Catholic News 2
WASHINGTON (AP) -- After spending a year campaigning as a hardened, uncompromising conservative, Ted Cruz wants voters to see him in a different light....
(Vatican Radio) Archbishop Ivan Jurkovic, a Vatican diplomat who previously served as Apostolic Nuncio to the Russian Federation, on Thursday presented his credentials as the new Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the Geneva-based U.N. agencies and the World Trade Organization.Listen to the report by correspondent Christian Peschken: The credentials were presented to the Director General of the UN-Geneva, Michael Møller.Prior to his appointment to Geneva, Archbishop Jurkovic served as Apostolic Nuncio to the Russian Federation from 2011 to 2016, to Ukraine from 2004 to 2011, and to Belarus from 2001 to 2004. On 6 October 2001, he was ordained as Titular Archbishop of Corbavia. The 63-year-old Slovenian was appointed to his new post by Pope Francis in February, just one day after the historic meeting between the Holy Father and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill of Moscow in Cuba.Archbishop Jurkovic was ordained as a priest of the Archdiocese of Ljubljana ...
(Vatican Radio) Archbishop Ivan Jurkovic, a Vatican diplomat who previously served as Apostolic Nuncio to the Russian Federation, on Thursday presented his credentials as the new Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the Geneva-based U.N. agencies and the World Trade Organization.
Listen to the report by correspondent Christian Peschken:
The credentials were presented to the Director General of the UN-Geneva, Michael Møller.
Prior to his appointment to Geneva, Archbishop Jurkovic served as Apostolic Nuncio to the Russian Federation from 2011 to 2016, to Ukraine from 2004 to 2011, and to Belarus from 2001 to 2004. On 6 October 2001, he was ordained as Titular Archbishop of Corbavia.
The 63-year-old Slovenian was appointed to his new post by Pope Francis in February, just one day after the historic meeting between the Holy Father and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill of Moscow in Cuba.
Archbishop Jurkovic was ordained as a priest of the Archdiocese of Ljubljana in 1977. After graduating from the Faculty of Theology in Ljubljana in 1978, and studies at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy from 1980 to 1984, he joined the diplomatic service of the Holy See in 1984. He became a Doctor of Canon Law in 1988. He served as Secretary of the Apostolic Nunciature to South Korea from 1984 to 1988; Counsellor of the Apostolic Nunciature to Colombia from 1988 to 1992; Counsellor of the Representation of the Holy See to the Russian Federation from 1992 to 1995; and Counsellor at the Secretariat of the State of the Holy See from 1996 to 2001.
Archbishop Jurkovic replaces Archbishop Silvano Tomasi, who reached the age of retirement.
(Vatican Radio) The Holy See’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations in New York, Archbishop Bernardito Auza, on Thursday “firmly” rejected the use of illegal drugs and the legalization of the use of narcotics.The Vatican diplomat, quoting Pope Francis, said “a reduction in the spread and influence of drug addiction will not be achieved by a liberalization of drug use… [and] attempts, however limited, to legalize so-called recreational drugs are not only highly questionable from a legislative standpoint but they fail to produce the desired effect.”Archbishop Auza was addressing a UN General Assembly Special Session on the World Drug Problem.“The negative effect of illicit drug use on the family extends to the community, and leads ultimately to the destabilization of civil society,” he said.“People suffering from drug abuse require all the support we can give them, including comprehensive health and social services that are ...
(Vatican Radio) The Holy See’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations in New York, Archbishop Bernardito Auza, on Thursday “firmly” rejected the use of illegal drugs and the legalization of the use of narcotics.
The Vatican diplomat, quoting Pope Francis, said “a reduction in the spread and influence of drug addiction will not be achieved by a liberalization of drug use… [and] attempts, however limited, to legalize so-called recreational drugs are not only highly questionable from a legislative standpoint but they fail to produce the desired effect.”
Archbishop Auza was addressing a UN General Assembly Special Session on the World Drug Problem.
“The negative effect of illicit drug use on the family extends to the community, and leads ultimately to the destabilization of civil society,” he said.
