Catholic News 2
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(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has sent his prayers and assurance of closeness to all those affected by the fire raging in the northern Canadian region of Alberta.A letter sent by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, on behalf of the Pope says “the Holy Father is saddened by the destruction and suffering caused by the fires raging in the Fort McMurray area”.Some 100,000 people have been evacuated from their homes in the area that has been devastated by a fire that has destroyed 1,600 buildings.The letter to local bishops said “the Pope is praying for all the displaced people - especially children - who have lost their homes”.An estimate of 20% of Fort McMurray homes have been burnt to the ground in the fire that started on May 1 and spread across 1,000 square kilometers. Schools in the provincial capital Edmonton are arranging for displaced families to send their children to local schools from Monday.On Sunday cooler temperatures and a li...
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has sent his prayers and assurance of closeness to all those affected by the fire raging in the northern Canadian region of Alberta.
A letter sent by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, on behalf of the Pope says “the Holy Father is saddened by the destruction and suffering caused by the fires raging in the Fort McMurray area”.
Some 100,000 people have been evacuated from their homes in the area that has been devastated by a fire that has destroyed 1,600 buildings.
The letter to local bishops said “the Pope is praying for all the displaced people - especially children - who have lost their homes”.
An estimate of 20% of Fort McMurray homes have been burnt to the ground in the fire that started on May 1 and spread across 1,000 square kilometers.
Schools in the provincial capital Edmonton are arranging for displaced families to send their children to local schools from Monday.
On Sunday cooler temperatures and a little rain led to fire fighters speaking of getting a "death grip" on the fire, which has been fed by hot weather and tinder dry terrain.
But it could be months before the fire is fully brought under control. Officials warned only significant rainfall could fully halt its spread.
The city of Fort McMurray has grown exponentially in the last 25 years thanks to an economy based on the extraction of oil in the area with its 140,000 square kilometers of so-called "bitunimous sands".
The production of crude oil, which has brought money and development to the city, is criticized by environmentalists for the contamination required for production.
The cause of forest fires is linked to climate change.
The Catholic bishops of India have joined political parties, rights activists, women organizations and others in condemning the rape and brutal murder of a young Dalit law student in southern India’s Kerala state. The 30-year-old student by the name of Jisha was raped and murdered at her home in Perumbavoor on April 28. Her intestines were ripped out and she had 30 wounds on her body, including two deep stab wounds on the chest. There has been no significant breakthrough, and the state police are yet to make any arrest in the case.The Office for Women of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI), issued a statement condemning the “barbarous and horrific act against a woman.” It expressed its deep concern for the “the life and dignity of women in the country.” The statement said: “It appears ironical that a woman is taunted, molested and abused at every wa...
The Catholic bishops of India have joined political parties, rights activists, women organizations and others in condemning the rape and brutal murder of a young Dalit law student in southern India’s Kerala state. The 30-year-old student by the name of Jisha was raped and murdered at her home in Perumbavoor on April 28. Her intestines were ripped out and she had 30 wounds on her body, including two deep stab wounds on the chest. There has been no significant breakthrough, and the state police are yet to make any arrest in the case.
The Office for Women of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI), issued a statement condemning the “barbarous and horrific act against a woman.” It expressed its deep concern for the “the life and dignity of women in the country.” The statement said: “It appears ironical that a woman is taunted, molested and abused at every walk of life and she is not safe even in her own house and arises questions as to how far women are safe and secure today in India. It is more vulnerable in the case of women from economically and socially backward sections.”
As Zambians prepare for general elections in August, the Bishop-Director of Caritas Zambia as well as Mongu Diocese Bishop, Evans Chinyemba has called upon authorities in the country to act decisively against political violence and hooliganism perpetrated by youths and party cadres. Bishop Chinyemba made the remarks recently in his Diocese while commenting on the message of Easter and the advent of Pentecost. The Bishop raised the spectre of serious violence during the country’s August general elections if nothing is done to rein-in on political cadres. He wondered why political cadres were being allowed to act with impunity in the country.For Bishop Chinyemba, political cadres especially those of the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) party now control bus stations, taxi ranks and markets in the cities. He has charged that even the Zambia Police apparently cannot control the cadres.“If we take a serious look at the recent happenings in the political life of the nation, we re...
