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(Vatican Radio) US Secretary of State John Kerry this week described violent persecution of religious minorities including Christians by the so-called “Islamic State” (often also referred to as ISIS, ISIL or Daesh) as “genocide” – the first time any cabinet official of the US government used the term.

“[I]n my judgment,” said Kerry in a statement to journalists in Washington, DC on Thursday morning, “Daesh is responsible for genocide against groups in areas under its control, including Yazidis, Christians, and Shia Muslims.”

Kerry’s statement came in response to a deadline set last year by Congress for the Obama administration to determine whether the targeting of minority religious and ethnic groups by the Islamic State meets the US government’s definition of genocide, and in the wake of a Resolution of the US House of Representatives (393-0) explicitly condemning the atrocities committed by the Islamic State against Christians and other religious and ethnic minorities in Iraq and Syria as genocide.

The principal architect of the House Resolution, Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE1), said the attack on Christians, Yazidis, and other minorities “not only an attack, and a grave injustice, to the people who are suffering so much, it’s an assault on human dignity and the principles of civilization itself.”

He told Vatican Radio the recognition of the atrocities as genocide has profound symbolic significance, the practical consequences of which are not to be discounted. “In terms of practical outcomes, hopefully this raises international consciousness as to the plight of Christians, Yezidis, and others: ancient faith traditions who once were part of the rich, diverse tapestry of Middle East ancient peoples.” He said it would also help create the preconditions necessary for a the potential security settlement that would “re-integrate . . . Christians, Yazidis, and others, back into their ancestral homelands.”

Representative Fortenberry said the daily reports of IS atrocities “elevated not only the consciousness of  many members of Congress, but hopefully the international community.” He recalled the words of Pope Francis, who called this “a scandal of silence.” “There has been a scandal of indifference to what has happened to the Christians and Yezidis and others,” Fortneberry said, “and they must be a part of the ongoing policy discussion” so that when a security settlement is reached “these ancient traditions” can be re-integrated re-integrated back into their homeland – and in the meanwhile, [be] given forms of protection so that they can survive.”

Listen to the full interview of US Representative Jeff Fortenberry with Vatican Radio’s Chris Altieri: 

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(Vatican Radio) Russian officials say a passenger plane carrying 62 people from Dubai has crashed while landing in the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don in strong winds, killing all aboard. The Boeing 737-800 belonged to the relatively new budget carrier FlyDubai which expressed shock over the tragedy.

Listen to Stefan Bos' report:

In rain and wind ambulances and police rushed to the airport in Rostov-on-Don, but their help came too late for those aboard flight FZ981. The FlyDubai budget carrier confirmed that its plane crashed on landing at the airport, some 950 kilometers south of Russia's capital Moscow.

The airliner, which has been flying since 2009, said it is "with great sadness" that it had to announce that there were apparently no survivors. The Dubai-based airline said those worried about their loved ones should call + 44 203 4508 853 or +971 4 293 4100.

A list published by the Emergencies Ministry showed the Boeing 737-800 was carrying 55 passengers and seven crew members, whose nationalities were not immediately confirmed. Of the 55 passengers on board, 33 were women, 18 men and 4 children, officials said.

ALL KILLED

Igor Oder, head of Russia's Emergencies Ministry's southern regional operations, said in a televised briefing that all passengers had been killed.

Russian officials said the plane crashed about 250 meters short of the runway and that the the cause of the air crash appears to be linked to strongly gusting winds, approaching hurricane level.

Yet pilot John M. Cox, who has been investigating crashes for decades, told Russia's RT Television he was surprised about the number of casualties. "When the airplane is relatively close to the airport it tends to go much slower than it is at cruise [speed]. And ofcourse that lower speed increases the survival capability. So I am a little surprised that all ... people aboard perished," added Cox, who leads U.S.-based consultancy firm Safety Operating Systems (SOS).

"It is a great tragedy because they were in proximity to the airport and normally they're going at a slower speed," the expert added.  

News reports said the plane caught fire after the crash. Investigations were ongoing, but Russia has come under pressure over aviation safety in and around airports.

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(Vatican Radio) Dutch firebrand lawmaker Geert Wilders has appeared in court for the first public hearing in a hate speech prosecution that is seen as testing the limits of freedom of expression in the Netherlands. The widely watched trial comes while anti-immigrant sentiment is rising
in the country and Europe.

Listen to Stefan Bos' report:

A pretrial hearing at a tightly guarded courtroom on the edge of Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport began with Geert Wilders' anti-Islam Freedom Party leading opinion polls a year ahead of Dutch parliamentary elections.

The case against Wilders, who was acquitted in 2011 of insulting Islam, centers on comments he made before and after in local elections two years ago.

At one party rally in the city of The Hague he asked supporters: "Do you want more or fewer Moroccans in this city and the country?" His supporters replied: "Fewer! Fewer! Fewer!"  That's why Wilders pledged: "We'll take care of it."

