Francis’ journey will be on consolidating relations with the Armenian Apostolic Church.
That’s perhaps why the very first thing Pope Francis did upon his arrival in Yerevan was to pay a visit to the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral of the Holy Etchmiadzin and pray there together with the Catholicos, Karekin II.
Originally known as the Holy Mother of God Church, the 4th-century church is the oldest state-built church in the world.
To the ringing of bells, the Pope and the Catholicos bowed to kiss the cross and the Book of the Gospels before embracing in a sign of peace.
They then prayed Psalm 122 together at the high altar.
And in remarks prepared for the occasion, Pope Francis thanked God for "the light of faith kindled in your land, the faith that has given Armenia its particular identity and made it a herald of Christ among the nations".
He recalled that faith prompted Armenia to become the first nation to accept Christianity as its religion in the year 301, as persecutions under the Emperor Diocletian still raged throughout the Roman Empire.
"For Armenia, he said, faith in Christ has not been like a garment to be donned or doffed as circumstances or convenience dictate, but an essential part of its identity, a gift of immense significance, to be accepted with joy, preserved with great effort and strength, even at the cost of life itself."
The Pope also gave thanks for the journey that the Catholic Church and the Armenian Apostolic Church have undertaken through sincere and fraternal dialogue “for the sake of coming to share fully in the Eucharistic banquet".
But, he also noted the conflicts and division which mark our world and which require a solid, shared Christian witness.
"Tragically, he said, our world is marked by divisions and conflicts, as well as by grave forms of material and spiritual poverty, including the exploitation of persons, not least children and the elderly.”
And he encouraged all Christians, in the spirit of ecumenism, to prevent the exploitation and manipulation of faith and to communicate, defend and spread truth with respect for the dignity of every human being and in ways that reveal the presence of the love and salvation we wish to spread".
Below, please find the official translation of Pope Francis' speech:
Address of His Holiness Pope Francis
Visit to the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral
Etchmiadzin, 24 June 2016
Venerable Brother,
Supreme Patriarch-Catholicos of All Armenians,
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It is very moving for me to have crossed the threshold of this holy place, a witness to the history of your people and the centre from which its spirituality radiates. I consider it a precious gift of God to be able to approach the holy altar from which the light of Christ shone forth in Armenia. I greet the Catholicos of All the Armenians, His Holiness Karekin II, with heartfelt thanks for his gracious invitation to visit Holy Etchmiadzin, and all the Archbishops and Bishops of the Armenian Apostolic Church. I thank you for your cordial and joyful welcome. Thank you, Your Holiness, for having welcomed me into your home. This sign of love eloquently bespeaks, better than any words can do, the meaning of friendship and fraternal charity.
On this solemn occasion, I give thanks to the Lord for the light of faith kindled in your land, the faith that has given Armenia its particular identity and made it a herald of Christ among the nations. Christ is your glory and your light. He is the sun who has illuminated and enlivened you, accompanied and sustained you, especially in times of trial. I bow before the mercy of the Lord, who willed that Armenia should become, in the year 301, the first nation to accept Christianity as its religion, at a time when persecutions still raged throughout the Roman Empire.
For Armenia, faith in Christ has not been like a garment to be donned or doffed as circumstances or convenience dictate, but an essential part of its identity, a gift of immense significance, to be accepted with joy, preserved with great effort and strength, even at the cost of life itself. As Saint John Paul II wrote: “With the ‘baptism’ of the Armenian community… the people acquired a new identity that was to become a constitutive and inseparable part of Armenian life. It would no longer be possible to think that faith did not figure as an essential element among the components of this identity” (Apostolic Letter for the 1700th Anniversary of the Baptism of the Armenian People [2 February 2001], 2). May the Lord bless you for this luminous testimony of faith. It is a shining example of the great efficacy and fruitfulness of the baptism received over seventeen hundred years ago, together with the eloquent and holy sign of martyrdom, which has constantly accompanied the history of your people.