“People suffering from drug abuse require all the support we can give them, including comprehensive health and social services that are accessible, effective and affordable,” continued Archbishop Auza.
“Not all crimes related to illicit drugs are of equal gravity. International drug traffickers, local pushers and drug users have to be treated differently according to the principle of proportionality,” – the Vatican diplomat added – “Disproportionate responses would be against the spirit of justice, and would not help in the rehabilitation of those who have become addicted to illicit drugs.”
The full text of Archbishop Auza’s speech is below
H. E. Archbishop Bernardito Auza
Apostolic Nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations
United Nations Special Session of the General Assembly on the
World Drug Problem
New York, 21 April 2016
Mr. President,
My delegation welcomes the convening of this United Nations Special Session of the General Assembly on the World Drug Problem and wishes to thank all those who participated in the preparatory process leading to this Special Session.
The Holy See firmly rejects the use of illegal drugs and the legalization of the use of narcotics. In his Address to the Thirty-first Edition of the International Drug Enforcement Conference,1 Pope Francis affirmed that "a reduction in the spread and influence of drug addiction will not be achieved by a liberalization of drug use; rather, it is necessary to confront the problems underlying the use of these drugs, by promoting greater justice, educating young people in the values that build up life in society, accompanying those in difficulty and giving them hope for the future.” For the Holy See “attempts, however limited, to legalize so-called recreational drugs are not only highly questionable from a legislative standpoint but they fail to produce the desired effect.”
In addition, His Holiness insisted that “the fight against drugs cannot be won with drugs. Drugs are an evil, and with evil there can be neither surrender nor compromise.” In saying “no to every type of drug use,” we must at the same time “say ‘yes’ to life, ‘yes’ to love, ‘yes’ to others, ‘yes’ to education, ‘yes’ to greater job opportunities. If we say ‘yes’ to all these things, there will be no room for illicit drugs, for alcohol abuse, for other forms of addiction.”
The Holy See cannot emphasize enough the importance of the family as the cornerstone of prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, reintegration and health strategies. The family forms the very basis of society. When a member is addicted, the whole family suffers. The grave consequences of substance abusing members lead in so many cases to imbalance in household relationships and places severe strain on family life. The negative effect of illicit drug use on the family extends to the community, and leads ultimately to the destabilization of civil society.
Research continually reinforces the key role that the family plays in the fight against drug abuse, as it confirms that the core principles of social interaction are learned in the home. Thus, children who have nurturing family environments generally receive the education necessary to help them say “no” to illicit drugs. The scourges associated with the production and trafficking of illicit drugs exist because of the demand of addicted individuals. Thus, educating our children and young people on the harm of drug abuse is one important element in the fight against drug use on the demand side.
Even within families with strong ties and in communities living harmoniously and peacefully, some individuals sadly do fall into drug abuse. They, too, need the support and care of their family and community. People suffering from drug abuse require all the support we can give them, including comprehensive health and social services that are accessible, effective and affordable.
Not all crimes related to illicit drugs are of equal gravity. International drug traffickers, local pushers and drug users have to be treated differently according to the principle of proportionality. Disproportionate responses would be against the spirit of justice, and would not help in the rehabilitation of those who have become addicted to illicit drugs.
The drug problem and its related evils transcend borders and affect citizens worldwide. Hence international cooperation towards an integrated and balanced strategy is required in order to counter them. The most basic understanding of human dignity compels the international community,
particularly through the norms and mechanisms of international law, to do all that it can to protect all citizens of the world from the scourge of illicit drugs.
Thank you, Mr. President.
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Friday urged Christians to have the courage to announce the good news about Jesus, just like the Apostles who testified to Christ’s resurrection even at the cost of their lives. The Pope’s words came during his morning Mass at the Santa Marta residence where he said announcing the gospel, intercession and hope are the three interlinked dimensions of a Christian life. Friday (April 22nd) marked the 43rd anniversary of the religious profession of Jorge Mario Bergoglio.In his homily Pope Francis reflected on the three lynchpins that he said should mark the life of a believer: announcing the gospel, intercession and hope. The heart of this announcement for a Christian, he explained, is that Jesus died and rose from the dead for our salvation. This, he continued, is what the Apostles did before the Jews and the pagans and their testimony was made even at the cost of their lives, their own blood. “When John and Peter were brought be...
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Friday urged Christians to have the courage to announce the good news about Jesus, just like the Apostles who testified to Christ’s resurrection even at the cost of their lives. The Pope’s words came during his morning Mass at the Santa Marta residence where he said announcing the gospel, intercession and hope are the three interlinked dimensions of a Christian life. Friday (April 22nd) marked the 43rd anniversary of the religious profession of Jorge Mario Bergoglio.
In his homily Pope Francis reflected on the three lynchpins that he said should mark the life of a believer: announcing the gospel, intercession and hope. The heart of this announcement for a Christian, he explained, is that Jesus died and rose from the dead for our salvation. This, he continued, is what the Apostles did before the Jews and the pagans and their testimony was made even at the cost of their lives, their own blood.
“When John and Peter were brought before the Sanhedrin after the healing of the crippled man and the priests forbade them to mention the name of Jesus, the Resurrection, they courageously and simply said: ‘We cannot stop proclaiming what we have seen and heard,’ - the announcement. And we Christians through our faith have the Holy Spirit inside us that makes us see and listen to the truth about Jesus who was put to death for our sins and who rose again. This is the announcement of our Christian life. Christ is alive! Christ is risen! Christ is among us in the community and accompanies us on our journey.”
Turning next to the question of intercession, Pope Francis reminded his listeners that just as Jesus told his Apostles at the last Supper, He is praying for us and preparing us a place in the house of the Lord.
“What does this mean? How does Jesus prepare this place? By praying for each one of us. Jesus prays for us and this is his intercession. At this moment, Jesus is working by praying for us. Just as he told Peter one time before the passion, ‘Peter, I prayed for you.’ In the same way, Jesus is now the intercessor between the Father and us.”
The Pope went on to explain how Jesus intercedes for us by showing his wounds to the Father after the Resurrection and names each one of us to Him. This, he said, is Jesus’ prayer and his intercession on our behalf.
Concluding his homily, Pope Francis touched on the third dimension of a Christian life: hope. “A Christian,” he declared, “is a woman, a man of hope who hopes that the Lord will return.” All the church is waiting for the coming of Jesus who will return and this is “Christian hope.”
“Each one of us, let’s ask ourselves: How is the announcement (of Jesus) in my life? How is my relationship with Jesus who intercedes for me? And how is my hope? Do I truly believe that the Lord is risen? Do I believe that he prays to the Father on my behalf? Each time that I call him, He is praying for me, He is interceding. Do I truly believe that He will return, that He will come? It would do us good to ask ourselves these (questions) about our faith: Do I believe in the announcement of Jesus’ good news? Do I believe in his intercession? Am I a man or a woman of hope?” (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Friday urged Christians to have the courage to announce the good news about Jesus, just like the Apostles who testified to Christ’s resurrection even at the cost of their lives. The Pope’s words came during his morning Mass at the Santa Marta residence where he said announcing the gospel, intercession and hope are the three interlinked dimensions of a Christian life. Friday’s date marked the 43rd anniversary of the religious profession of Jorge Mario Bergoglio.
In his homily Pope Francis reflected on the three interlinked elements that he said should mark the life of a believer: announcing the gospel, intercession and hope. The heart of this announcement for a Christian, he explained, is that Jesus died and rose from the dead for our salvation. This, he continued, is what the Apostles did before the Jews and the pagans and their testimony came even at the cost of their lives, their own blood.
Announce Jesus even at the cost of our lives
“When John and Peter were brought before the Sanhedrin after the healing of the crippled man and the priests forbade them to mention the name of Jesus, the Resurrection, they courageously and simply answered: ‘We cannot stop proclaiming what we have seen and heard,’ - the announcement. And we Christians through our faith have the Holy Spirit inside us that makes us see and listen to the truth about Jesus who was put to death for our sins and who rose again. This is the announcement of our Christian life. Christ is alive! Christ is risen! Christ is among us in the community and accompanies us on our journey.”
