POPE: “MAY WEAPONS FALL SILENT, SITUATION IN GAZA IS DESPERATE” – AN INHUMAN ACT – HEADS OF CHURCHES IN JERUSALEM CONDEMN ATTACK ON GAZA HOSPITAL – WHO WILL BE WRITING THE CRUCIAL SUMMARY REPORT OF THE SYNOD? – A “MEDIA SYNOD” VERSUS THE REAL SYNOD? – POPE FRANCIS MEETS WITH U.S. LGBT GROUP PREVIOUSLY DENOUNCED BY VATICAN

POPE: “MAY WEAPONS FALL SILENT, SITUATION IN GAZA IS DESPERATE”

Appealing for peace in the Holy Land, Pope Francis expresses concern for the humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling on all parties to lay down their weapons and all Christians to pray and fast on 27 October for peace.

By Francesca Merlo (Vatican news)

“The number of victims is growing and the situation in Gaza is desperate.”

With these words, Pope Francis turned his thoughts to Palestine and Israel pleading that “everything possible be done to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe.”

Speaking at his weekly General Audience, the Holy Father also drew attention to the unsettling possibility of the conflict’s expansion.

“The world already witnesses so many open war fronts,” he lamented.

In light of these circumstances, he implored, “Lay down weapons and heed the cries for peace from the poor, the people, and the innocent children.”

“War solves no problems,” he said. “It only sows death and destruction, increases hatred, multiplies revenge. War erases the future, it erases the future.”

The Holy Father went on to urge all believers to take one side only: that of peace. “But not with words,” he continued, “with prayer and with total dedication.”

Invitation to a day of penance
In this regard, Pope Francis invited everyone to a day of prayer, fasting, and penance for peace.

On Friday, 27 October, he encouraged people of different Christian denominations, other religions, and all those who advocate for peace to participate as they see fit.

The central event will be an hour of prayer at 6 PM in St. Peter’s Square, with the goal of invoking peace for the world.

“I invite all the particular Churches to take part by organizing similar initiatives which involve the people of God,” he concluded.

AN INHUMAN ACT

(Vatican news editorial) The massacre of hundreds of innocent civilians in a hospital in Gaza cries out to the international community. A humanitarian catastrophe must be avoided, as must the outbreak of a war with unimaginable consequences.

By Andrea Tornielli

The massacre of civilians that took place in Gaza last night, striking the al-Ahli Arabi Anglican hospital, is an inhuman act. The attack claimed hundreds of civilian casualties, including many women and children.

Gaza evacuation –

TO CONTINUE: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2023-10/an-inhuman-act-gaza-al-ahli-hospital-anglican.html

HEADS OF CHURCHES IN JERUSALEM CONDEMN ATTACK ON GAZA  HOSPITAL

Mourning civilian victims of the massacre in Gaza and extending solidarity to the Episcopal diocese of Jerusalem: TO CONTINUE: https://www.lpj.org/posts/statement-for-the-patriarchs-and-heads-of-the-churches-in-jerusalem-about-the-attack-of-al-ahli-anglican-hospital-in-gaza.html

WHO WILL BE WRITING THE CRUCIAL SUMMARY REPORT OF THE SYNOD?

Chief spokesman Paolo Ruffini told reporters last week that the drafters are assisted by collaborators called ‘sherpas’ and added that ‘it makes no sense to give their names.’

VATICAN CITY — As well as withholding the names of who is seated in which small groups, the Vatican is also declining to share with journalists the complete list of those who will be drafting the final synthesis report that will bring together all the contributions of the small groups and the General Congregations. TO CONTINUE: https://www.ncregister.com/news/synod-on-synodality-who-will-be-writing-the-crucial-summary-report-of-the-synod?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

A “MEDIA SYNOD” VERSUS THE REAL SYNOD?

Is there a “media synod” running parallel to the Synod of Bishops’ assembly that’s currently being held at the Vatican, where 365 voting members have gathered to discuss synodality and the future of the Church?

In fact, it’s a classic question when major meetings of this kind take place at Catholicism’s bureaucratic center. And it’s been that way for over half a century. Benedict XVI, before stepping down as pope in 2013, told the priests of Rome that he was convinced that this happened at the Second Vatican Council (1962-65). “There was the Council of the Fathers – the real Council – but there was also the Council of the media. Thus, the Council that reached the people with immediate effect was that of the media, not that of the Fathers,” the late pope said. TO CONTINUE: https://international.la-croix.com/news/religion/a-media-synod-versus-the-real-synod/18530?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Mailjet_18Oct23N1&cmid=5cdecc6f-5f2f-43e4-8070-d8aef64c86c0