I also thank the Lord for the journey that the Catholic Church and the Armenian Apostolic Church have undertaken through sincere and fraternal dialogue for the sake of coming to share fully in the Eucharistic banquet. May the Holy Spirit help us to attain the unity for which our Lord prayed, so that his disciples may be one and the world may believe. I gladly recall the decisive impulse given to developing closer relations and strengthening dialogue between our two Churches in recent years by Their Holinesses Vasken I and Karekin I, and by Saint John Paul II and by Benedict XVI. As significant stages of this ecumenical engagement, I would mention: the commemoration of the Witnesses to the Faith in the twentieth century during the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000; the consignment to Your Holiness of the relic of the Father of Christian Armenia, Saint Gregory the Illuminator, for the new Cathedral of Yerevan; the Joint Declaration of His Holiness John Paul II and Your Holiness, signed here in Holy Etchmiadzin; and the visits which Your Holiness has made to the Vatican for important events and commemorations.
Tragically, our world is marked by divisions and conflicts, as well as by grave forms of material and spiritual poverty, including the exploitation of persons, not least children and the elderly. It expects from Christians a witness of mutual esteem and fraternal cooperation capable of revealing to every conscience the power and truth of Christ’s resurrection. The patient and enduring commitment to full unity, the growth of joint initiatives and cooperation between all the Lord’s disciples in service to the common good: all these are like a radiant light in a dark night and a summons to experience even our differences in an attitude of charity and mutual understanding. The spirit of ecumenism takes on an exemplary value also outside of the visible confines of the ecclesial community; it represents for everyone a forceful appeal to settle divergences with dialogue and appreciation for all that unites us. It also prevents the exploitation and manipulation of faith, for it requires us to rediscover faith’s authentic roots, and to communicate, defend and spread truth with respect for the dignity of every human being and in ways that reveal the presence of the love and salvation we wish to spread. In this way, we offer to the world – which so urgently needs it – a convincing witness that Christ is alive and at work, capable of opening new paths of reconciliation among the nations, civilizations and religions. We offer a credible witness that God is love and mercy.
Dear brothers and sisters, when our actions are prompted by the power of Christ’s love, understanding and reciprocal esteem grow, a fruitful ecumenical journey becomes possible, and all people of goodwill, and society as a whole, are shown a concrete way to harmonize the conflicts that rend civil life and create divisions that prove hard to heal. May Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, through the intercession of Mary Most Holy, Saint Gregory the Illuminator, “pillar of light for the Holy Church of the Armenians”, and Saint Gregory of Narek, Doctor of the Church, bless all of you and the entire Armenian nation. May he preserve you always in the faith you received from your ancestors, and to which you have borne glorious witness throughout the ages.
(Vatican Radio) The British people have decided to exit the European Union, after voting in a historic referendum that saw 52% of the population vote to leave.British Prime Minister David Cameron announced he had decided to step down, saying the country needs “fresh leadership” following the results of the referendum.Vatican Radio’s Georgia Gogarty spoke to Dr. Brian Klaas, a Fellow in Comparative Politics at The London School of Economics, to gage the reaction of the British public, and where the country goes from here.Listen: Dr Klaas says “we woke up this morning in the United Kingdom as a divided kingdom”, and that this is the biggest thing to take away from the referendum. He said that although ultimately Britain voted to leave the EU 48% of the population are “disillusioned with the process and disillusioned with the outcome”. The overall mentality is one of both “uncertainty and risk but also one of division that needs t...
(Vatican Radio) The British people have decided to exit the European Union, after voting in a historic referendum that saw 52% of the population vote to leave.
British Prime Minister David Cameron announced he had decided to step down, saying the country needs “fresh leadership” following the results of the referendum.
Vatican Radio’s Georgia Gogarty spoke to Dr. Brian Klaas, a Fellow in Comparative Politics at The London School of Economics, to gage the reaction of the British public, and where the country goes from here.
Listen:
Dr Klaas says “we woke up this morning in the United Kingdom as a divided kingdom”, and that this is the biggest thing to take away from the referendum. He said that although ultimately Britain voted to leave the EU 48% of the population are “disillusioned with the process and disillusioned with the outcome”. The overall mentality is one of both “uncertainty and risk but also one of division that needs to be healed if the country is going to move forward”.
