(Vatican Radio) An estimated 650 participants attending a congress for people with disabilities, gathered in the Paul VI hall on Saturday to be greeted by Pope Francis where he also answered questions from a number of those gathered.The congress organized by the Italian Bishops Conference was taking place on the occasion of the Year of Mercy jubilee celebration for the sick and persons with disabilities, and on the 25th anniversary of the Sector for Catechesis for the disabled run by the Italian National Catechetical Office.Listen to Lydia O'Kane's report In his prepared remarks, the Pope said, that this 25th anniversary offered them the chance to renew their commitment to ensure that disabled people were fully welcomed in parishes, associations and ecclesial movements.During the encounter Pope Francis took questions from a number of participants. One of those gathered was Fr Luigi who came from a parish in the South of Rome. He explained to the Pope that sometimes even in...
(Vatican Radio) An estimated 650 participants attending a congress for people with disabilities, gathered in the Paul VI hall on Saturday to be greeted by Pope Francis where he also answered questions from a number of those gathered.
The congress organized by the Italian Bishops Conference was taking place on the occasion of the Year of Mercy jubilee celebration for the sick and persons with disabilities, and on the 25th anniversary of the Sector for Catechesis for the disabled run by the Italian National Catechetical Office.
Listen to Lydia O'Kane's report
In his prepared remarks, the Pope said, that this 25th anniversary offered them the chance to renew their commitment to ensure that disabled people were fully welcomed in parishes, associations and ecclesial movements.
During the encounter Pope Francis took questions from a number of participants. One of those gathered was Fr Luigi who came from a parish in the South of Rome. He explained to the Pope that sometimes even in his parish not everyone has the capacity to be really welcoming and asked the Holy Father, how was it possible to educate people so they are able to welcome everyone? The Holy Father respond by saying that there was a richness in diversity and it was important to remember that in order to move forward.
Another participant Serena told the Pope that she at times was not aloud to take part in certain celebrations with other people in her parish, due to her disability and asked the Pope to explain to her why this could be so? Pope Francis replied by saying many people are the subject of discrimination and that was a terrible thing. He added that sometimes there are reasons for decisions taken, but told Serena that she as a disabled person had the possibility to be better and that everyone had the possibility to grow.
Following the event the Holy Father greeted the many people with disabilities gathered, many of whom had come bearing gifts for him.
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Saturday addressed the participants of a summer course organized by the Vatican Observatory, reminding them how diversity enriches scientific research, which in turn draws us ever closer to our Creator God.The fifteenth installment of the Vatican Observatory’s summer course for astronomers falls on the 125th anniversary of the Observatory’s founding.Listen to Devin Watkins’ report: In his address to the summer course participants, Pope Francis focused on the importance of cultural diversity in scientific research. Noting the diverse provenance of the participants, he said their desire to discover the truth of the cosmos will lead them to the Creator.“God’s creation, and our own place in it, is shared by men and women of very diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. All of us dwell under the same sky. All of us are moved by the beauty revealed in the cosmos and reflected in the study of the heavenly bo...
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Saturday addressed the participants of a summer course organized by the Vatican Observatory, reminding them how diversity enriches scientific research, which in turn draws us ever closer to our Creator God.
The fifteenth installment of the Vatican Observatory’s summer course for astronomers falls on the 125th anniversary of the Observatory’s founding.
Listen to Devin Watkins’ report:
In his address to the summer course participants, Pope Francis focused on the importance of cultural diversity in scientific research. Noting the diverse provenance of the participants, he said their desire to discover the truth of the cosmos will lead them to the Creator.
“God’s creation, and our own place in it, is shared by men and women of very diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. All of us dwell under the same sky. All of us are moved by the beauty revealed in the cosmos and reflected in the study of the heavenly bodies and substances. In this sense, we are united by the desire to discover the truth about how this marvellous universe operates; and in this, we draw ever closer to the Creator.”
The Holy Father also reminded them that the mission of the Vatican Observatory, founded by Pope Leo XIII in 1891, is to employ “new scientific instruments as well as the tools of dialogue and cooperation with other centres of research”.
This fifteenth installment of the summer course is concerned with the study of water in our solar system and beyond, and the Pope noted its beauty and importance.
“From the tiniest snowflake to the greatest waterfalls, from lakes and rivers to immense oceans, water fascinates us by its power and, at the same time, its simplicity. The great civilizations originated beside rivers, and in our day access to pure water continues to be an issue of justice for the human race, for rich and poor alike.”
