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MOSCOW (AP) -- The Latest on Russian opposition protest (all times local):...

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Hundreds of civilians have fled their homes and are seeking refuge in churches in Myanmar's conflict-torn Kachin State following an ultimatum given by the country's military.  Church social workers say that more than 600 civilians, mostly Christians, are taking refuge in Catholic and Baptist church buildings in Tanai township, some 200 kilometers north of the state capital of Myitkyina. 

The military air dropped letters on June 5 warning residents to leave the area around Tanai by June 15. If civilians remained, they would consider them to have links with the rebel Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the letters said. 

The Rev. Je Di, pastor of the local Kachin Baptist Church, has reported clashes between the KIA and military. "Children, elderly and women are severely affected by the renewed fighting," he told ucanews.com.  The region has gold and amber mines that are concentrated near Tanai and where an estimated 100,000 people work. Most of them are Bamar Buddhists from central Myanmar, according to local sources.

Bum Hkrang, humanitarian aid coordinator of the Kachin Baptist Convention, told ucanews.com the military want the newly displaced people sheltering in churches taken to Kaung Ra village,  16 kilometers from Tanai. However, the village is not safe as three civilians were recently injured there by mortar shells, Bum Hkrang said.  "The military does not want the international community seeing any new internally displaced people camps in the town," said Bum Hkrang.  About 1,500 civilians, mostly Bamar, also remain trapped in the area that the military want vacated as it has blocked the local travel route on a tributary linking the Chindwin River, reports said.

Military sees mines as source of rebel funding

Tsa Ji, general secretary of the Kachin Development Networking Group, a civil society organization that monitors development projects in Kachin State, sees the latest military offensive about being who controls resources.  "The military sees tax from the gold and amber mines as being the main source of money for the KIA," Tsa Ji told ucanews.com.   Tsa Ji said the military's clearance operations will result in more than 100,000 workers becoming unemployed. The state is also rich in jade, timber and other gemstones.

Military remains a strong political force in Myanmar

San Awng, a member of the Peace-Talk Creation Group in Kachin State that frequently mediates negotiations between the KIA and the military, said the renewed fighting is the military's attempt to take control of the mines.  "The military wants to control it and they want to clear out the KIA so their cronies can come to do business there," San Awng, a Kachin Catholic, told ucanews.com.  San Awng said that the latest clashes could undermine the peace process. It only builds further distrust between the government and the KIA, he said.

Aung San Suu Kyi's government took office in April 2016 after wining elections in November the year before. But the military, which ruled the country for more than 50 years, still remains a strong political force. The civilian government faces the daunting task of managing the country's resources which includes dealing with firms that have close ties with the military.

Suu Kyi's government has pledged to bring an end to the decades-long civil wars in the country but renewed clashes have undermined her peace initiatives. Ongoing fighting has also raised questions on how much influence Suu Kyi has over the military.

Kachin State is 90 percent Christian, and has been beset by sporadic fighting for several decades. More than 100,000 people remain displaced since fighting restarted on June 9, 2011.  (Source: UCAN)

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(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis said Mass in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta on Monday morning. In remarks to the faithful following the Readings of the Day, the Holy Father reflected on the gift of consolation, focusing specifically on the spiritual aptitudes most conducive to receiving the gift of consolation from God and sharing the gift with our fellows.

Consolation is not autonomy

The reading from the 2^nd Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians teaches us that consolation is not – Pope Francis said – “autonomous”:

“The experience of consolation, which is a spiritual experience, always needs ‘someone else’ in order to be full: no one can console himself, no one – and whoever tries to do it ends up looking into the mirror – staring into the mirror and trying to ‘make oneself up’. One ‘consoles’ with these closed things that do not let one grow, and the air that one breathes is that narcissistic air of self-reference. This is the made up consolation that does not let one grow – and it is no [real] consolation, because it is closed, it lacks an alterity.”

Click below to hear our report

There are so many people in the Gospel, says the Pope in Homily at Casa Santa Marta. For example, the doctors of the Law, "full of their own sufficiency," the wealthy Epulone who had a feast on holiday thinking he was so consoled, but above all to express this attitude better is the Pharisee's prayer in front of the altar, which says: "Thank you for not being like everyone else." "This was in the mirror," the Pope notes, "looking at his soul made up of ideologies and thanking the Lord." Jesus therefore sees this possibility of being people who in this way of life "will never come to fullness, to the utmost to" swelling ", that is, to the vantage.

