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Bangalore, India, Feb 3, 2025 / 13:20 pm (CNA).

The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) has expressed condolences over the tragic death of at least 30 Hindu pilgrims and over 60 injured in a stampede Jan. 29 at the city of Prayagraj (Allahabad) in the northern Uttar Pradesh state.

"Kumbhmela" (meaning "festival of the sacred pitcher") is the largest single gathering in India. Occurring once every 12 years, it sees millions flock to Prayagraj for prayers and a holy dip at the confluence spot of the rivers Ganges and Yamuna and the mythologized Saraswati River, all considered sacred in Hinduism.

According to organizers, this year's six-week-long festival that began in mid-January is estimated to draw 400 million Hindus to Prayagraj, 340 miles south of New Delhi.

"It is heartbreaking to witness such a calamity during a sacred event that draws millions in devotion," said CCBI President Cardinal Filipe Neri at the Jan. 30 opening session of the bishops' assembly. The Catholic event is attended by 204 prelates from 132 Latin-rite dioceses in India.

"In this time of mourning, we, the bishops of India, unite in prayer for the departed souls and their loved ones. May God grant strength to the grieving families, healing to the injured, and eternal rest to those who have passed away," Neri said.

This is not the first deadly stampede at the Kumbhmela. Over 800 pilgrims were trampled or drowned in 1954, while 42 people were killed in a stampede at the Allahabad railway station in 2013. 

Earlier on Jan. 30 during a morning Mass, Cardinal Anthony Poola of Hyderabad requested a special Mass intention for the stampede victims.

The annual CCBI assembly is being held for the first time in the eastern Odisha state at the Jesuit Xavier University at Bhubaneswar, the state capital.

Local diocese assists police responding to crisis

Father Babu Francis, the social services director of the Diocese of Allahabad where the deadly incident took place, told CNA that responding to a request from the government, the diocese opened its four educational institutions around the "holy dip" confluence area for the police to rest.

"Many of the police on duty have been brought from distant places and they cannot afford to go and return to this crowded area. So, we have obliged the government request," Francis told CNA.

Meanwhile, the CCBI assembly also observed the "Martyrs' Day" on Jan. 30 with Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, the apostolic nuncio to India, garlanding a statue of Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion.

The "Martyrs' Day" observance in India marks the day Mahatma Gandhi — known as "Father of the Nation" — was assassinated in 1948.

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Lima Newsroom, Feb 3, 2025 / 13:50 pm (CNA).

A recent article published by the Spanish newspaper El País reported an accusation of alleged sexual abuse against Peruvian Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani that supposedly occurred in 1983 when he was a priest incardinated in Opus Dei. The cardinal has denied the accusation.

Born in Lima in 1943, Cipriani was ordained a priest of Opus Dei in August 1977. He was incardinated in the prelature until May 1988, when he was named by St. John Paul II as auxiliary bishop of Ayacucho, a diocese that was then at the epicenter of terrorism by the Shining Path maoist guerilla group.

In May 1995, he was named archbishop of that ecclesiastical see and in January 1999 he was named archbishop of Lima. In February 2001 he was created a cardinal, becoming the first cardinal formed in the Opus Dei apostolate.

In January 2019, Pope Francis accepted his resignation as archbishop of Lima when he turned 75. Following his resignation, Cipriani withdrew from the Peruvian public scene, in which he had been active since his years as a bishop.

However, last week his name turned up in the media again due to the article in El País. Below is a chronology of the case involving the Peruvian archbishop.

The accusation published by El País

On Jan. 24, the Spanish newspaper published an article claiming that Pope Francis had forced Cipriani to resign as head of the Archdiocese of Lima due to an accusation of inappropriate touching that he allegedly committed in 1983 with a teenager who is now 58 years old.

According to the newspaper, ecclesiastical sources in Lima stated that the alleged victim wrote a letter to Pope Francis in 2018. In addition, this person claims that he reported the abuse to Opus Dei when it happened but that the prelature did nothing.

Cipriani's first defense

On Jan. 25, Cipriani published a letter responding to El País in which he denied the accusations, saying that "it is a serious matter that information should be published in a partial manner that appears to come from confidential documentation held by the Holy See that I do not even have in my possession."

The cardinal said that in August 2018 he was informed of a complaint but that it was never handed to him. He also claimed that in December 2019, without any proceedings being opened against him, "the apostolic nuncio verbally informed me that the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith had imposed a series of penalties on me limiting my priestly ministry." In addition, he was asked to live outside of Peru and remain silent on the matter.

The archbishop emeritus also related that in February 2020 he had an audience with Pope Francis and, he said, the pope allowed him to resume his pastoral duties.

Opus Dei in Peru issues a statement

Likewise on Jan. 25, the regional vicar of Opus Dei in Peru, Father Ángel Gómez-Hortigüela, reported in a statement that "there is no record of any formal process during the years in which, as a priest, Father Juan Luis Cipriani was incardinated in Opus Dei."

However, he admitted that in 2018 he did not accept a request to meet with the complainant because "he knew that he could not interfere with a formal accusation already initiated with the Holy See, which is the appropriate course when it comes to a cardinal." He also noted that he reacted "thinking that this meeting might not be positive."

"Today I realize that I could have offered him a personal, human, and spiritual reception, which I do know he did receive from other people in Opus Dei," he added.

The Vatican confirms the measures against Cipriani

On Jan. 26, the director of the Vatican Press Office, Matteo Bruni, confirmed that after resigning as archbishop of Lima, Cipriani received "a penal precept with certain disciplinary measures regarding his public activity, place of residence, and use of insignia."

"Although on specific occasions certain permissions were granted to respond to requests due to the age and family situation of the cardinal, at present, this precept remains in force," Bruni said.

Statements by archbishop of Lima, Peruvian bishops 

In the context of these events, the archbishop of Lima, Cardinal Carlos Castillo, and the president's office of the Peruvian Bishops' Conference (CEC, by its Spanish acronym) each published a statement on Jan. 28.

"In response to the statements" by Bruni, the archbishop published his Letter to the People of God to affirm his solidarity with the victims of abuse and to highlight the work of Pope Francis to punish these crimes.

In his letter, the prelate does not mention Cipriani's name but asks "to recognize the truth of the facts" in light of investigations carried out in recent months and thanks the "journalists who have been collaborating in protecting the victims."

For its part, the CEC president's office published a statement stating that the measures were applied to the cardinal "once the veracity of the facts was ascertained."

"We regret the pain suffered by the victim of abuse," it added.

Cipriani's second defense

From Madrid, where he resides, on Jan. 29 Cipriani released a second letter in which he reaffirmed that he has not committed any crime or sexual abuse "neither in 1983, nor before, nor after."

"I am obliged to clarify," he added, "that when the nuncio in Peru transmitted to me the precept with which the congregation limited some of my faculties, I signed it, declaring in writing at the same time that the accusation was absolutely false."

Cipriani also reiterated that he has not been able to defend himself against the accusation and charged that he is the object of a "campaign of attempted harassment and destruction" of his dignity and honor.

At the time of publication of this article, the Vatican has not officially reported whether any criminal proceedings have been carried out against the Peruvian cardinal. 

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA's Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

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Vatican City, Feb 3, 2025 / 14:20 pm (CNA).

Pope Francis said Monday that Blessed Carlo Acutis shows young people that "the fullness of life" in today's world is found in following Jesus.

Speaking to Catholic pilgrims from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland on Feb. 3, the pope shared a special message for young people, pointing to the soon-to-be canonized Acutis as an example of joyful discipleship.

"As part of this year's events, on 27 April we will celebrate the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis," Francis said. "This young saint of and for our times shows you, and all of us, how possible it is in today's world for young people to follow Jesus, share his teachings with others, and so find the fullness of life in joy, freedom, and holiness."

The pope then urged young Catholics to embrace their role in the Church, quoting his apostolic exhortation Christus Vivit: "May the Holy Spirit urge you on … The Church needs your momentum, your intuitions, your faith. We need them!" 

The papal audience with the pilgrimage group organized by the Nordic bishops' conference is one of many such audiences for the 88-year-old pope this year as pilgrims travel to Rome from across the globe for the 2025 Jubilee Year.

Reflecting on the theme of the jubilee — "Pilgrims of Hope" — Pope Francis encouraged the Scandinavian Catholics to be strengthened in their faith.

"It is my prayer, then, that your hope will be strengthened during these days," he said. "You are surely already aware of signs of hope in your home countries, for the Church in your lands, while small, is growing in numbers."

Despite a high level of secularization, the Catholic Church in the Nordic countries continues to expand, experiencing an annual 2% growth due to immigration, conversions, and flourishing communities, according to the National Catholic Register, CNA's sister news partner. 

The pope attributed this increase to God's providence. 

"It always grows," he said. "We can thank Almighty God that the seeds of faith planted and watered there by generations of persevering pastors and people are bearing fruit. Nor should this surprise us, because God is always faithful to his promises!"

The pope also reminded the pilgrims that their journey did not end in Rome but was part of a lifelong commitment to discipleship and evangelization.

"As you visit the various holy sites in the Eternal City, especially the tombs of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, I also pray that your faith in the Lord Jesus, and your awareness of belonging to him and to one another in the communion of the Church, will be nourished and deepened," he said.

He urged the pilgrims to bring the spirit of their journey back home, emphasizing that faith is meant to be shared with others.

"A pilgrimage does not end but shifts its focus to the daily 'pilgrimage of discipleship' and the call to persevere in the task of evangelization," he said. "In this regard, I would encourage your vibrant Catholic communities to cooperate with your fellow Christians, for in these challenging times, scarred by war in Europe and around the world, how much our human family needs a unified witness to the reconciliation, healing, and peace that can come only from God."

"There can be no greater 'work' than transmitting the saving message of the Gospel to others, and we are called to do this especially for those on the margins," Pope Francis said.

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Rome Newsroom, Feb 3, 2025 / 11:50 am (CNA).

After a U.S abuse watchdog slammed the Philippines' bishops for not taking action against clergy accused of sexual abuse, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David urged Filipino Catholics to report priests accused of misconduct to both Church and civil authorities.

Days after BishopsAccountability.org on Jan. 29 launched its Philippines database, which lists 82 priests and brothers publicly accused of abusing minors, David insisted the country's Catholics must report "erring priests." 

"Please don't hesitate to file complaints against abusive clerics whether in the civil or Church forums," David insisted in a Jan. 31 statement. "[Pope Francis] has been insistent on putting up structures of check and balance and accountability to prevent past mistakes from happening again."

David conceded the Church is "not always successful" in keeping accused clergy accountable and needs "the help and participation of our laypeople, including our professional journalists" to protect minors and vulnerable adults from abuse. 

The database also includes allegations about Filipino priests who served in the U.S. and priests from other countries — the United States, Ireland, and Australia — who served in the Philippines.

Regarding U.S. priests, David said the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is "at a loss" on how to take appropriate action against suspended clergy attempting to engage in active ministry or who may be in hiding in the country.

"It's important that the local bishops to whom they are incardinated in the States should inform us bishops in the Philippines about such cases," the cardinal said. 

The Philippine Daily Inquirer on Jan. 31 reported two bishops from the Visayas region issued separate statements addressing accusations leveled against clergy belonging to their dioceses.

Archbishop Jose Palma said most of the men mentioned by BishopsAccountability.org linked to the Archdiocese of Cebu had been dismissed from service or were dead. He noted three clergy had been reintegrated into the archdiocese after the required legal and canonical processes, reported the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said two priests called out by the U.S. abuse watchdog connected to the Diocese of San Carlos "are still under ecclesiastical review" by the diocesan safeguarding office.

"The diocese is steadfastly committed to cooperating with civil authorities and the Philippine courts to ensure a fair and just process," Alminaza said in a statement last week.

Under Pope Francis, the Vatican has set up institutional processes and structures, including the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, to accompany and assist local Churches' safeguarding ministries.

Following Rome's mandate, the CBCP established the Office on the Protection of Minors, headed by Archbishop Florentino Lavarias. Each Philippine diocese is required to have a diocesan safeguarding office supervised by the local bishop.

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CNA Staff, Feb 3, 2025 / 06:00 am (CNA).

Catholics in Kansas last week drove a truckload of supplies more than 1,600 miles to Los Angeles to bring some relief to the faithful there who have been devastated by recent wildfires. 

Deacon Greg Trum and his wife, Barb, told CNA they were moved to help residents of Los Angeles while putting Christmas decorations away in the storage space of their Leawood, Kansas, home. 

"Barb said, 'Hey, if something's been in the storage area for a year and we haven't needed it, it needs to go,'" Trum said, adding that his wife further expressed that she wished they could get some of their belongings to victims of the Los Angeles fires. 

Trum's response? "We could probably load up a truck and do something."

The Trums asked their pastor, Father Brian Schieber at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, if they could organize the parish to donate supplies. They contacted Paul Escala, the superintendent of Catholic schools in Los Angeles, to determine what parishioners in that city might need. The effort ultimately focused on students and others at St. Elizabeth Catholic School in Altadena.

They put the word out to the St. Michael community. "The response was overwhelming," the deacon said. "Immediately people started bringing things in."

The effort began at the St. Michael the Archangel parish school. Trum said the principal told the several hundred children of the school: "If you woke up and had nothing, what would you need? Bring that to these kids." 

"We got a ton of school supplies, cleaning supplies, toiletries, and bedding," Trum said. "It was originally somewhat focused on the school. But once we knew we were going to overwhelm the school [in Los Angeles] with the supplies, we opened it to family needs."

Organizers quickly saw that the volume of goods being donated by the parish would require a truck to transport it. Trum was able to secure transportation at a bargain rate. 

"I was in the commercial tire business," he said. "One of my customers was Penske Truck." 

"I didn't want to get gouged," Trum said with a laugh. "I called them up and told them about it and said, will you give us a deal?"

According to the deacon, the company responded: "We'll give you a really good deal — we'll give you a truck!" All it cost the church was gas, Trum said. 

A fellow parishioner, Mike Pollock, oversaw the logistics of boxing up and organizing the supplies. The deacon ultimately rode out with another friend and fellow Catholic, Mike Klover. 

On the way out, they stopped at a Catholic parish in Topeka that had heard about the effort and wanted to add supplies to the truck. The city was directly on the route to Los Angeles, so the drivers stopped and loaded up more donations. 

After that, "the only room we had on our truck was our two suitcases," the deacon said. "Mother Mary was definitely in charge, making sure things went well."

Both the St. Elizabeth church and school survived, but many members of the parish and school lost their homes in the surrounding area.

The duo traveled a total of 1,653 miles to get to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Pasadena, where the supplies would be dropped off for the nearby St. Elizabeth Parish. 

"We had a 3:30 appointment, and we were there at 3:15," Trum said. Many members of the community turned out to help unload the truck, including Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop Brian Nunes.

Trum and Klover stayed overnight two nights with the religious sisters at the Sacred Heart Retreat House in Alhambra before heading back to Kansas. 

For Barb Trum, the experience was the fruit of a dedication to Christ and the Virgin Mary. "We have a very deep devotion to the Blessed Mother," she told CNA. "You have to stay very close to the sacraments every day, whether it's daily Mass, the Eucharist, reconciliation, or adoration."