When asked about what the next fundamental steps should be Klaas explained that the Prime Minister has outlined what he plans to do next and that a new conservative party leader is needed to “steer Britain’s ship through Brexit”. Klaas stressed that the country needs someone who will “rise above the fray otherwise the risks of Brexit will be substantial”.
A key issue that has arisen from the outcome is that 75% of 18 to 25 year olds voted to remain in the EU in contrast to the older generation “who overwhelmingly supported Brexit”. Klaas explained that the referendum has “divided families in addition to dividing the government”. Young people are in despair over the outcome they will have to live with for decades, much longer than the parents “who have ended up ultimately sowing the seeds of Brexit”.
Although the generational divide has been discussed at length throughout the Brexit debate, Klaas pointed out that there is also a huge class divide. He explained that Brexit was “a working class revolt against the status quo”, however he believes that “poorer people are the ones who will be most affected negatively by Brexit” despite the fact that they are the ones who voted for it.
Looking at the bigger picture Klaas said that there is not only volatility in Europe but within the UK itself. There is a risk of Scotland asking for a second referendum on independence and Northern Ireland commissioning a poll about reuniting with the Republic of Ireland.
Klaas said that Britain had placed itself in a Catch 22 situation. Much of the referendum debate was about curbing migration and immigration, yet he explained that we “can’t curb migration and have economic robustness”. This, he said, will result in disappointment for Britons who voted to leave.
Talking about the global effects of Brexit, Klaas drew parallels with other trends of populism around the globe, drawing comparisons between Brexit and the rise of Donald Trump in the United States. The world is experiencing “a great moment of fear and uncertainty” particularly with regard to economic costs, and people are looking to “beaurocratic governments in Brussels” as culprits.
He believes the response to all of this has been to “turn inward”, however Klaas stressed that it “won’t be productive” and that problems can be dealt with much more effectively through cooperation as opposed to removing nations from international corporations like the EU.
According to Klaas, we are going to see more isolationism with this “blend of muscular right wing populism” that conjured up the EU referendum in the first place. Brexit, he concludes, is just the beginning.
(Vatican Radio) In Britain on Friday, religious leaders called for respect, generosity, courage and humility in the wake of the referendum that showcased a deeply divided nation. Almost 52 percent of voters chose to leave the European Union in Thursday's ballot, with just over 48 percent voting to remain.Cardinal Vincent Nichols, president of the Catholic bishops conference of England and Wales, echoed the words of Pope Francis as he spoke of respecting “the will of the people, expressed at the ballot box”. Speaking of the demanding challenges ahead, he said “Our prayer is that all will work in this task with respect and civility, despite deep differences of opinion. We pray that in this process the most vulnerable will be supported and protected, especially those who are easy targets for unscrupulous employers and human traffickers.The cardinal added: “We pray that our nations will build on our finest traditions of generosity, of welc...
(Vatican Radio) In Britain on Friday, religious leaders called for respect, generosity, courage and humility in the wake of the referendum that showcased a deeply divided nation. Almost 52 percent of voters chose to leave the European Union in Thursday's ballot, with just over 48 percent voting to remain.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, president of the Catholic bishops conference of England and Wales, echoed the words of Pope Francis as he spoke of respecting “the will of the people, expressed at the ballot box”. Speaking of the demanding challenges ahead, he said “Our prayer is that all will work in this task with respect and civility, despite deep differences of opinion. We pray that in this process the most vulnerable will be supported and protected, especially those who are easy targets for unscrupulous employers and human traffickers.
The cardinal added: “We pray that our nations will build on our finest traditions of generosity, of welcome for the stranger and shelter for the needy. We now must work hard to show ourselves to be good neighbours and resolute contributors in joint international efforts to tackle the critical problems in our world today.”
The Anglican Archbishops of Canterbury and York, Justin Welby and John Sentamu also issued a joint statement following the so-called Brexit vote stressing the responsibility of political leaders as they decide upon the next steps to be taken.