Pope Francis said that the “Doctors of the Law” of which the Gospels speak are like this: “filled with self-sufficiency.” He also offered the example of the rich man – a priest – in the Gospel according to St. Luke, who lived his days from one feast to another, believing himself thus to be “consoled” – or the figure par excellence of the Pharisee who prayed, “Thank you, Lord, for not making me like those others.”

“That man looked at himself in the mirror,” said Pope Francis. “He gazed on his one likeness embellished with ideologies, and thanked the Lord.” The Holy Father went on to say that Jesus shows us such persons because they represent a real possibility – it is possible to live in such a manner that, “one shall never arrive at fullness, but only achieve a state of being bloated,” that is, of being puffed up with vainglory.

Consolation is gift and service

In order to be true, consolation therefore needs an “other”. First of all, consolation is received, because, “it is God who consoles,” who gives this “gift.” Then true consolation also matures in another “other”, when one who has been consoled, consoles in turn. “Consolation is a state of transition from the gift received to the service given,” the Pope explains:

“True consolation has this twofold ‘otherness’: it is gift and service. And so it is, if I let the consolation of the Lord enter as a gift it is because I need to be consoled. I am in need: in order to be consoled, one must recognize oneself as being in need of consolation. Only then does the Lord come, console us, and give us the mission to console others. it is not easy to have one’s heart open to receive the gift and to serve, the two ‘alterities’ that make consolation possible.”

The teaching of the Beatitudes

An open heart is needful, then, and in order to be open a heart must be happy – and the Gospel Reading of the day tells us precisely “who are the happy, the ‘blessed’.”:

“The poor: the heart is opened with an attitude of poverty, of poverty of spirit; those who know how to cry, the meek ones, the meekness of heart; those hungry for justice who fight for justice; those who are merciful, who have mercy on others; the pure of heart; peace-makers and those who are persecuted for justice, for love of righteousness. Thus is the heart opened and [then] the Lord comes with the gift of consolation and the mission of consoling others.”

Those who have their heart closed

Such people are contrasted with those who are “closed” and feel “rich in spirit” – that is, “sufficient,” i.e., “those who do not need to cry because they feel they are in the right,” the violent who do not know what meekness is, the unjust who commit injustice, those who are without mercy, who never need to forgive because they do not feel the need to be forgiven, “the ones whose hearts are dirty,” the “makers of war” and not of peace, and those who are never criticized or persecuted because injustice done to other people is of no concern to them. “These,” Pope Francis says, “have a closed heart.” They are not happy because the gift of consolation cannot enter their closed hearts, and so they cannot give it in turn to those who need it.

Open the door of the heart

In conclusion, Pope Francis asked the faithful to think about their own hearts, whether they are open and able to ask for the gift of consolation and then give it to others as a gift from the Lord, saying that we need to return during the course of each day to this consideration, and thank the Lord, who “always seeks to console us,” and “asks us to open the doors of our hearts even only just a little bit.” Then, said Pope Francis, “[The Lord] will find a way in.” 

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Prottests agains martial law in the southern Philippines and clashes between security forces and a local terrorist group in Mindanao made Independence Day celebrations on June 12 "a farce," according to a Catholic bishop.  "As long as there is martial law and unrest in Marawi City, the 'independence' of our nation is a farce," said Bishop Arturo Bastes from northern Sorsogon Diocese.  The celebration has been marred by protest rallies and demonstrations condemning ongoing clashes and martial law in Mindanao.  Bishop Bastes said by declaring martial law, the government "trample[s] on the freedom of citizens." "People are not in the mood for celebrating" the nation’s independence, Bishop Bastes said, adding in a way he supported the demonstrations against the declaration of martial law. 

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law across the southern region of Mindanao on May 23 after the Maute, a local terrorist group, claiming to have ties with the so-called Islamic State, attempted to occupy Marawi, following a failed attempt by security forces to capture a leading terrorist.  In retaliation, the terrorists invaded the city’s cathedral and took Fr. Teresito Suganob, the vicar-general of the Prelature ‎of ‎Marawi, and several staff as hostage.

Almost the entire population of about 200,000 fled from Marawi , but still some 500-1,000 civilians are believed to be trapped or held hostage.  As of Saturday the number of security forces killed in the battle for Marawi stood at 58. The death toll for civilians was 20 and more than 100 had been killed overall.

Bishop Ruperto Santos of Bataan said the crisis in the southern Philippines is a call for all Filipinos to be "more patriotic, to be truly one, and united to love and labor for the good of the country." "We should work together to build our country, not to break it, to do our best and be a blessing to one another, not to divide nor destroy," said the prelate.

‎119th Philippine Independence Day ‎

Filipinos celebrated the country's 119th Independence Day on Monday.  It was the first time since the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos that the country was celebrating Independence Day with a portion of the country under martial law.  In flag-raising ceremonies in Marawi City, soldiers and civilians wept to see the southern city being destroyed. Gunfire and the sound of explosions from air strikes could be heard.          

In Manila, Duterte skipped the flag-raising ceremony at the Rizal Park. Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, who represented the President, said Duterte was not feeling well. The President, in his Independence Day message, earlier urged Filipinos to preserve Philippine sovereignty.

Bishops, others petition SC intervention on martial law

Last week, 3 other bishops have joined a petition asking the Supreme Court to compel Congress to hold a joint session and review President Duterte’s martial law in Mindanao.  The petition was filed on Wednesday by Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo and Mother Adelaida Ygrubay, OSB, along with several student council leaders.  Bishop Pabillo said the joint session is necessary to find out, once and for all, if a martial law is necessary in the entire Mindanao. 

Other petitioners include Bishop Antonio Tobias of Novaliches and Bishop Emeritus Deogracias Iniguez of Kalookan and former senator Wigberto Tañada.  Earlier, opposition lawmakers had filed a petition before the SC to question the legality of the martial law.

Catholic bishops in Mindanao had earlier acknowledged the need for martial law in the strife-torn region but only as a “temporary” measure.   (Source: UCAN/CBCP News)

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The Lesotho Catholic Bishop’s Conference together with the Inter-Regional Meeting of Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA) have commended the people of Lesotho for the peaceful manner in which they voted in a snap election called by the country's out-going Prime Minister, Pakalitha Mosisili, who last week conceded defeat.

“Overall the elections were peaceful and well organised. Though there is room to improve on some challenges identified above. As Church we applaud this and that it must lead to a long lasting process of how Basotho people relate to each other,” said the Bishops in a “2017 Kingdom of Lesotho National Assembly Elections Preliminary Report.” 

Tom Thabane of the All Basotho Convention (ABC) party is set to bounce back as Prime Minister. In 2014, Thabane fled Lesotho for South Africa claiming an army plot to assassinate him.

In their report, the Bishops appeal to the people of Lesotho to embrace peace, reconciliation and reforms.

“The Kingdom of Lesotho needs deep soul-searching as a nation with regards to peace, reconciliation and dialogue. It seems there is a lot of rivalry, anger, revenge and hatred amongst the Basotho, who should really enjoy peace, nation building, development and the joy of God’s love. The new government must facilitate and model a structure of national dialogue based on truth and reconciliation,” the Bishops said in their report.

On 7 September 2014, Pope Francis during the Angelus in St. Peter’ Square made a passionate plea for peace in Lesotho.

“I condemn all acts of violence and ask that the Lord will restore to the Kingdom of Lesotho peace that is rooted in justice and fraternity,” the Holy Father said at the time.

Lesotho’s military and the country’s police have a history of divided loyalty leading to political instability. 

Regional leaders and local Church officials weary of the army’s involvement in the political affairs of Lesotho have often appealed to politicians to desist from abusing state institutions for their own political interests. The Catholic Bishops’ post-election report underscores this concern when the criticise the presence of armed military personnel at polling stations.

“Despite all the above mentioned best practices, there were some challenges observed during the polling process.  These included the presence of the military around some polling stations. They ranged between 4 to 6 in full new uniforms and holding new arms. This was intimidating to some voters. Even the IEC clearly announced on the radio that the military had no role to play in the voting process,” the Bishops said in the report. They add, “Strictly soldiers have no role to play in elections. They should not be found in and around the voting stations at all! -except in cases where they transport election materials in the mountain areas,” The Bishops said.

It remains to be seen if the new government can forge a process that that brings about healing to a divided nation. Last week, Southern Africa’s political commentators were amazed by remarks attributed to Lesotho’s outgoing deputy Prime Minister, Mothetjoa Metsing. The Lesotho Times reported the out-going deputy premier as saying the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) needed to be protected from the Prime-Minister elect (Tom Thabane) for their role in propping up the out-going government. 

Hopes are now pinned on the regional block, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to facilitate much-needed reforms that would usher in inclusive policies; respect of the country’s institutions and generally halt endemic political instability.

In theory and with political will from all concerned, this should be something do-able. Lesotho is a small Southern Africa mountain kingdom of just 2 million people. South Africa surrounds it. The country gained independence from Britain in 1966. The King, Letsie III, is head of a constitutional monarchy. His duties as monarch are ceremonial.

(Fr. Paul Samasumo, Vatican Radio)

paul.samasumo@spc.va

(Find below the full report of the Bishops)

Lesotho Catholic Bishop’s Conference & IMBISA Issues a Report on Lesotho

2017 KINGDOM OF LESOTHO NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS PRELIMINARY REPORT

1.0 Introduction

This is a report on the Lesotho National Assembly elections held on the 3rd of June 201. The Lesotho Catholic Bishops’ Conference has mandated the Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) to work in collaboration with Inter-Regional Meeting of Catholic Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA) to observe the 2017 elections. Having been accredited by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), CCJP deployed approximately 120 observers in about 50 constituencies. Some were stationery while some were mobile observers.  

The report therefore focuses on what transpired on the day of voting. This will be based on three main situational aspects, that is:

Before Poll Opening;
During Voting and
Poll Closing.

2.0 Before Poll Opening

Generally the polling stations opened exactly at 07:00 hours or slightly a few minutes later in the morning. The polling stations were correctly identified with both name and number appearing on the gate or entrance to the station. All voting material were in place before the start of the voting. These included the voters roll, ballots, candidate lists and pens. Braille voting material for the blind were at most polling stations. The ballot boxes were empty prior to voting.

3.0 During Voting

During voting the voters would spent on average 3 to 4 minutes before leaving the voting room. Generally voting went on smoothly. The IEC needs to be applauded for their excellent facilitation and adherence to all the requirements of the voting procedure, in particular:

The officials were professional, showing that they were trained well to manage the election process. The station managers were present in all the polling rooms responsible for supervising all the processes inside the polling room. Generally they were very cooperative and provided all the information requested by the observers and they were very attentive throughout the whole process with no signs of tiring. The IEC Staff were also visible due to the regalia they were putting on i.e. T-shirts and hats. It made the observers and voters to easily identify them. Their voices were also clear in terms of announcing/calling out the names of voters to all the people who were present in the room i.e. party agents, observers and other IEC officials. It was observed that each official knew his/her role. This was consistent from one polling station to the other.

In most of the station, every incoming voter, before getting his or her ballot, got a sufficient explanation of the process. Therefore, only a few voters (e.g. elderly) needed assistance.

There were very few spoiled ballot papers, which can be attributed to people becoming used to voting in short space of times in Lesotho. So voters need not much assistance.

In cases where voting happened at school premises, the voting rooms were alphabetically allocated, and clearly marked on the door so that a voter would get into the correct voting room easily. Voters could not get lost, in terms of which room to go to cast his or her vote. It was observed that voter names were being checked and marked off before ballots were issued to them. This was done inclusive of the party agents and the IEC officials. It was noticed that each voting officer checked each voter’s hand for ink stains prior to issuing a ballot paper.

In some cases the layout of the voting booths was secret. Though this needs much more improvement. Those voters who needed assistance were being assisted. It was noticed that the elderly were being given preference to vote and that their vote was secret. Those who were physically challenged had assistance offered promptly by the IEC officials.

Those voters who did not have the registration cards but had their names appearing on the voters roll were allowed to vote, provided they produced alternative forms of passport, driving license or National Identity Card. In the absence of any of these documents; the Chief or his/her representative and or those present in the voting station witnessed the voter.

Voters were casting their ballots peacefully without any noticeable form of coercion, intimidation, bribery or interference. Political party agents were in each voting room. These ranged in number because out all the contesting 30 political parties, some were not contesting in other constituencies. This brings the number of party agents to an average of 12 per voting station.

The police were present in most polling stations. They were aided by assistant police officers who were trained cadres from amongst civilians.

Media representatives were seen at some polling stations. Additionally, the Catholic Church provided a phone-in platform in collaboration with Radio Maria. All the information was provided live by the observers who were on the ground. Furthermore, they created a whatsapp platform to continually communicate and share information with everyone.

Generally the voting was done under peaceful conditions, with no incidences of violence observed.

Most if not all formal retailers, shops, markets. Bottle stores and other public places were closed during the voting period.

4.0 Challenges

Despite all the above mentioned best practices, there were some challenges observed during the polling process.  These included the presence of the military around some polling stations. They ranged between 4 to 6 in full new uniforms and holding new arms. This was intimidating to some voters. Even the IEC clearly announced on radio that the military had no role to play in the voting process.
Another observed challenge was the lack of adequate and spacious voting rooms at Ratjomose polling station, which was someone’s house. Everyone was squashed in small stuffy rooms, were one could hardly breathe. The smell of gas and kerosene was chocking. The ballot boxes were always not easily noticeable.

Most of the polling stations had no visible signs or indications on the road to show or indicate where the polling stations were. One could easily miss a polling station if was not directed.

Some voting stations were difficult to reach and or enter for physically challenged people, especially those using the wheelchair. The challenges included gaps not bridged for wheelchairs, steps in front of the rooms.

It seems the way the voting booths were installed compromised the voting secrecy. One could easily see the way someone was voting. It was also observed that the voting booth decks were too high for those physically challenged and were on wheel chairs.
It was observed that there was no IEC logo on ballot papers. This may present some problems in event that someone lost the election. 
Some voters were visibly drunk or smelling beer and were a bit of some nuisance in some polling stations. Some could be seen drinking whilst in their cars waiting to cast their vote or just milling around the polling station after voting.

Some voting rooms had very long queues. This was caused by the alphabetical allocations done by IEC. Some voters complained about this and this concerned especially surnames starting with the letter M or N were all put in one voting room.

5.0 Polling Closing

The polling ended well and all those who wished to cast their vote managed to do so before the polls closed. Ballots were immediately sealed with all officials present. Then counting was done.

6.0 Recommendations

As Church we recommend that there is need for real peace and reconciliation among the political elite in Lesotho, so that they must preserve the heritage of the country the people, their values of life, costumes and gains from their ancestress.

The Kingdom of Lesotho need deep soul searching as a nation with regards to peace, reconciliation and dialogue. It seems there is a lot of rivalry, anger, revenge and hatred amongst the Basotho, who should really enjoy peace, nation building, development and the joy of God’s love.

The new government must facilitate and model a structure of national dialogue based on truth and reconciliation.

Strictly soldiers have no role to play in elections. They should not be found in and around the voting stations at all!!except in cases where they transport elections materials in the mountain areas

Visible signs should put on the main road to show where polling stations are.

The level and standard of professionalism and how the IEC conducted the elections should be maintained in Lesotho. Congratulations!

The IEC should consider basic human rights needs to all elections officials such as water, decent sanitary facilities, food etc

The electoral law should clearly mention specific buildings or facilities which qualify to be set as voting station e.g. primary schools, local government facilities etc.

IEC should consider the right time of the year to hold the plebiscite, for instance during winter it may deter others to vote because it is too cold.

Media rooms should be created at polling stations such that candidates especially political leaders who will be interviewed will not disrupt the smooth flow or process of voting. Their interview on TV or Radio was seen as campaigning as well.

7.0 Conclusion

Overall the elections were peaceful and well organized. Though there is room to improve on some challenges identified above. As Church we applaud this and that it must lead to a long lasting process of how as Basotho people relate with each other.

We wait for the next phase of the election process pronouncement of final results. There is a future for this country. It is not enough to talk about principles, state intentions, and point out injustice; these words will lack real weight or meaning unless they are accompanied by a greater awareness of personal responsibility and through effective action by all. It is too easy to throw back on others the responsibility for injustice, if one does not realize how each one of us is involved in it. This is why personal conversion is needed first. The Christian's hope for a better society comes primarily from the fact that we know that the Lord Jesus Christ is working with us in the world. (Pope Paul VI, Octogesima Adveniens. A Call to Action, No. 48).

The wining parties become the government until they are voted out. The government does not belong to the political party, neither the party belongs to the government. It is a party led government that belongs to all citizens. It is not acceptable for a ruling party to be vengeful against citizens that would not have voted them into power. A good leader treats all citizens with respect and dignity and offers all citizens equal opportunities as much as possible (CCJP 2007). Jesus speaks to all of us and says “so always treat others as you would like them to treat you; that is the law and the prophets” (Mathew 7: 12).

Those who will form government must ensure that quick reforms processes are rolled out; that they rejuvenate the Lesotho’s governance structures and they restore respect for human rights of all citizens and maintain the rule of law.

May God of peace and love bless Lesotho and Basotho

For More information contact:

Booi Mohapi (Executive Secretary of Justice & Peace Lesotho)      

 

                                                                             

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Zambia’s Bishop of Monze Diocese and episcopal Chairperson of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB)'s Communication ministry, Moses Hamungole has urged Catholic Radio stations to be inclusive in their programming by giving a platform to even non-Catholics as this would bring about communion in the body Christ.

Bishop Hamungole was speaking recently during a 4-day training programme on Online Journalism and grant proposal writing skills for Diocesan Communications Secretaries and Catholic Radio station managers held at Kasisi Retreat Centre on the outskirts of the capital, Lusaka.

Bishop Hamungole also encouraged Catholic Radio stations to continue producing not only religious programmes but also material that touch on all aspects of human life.

“It is also important that you do not segregate between our Church members and non-Catholics, this is a greater way of promoting communion in the body of Christ,” he said.

Bishop Hamungole noted that there are few media houses run by the Catholic Church in the country and therefore appealed to them to put to good use grants received from various partners and funders.

The Bishop of Monze further cautioned Catholic Radio stations not to sway from the mandate of the Church as they continue to receive professional media awards. He noted that it’s easy to deviate from the mission of the Church when too much praise is given.

The training was made possible by Pontifical Missions Societies (PMS) support through SIGNIS application projects.

(Mwenya Mukuka, Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops' commmunication officer)

Email: engafrica@vatiradio.va

 

 

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(Vatican Radio) A statement from the Institute for the Works of Religion, popularly known as the Vatican Bank, published its annual financial report on Monday, showing net gains of €36 million for the year 2016.

That figure is more than twice the €16.1 million income of the previous year, which the statement says was achieved through “a prudent approach in managing IOR’s investments in a year characterised by high volatility, global political uncertainty due to unexpected outcomes of major electoral events and low interest rates”.

The statement shows that in 2016 the IOR served nearly 15,000 clients worldwide, who entrusted to the Institute assets worth € 5.7 billion.

Please see below the full statement from the Institute for the Works of Religion (IOR)

Vatican City, 12 June 2017 – For the fifth year, the Istituto per le Opere di Religione (IOR) has published its financial statements. The financial statements have been audited by the independent audit firm Deloitte & Touche S.p.A. The Board of Superintendence of the Istituto per le Opere di Religione unanimously approved the 2016 financial statements on April 26 and proposed to the Cardinals Commission the distribution of the entire amount of profits to the Holy See. In 2016 IOR has continued to serve with prudence and provide specialized financial services to the Catholic Church worldwide and the Vatican City state. The highlights are as follows.

• In 2016 the IOR served nearly 15,000 clients worldwide who entrusted to the IOR assets worth Euro 5.7 billion at the end of the year (Euro 5.8 billion in 2015), of which Euro 3.7 billion related to assets under management and under custody. Many initiatives were taken throughout the year to increase customer focus in accordance with IOR’s mission.

• The Institute continued to reduce its operational expenses, which decreased to Euro 19.1 million from Euro 23.4 million in 2015 notably due to rationalisation of contracts with service providers. • The 2016 operating income was Euro 44.1 million (Euro 45.4 million in 2015). The major contribution (Euro 46 million) came from the management of IOR’s balance sheet (proprietary portfolio). The net result was Euro 36 million (Euro 16.1 million in 2015). • This result has been achieved thanks to a prudent approach in managing IOR’s investments in a year characterised by high volatility, global political uncertainty due to unexpected outcomes of major electoral events and low interest rates.

• As of 31 December 2016, the Institute’s equity - net of distributed profits - amounted to Euro 636.6 million, corresponding to a 64.5% CET1 ratio, highlighting high solvency and low risk profile. Other achievements In addition to achieving those economic and financial results, the Institute has also met the organizational objectives envisaged by the 2016 business plan, among which the most important were: - 2 - - IOR’s governance, risks control and compliance in general The IOR has consolidated and strengthened its internal governance and internal control system. The Institute has notably defined and implemented a Risk Appetite Framework, and has continued to adapt to the new AIF regulatory framework whilst seeking consistency with international best practices. - Disclosure and tax matters with the Republic of Italy The Agreement between the Republic of Italy and the Holy See on tax matters entered into force on the 15th of October 2016. It opened the way to the inclusion of the Holy See in the tax “white list” of the Republic of Italy on the 23rd of March 2017.

Contacts: press@ior.va     

Visit www.ior.va website for further information

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By Cindy Wooden

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis is giving priests belonging to the Diocese of Ahiara, Nigeria, 30 days to write a letter promising obedience to him and accepting the bishop appointed for their diocese or they will be suspended.

The papal text in English was posted June 9 on the blog of Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Jos, president of the Nigerian bishops' conference. Cardinal John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan of Abuja told Catholic News Service the same day that the text was what Pope Francis said. The Vatican press office released the text June 10.

Nigerian church leaders had met Pope Francis June 8 to discuss the situation of Bishop Peter Ebere Okpaleke, who was appointed bishop of Ahiara by then-Pope Benedict XVI in 2012, but who has been unable to take control of the diocese because of protests, apparently by the majority of priests.

Initially the Vatican issued only a short communique on the meeting with the pope, describing the situation in the diocese as "unacceptable" and saying the pope "reserved the right to take appropriate measures."

The protests were motivated by the fact that Bishop Okpaleke is not a local priest.

In the full text posted later, Pope Francis told the Nigerian leaders, "I think that, in this case, we are not dealing with tribalism, but with an attempted taking of the vineyard of the Lord." The pope also referred to "the parable of the murderous tenants" in Matthew 21:33-44.

"Whoever was opposed to Bishop Okpaleke taking possession of the diocese wants to destroy the church. This is forbidden," the pope said.

Pope Francis said he even had considered "suppressing the diocese, but then I thought that the church is a mother and cannot abandon her many children."

Instead, he said, every priest of the diocese, whether residing in Nigeria or abroad, is to write a letter to him asking for forgiveness because "we all must share this common sorrow."

Each priest's letter, he said, "must clearly manifest total obedience to the pope" and indicate a willingness "to accept the bishop whom the pope sends and has appointed."

"The letter must be sent within 30 days, from today to July 9th, 2017. Whoever does not do this will be ipso facto suspended 'a divinis' and will lose his current office," the pope said, according to the posts.

"This seems very hard, but why must the pope do this?" Pope Francis asked. "Because the people of God are scandalized. Jesus reminds us that whoever causes scandal must suffer the consequences."

Bishop Okpaleke, the contested bishop, also met the pope and was joined in Rome by other Nigerian bishops and a handful of priests making an unusual kind of visit "ad limina apostolorum" (to the threshold of the apostles) in early June.

While "ad limina" visits usually are done in national groups, the Vatican communique described the Ahiara diocesan visit using the same term. It noted that the nine-person delegation prayed at the tombs of St. Peter and St. Paul and in the Basilica of St. Mary Major.

They also participated in a private celebration of the Mass June 8 with Pope Francis. The Vatican did not say if the pope gave a homily.

Later in the day, the pope held a private audience with the group. Members also had met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, and with Cardinal Fernando Filoni and other top officials from the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples to examine what the Vatican called the "painful situation of the church in Ahiara."

When Bishop Okpaleke was appointed to the diocese, the announcement was met by protests and petitions calling for the appointment of a bishop from among the local clergy.

Nevertheless, he was ordained a bishop in May 2013, although the ordination took place not in the Ahiara diocese, but at a seminary in the Archdiocese of Owerri.

Ahiara is in Mbaise, a predominantly Catholic region of Imo state in southern Nigeria. Bishop Okpaleke is from Anambra state, which borders Imo to the north.

A petition to Pope Benedict launched by the "Coalition of Igbo Catholics" said, "That no priest of Mbaise origin is a bishop today ... is mind boggling. Mbaise has embraced, enhanced the growth of and sacrificed for the Catholic Church, has more priests per capita than any other diocese in Nigeria and certainly more than enough pool of priests qualified to become the next bishop of the episcopal see of Ahiara Diocese, Mbaise."

According to the Vatican, the diocese has close to 423,000 Catholics and 110 diocesan priests.