Fast forward to the present, Prosecutor Wouter Bos said the case pits two key pillars of the Dutch constitution against one another: A ban on discrimination and the right to freedom of expression.

RACISM, DISCRIMINATION

He said, "the aim of this prosecution is to tackle racism and discrimination," adding that nobody is above the law "including a politician."
 
However Wilders' defense lawyer, Geert-Jan Knoops, argued that the statement was put out of context and said that the freedom of expression was in his words "the last freedom Mr. Wilders has left."

The lawmaker has lived with around-the clock protection for more than a decade because of repeated death threats. He wears a bullet proof jacket wherever he goes.
 
Several experts who were asked to explain Wilders' comments declined to testify in the case, citing security and career concerns.  

Adding to the controversy was Knoops demanding an investigation into how a draft copy of his opening statement had been obtained by a Dutch newspaper, which published parts of it on Friday.

INVESTIGATION DEMANDED

He urged the court to delay the case until such an investigation can be completed. Knoops called the incident "an attack on this case, an attack on Mr. Wilders' freedom to defend himself and freely communicate with his defense team."

Amid the turmoil, Wilders appeared relaxed as he entered the courtroom, pulling out his mobile phone to snap a picture of press photographers taking his picture before the case got underway.

Police confirmed they detained 6 far right protesters after discovering knives and pepperspray in their cars.

Some 100 protesters of the anti-immigrant Pegida group demonstrated outside the court building in support of Wilders, one of them wearing a T-shirt and jacket emblazoned with the text "Wilders for President." The Netherlands, a constitutional monarchy, does not have a president.

Supporters fear Wilders will not get a fair trial. His trial is scheduled to begin on October 31.

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(Vatican Radio) At Saint Peter’s Basilica on Saturday morning, Pope Francis ordained two priests to the episcopate: Bishop Peter Brian Wells, named on February 13th as the new Apostolic Nuncio to South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, and Namibia; and Bishop Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot, the secretary for the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.

In his homily, the Holy Father reminded the new Bishops that they are called to be servants to all.

Listen to Christopher Wells’ report:

Pope Francis based his homily on the sermon given in the Roman Pontifical for the Ordination of Bishops. He emphasized that when a Bishop exercises his ministry, it is Christ Himself who acts: “Christ who preaches, Christ who makes the Church, Christ who makes the Church fruitful, Christ who leads.”

The Pope reminded the Bishops that they are “servants to all,” the great and the least, always servants, always at the service of others.

“Do not forget,” he said, “that the first duty of the Bishop is prayer… the second duty, the proclamation of the Word.” Everything else follows. If a Bishop does not pray, Pope Francis said, he can do nothing.

The Pope also emphasized the importance of loving those the Lord has entrusted to their care, and especially the priests and deacons. They are the closest collaborators of the Bishop, his first “neighbour.” If the Bishop does not learn to love those closest to him, he will not be able to love everyone.

And Pope Francis called on Bishops to really look at the faithful – not obliquely, but looking them in the eye, so they can see them with the heart.

The Holy Father concluded his homily with the prayer that the Lord might accompany the new Bishops, and be close to them on the new journey that they have begun. 

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(Vatican Radio) The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, stressed the importance of "humane" treatment of migrants during a meeting with Emil Dimitriev, the Prime Minister of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on Friday in Skopje.

"The solution [to the migration crisis] should involve solidarity and humane treatment," Cardinal Parolin said. "Refugees should be seen as children, women, adults in a very difficult situation, in need of assistance."

The chief Vatican diplomat is in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia  for a two-day official visit.

Cardinal Parolin spoke about the strong ties between the Vatican and Skopje, adding they could be "enhanced in some points."

"We share mutual values of promoting peace, coexistence, respect for diversity, and all the things which imporove life in a society," Parolin said.

The talks between the two focused on culture, health, science, education, and their further development.

Prime Minister Dimitriev said they spoke about "the cooperation of the Catholic Church in Macedonia and its constructive role in the people's coexistence."

Cardinal Parolin on Friday also met with President Gjorge Ivanov.

President Ivanov said the decision to canonize the Skopje-born Mother Teresa"is of great cultural and historical significance for Macedonia," adding the country would be hosting several events to commemorate her canonization.

The President also praised the cooperation between the State Archive of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia  and the Vatican Secret Archives, which has allowed scholars to learn more about the history of the region.

Speaking about the refugee crisis at his press conference with Cardinal Parolin, President Ivanov said it was "not just a matter of EU, but of all Europeans living on this continent."

"Every analysis shows there will be improvement. Turkey is expected to fulfill all its obligations, and we should see that on our borders" – the President explained – "If the intensity of the migrant influx decreases, it will be along the whole route. This means that we would be the gate of that corridor leading to Europe. Greece will have to build many registering spots, the so-called 'hotspots', as well as refugee camps to provide them with all they need when they reach a Schengen-state, such as asylum rights [and] humane treatment." 
 