As Zambians prepare for general elections in August, the Bishop-Director of Caritas Zambia as well as Mongu Diocese Bishop, Evans Chinyemba has called upon authorities in the country to act decisively against political violence and hooliganism perpetrated by youths and party cadres. Bishop Chinyemba made the remarks recently in his Diocese while commenting on the message of Easter and the advent of Pentecost. The Bishop raised the spectre of serious violence during the country’s August general elections if nothing is done to rein-in on political cadres. He wondered why political cadres were being allowed to act with impunity in the country.
For Bishop Chinyemba, political cadres especially those of the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) party now control bus stations, taxi ranks and markets in the cities. He has charged that even the Zambia Police apparently cannot control the cadres.
“If we take a serious look at the recent happenings in the political life of the nation, we realise that cadres have illegally been given the power to run anything under the Sun. This power which has been granted to cadres with the view of punishing political opponents and their supporters will one day haunt the very political parties that gave them the power in the first place,” warned Bishop Chinyemba.
Last month Zambia was engulfed in xenophobic riots mostly driven by youths. The riots followed rumours of ritual killings in the capital Lusaka and saw vast areas of deprived neighbourhoods descend into a frenzy of looting and destruction targeting foreign-owned shops. Over fifty shops belonging to the Rwandese community resident in Zambia were looted and damaged in the townships.
Violence at the hands of unemployed bands of youths who do the bidding on behalf of politicians is a trend that has been growing in Zambia. All political parties have a wing of such youths whose role is to intimidate opponents and non-complaint citizens. In March, this year, Zambian politicians including the country’s President, Edgar Lungu in his capacity as head of the ruling PF party met with opposition politicians at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross, in Lusaka for discussions aimed at reducing political violence perpetrated by cadres. A declaration was signed at the end of the talks, but since then there has been nothing much to show regarding an improved political climate. For cadres, it is business as usual.
Earlier in the year, the Law A Association of Zambia (LAZ) also raised its concerns at the worsening incidences of violence and disorderly conduct associated with political activities in Zambia. The legal association appealed to the Zambia Police and other state law enforcement agencies to act decisively and bring all perpetrators of violence to justice as a way of preserving peace in the country.
“Rather dishearteningly, the advice and the calls of LAZ and other stakeholders in the governance of our country, have not been heeded by the authorities responsible for maintaining law and order. Consequently, political violence has been on the rise at a very alarming rate,” read the 1 March 2016 media statement.
Bishop Chinyemba has admonished citizens not to sit back and allow the political situation of their country deteriorate. He reiterated his advice that that whenever the rule of law prevails, communities live in peace. He gave the example of power given to the Apostles at Pentecost. That power, said Bishop Chinyemba, was power to do good and not destroy lives; authority to build and not power for destruction.
“Why should we continue to tolerate the illegal power which cadres seem to have? Are our political leaders afraid to take this power back for fear of losing political popularity? Let our message be that power is subject to the rule of law,” the Bishop said.
(Fr. Paul Samasumo, Vatican Radio)
(Vatican Radio) Russian President Vladimir Putin says his nation wants to help build a new global security system and has indirectly criticized the NATO military alliance at a time of growing East-West tensions. Putin spoke during the annual elaborate Victory Day military parade in Red Square, marking 71th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany, as regional correspondent Stefan Bos reports:Listen Russian fighter jets decorating the skies over Moscow with smoke in the colors of the Russian flag were among a flyover by dozens of military aircraft from helicopters to long-range bombers.The event appeared intended to show Russians and the West that Russia's army is strong, despite economic difficulties and tensions with the West. On the ground in Red Square the Victory Parade remembering the end of World War Two included an advanced tank and Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Lunches as well as many marching troops. President Vladimir Putin...