He concluded his remarks by reminding them of the commitment required by scientific research, which can also be a source of great joy. He said, “May you always find joy in your research and share the fruit of your studies with humility and fraternity.”
The official translation of Pope Francis’ address can be found below:
Greeting of His Holiness Pope Francis to Participants in the Summer Course of the Vatican Observatory
I am happy to welcome you, the professors and students of the summer course organized by the Jesuit Fathers of the Vatican Observatory. This impressive representation of persons from various countries and different cultures is a sign of how diversity can greatly enrich scientific research. I thank Father Paul Mueller, the Vice-Director of the Observatory, and the professors who generously accompany you young astronomers in the complex and exciting activity of studying the universe, the incomparable gift of the Creator. My gratitude goes also to those who through their generosity have contributed to make this international course possible.
Pope Leo XIII established the Vatican Observatory in 1891, exactly 125 years ago, not least to confirm the Church’s support for “true and solid science, whether human or divine” (Motu Proprio Ut Mysticam, 14 March 1891). Over the years, the Observatory has sought to fulfil its original purpose by employing new scientific instruments as well as the tools of dialogue and cooperation with other centres of research.
Your presence at this summer school is also a sign that the desire to understand the universe, God’s creation, and our own place in it, is shared by men and women of very diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. All of us dwell under the same sky. All of us are moved by the beauty revealed in the cosmos and reflected in the study of the heavenly bodies and substances. In this sense, we are united by the desire to discover the truth about how this marvellous universe operates; and in this, we draw ever closer to the Creator.
It is timely and providential that this fifteenth summer school is concerned with the study of water in the solar system and elsewhere. We all know how essential water is here on earth: for life, for us human beings and for our work. From the tiniest snowflake to the greatest waterfalls, from lakes and rivers to immense oceans, water fascinates us by its power and, at the same time, its simplicity. The great civilizations originated beside rivers, and in our day access to pure water continues to be an issue of justice for the human race, for rich and poor alike.
Dear brothers and sisters, scientific research demands great commitment, yet can sometimes prove lengthy and tiresome. At the same time, it can, and should be, a source of deep joy. I pray that you will be able to cultivate that interior joy and allow it to inspire your work. Share it with your friends, your families and your nations, as well as with the international community of scientists with whom you work. May you always find joy in your research and share the fruit of your studies with humility and fraternity.
With these prayerful good wishes, I cordially invoke the Lord’s abundant blessings upon you and your work. And I ask you please to remember me in your prayers. Thank you.
EAGLE POINT, Ore. (AP) -- A rancher jumped on his horse Friday morning and lassoed a man who was trying to steal a bicycle in the parking lot of an Oregon Wal-Mart, police said....
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AMMAN, Jordan (AP) -- A U.S. archaeologist says satellite and drone images have led to a new discovery in the ancient city of Petra - a massive platform hidden under sand....
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) -- Operators of the ACT college entrance exam on Saturday canceled the tests for students in South Korea and Hong Kong at the last moment over what they said was a verified breach of test materials....
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) -- Operators of the ACT college entrance exam on Saturday canceled the tests for students in South Korea and Hong Kong at the last moment over what they said was a verified breach of test materials....
PARIS (AP) -- About a quarter of Air France pilots are striking to demand better working conditions - the latest challenge to travelers and France's image as it hosts Europe's biggest sporting event....
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BEIRUT (AP) -- Two suicide bomb attacks struck close to the Syrian capital Saturday, killing at least eight people and wounding over a dozen others in the latest attack to hit the predominantly Shiite area in recent months, state TV and an opposition activist group said....
BEIRUT (AP) -- Two suicide bomb attacks struck close to the Syrian capital Saturday, killing at least eight people and wounding over a dozen others in the latest attack to hit the predominantly Shiite area in recent months, state TV and an opposition activist group said....
(Vatican Radio) Vatican Weekend for June 12, 2016 features our weekly reflection on the Sunday gospel presented by Jill Bevilacqua for the series 'There's More in the Sunday gospel than Meets the Eye'. The programme ends with 'Joan knows...', a bird's eye view of the past week in the Vatican with Joan Lewis, EWTN bureau chief here in Rome.Listen to a programme presented and produced by Veronica Scarisbrick:
(Vatican Radio) Vatican Weekend for June 12, 2016 features our weekly reflection on the Sunday gospel presented by Jill Bevilacqua for the series 'There's More in the Sunday gospel than Meets the Eye'. The programme ends with 'Joan knows...', a bird's eye view of the past week in the Vatican with Joan Lewis, EWTN bureau chief here in Rome.
Listen to a programme presented and produced by Veronica Scarisbrick:
