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(Vatican Radio) The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, on Wednesday inaugurating the new premises of the Apostolic Nunciature (Vatican Embsassy) to Slovenia, in the capital Ljubljana.

“This is a significant moment in the relations between Slovenia and the Holy See, which allows me to recall that the Holy See was among the very first to recognize the independence of Slovenia, on 13th January 1992,” Cardinal Parolin said.

He said this latest development means the Pope now has “his own house” in Slovenia.

“As we inaugurate this building, it is, of course, important to recall that an Apostolic Nuncio must be competent above all in building the bridges of human relationships, through dialogue and an openness to the humanity at the heart of every problem,” Cardinal Parolin said. “That is ultimately the vocation of each and every Christian and underlines that the solid foundation from which we must start building is always Christ.”

The full text of Cardinal Parolin’s Speech is below

Speech of His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of His Holiness Pope Francis, at the Blessing and Inauguration ceremony of the new premises of the Apostolic Nunciature in Ljubljana

February 3rd, 2016

Dear Mister President of the Republic of Slovenia,

Distinguished Members of the National Government and of the Municipality of Ljubljana,

Distinguished Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

Excellencies, Members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference

Distinguished Representatives of the Religious Denominations

Dear Guests,

            Thank you Mr President (Archbishop Janusz, Apostolic Nuncio) for your kind words.  I was delighted to accept the invitation to preside at this ceremony to bless and inaugurate the new buildings of the Apostolic Nunciature in Ljubljana.  This has happily afforded me the opportunity to visit the wonderful country of Slovenia during this year of celebrations for twenty-five years of Independence.  Whilst recognising the increased role which the country now plays within the international community, it is impossible to think of Slovenia without calling to mind its Christian tradition, its love of learning, and its cultural and architectural heritage.

This is a significant moment in the relations between Slovenia and the Holy See, which allows me to recall that the Holy See was among the very first to recognize the independence of Slovenia, on 13th January 1992.  Very soon thereafter, on 8th February 1992, diplomatic relations were established.  In the following years Slovenia twice welcomed Pope John Paul II, in May 1996 and in September 1999, and these visits remain vivid in the memory of your people.

The friendly and constructive relationship blossomed between Slovenia and the Holy See, and a major step came on 14th December 2001, with an agreement addressing juridical questions, which was subsequently ratified on 28th May 2004.  Now it is our hope that our constructive cooperation might lead to further steps being made together.

So it is with great joy that we are now able to bless and officially inaugurate this Apostolic Nunciature, the diplomatic mission of the Holy See to Slovenia.

            The term “Holy See” is frequently used in the language of international law and international relations.  The word “see” derives from the Latin word sedes and refers to the seat or chair of Saint Peter.  All subsequent Popes, who are successors of Peter, occupy this seat or chair.  The Holy See also refers to the residence of the Pope along with the Roman Curia and the central administration of the Catholic Church.  This term, however, is not synonymous with Rome, the Vatican, or the Vatican City State.  Its significance, in essence transcends the restriction of geographic location.  The Holy See is a unique entity amongst other subjects of international law.  Aside its uniqueness, the Holy See enjoys an international personality similar to that of individual States.  Its existence as a sovereign entity transcends territorial possession.  It is a truly international person because its presence, unlike that of States, is universal.

One might ask why the Successor of Peter has need for diplomatic relations with States and with International Organizations.  It is worth pointing out that the Holy See has exercised the right of legation almost from the beginning of its history.  When, at the end of the fifteenth century the Nation-States were coming into being, the Roman Pontiff sent his representatives to them.  Indeed, Papal diplomacy is one of the oldest in the world, and history bears witness to the Holy See’s long and vibrant presence in the international sphere.

The Holy See’s mission is multifaceted: offering a moral voice in the world of international relations; reminding the world of the existence of transcendent values; and defending the pillars on which every civil society stands, such as the family – under severe pressure from a complicated interplay of forces in today’s world.  On these issues, the Holy See speaks out not just for some, but for all of humanity.

In order to speak, it is first necessary to listen.  “Be quick to hear” the Book of Sirach reminds us (5:11), and, in the words of Pope Francis, we need to consider that “Sometimes it is a matter of hearing the cry of entire peoples, the poorest peoples of the earth, since ‘peace is founded not only on respect for human rights, but also on respect for the rights of peoples’. […] To speak properly of our own rights, we need to broaden our perspective and to hear the plea of other peoples and other regions than those of our own country.  We need to grow in a solidarity which ‘would allow all peoples to become the artisans of their destiny’, since ‘every person is called to self-fulfilment” (Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, 190).

One of the primary responsibilities of the Holy See is to foster communion within the Church: between the Successor of Peter, the Pope, and the Successors of the Apostles, the Bishops, in every part of the world.  In addition, the Holy See, in union with local Bishops, seeks to promote relations between the Church and the State, not forgetting relations with other religious groups that are present in a particular country.

In order properly to exercise this mission, to be truly attentive to the particular Churches and to all human necessity, the Holy See needs to be present in an adequate manner in different parts of the world.

In Slovenia the Catholic Church carries out numerous activities that benefit the whole of society: in the field of charity and education, in preserving cultural heritage and in providing spiritual assistance.

The Agreement between Slovenia and the Holy See, which I mentioned earlier, recalls the principles of religious freedom guaranteed by the Slovenian Constitution and by those universally-recognised fundamental Human Rights concerning freedom of thought, conscience and religion.  At the same time the Catholic Church, with its juridical personality recognised by the State, is free to operate with respect for Slovenian Laws.  The mutual collaboration between these two independent and autonomous entities is beneficial for the promotion of the human person and of the common good.

            The construction of an Apostolic Nunciature, such as this, is a sign of the will of the Holy See to consolidate a stable and permanent presence in a State, in a spirit of understanding and effective collaboration with the Government and with the local Church.

Bringing such a building to completion is not always easy and sometimes requires a considerable amount of time.  I know that the President of the Republic, the Mayor of Ljubljana and many important figures present here today, have accompanied this process with particular care and attention and a willingness to help.  To them – to you – I would like to express the gratitude of the Holy See.  At the same time, we are very grateful to the Archdiocese of Ljubljana, which for more than twenty years has offered such a convenient location for the offices and the residence of the Apostolic Nuncio.

The Pope and the Holy See now has its own house in Slovenia!  This is a place that speaks of solidarity and affection; a place of meeting and exchange, where relationships are cultivated; a place which is made human by the authenticity of those relationships.  And, allow me to add that, in these times marked by the mobility of increasing numbers of people, an attitude of openness and mutual acceptance needs to be fostered by all.

I would also like to publicly recognise the effort of the Apostolic Nuncios who sought out this location and helped to bring the project for this building to fruition.  Allow me to recall how much was done by Archbishop Edmond Farhat and by Archbishop Santos Abril y Castellò, now Cardinal and Archpriest of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major.  Your current Nuncio, Archbishop Juliusz Janusz (who is also Dean of the Diplomatic Corps), has accumulated extensive experience in building new Nunciatures.  Indeed, after Mozambique and Hungary, this is the third building that stands as testimony to his ability.

And this building, the Nuncio tells me, has a very Slovenian touch.  In the part that was renovated, the architectural style of an existing historical house was preserved, whilst in the new building there is a chapel designed and executed by a famous Slovenian artist, Father Ivan Marko Rupnik.  I want to thank all those, who with their skill and hard work have contributed to this magnificent building.

As we inaugurate this building, it is, of course, important to recall that an Apostolic Nuncio must be competent above all in building the bridges of human relationships, through dialogue and an openness to the humanity at the heart of every problem.  That is ultimately the vocation of each and every Christian and underlines that the solid foundation from which we must start building is always Christ.

            I cordially invoke God’s blessings of joy and peace for the people and leaders of the noble Slovenian nation.

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(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis briefly greeted actor Joseph Fiennes during his general audience on Wednesday.

The Shakespeare in Love star was at the audience with his wife and two daughters. He was also accompanied by Argentinian actress Maria Botto, who appears with him in the new movie Risen.

The two stars are in Rome to promote the film, in which Fiennes portrays Clavius, a Roman centurion given the task by Pontius Pilate of investigating the resurrection of Jesus. Botto plays Mary Magdalene.

The film is scheduled to be released on 19 February.

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(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis responded to a group of children who touched on various topics such as the need to bring peace to Mexico, the significance of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and the plight of immigrants.

In response, the Pope said he is not coming to Mexico to bring ideas, or solutions, but as a “pilgrim,” carrying with him the “richness of the faith,”  and in turn receiving with an “open heart” what they have to offer him

The Pope noted the unique traits of the Mexican people, which stem from a history marked by suffering, success, failures, and searching.

He explained how the wealth of the Mexican people is that they are not orphans, but are children of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Pope Francis recounted his encounters with Our Lady of Guadalupe during past trips to Mexico, and also touched on the need to promote peace and dialogue amid violence and corruption.

Finally, the Pope spoke of faith which comes from encountering Jesus, and the need to bring this faith out to the streets.

He concluded by recalling the words of Our Lady of Guadalupe: “Do not be afraid.”

Listen to Ann Schneible's report: 

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(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Wednesday met with a group of soldiers serving as United Nations peacekeepers from Paraguay and Argentina. The group was attending the weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square.

UN peacekeepers are identified by their blue helmets or berets, and  to help countries torn by conflict create conditions for sustainable peace. 

UN Peacekeepers from Latin America have been serving in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the border between Ethiopia and Eritrea, Haiti, and other countries.

During their meeting with Pope Francis, they offered him a maté which is popular in both Paraguay and the Pope’s native Argentina.

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Washington D.C., Feb 3, 2016 / 03:44 am (CNA/EWTN News).- A current proposal by a federal agency has raised concerns that doctors may be punished for believing that there are only two genders, rooted in biological sex.

The proposed rule, issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, says that it is aimed at banning discrimination against transgender individuals under the Obama administration’s Affordable Care Act. 

Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act cites decades-old federal laws that prohibit any individual from being denied benefits or discriminated against in any health program or federally funded activity on the basis of race, color, nationality, sex, disability and age. 

However, the Office of Civil Rights is now interpreting “sex” to include “gender identity” and “sex stereotypes.”

The consequences of this change could be wide-reaching. 

The proposed regulation defines “sex stereotypes,” in part as “expectations that gender can only be constructed within two distinct opposite and disconnected forms (masculinity and femininity), and that gender cannot be constructed outside of this gender construct (individuals who identify as neither, both, or as a combination of male and female genders).”

Gender identity is defined as “an individual's internal sense of gender, which may be different from an individual’s sex assigned at birth.”

As a result, doctors and medical institutions could be penalized – or even forced out of business – if they are not willing to perform or facilitate sex reassignment surgeries and other “gender transition” treatments for individuals who identify as transsexual. 

Critics of the suggested regulation say that it is a radical proposal that could result in severe penalties for doctors who cannot in good conscience comply.

Jonathan Scruggs, legal counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom, called the proposed regulation an “unparalleled overreach by bureaucrats who want to advance a specific agenda.”

“Everyone knows that under Title IX, sex means biological sex,” he told CNA. “HHS has exceeded its authority and is going against the intent of Congress.”

“The government should not be in the business of trying to redefine sex,” Scruggs said. “HHS is supposed to apply the law faithfully, not go beyond the terms of the law.”

Roger Severino, director of the De Vos Center for Religion and Civil Society at The Heritage Foundation, questioned the impact that the rule could have on religious liberty and rights of conscience.

“(W)hat about an individual’s moral convictions and religious freedom?” he asked. “Will they be respected and preserved?” 

Apart from religious beliefs, many doctors oppose sex reassignment surgeries for medical reasons. Statistics show that individuals who have these surgeries can face serious psychological consequences and are at a significantly higher risk of suicide.  

Once a pioneer in sex reassignment surgery, Johns Hopkins University has since ended the practice, finding that it was actually damaging to those who undergo it.  

If finalized, the proposed regulation would be binding on all health insurers that offer plans under the Affordable Care Act, including those participating in health insurance exchange plans. 

The regulation would also apply to approximately 133,000 health care facilities, all state Medicaid programs, all private insurers that receive federal funding, as well as almost all physicians in the United States who accept some form of federal reimbursement.

Failure to comply could result in a loss of government funding and other legal penalties. 

“The authority for the government to revoke funds for health facilities and doctors that do not comply is vast,” said Severino. “So many health facilities and doctors would be run out of business because their business model is based on government funding.” 

“They would be hit very hard,” he stressed. “Practically all of them would suffer millions of dollars in losses if their funding was cut.” 

Doctors who refuse to conduct gender reassignment treatments and surgery because of their religious beliefs, personal convictions, or for other medical reasons could risk losing their job. 

“If a hospital is threatened with the loss of millions of funds, you would expect them to fire any person who does not comply,” said Severino. “Hospitals will not want to be sued, so the easy way out is to fire anyone who disagrees with the mandate and jeopardizes their funding.”  

“But therein lies the conflict,” he continued. “This mandate threatens religious liberty because it forces individuals to choose between violating their conscience or risk losing government benefits or their job.”  

Legal experts believe that legal challenges against the proposed regulation could be successful in the courts. 

 “It is unconstitutional for religious doctors and health facilities to be forced to violate their beliefs,” said Scruggs. “No federal court has ever said that sex includes gender identity or sexual orientation.”

“Individuals who refuse to comply with this mandate will have recourse under the First Amendment and under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act,” he added. 

This is not the first time that the Affordable Care Act has stirred up controversy surrounding religious freedom.

In recent years, hundreds of plaintiffs have filed lawsuits against the federal contraception mandate, which was issued under the Affordable Care Act and requires employers to offer health insurance plans covering contraception, sterilization and some drugs that can cause early abortions.

The Supreme Court ruled against that mandate as it applies to closely-held for-profit companies in 2014. Another case involving numerous non-profits that object to the mandate on religious grounds will be heard by the court this year.

“The Obama administration is hostile to religious freedom,” said Severino. “We have seen this with Hobby Lobby and the Little Sisters of the Poor.”

“Now the administration is trying to advance a specific gender ideology that redefines what it means to be a man or a woman,” he said. “This gender ideology will result in discriminating against people who believe that a person’s biology is something to be respected rather than something that should be treated as a disease.”


Photo credit: Guschenkova via www.shutterstock.com

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Vatican City, Feb 3, 2016 / 04:02 am (CNA/EWTN News).- When God is described in the Bible as being both merciful and just it can seem like an identity crisis, however Pope Francis said it’s the opposite: rather contradicting each other, the two actually go hand in hand.

“Sacred Scripture presents us with God as infinite mercy, but also as perfect justice. How are these two things reconciled? How can the reality of mercy be articulated with the need for justice?” the Pope said Feb. 3.

While these two characteristics can seem like opposites, “in reality it's not like this, because it's precisely the mercy of God that brings the fulfillment of true justice,” Francis affirmed.

The Pope made his comments to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for his weekly general audience. He recently began a new series of catechesis on the topic of mercy as it is understood in scripture, in honor of the Jubilee of Mercy.

He said that when we think of justice, what might come to mind is an administration office where victims of an injustice appeal to a judge in court asking that justice be done.

This, Francis noted, “is retributive justice, imposing a punishment to the guilty, according to the principle that each must be given what is due him.” While certain wrongs can be made right in this way, he said that it “still doesn't bring true justice.”

Instead, “is only in responding with good that evil can be truly defeated,” the Pope said, explaining that what we find in the bible is path that teaches, allowing the offended person to approach the guilty party and invite them to conversion.

By helping the guilty person to see the evil they have done and by appealing to their conscience, they are then able “to see their wrong and be open to the forgiveness offered,” Francis said, noting that this is also how families forgive each other, spouses and children included.

Pope Francis noted that of course “this is not an easy path,” since it requires that we be willing to forgive and to always desire the salvation of those who offend us.

However, it is only in doing this that “justice can triumph,” he said, because, “if the guilty person recognizes the wrong done and ceases to do it, then there is no more wrongdoing, and the person who was unjust becomes just, because they have been forgiven and helped to find again the path of good.”

This is where forgiveness and mercy come into play, he said, explaining that this is the true meaning of God’s justice.

“(God) does not seek our condemnation, but our salvation,” the Pope continued, noting that this goes for everyone. The problem, then, doesn’t consist of lack of mercy, but rather of “who really wants to allow God to enter their heart.”

By making us see the wrongs we have done, the Merciful Father helps us to recognize our own need for his mercy, which is revealed in Jesus Christ, he said.

“God’s justice is his mercy,” Francis observed, praying that as God’s children, we would be open “to his divine mercy, and readily and generously share it with our brothers and sisters.”

Francis went off-the-cuff to confessors at the close of his address, telling them that every person who comes to the confessional is looking for a father who will help them to change their lives, who give them the strength to go forward and forgive them in the name of God.

Because of this, “being a confessor is a very big responsibility, very big, because that child that comes to you truly seeks a father,” the Pope said, reminding priests that when they are in the confessional, “you are in the place of the Father who makes justice with his mercy!”

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