(Vatican Radio) Russian President Vladimir Putin says his nation wants to help build a new global security system and has indirectly criticized the NATO military alliance at a time of growing East-West tensions. Putin spoke during the annual elaborate Victory Day military parade in Red Square, marking 71th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany, as regional correspondent Stefan Bos reports:
Listen
Russian fighter jets decorating the skies over Moscow with smoke in the colors of the Russian flag were among a flyover by dozens of military aircraft from helicopters to long-range bombers.
The event appeared intended to show Russians and the West that Russia's army is strong, despite economic difficulties and tensions with the West. On the ground in Red Square the Victory Parade remembering the end of World War Two included an advanced tank and Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Lunches as well as many marching troops.
President Vladimir Putin used the event to warn in a speech against what he called "unacceptable double standards that shortsightedly indulge those who are nurturing new criminal plans."
NON-BLOC SYSTEM,
He said it was time for a new "non-bloc system of international security". Putin's remarks echoed Russia's criticism of the West and the NATO military alliance. Yet the president said Russia was open to cooperate to make the world a safer place.
"Today, civilization once again faces cruelty and violence. Terrorism has become a global threat, we must defeat this evil. Russia is open to joint efforts with any other states," he added.
Critics have questioned his intentions, citing Russia's annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and its support for separatists fighting against Ukrainian government forces.
DISSENT BANNED
But dissidents were not welcome in Moscow on Monday. Shortly before the Parade began, authorities removed an improvised memorial near the Kremlin where Russian opposition politician Boris Nemtsov was shot to death last year. They also detained two activists at the site.
Elsewhere, prominent Russian opposition activist Dmitry Vorobyevsky was reportedly forcibly admitted to a psychiatric clinic in the southwestern city of Voronezh over the weekend. In the former Russia-led Soviet Union authorities often placed individuals in psychiatric clinics to crack down on dissent.
IMAGE: CNS photo/Tony Gentile, ReutersBy Cindy WoodenVATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Catholic Church is not a fancymedical clinic for the rich, but a "field hospital" that -- oftenliterally -- provides the only medical care some people will ever receive, PopeFrancis said."Health is not a consumer good but a universal right,so access to health services cannot be a privilege," the pope said May 7during a meeting with members, volunteers and supporters of Doctors withAfrica, a medical mission begun by the Diocese of Padua, Italy, 65 yearsago.In many parts of the world, especially in Africa, the popesaid, basic health care "is denied -- denied!" -- to too many people."It is not a right for all, but rather still a privilege for a few, forthose who can afford it.""Access to health services, to treatment and topharmaceuticals is still a mirage," Pope Francis told the group, whichincludes dozens of young doctors who volunteer their services in Uganda,Tanzania, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Angola, South...
IMAGE: CNS photo/Tony Gentile, Reuters
By Cindy Wooden
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Catholic Church is not a fancy medical clinic for the rich, but a "field hospital" that -- often literally -- provides the only medical care some people will ever receive, Pope Francis said.
"Health is not a consumer good but a universal right, so access to health services cannot be a privilege," the pope said May 7 during a meeting with members, volunteers and supporters of Doctors with Africa, a medical mission begun by the Diocese of Padua, Italy, 65 years ago.
In many parts of the world, especially in Africa, the pope said, basic health care "is denied -- denied!" -- to too many people. "It is not a right for all, but rather still a privilege for a few, for those who can afford it."
"Access to health services, to treatment and to pharmaceuticals is still a mirage," Pope Francis told the group, which includes dozens of young doctors who volunteer their services in Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Angola, South Sudan and Sierra Leone.