Trying to calm the situation, in July 2013 Pope Francis appointed Cardinal Onaiyekan to serve as apostolic administrator of the diocese, and the following December he sent Ghanaian Cardinal Peter Turkson, then-president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, to Ahiara to listen to the concerns of the diocesan priests and local laity.

Cardinal Onaiyekan joined Bishop Okpaleke on the "ad limina" visit to Rome, as did Archbishop Anthony Obinna of Owerri and Archbishop Kaigama. Three priests, a religious sister and a traditional elder also made the trip.

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IMAGE: CNS photo/L'Osservatore Romano

By Cindy Wooden

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Generosity, hard work, solidarity and a recognition of the dignity of the human person are essential for facing the major challenges posed by natural disasters, a large influx of migrants and a crisis in creating jobs, especially for young people, Pope Francis told Italian President Sergio Mattarella.

Making a formal visit June 10 to the Quirinal Palace, Italy's presidential residence, Pope Francis said he looks at Italy with hope because "the dignity of the person, family and work" are values that inspired generations of Italians -- including his forebears -- and continue to inspire people today.

Using those values to "transform challenges into occasions for growth," he said, is seen particularly in "the welcoming of the numerous refugees who have landed on your shores," the rescue work in the Mediterranean carried out by Italian ships and the vast network of volunteers who assist the newly arrived migrants.

Still, Pope Francis said, it is not right that Italy and a handful of other countries have been left taking care of so many migrants and refugees. "It is indispensable and urgent to develop broad and incisive international cooperation" to assist, resettle and help integrate the new arrivals.

"Sentiments and attitudes that find their most genuine source in the Christian faith" also are seen in how Italians responded when central Italy was struck by strong earthquakes in August and October 2016, the pope said.

Joining him for the visit by Pope Francis, President Mattarella invited 200 young people from the regions struck by the earthquakes. The pope and president mingled with them at the end of the visit, shaking hands and posing for photographs.

In his formal speech, the pope also urged the Italian government to do more to favor "an alliance of synergies and initiatives so that financial resources" are devoted to job creation, particularly for young adults.

Mattarella told Pope Francis safeguarding the environment is another area where he sees a convergence of Christian values and the democratic ideal of seeking the common good.

Thanking Pope Francis for his encyclical, "Laudato Si'," the president affirmed Italy's ongoing commitment to the Paris climate agreement.

"Justice passes through the safeguarding of available resources and their equitable distribution," he told the pope.

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By Junno Arocho Esteves

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Too often, national and international policies leave migrant children at the mercy of traffickers and sexual predators and are signs of a widespread failure to protect the innocent, a Vatican official said.

In addition, policies that involve criminalizing and detaining child migrants "are an insult to human dignity" and are "the dramatic evidence of existing inequalities and failing systems," said Archbishop Ivan Jurkovic, Vatican observer to U.N. agencies in Geneva.

"The grave error of the detention model is that it considers the children as sole, isolated subjects responsible for the situations in which they find themselves and over which they have little, if any, control," the archbishop said. "This model wrongly absolves the international community at large from responsibilities that it regularly fails to fulfill."

Archbishop Jurkovic spoke about the plight of child migrants during a U.N. Human Rights Council panel discussion June 9 on "Unaccompanied migrant children and adolescents and human rights."

Children forced to flee without the protection of their parents or family members, he said, are given no options for a better life and are often "left at the lower levels of human degradation" due to lack of education and health care.

"They must be considered children first and foremost, and their best interest must be a primary consideration in all actions concerning them," Archbishop Jurkovic said.

The practice of detaining and criminalizing migrant children should "never be an option" given that such a practice, even if for a brief period, "can have lifelong consequences on a child's development," he said.

While the protection of all migrating people is "vital and essential, it is not enough," Archbishop Jurkovic added. The international community must step up its efforts to address the situations that force children to flee their homelands, situations that include war, violence, corruption, poverty and environmental disasters.

"A farsighted approach is urgently needed to tackle the tragic and intolerable situations that drive such a drastic increase in the number of children who abandon their lands of birth and search alone for refuge and hope for the future," he said.

Archbishop Jurkovic urged world leaders to promote an integral human development for the "hundreds of millions of children who are living in appalling conditions."

"Even while we are engaged in discussion and debate today, any number of these children will have joined the already huge odyssey of children on the move -- simply in search of safety, peace and of a fair chance in life," he said.

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Follow Arocho on Twitter: @arochoju.

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