Pope Francis called on Catholics and Buddhists in Myanmar “to be united” in order “to heal the wounds of conflict that through the years have divided people of different cultures, ethnicities and religious convictions.” He reminded them that to achieve this unity it is necessary “to surmount all forms of misunderstanding, intolerance, prejudice and hatred.” […]
Gerard O’Connell
Gerard O’Connell is America’s senior Vatican correspondent and author of The Election of Pope Francis: An Inside Story of the Conclave That Changed History. He has been covering the Vatican since 1985.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis calls for peace in speech to Myanmar leaders, does not say ‘Rohingya’
The pope’s audience included government ministers, civic leaders, military officials, cardinals and bishops, and about 200 lay people and the world’s media.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Myanmar priest: military ‘still in control’—which is why Pope Francis met with them first
“The fact is the military are still in control here even if we have a civilian government,” the priest said.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis faces a political minefield as he travels to Myanmar
To promote dialogue and reconciliation, the pope will have to move with great prudence.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Pope Francis condemns attack on Egyptian mosque that leaves hundreds dead
The pope described the attack as a “wanton act of brutality directed at innocent civilians gathered in prayer.”
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
In World Day of Peace message, Pope Francis decries discrimination toward migrants and refugees
Although he named no countries, Vatican observers believe he is referring especially to political leaders in several western and eastern European countries.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Will Pope Francis remove the Vatican’s ‘warning’ from Teilhard de Chardin’s writings?
Participants at the recent plenary assembly approved a petition requesting the pope to waive the “monitum” issued by the Holy Office in 1962.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis continues his reform of the Curia with new section for diplomatic personnel
Since becoming pope, Francis has given special attention to the Holy See’s diplomatic staff.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis: Scientific advances must serve ‘the good of all humanity, not just the few’
“Not everything that is technically possible or feasible is therefore ethically acceptable.”
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis: Indifference to the poor is a great sin
“To love the poor means to combat all forms of poverty, spiritual and material.”