Offering medical care in sub-Saharan Africa and training Africans to take over the clinics when they are able is an important expression of "a church that is not a super-clinic for VIPs, but a field hospital," the pope said.
Pope Francis also paid tribute to the late Father Luigi Mazzucato, who directed Doctors with Africa from 1955 to 2008. He died in November at the age of 88.
In his last will and testament, the pope said, Father Mazzucato had written: "Born poor, I always sought to live with the minimum necessary. I have nothing of my own and nothing to leave. The few clothes I possess, I would like to be given to the poor."
Adding to his customary request that people pray for him, Pope Francis told the group, "pray for me that the Lord will make me poorer each day."
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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.
IMAGE: CNS/Paul HaringBy ROME (CNS) -- People from at least two dozen countriesjoined Italians May 8 for the sixth annual National March for Life in Rome.Carrying multicolored balloons, crucifixes or children, theestimated 30,000 people walked through the historic center of the city andjoined Pope Francis for the midday recitation of the "Regina Coeli"prayer in St. Peter's Square.The pope greeted the marchers, who were led by U.S. CardinalRaymond L. Burke, patron of the Knights and Dames of Malta; Archbishop LuigiNegri of Ferrara-Comacchio, Italy; and Auxiliary Bishop Athanasius Schneider ofAstana, Kazakhstan.Organizers said more than 100 pro-life and pro-familyorganizations participated, including dozens from 29 countries besides Italy.Although the march is not sponsored by the Catholic Church or a particularCatholic group, hundreds of priests and religious joined the marchers. The marchers carried signs not only urging an end tolegalized abortion, but also urging Italian lawmakers...
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring
By
ROME (CNS) -- People from at least two dozen countries joined Italians May 8 for the sixth annual National March for Life in Rome.
Carrying multicolored balloons, crucifixes or children, the estimated 30,000 people walked through the historic center of the city and joined Pope Francis for the midday recitation of the "Regina Coeli" prayer in St. Peter's Square.
The pope greeted the marchers, who were led by U.S. Cardinal Raymond L. Burke, patron of the Knights and Dames of Malta; Archbishop Luigi Negri of Ferrara-Comacchio, Italy; and Auxiliary Bishop Athanasius Schneider of Astana, Kazakhstan.
Organizers said more than 100 pro-life and pro-family organizations participated, including dozens from 29 countries besides Italy. Although the march is not sponsored by the Catholic Church or a particular Catholic group, hundreds of priests and religious joined the marchers.
The marchers carried signs not only urging an end to legalized abortion, but also urging Italian lawmakers to reject proposed legislation allowing euthanasia and a bill -- further along in the legislative process -- that would recognize civil unions of unmarried heterosexual and homosexual couples.
Before greeting the group, Pope Francis spoke to them and to thousands of other visitors about the feast of the Ascension, which was celebrated May 5 at the Vatican and May 8 in Italy.
"After having seen their Lord ascend to heaven, the disciples returned to the city (Jerusalem) as witnesses who with joy proclaimed to all the new life" that came with the death and resurrection of Jesus, the pope said.
"This is the witness -- made not just with words but also through one's daily life -- the witness that every Sunday should go out from our churches in order to enter each week into homes, offices, schools, places where people gather and have fun, hospitals, prisons, homes for the elderly, places crowded with immigrants and the peripheries of our cities," the pope said. "This is the witness we must give each week: Christ is with us. Jesus, who ascended to heaven, is with us. Christ is alive!"
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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.
DENVER (AP) -- Nine months after the Colorado theater shooter was sentenced to life in prison, some victims are returning to the same courtroom in hopes of holding the company that owns the suburban Denver movie theater accountable for not doing more to prevent his bloody rampage....
MANILA, Philippines (AP) -- A brash mayor known for sex jokes and a pledge to end crime within six months - by killing suspected criminals if necessary - strongly led an unofficial vote count in Monday's Philippine presidential election, while the son of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos led in the vice presidential race....