POPE FRANCIS MEETS WITH U.S. LGBT GROUP PREVIOUSLY DENOUNCED BY VATICAN

Pope Francis met Tuesday at his residence with leadership from the U.S. LGBT organization New Ways Ministry, which was previously denounced by both the U.S. bishops’ conference and the Vatican’s doctrinal office for causing confusion on sexual morality among the Catholic faithful. TO CONTINUE: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/255724/pope-francis-meets-with-us-lgbt-group-previously-denounced-by-vatican

CARDINAL PAROLIN: ATTACK ON ISRAEL “INHUMAN”, LEGITIMATE DEFENSE SHOULD NOT HARM CIVILIANS

CARDINAL PAROLIN: ATTACK ON ISRAEL “INHUMAN”, LEGITIMATE DEFENSE SHOULD NOT HARM CIVILIANS

(From Dicastery for Communcation) Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin speaks to Vatican Media about the outbreak of war in the Holy Land, saying the priority is the release of hostages and affirming that the Holy See is willing
to mediate.

By Andrea Tornielli & Roberto Cetera
“The Holy See is ready for any necessary mediation, as always.” Six days after the terrorist attack on Israel, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, describes the attack last Saturday as “inhuman”. In an interview with Vatican Media, he also reiterates Pope Francis’s appeal for the
release of all hostages held by Hamas, and calls for proportionality in Israel’s legitimate defense.

The Cardinal expresses concern for the civilian casualties in Gaza due to bombings, emphasizing that despite the ongoing events a truly just peace requires a two-state solution, “which would allow Palestinians and Israelis to live side by side in peace and security.”

Q: Your Eminence, all conflicts are terrible, but as we learned last Saturday, there has been a crescendo of unprecedented cruelty. We are witnessing a total loss of humanity. Do you think there is still room to avoid the worst?

The terrorist attack carried out by Hamas and other militias last Saturday against thousands of Israelis who were about to celebrate the day of Simchat Torah, concluding the week of the Sukkot festival, is inhuman. The Holy See expresses complete and firm condemnation. Furthermore, we are
concerned for the men, women, children, and the elderly held hostage in Gaza. We express our solidarity with the affected families, the vast majority of whom are Jewish, and we pray for them, for those still in shock, for the wounded. It is necessary to regain a sense of reason, abandon the blind logic of hatred, and reject violence as a solution. It is the right of those who are attacked to defend themselves, but even legitimate defense must respect the parameter of proportionality. I do not know how much room for dialogue there can be between Israel and the Hamas militia, but if
there is—and we hope there is—it should be pursued immediately and without delay. This is to avoid further bloodshed, as is happening in Gaza, where many innocent civilian victims have been caused by the Israeli army’s attacks.

Q: Pope Francis reiterates that peace is built on justice. There is no peace that is not just. How is this call for justice for both parties in conflict articulated today?

Peace can only be based on justice. The Latins liked to say, “Opus iustitiae pax,” there can be no peace among men without justice. It seems to me that the greatest possible justice in the Holy Land is the two-state solution, which would allow Palestinians and Israelis to live side by side in peace
and security, meeting the aspirations of the majority. This solution, which is supported by the international community, has recently seemed to some, on both sides, to be no longer feasible. For others, it never was. The Holy See is convinced of the opposite and continues to support it. Now, however, what is just? It is just for the hostages to be returned immediately, even those held by Hamas since previous conflicts. In this sense, I strongly renew the heartfelt appeal made and
repeated by Pope Francis in recent days. It is just that in Israel’s legitimate defense, the lives of Palestinian civilians living in Gaza should not be endangered. It is just—indeed, essential—that in this conflict, as in any other, humanitarian law be fully respected.

Q: Pope Francis, at the end of this Wednesday’s General Audience, made an appeal for the release of the hostages and asked for the lives of the innocent to be spared. Do you see room for a diplomatic initiative by the Holy See, similar to what has been undertaken for the conflict between Russia and Ukraine?

Yes, the release of Israeli hostages and the protection of innocent lives in Gaza are at the heart of the problem created by Hamas’s attack and the response of the Israeli army. They are at the center of all of our concerns: the Pope and the entire international community. The Holy See is ready for any
necessary mediation, as always. In the meantime, we try to speak with the institutions whose channels are already open. However, any mediation to end the conflict must take into account a series of elements that make the issue very complex and articulated, such as the issue of Israeli settlements, security, and the issue of the city of Jerusalem. A solution can be found in direct dialogue between Palestinians and Israelis, encouraged and supported by the international community, even though it will be more difficult now.

Q: In two recent interviews granted to L’Osservatore Romano by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli President Isaac Herzog, both expressed their appreciation for the constant words of peace that come from the Christian minority of the Holy Land, which is the ‘salt’ of this land. However, Christians are hemmed in by the conflict and in a situation of suffering. The situation of the small Christian community in Gaza, which is at risk of extinction, is a cause for concern. How can the Christians of the Holy Land be helped concretely now?