The two Anglican leaders said that as citizens of the United Kingdom, “we must now unite in a common task to build a generous and forward looking country, contributing to human flourishing around the world. We must remain hospitable and compassionate, builders of bridges and not barriers. Many of those living among us and alongside us as neighbours, friends and work colleagues come from overseas and some will feel a deep sense of insecurity. We must respond by offering reassurance, by cherishing our wonderfully diverse society, and by affirming the unique contribution of each and every one”.
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Friday appointed a new head to the Archdiocese of Taunggyi in Myanmar. Bishop Basilio Atha, until now Auxiliary Bishop of the same archdiocese, is the new archbishop. The seat of Taunggyi had been vacant since 12 Apr 2015, with the retirement of Archbishop Matthias U Shwe.Archbishop Athai was born on July 22, 1956 in Loikaw Diocese, Kayah state. After his schooling, he took up geography at Taunggyi University. Following his formation at St. Teresa’s Minor Seminary, he completed his philosophy and theology at the Major Seminary of Yangon. After his priestly ordination on April 1, 1984, he was entrusted with several responsibilities, such as assistant parish priest of Hwary and then of Taunggyi cathedral. He was appointed professor of philosophy at the major seminary of Mandalay Archdiocese, then parish priest of Dorokohu , in Loikaw Diocese. From 1996 to 2005 he studied for a licentiat...
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Friday appointed a new head to the Archdiocese of Taunggyi in Myanmar. Bishop Basilio Atha, until now Auxiliary Bishop of the same archdiocese, is the new archbishop. The seat of Taunggyi had been vacant since 12 Apr 2015, with the retirement of Archbishop Matthias U Shwe.
Archbishop Athai was born on July 22, 1956 in Loikaw Diocese, Kayah state. After his schooling, he took up geography at Taunggyi University. Following his formation at St. Teresa’s Minor Seminary, he completed his philosophy and theology at the Major Seminary of Yangon. After his priestly ordination on April 1, 1984, he was entrusted with several responsibilities, such as assistant parish priest of Hwary and then of Taunggyi cathedral. He was appointed professor of philosophy at the major seminary of Mandalay Archdiocese, then parish priest of Dorokohu , in Loikaw Diocese. From 1996 to 2005 he studied for a licentiate in theology at Rome’s Pontifical Urban University. On his returrn to Myanmar he was appointed the parish priest of Nanattaw then rector of the Sr. Michael’s major seminary of Taunggyi. Pope Benedict appointed him Auxiliary Bishop of Taunggyi on June 21, 2008, and since the retirement of Archbishops U Shwe he has been serving as Apostolic Administrator of Taunggyi.
The Archbishop of Ibadan, Gabriel ’Leke Abegunrin together with the Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, the Vicar General of the Diocese of Osogbo, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Okodua and Fr. Martin De Cross have a led a delegation from Ibadan ecclesiastical province on a solidarity visit to the Diocese of Maiduguri. This is according to information given to Vatican Radio’s Africa Service by Maiduguri Diocese’ Social Communications Director, Fr. Gideon Obasogie.Speaking at the start of a Eucharistic celebration in Maiduguri, Archbishop Abegunrin told the people of Maiduguri not relent because there is always light at the end of the tunnel.“The aggression, bloodshed, violence, selfishness and all sorts of greed and disrespect for human life that you have suffered, we say to you: ‘In the world, you will have trouble but be courageous for I have conquered the world’ (John 16:33). In spite of the challenges you have suffered and continue to s...
The Archbishop of Ibadan, Gabriel ’Leke Abegunrin together with the Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, the Vicar General of the Diocese of Osogbo, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Okodua and Fr. Martin De Cross have a led a delegation from Ibadan ecclesiastical province on a solidarity visit to the Diocese of Maiduguri. This is according to information given to Vatican Radio’s Africa Service by Maiduguri Diocese’ Social Communications Director, Fr. Gideon Obasogie.
Speaking at the start of a Eucharistic celebration in Maiduguri, Archbishop Abegunrin told the people of Maiduguri not relent because there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
“The aggression, bloodshed, violence, selfishness and all sorts of greed and disrespect for human life that you have suffered, we say to you: ‘In the world, you will have trouble but be courageous for I have conquered the world’ (John 16:33). In spite of the challenges you have suffered and continue to suffer due to activities of Boko Haram, I say to you never relent for there is always light at the end of the tunnel,” Archbishop Abegunrin said.