She urged the faithful to "have an open heart to do God's work and build up the kingdom of God." She pointed to the Gospel directive in which the faithful are told "if you have two things you're supposed to give one to someone who needs it." 

"When Jesus calls, we respond," she said. "That's what we did."

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CNA Newsroom, Feb 2, 2025 / 07:30 am (CNA).

In a profound reflection delivered during Sunday's Angelus prayer, Pope Francis emphasized how Jesus Christ reveals the ultimate criterion by which all history is judged: love.

"Whoever loves lives, whoever hates dies," the pope told pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square on Feb. 2, the feast of the Presentation of the Lord.

The Holy Father also renewed his urgent appeal for peace in conflict zones worldwide, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo's North Kivu province, where armed groups continue to terrorize communities and millions have been displaced. "War destroys, devastates everything, takes lives, and leads to a disregard for life itself," he said, adding that "war is always a defeat."

Drawing from the Gospel of Luke (2:22-40), which recounts Mary and Joseph bringing the infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem, Pope Francis focused his catechesis on three significant aspects of Christ revealed through Simeon's prophecy: salvation, light, and a sign of contradiction.

"God is present among his people — not because he dwells within four walls, but because he lives as a man among men," Francis explained, highlighting the radical newness of this moment in salvation history.

The pope noted how Mary and Joseph were "deeply moved and astonished" as Simeon identified Jesus through these three significant words: salvation, light, and a sign of contradiction.

Explaining the first aspect, Francis emphasized that Jesus embodies universal salvation, calling it "an awe-inspiring truth emphasizing that God's redemptive love is fully embodied in one person."

Regarding the second characteristic, the pope described how Jesus illuminates the world "much like the rising sun, dispelling the darkness of suffering, evil, and death" that continues to afflict humanity today.

Finally, addressing Jesus as a sign of contradiction, Francis explained how Christ reveals the deeper truths of human hearts, with history ultimately judged by the criterion of love.

Concluding his reflection, the pope encouraged the faithful to examine their spiritual expectations, asking: "What am I waiting for in my life? What is my greatest hope? Does my heart desire to see the face of the Lord?"

He then invited all to pray together that Mary "may accompany us through the lights and shadows of history on our journey to the Lord."

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ACI Africa, Feb 2, 2025 / 09:00 am (CNA).

Amid the escalation of violence, the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) has scaled up humanitarian response in Goma, a city in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where violence has resulted in a humanitarian crisis.

In a Jan. 29 report, the leadership of the aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales said the situation in Goma has worsened due to escalating conflict, underscoring the need for a heightened humanitarian response.

"Our local experts remain in Goma, working tirelessly to support families affected by the conflict. We continue to help those devastated and displaced by the fighting," CAFOD said in the report.

The U.K. Catholic agency added: "We are stepping up our response to meet the increasing need for humanitarian aid, such as emergency food and water. We work with local experts in Goma and the people they are supporting through the crisis. Thanks to our courageous local experts, we are ready to respond to these growing needs."

CAFOD's country representative for DRC, Bernard Balibuno, described the situation in Goma as "very serious."

"Our staff and partners are responding with what they have, and we will be scaling up our response," Balibuno said in the report.

He added: "The humanitarian needs in Goma now are vast. The city has been forced into shutdown by the fighting and hundreds of thousands of people are displaced."

On Jan. 27, the Rwandan-backed March 23 (M23), the rebels wreaking havoc in Goma, announced that its forces had taken over Goma.

With approximately 2 million residents, Goma has been in conflict for more than three decades since the 1994 Rwandan genocide, with numerous armed groups competing with authorities for control of the country.

According to CAFOD, fighting in the DRC has affected millions, displacing families and disrupting essential services. Families seeking safety in the city are now trapped, with limited access to electricity, water, and food.

The fighting has confined families to overcrowded shelters in hospitals, churches, and schools. U.N. aid agencies warn of severe shortages of basic necessities, CAFOD indicated in its report.

The report further indicated that the conflict has severely damaged the infrastructure, disrupting electricity and water supplies. Internet services are inconsistent, making communication difficult.

Children face significant challenges as schools remain closed, disrupting education and forcing many to flee their homes. Health care services are struggling, with urgent shortages of medicine and supplies.

CAFOD also reported that a Catholic maternity hospital sustained damage from bombings, resulting in casualties among children and caregivers.

In the report, CAFOD urged the international community to acknowledge the crisis in DRC.

"We are making sure DRC is not a forgotten crisis, and you can do the same," CAFOD said, calling on individuals to share information about the conflict and to support affected families through prayer and advocacy.

The charity entity acknowledged the ongoing support from the Catholic community in England and Wales, affirming its commitment to assisting displaced families in Goma.

"Thanks to our brilliant local experts and the support of the Catholic community in England and Wales, we are ready to respond to this growing need as families are displaced once again," CAFOD said. "Now that the fighting has engulfed Goma, we need to talk about the conflict more than ever."

This story was first published by ACI Africa, CNA's news partner in Africa, and has been adapted by CNA.

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ACI Prensa Staff, Feb 2, 2025 / 07:00 am (CNA).

The Salesians received the news that the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints has validated the diocesan investigation for the beatification cause of the Servant of God Antonino Baglieri, a quadriplegic layman who, in the midst of suffering, decided to bring Jesus to other people who are ill.

The Vatican communication, signed by Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, prefect of the dicastery, was received by the Salesian Family's postulator general for the causes of saints, Father Pierluigi Cameroni, as confirmed by ANS, the Salesian Congregation's news service.

According to the publication, the validation was accomplished after verifying the formal aspects of the procedural acts and the solidity of the evidence, including the quantity and quality of the witnesses and the documents that were collected. The diocesan investigation was carried out in the curia of the Diocese of Noto, Italy, from March 2, 2014, to May 5, 2024.

Cameroni said the progress in the cause of beatification "is a great achievement, the fruit of the work carried out by the members of the diocesan tribunal and by those who have contributed, particularly by the historical commission and the vice postulator."

Now, the next step will be for the postulator to ask the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints to appoint a relator who will guide the preparation of the "positio super virtutibus" ("position on the virtues").

Who was Antonino 'Nino' Baglieri?

Baglieri was born on May 1, 1951, in Modica, Italy. At the age of 17, while working as a bricklayer's apprentice, he suffered a fall from a 56-foot scaffold, leaving him completely paralyzed.

According to the official Salesian website, his mother, Giuseppina, putting all her trust in God, decided to dedicate the rest of her life to caring for her disabled son. Thus began Baglieri's difficult journey, moving from one hospital to another without finding any improvement. 

Upon returning to his village in 1970, after a few days of visits from friends, he went through a decade of isolation, pain, and despair without leaving his home.

On the evening of March 24, 1978, Good Friday, a group from the Catholic Charismatic Renewal prayed over Nino, and at that moment he felt a profound change within him. From then on, he accepted with faith the cross that he had been called to bear and began to form himself spiritually by reading the Bible, especially the Gospels.

During that time, while helping some children with their homework, he learned to write with his mouth. Thus he began his mission of evangelization, capturing his memoirs and sending letters to people around the world. 

He also wrote personalized holy cards for those who visited him and wrote down phone numbers to keep in touch with the sick, to whom he imparted serenity, comfort, and hope with his words, the Salesian Congregation said.

In May 1982, Baglieri began to commemorate the anniversary of the cross he had been called to carry following his accidental fall and that same year he joined the Salesian Family as a Salesian cooperator. On Aug. 31, 2004, he made his perpetual profession of the evangelical counsels with the Volunteers with Don Bosco.

On March 2, 2007, at 8 a.m., after years of illness, Baglieri died. Following his wish, he was dressed in sportswear and sneakers, thus expressing his desire to "run to meet God on his last journey."

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA's Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

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Rome Newsroom, Feb 1, 2025 / 16:09 pm (CNA).

Pope Francis urged Ukrainian youth on Saturday to persist in dialogue and patriotism while acknowledging the profound challenges of forgiveness amid ongoing warfare during a virtual meeting with young people gathered in Kyiv's Cathedral of the Resurrection.

The encounter, which connected the pope with approximately 250 young Ukrainians in Kyiv and other locations across Europe and the Americas, began with a moment of prayer followed by testimonies about the impacts of war on their lives and communities.

"War brings famine, war kills," the pope told participants, encouraging them to be patriots and to "love your homeland, guard your homeland." He added that "being patriots" represents "the mysticism of young Ukrainians today," reported ACI Stampa, CNA's Italian-language news partner.

The meeting carried added significance as Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk warned that air raid sirens could force participants into underground shelters at any moment. Despite a recent airstrike, restored power and internet services allowed the meeting to proceed.

Francis recalled the story of Oleksandr, a young soldier whose Gospel book and rosary the pope now keeps "as relics" on his desk. While encouraging dreams of future peace, the pontiff emphasized that "peace is built through dialogue — never tire of dialogue," even when challenging.

Addressing a specific question about forgiveness when war leaves deep wounds, the pope acknowledged it as "one of the most difficult things" while sharing his own perspective: "I am helped by this phrase: I must forgive as I have been forgiven. Each of us must look in our own life at how we have been forgiven."

The virtual audience included moving testimonies, including from a 17-year-old girl whose brother was wounded and surrounded by enemies but later freed and an 18-year-old from Kharkiv who spoke of fallen comrades and destroyed cities.

Before imparting his blessing, Pope Francis made a final plea to remember Ukraine's young heroes. He encouraged perseverance: "We have all made mistakes, but when one falls, they must get back up and keep moving forward."

Marco Mancini contributed to this report.

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CNA Newsroom, Feb 1, 2025 / 17:00 pm (CNA).

Pope Francis urged consecrated men and women to become "bearers of light" in today's world through their faithful witness of the evangelical counsels as he celebrated first vespers for the World Day for Consecrated Life in St. Peter's Basilica.

Speaking to thousands of religious on Saturday evening, the pope outlined how poverty, chastity, and obedience can transform society through God's love, drawing from the biblical theme "See... I have come to do your will, O God" (Heb 10:7).

The World Day for Consecrated Life, celebrated annually on Feb. 2, takes on special significance this year as the Church prepares for the Jubilee of Consecrated Life scheduled for October. The celebration coincides with the feast of the Presentation of the Lord and is marked by the symbolism of light.

In his homily, the pope emphasized how evangelical poverty liberates religious from worldly attachments, enabling them to become "a blessing for others" by embracing "simplicity, generosity, sharing, and solidarity." He warned against the dangers of "selfishness, greed, dependence, and violent use" of material goods.

"What a balm it is for the soul to encounter religious women and men capable of a mature and joyful relationality of this kind!" Francis said during the evening prayer service. He compared consecrated persons to a "Bride before her Spouse... surrounded by his light."

The Holy Father noted that consecrated chastity, rooted in the Trinity, offers a powerful witness in a world often marked by "superficial relationships and selfish affectivity." Religious communities must provide ongoing formation to help members fully live this gift without "unhealthy expressions of dissatisfaction," he added.

Regarding obedience, Francis highlighted its role as an "antidote to isolated individualism" in an age dominated by ceaseless words and images but little listening. This counsel fosters "active listening" and helps people discover their purpose in "God's greater plan," he said, particularly in families, workplaces, and social networks.

The pope concluded by calling consecrated men and women to return to the origins of their vocation through renewed Eucharistic adoration. "We are too practical, we want to do things, but ... adore," he urged. "There must be the capacity for adoration in silence."

Catholics worldwide are invited to pray Sunday for vocations to consecrated life.

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