Turning next to the question of intercession, Pope Francis reminded his listeners that just as Jesus told his Apostles at the last Supper, He is praying for us and preparing us a place in the house of the Lord.
“What does this mean? How does Jesus prepare this place? By praying for each one of us. Jesus prays for us and this is his intercession. At this moment, Jesus is working by praying for us. Just as he told Peter one time before the passion, ‘Peter, I prayed for you.’ In the same way, Jesus is now the intercessor between the Father and us.”
The Pope went on to explain how Jesus intercedes for us by showing his wounds to the Father after the Resurrection and names each one of us to Him. This, he said, is Jesus’ prayer and his intercession on our behalf.
Concluding his homily, Pope Francis touched on the third dimension of a Christian life: hope. “A Christian,” he declared, “is a woman, a man of hope who hopes that the Lord will return.” All the Church is waiting for the coming of Jesus who will return and this is “Christian hope.”
“Each one of us, let’s ask ourselves: How is the announcement (of Jesus) in my life? How is my relationship with Jesus who intercedes for me? And what is my hope like? Do I truly believe that the Lord is risen? Do I believe that he prays to the Father on my behalf? Each time that I call him, He is praying for me, He is interceding. Do I truly believe that He will return, that He will come? It would do us good to ask ourselves these (questions) about our faith: Do I believe in the announcement of Jesus’ good news? Do I believe in his intercession? Am I a man or a woman of hope?”
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CHANHASSEN, Minn. (AP) -- Prince could play guitar like Carlos Santana or Jimi Hendrix, sing like James Brown, turn out pop melodies worthy of Motown or lay down the deepest grooves this side of Sly and the Family Stone. But no one could mistake his sound for anyone but Prince....
The Catholic Church in Zambia has condemned the violence in the country’s capital following “rumours about ritual killings” and subsequent reprisal attacks on some foreign nationals and has termed the xenophobic assaults “regrettable.”In a prepared question interview with CANAA, the Secretary General of Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC), Father Cleophas Lungu confirmed that the Catholic Church has “issued statements condemning these barbaric acts of violence” and called for peace.“The violence in question is two-fold. On one hand, we have had reported incidents of at least four people who were killed by unknown people in some densely populated compounds of Lusaka in the recent weeks,” Father Lungu explained.“When rumours started circulating that these were ritual killings being perpetrated by foreign nationals doing business in Zambia,” Father Lungu continued to explain, “Scores of residents in affected areas ...
The Catholic Church in Zambia has condemned the violence in the country’s capital following “rumours about ritual killings” and subsequent reprisal attacks on some foreign nationals and has termed the xenophobic assaults “regrettable.”
In a prepared question interview with CANAA, the Secretary General of Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC), Father Cleophas Lungu confirmed that the Catholic Church has “issued statements condemning these barbaric acts of violence” and called for peace.
“The violence in question is two-fold. On one hand, we have had reported incidents of at least four people who were killed by unknown people in some densely populated compounds of Lusaka in the recent weeks,” Father Lungu explained.
“When rumours started circulating that these were ritual killings being perpetrated by foreign nationals doing business in Zambia,” Father Lungu continued to explain, “Scores of residents in affected areas of Lusaka unfortunately took the law into their hands and started looting shops and business houses owned by foreign nationals and immigrants, especially those from Rwanda.”
The Church, according to Father Lungu, challenged the government of Zambia “to be more proactive and do everything possible to bring an end to this unfortunate trend of behavior.”
President Lungu Thursday made an impromptu visit to the foreign nationals seeking refuge at Kalemba Hall of St Ignatius Catholic Church in Lusaka.
“I take full responsibility on behalf of the Zambian people. I also assure you of full protection and security of your person and property,” President Lungu has been quoted as telling the over 300 foreign nationals at the Catholic Church.
Father Lungu confirmed the help from the Church towards those affected by the violence saying, “Catholics and other people of good-will have generously come on board to offer food and provide some warm clothing.”
Below is the full text of the prepared question interview with Father Cleophas Lungu, Secretary General, Zambia Episcopal Conference.
CANAA: What do you have to say about the violence in your country’s capital, Lusaka?
Father Lungu: The violence in question is two-fold. On one hand, we have had reported incidents of at least four people who were killed by unknown people in some densely populated compounds of Lusaka in the recent weeks. Their bodies were found to be missing some parts, thereby sparking the speculation that they could have been "ritual killings" by people who wanted to grow their business.
The police have arrested some suspects but investigations are still on-going.
On the other hand, when rumours started circulating that these were ritual killings being perpetrated by foreign nationals doing business in Zambia. Scores of residents in affected areas of Lusaka unfortunately took the law into their hands and started looting shops and business houses owned by foreign nationals and immigrants, especially those from Rwanda.
The police responded and government was by Tuesday forced to beef up security measures by involving some soldiers.
It appears that calm has been restored and the situation is slowly but surely coming under control.
CANAA: Reports have indicated that this violence is xenophobic. Do you agree?
Father Lungu: One can see aspects of xenophobia in that some people have acted on mere rumours and have been spreading unfavorable comments about foreign nationals or immigrants through the social media.
Regrettably, these people have gone further to act against these vulnerable members of our society by stealing and even destroying their property. We also bemoan the fact that two lives have been lost in the disguise of mob-justice. Indeed, this is something very un-Zambian and un-Christian.
CANAA: What is your take on these claims about ritual killings, particularly the rumours that body parts in such killings have been used as charms to ensure success in business?
Father Lungu: As earlier indicated, there have been rumours about the so-called ritual killings. I believe that these are anchored on people's traditional beliefs of witchcraft and the modern phenomenon of people believing and practicing satanism or devil worship for pecuniary advantage.
On the other hand, one cannot ignore the impact of high levels of poverty, unemployment and the high cost of essential commodities for our people. It is therefore possible that some people took advantage of the confusion to make ends meet.
Nonetheless, this factor does not justify their violent behaviour. We believe that as a country, we must put our heads together and work hard to find sustainable solutions to some of the mentioned social and economic challenges.
CANAA: How is the Church in Zambia responding to this situation?
Father Lungu: As we continue to celebrate the Jubilee Year of Mercy and bearing in mind the fact that among the corporal works of mercy is the call and mission to welcome strangers, feed the hungry and shelter the homeless, the Church has responded with compassion.
One parish has provided refuge to more than 50 victims of the said acts of violence. Catholics and other people of good-will have generously come on board to offer food and provide some warm clothing.
Apart from that, the Church has also issued statements condemning these barbaric acts of violence, calling for peace and calm among the people while challenging civil authorities to be more proactive and do everything possible to bring an end to this unfortunate trend of behaviour among our people.
Further, our Justice and Peace Commission under the umbrella of Caritas Zambia is doing some background work of social analysis to explore the root causes of what has transpired and seek some long-term solutions.
CANAA: Any specific actions on the part of Zambia government that you can talk about?
Father Lungu: They have beefed up the number of police and soldiers who are patrolling the affected areas of Lusaka.
CANAA: What is your message to the Zambians in the face of this challenge?
Father Lungu: First of all, we again condemn all forms of violence, including that of murder, looting and destruction of other people's property.
Secondly, we continue to call for combined efforts of promoting a culture of peace especially as we move towards the General elections in August this year. Not only that, the Church will always take the lead in acts of mercy and charity. Already, after the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, the Catholic Bishops adopted more than 20 seminarians who could not finish their priestly formation in their home country. These joined the Zambian Seminaries until their priestly ordination. Whilst a good number of these priests have returned to Rwanda, some have opted to continue serving the Church in Zambia, which has become their home.
Therefore, we urge Zambians to emulate Pope Francis who is challenging us and the entire world to break the walls of hatred that lead to violence and avoid the philosophy of indifference. Instead, we are called to welcome strangers in our country, our Zambian society, our families as well as our Small Christian Communities.
(By Father Don Bosco Onyalla –CANAA, Nairobi)
Email: engafrica@vatiradio.va