In his homily at the same Mass, Bishop Badejo began by praising Bishop Oliver Dashe Doeme, head of the Diocese of Maiduguri. He described him as a faithful and courageous Shepherd, who had weathered the many challenges thrown at him and at his people calmly and with a spirit of great patience.
“When faced with evil, we have two choices to make: Either to run away and to give into despair and die or to continue to believe in the power of the Cross of Jesus Christ who saw suffering, marginalisation, deprivation and death and still emerged victorious,” Bishop Badejo said.
The grace of God has no boundary and can rein-in every quarter, whether, amongst Christians or Muslims, Bishop Badejo assured.
“It is our duty as Christians to be the evidence and witness of Jesus’ cross,” Bishop Badejo said. He concluded by saying that whatever hardship the people of Maiduguri were facing, they should always remember that they do not stand alone.
The Local Ordinary of Maiduguri, Bishop Oliver Dashe Doeme, expressed his joy over the extraordinary show of love and concern demonstrated by the Bishops and their delegation in visiting.
“It is not far from the truth that today Maiduguri is reckoned as the deadliest place to be in Nigeria and despite this, the Bishops, priests and sisters have spared time to come and feel what we are feeling and to encourage us on our Christian journey,” said Bishop Doeme.
Later the Ibadan Bishops and their delegation visited the internally displaced persons’ camps (IDPs) in Wulari and the Catholic camp in Polo within Maiduguri metropolis. During the visit, the Bishops donated bags of Rice, Beans, Maize and some cash.
(Email: engafrica@vatiradio.va)
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis spoke to Armenian civil authorities, including President Serž Sargsyan and the diplomatic corps, on Friday in the capital Yerevan on his 14th Apostolic Journey abroad.In remarks prepared for the occasion and delivered in Italian, the Holy Father recalled the Armenian president's visit to the Vatican last year for the centenary of the Metz Yeghern (or 'Great Evil'). He said, "Sadly, that tragedy, that genocide, was the first of the deplorable series of catastrophes of the past century, made possible by twisted racial, ideological or religious aims that darkened the minds of the tormentors even to the point of planning the annihilation of entire peoples."He also paid homage to the Armenian people "who, illuminated by the light of the Gospel, even at the most tragic moments of their history, have always found in the cross and resurrection of Christ the strength to rise again and take up their journey anew with dignity&...
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis spoke to Armenian civil authorities, including President Serž Sargsyan and the diplomatic corps, on Friday in the capital Yerevan on his 14th Apostolic Journey abroad.
In remarks prepared for the occasion and delivered in Italian, the Holy Father recalled the Armenian president's visit to the Vatican last year for the centenary of the Metz Yeghern (or 'Great Evil'). He said, "Sadly, that tragedy, that genocide, was the first of the deplorable series of catastrophes of the past century, made possible by twisted racial, ideological or religious aims that darkened the minds of the tormentors even to the point of planning the annihilation of entire peoples."
He also paid homage to the Armenian people "who, illuminated by the light of the Gospel, even at the most tragic moments of their history, have always found in the cross and resurrection of Christ the strength to rise again and take up their journey anew with dignity".
Below, please find the official English translation of the Pope's address:
Address of His Holiness Pope Francis to Civil Authorities and the Diplomatic Corps
Yerevan, 24 June 2016
Mr President,
Honourable Authorities,
Distinguished Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
It gives me great joy to be here, to set foot on the soil of this beloved land of Armenia, to visit a people of ancient and rich traditions, a people that has given courageous testimony to its faith and suffered greatly, yet has shown itself capable of constantly being reborn.
“Our turquoise sky, our clear waters, the flood of light, the summer sun and the proud winter borealis… our age-old stones … our ancient etched books which have become a prayer” (ELISE CIARENZ, Ode to Armenia). These are among the powerful images that one of your illustrious poets offers us to illustrate the rich history and natural beauty of Armenia. They sum up the rich legacy and the glorious yet dramatic experience of a people and their deep-seated love of their country.
