China: Vatican rejects alleged “DIY” ordinations of unofficial priests

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 11/08/2016 - 14:42

The director of the Vatican Press Office issued a statement on Monday, November 7, saying the Holy See hopes that reports of episcopal ordinations conferred without Papal Mandate are unfounded and recalling that “it is not licit to proceed with any episcopal ordination without the necessary Papal Mandate, even by appealing to particular personal beliefs”.

Lebanon: Aoun’s “great compromise” is put to the test

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 11/07/2016 - 13:18

The former general’s presidential election was made possible by the cross-party convergence of previously opposing forces. An institutional stalemate that lasted two- and-a-half years has ended. And the country of cedars has proved its interdenominational nature and vocation despite it all, showing the rest of the Middle East that a different future is possible, one that is not based on sectarian division.

Pope: “It is horrible that the name of God is invoked to justify barbarity”

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 11/04/2016 - 21:29

During his audience with French Muslims and representatives of other faiths,on Thursday, November 3, the Pope urged: “May it never happen again that the religions, because of the conduct of some of their followers, convey a distorted message, out of tune with that of mercy”

Pope: “It is inhumane to shut our doors to refugees”

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 11/02/2016 - 15:57

During the press conference on the flight from Malmö to Rome, Francis said “there is a political price to pay when imprudent calculations are made” regarding the numbers a country is able to host, resulting in it being unable to offer housing, schooling and jobs. The Pope also praised oratories and volunteers in Italy, that were born “from the apostolic zeal of parish priests” and he once again rejected the possibility of female priests in the Catholic Church.

Caritas and Lutheran Federation: “We are working together

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 11/01/2016 - 00:20

A declaration of intent was presented at Malmö Arena on Monday, October 31, to boost collaborative efforts to help refugees and aid reconciliation, peace and sustainable development

It was the first fruit of the day at the end of Francis’ first day in Sweden. After the ecumenical event, a declaration of intent was signed in Malmö Arena by Michel Roy of Caritas Internationalis and Maria Immonen, director of the World Service of the Lutheran World Federation. Its purpose is to reinforce common efforts in favour of the poor, refugees and sustainable development.

Pope urges Christians to reject envy, conflicts and work for unity

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 10/21/2016 - 23:14

Francis said humility, gentleness and magnanimity are the three key attitudes to build unity within the Church and urged Christians to reject envy, jealousy and conflicts.

Pope Francis said humility, gentleness and magnanimity are the three key attitudes to build unity within the Church and urged Christians to reject envy, jealousy and conflicts. He was speaking at his Mass celebrated on Friday in the chapel of the Santa Marta residence.

WCC, Muslim Council of Elders: Hand-in-hand to spread culture of peace

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 10/15/2016 - 18:00

A historic meeting took place between the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Muslim Council of Elders, chaired by Grand Imam of Azhar Ahmed Tayeb, at the WCC headquarters in Geneva Switzerland on September 30-October 1, 2016. This meeting indicated the possibility or rather the need to enact cooperation among intellectual centers so as to reinforce the culture of mutual acceptance and respect among followers of religions.