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Fr. Edwin Gariguez of Philippines on March 17 was awarded the ‘environmental hero’ award by the Jesuit-run Xavier University for his battle against a nickel mine to protect Mindoro Island’s biodiversity and its indigenous people.

Xavier University bestowed a doctorate in humanities, on Father Edwin Gariguez for his sustained and significant efforts to protect the environment and indigenous peoples.

Father Roberto Yap, university president, said Father Gariguez's ministry is an inspiring response to Pope Francis challenge "to hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor."

"The vocation you have patiently and perseveringly pursued in the peripheries has truly been serving the faith that does justice and ecological stewardship," Father Yap said in his letter to Father Gariguez.

Father Gariguez, executive secretary of Caritas Philippines, received the award during the university's graduation ceremony in Cagayan de Oro City on March 17, where he also delivered the keynote address.

A winner of the Goldman Environmental Prize, the world’s largest award for grassroots environmental activists, Fr Gariguez is a prominent figure against indiscriminate large scale mining in the Philippines. He is the Executive Secretary of CBCP-NASSA, the social development, humanitarian and advocacy arm of the Catholic Church in the Philippines.

He is also one of the convenors of Alyansa Tigil Mina, a countrywide coalition of organizations and individuals acting as a watchdog over violations in laws and policies related to the mining industry.  (UCAN) 

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(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis today launched his new INSTAGRAM account with a tweet in which he said: "I am beginning a new journey, on Instagram, to walk with you along the path of the mercy and tenderness of God."

Listen to Seàn-Patrick Lovett's report:

It was Pope Francis himself who inaugurated his account, called "Franciscus," from his residence at the Casa Santa Marta. He also posted his first image, a picture of himself in prayer.

To create his startup profile, the Holy Father was assisted by Kevin Systrom, the CEO and co-founder of Instagram, and Msgr. Lucio Adrian Ruiz, secretary of the Secretariat for Communication.

Founded in 2010, Instagram has approximately 400 million users worldwide and shares photos and videos with a community of followers. The launch of the Pope’s Instagram account will increase his substantial presence on social media platforms. His Twitter account, with the hashtag “@Pontifex,” has more than 26 million followers.

Speaking earlier this week with Vatican Radio, the Prefect of the Secretariat for Communications, Monsignor Dario Viganò said the decision to open an Instagram account arises from the Pope’s conviction that pictures can reveal many things that words can’t. The aim of this papal Instagram account, he said, is to tell the story of the Pontificate of Pope Francis through images.

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Los Angeles, Calif., Mar 19, 2016 / 06:33 am (CNA).- In his new film, “The Young Messiah,” Director Cyrus Nowrasteh knew that he needed to break the mold when it came to depicting Jesus’ foster-father, St. Joseph.

“I think in other films that have been done over the years, he’s just kind of wallpaper, he’s just kind of hanging around and frankly, not distinctive at all,” Nowrasteh told CNA. “I thought to myself, ‘That could not be the case.’”

Even though Joseph has no recorded words in the Gospel, Nowrasteh sensed that he “must have been strong and morally upright” given the “really heavy responsibility” God gave him in raising the Son of God and being the husband to the Mother of God.

In his new film that hit theaters March 11, Nowrasteh made sure that Joseph was a leading character and the strong decision maker of the family.

The film is based on Ann Rice’s 2008 novel, “Christ the Lord,” and picks up when the Holy Family returns to Nazareth after having spent several years seeking refuge in Egypt.

During this time, Jesus (Adam Greaves-Neal) begins to realize that he’s not quite the same as other children and naturally, Mary (Sara Lazzaro) and Joseph (Vincent Walsh) struggle with the deciding whether or not to reveal what they know about him in the midst of political tensions threatening to reach a boiling point.

Despite the chaos surrounding their family, Joseph is shown as a leader with a tender devotion to his wife and son.

“I was very motivated to make sure there was a very strong imprint of the Joseph character and his fatherly devotion to this child and his husbandly devotion to Mary and to protecting the family in chaotic times,” he said.

Of course, the story is largely a work of artistic speculation and is based on a time of Jesus’ life that is shrouded in mystery, but it remains faithful to traditional understandings of Joseph as a chaste husband to Mary and a loving father to Jesus.

“We just know so little about Joseph that he certainly piqued my curiosity,” Nowrasteh said.

The film has been so well received by Catholics that the Sisters of St. Paul decided to host a “cinema novena” to the Holy Family ending on the Feast of St. Joseph. Although the novena has already began, participants can sign up at any time.

Along with daily meditations and prayers, participants also receive “powerful, living depictions” of the Holy Family with clips from the film.

Nowrasteh said that overall he hopes audience members are “entertained,” “moved,” and “transformed.”

“Whether they’re secular folks or faith-based audience, I hope they come out talking about Jesus, talking about what went on during those turbulent times when a messiah was born and emerged,” he said.

 

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