I am most grateful to you, Mr President, for your kind words of welcome in the name of the government and people of Armenia, and for your gracious invitation that has made it possible to reciprocate the visit you made to the Vatican last year. There you attended the solemn celebration in Saint Peter’s Basilica, together with Their Holinesses Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch-Catholicos of All Armenians, and Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, and His Beatitude Nerses Bedros XIX, Patriarch of Cilicia of the Armenians, recently deceased. The occasion was the commemoration of the centenary of the Metz Yeghérn, the “Great Evil” that struck your people and caused the death of a vast multitude of persons. Sadly, that tragedy, that genocide, was the first of the deplorable series of catastrophes of the past century, made possible by twisted racial, ideological or religious aims that darkened the minds of the tormentors even to the point of planning the annihilation of entire peoples.
I pay homage to the Armenian people who, illuminated by the light of the Gospel, even at the most tragic moments of their history, have always found in the cross and resurrection of Christ the strength to rise again and take up their journey anew with dignity. This shows the depth of their Christian faith and its boundless treasures of consolation and hope. Having seen the pernicious effects to which hatred, prejudice and the untrammelled desire for dominion led in the last century, I express my lively hope that humanity will learn from those tragic experiences the need to act with responsibility and wisdom to avoid the danger of a return to such horrors. May all join in striving to ensure that whenever conflicts emerge between nations, dialogue, the enduring and authentic quest of peace, cooperation between states and the constant commitment of international organizations will always prevail, with the aim of creating a climate of trust favourable for the achievement of lasting agreements.
The Catholic Church wishes to cooperate actively with all those who have at heart the future of civilization and respect for the rights of the human person, so that spiritual values will prevail in our world and those who befoul their meaning and beauty will be exposed as such. In this regard, it is vitally important that all those who declare their faith in God join forces to isolate those who use religion to promote war, oppression and violent persecution, exploiting and manipulating the holy name of God.
Today Christians in particular, perhaps even more than at the time of the first martyrs, in some places experience discrimination and persecution for the mere fact of professing their faith. At the same time, all too many conflicts in various parts of the world remain unresolved, causing grief, destruction and forced migrations of entire peoples. It is essential that those responsible for the future of the nations undertake courageously and without delay initiatives aimed at ending these sufferings, making their primary goal the quest for peace, the defence and acceptance of victims of aggression and persecution, the promotion of justice and sustainable development. The Armenian people have experienced these situations firsthand; they have known suffering and pain; they have known persecution; they preserved not only the memory of past hurts, but also the spirit that has enabled them always to start over again. I encourage you not to fail to make your own precious contribution to the international community.
This year marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of Armenia’s independence. It is a joyful occasion, but also an opportunity, in cherishing the goals already achieved, to propose new ones for the future. The celebration of this happy anniversary will be all the more significant if it becomes for all Armenians, both at home and in the diaspora, a special moment for gathering and coordinating energies for the sake of promoting the country’s civil and social development of the country, one that is equitable and inclusive. This will involve constant concern for ensuring respect for the moral imperatives of equal justice for all and solidarity with the less fortunate (cf. JOHN PAUL II, Farewell Address from Armenia, 27 September 2001: Insegnamenti XXIX/2 [2001], 489). The history of your country runs parallel to its Christian identity preserved over the centuries. That identity, far from impeding a healthy secularity of the state, instead requires and nourishes it, favouring the full participation of all in the life of society, freedom of religion and respect for minorities. A spirit of unity between all Armenians and a growing commitment to find helpful means of overcoming tension with neighbouring countries, will facilitate the realization of these important goals, and inaugurate for Armenia an age of true rebirth.
The Catholic Church is present in this country with limited human resources, yet readily offers her contribution to the development of society, particularly through her work with the poor and vulnerable in the areas of healthcare and education, but also in the specific area of charitable assistance. This is seen in the work carried out in the past twenty-five years by the Redemptoris Mater Hospital in Ashotzk, the educational institute in Yerevan, the initiatives of Caritas Armenia and the works managed by the various religious congregations.
May God bless and protect Armenia, a land illumined by the faith, the courage of the martyrs and that hope which proves stronger than any suffering.