First and foremost, with prayer and spiritual and material support. These words of mine are meant to be a renewed affirmation of the affectionate closeness of the Pope and the Holy See. Christians are an essential part of the land where Jesus was born, lived, died, and rose again. No one can
imagine Palestine or Israel without a Christian presence, which has been there from the beginning and will be there forever. It is true that the small Catholic community in Gaza, about 150 families, is suffering immensely. When one member suffers, the whole Church suffers, and so we all suffer. We
know they have gathered in the parish. The parish priest could not return and remains in Bethlehem. Everything is at a standstill, paralyzed, as if gripped by fear and anger. Let us pray for the Israelis; let us pray for the Palestinians; let us pray for Christians, Jews, and Muslims: For the peace of
Jerusalem pray… For the sake of my brothers and friends I say, ‘Peace be with you.’ For the sake of the house of the Lord, our God, I pray for your good.” (Psalm 122:6-9)

POPE FRANCIS ASKS “IMMEDIATE RELEASE” OF HOSTAGES – MERCIFUL LOVE AFFIRMS HUMAN DIGNITY, BRINGS FREEDOM, ENABLES FORGIVENESS

POPE FRANCIS ASKS “IMMEDIATE RELEASE” OF HOSTAGES

After the catechesis on St. Josephine Bakhita in today’s general audience, Pope Francis stated: “I continue to follow what is happening in Israel and Palestine with tears and apprehension: many people killed, others injured. I pray for those families who have seen a feast day transformed into a day of mourning, and I ask that the hostages be released immediately.

“It is the right,” he continued, “of those who are attacked to defend themselves, but I am very concerned about the total siege under which the Palestinians are living in Gaza, where there have also been many innocent victims. Terrorism and extremism do not help reach a solution to the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, but fuel hatred, violence, revenge, and only cause each to other suffer. The Middle East does not need war, but peace, a peace built on dialogue and the courage of fraternity.”

MERCIFUL LOVE AFFIRMS HUMAN DIGNITY, BRINGS FREEDOM, ENABLES FORGIVENESS

The Holy Father today at the general audience continued his catechesis on apostolic zeal and, turning once more to Africa, spoke of “the powerful witness of Saint Josephine Bakhita.”

“Born in Darfur in Sudan,” said the Pope, “Josephine was kidnapped as a child and sold into slavery. Despite the violence and terrible sufferings she endured, she never despaired. In the cross of Christ she discovered the source of a merciful love that affirms our innate dignity as God’s children, brings true freedom and enables us to forgive and indeed love those who wrong us.”

He asked: “What is Saint Bakhita’s secret? We know that often a wounded person wounds in turn: the oppressed easily becomes an oppressor. Instead, the vocation of the oppressed is that of freeing themselves and their oppressors, becoming restorers of humanity. Only in the weakness of the oppressed can the force of God’s love, which frees both, be revealed.”

“Saint Bakhita expresses this truth very well,” explained the Holy Father, “One day her tutor gave her a small crucifix and she, who had never owned anything, conserved her treasure jealously. Looking at it, she experienced inner liberation, because she felt understood and loved and therefore capable of understanding and loving: this is the beginning. She felt understood, she felt loved, and as a consequence capable of understanding and loving others.”

Francis stressed that “the experience of God’s mercy and forgiveness inspired Josephine to devote herself to Christ as a religious and to serve others humbly and selflessly in Italy, her new country.” Her life “reveals the power of God’s grace to transform lives, to resolve conflicts and to bring about the justice, reconciliation and peace so greatly needed in our time. Let us entrust ourselves to her prayers and ask especially for the gift of peace for our brothers and sisters in war-torn Sudan and in so many other parts of our world.”

In multi-language greetings after the catechesis, Francis spoke of the brutal conflict in Israel and Palestine and appealed for hostages taken by Hamas to be immediately released.

He also made a second appeal: “I address a special thought to the population of Afghanistan, suffering following the devastating earthquake that struck, claiming thousands of victims, including many women and children, and displaced persons. I invite all people of good will to help this people, already sorely tried, contributing in a spirit of fraternity to alleviating the sufferings of the people and supporting the necessary reconstruction.”

CLICK here for a series of photos: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/events/event.dir.html/content/vaticanevents/en/2023/10/11/udienza-generale.html

 

FROM THE VATICAN: “EVERY WAR IS DEFEAT”

The Vatican today published the interventions of five participants in the Synod on Synodality, in addition to reports by Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich of Luxembourg, general rapporteur of the synod. Those talks may be found here:  https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city.html

FROM THE VATICAN: “EVERY WAR IS DEFEAT”

Pope prays for peace in Israel and Palestine: ‘Every war is a defeat!’

Pope Francis calls for attacks to cease as he prays for peace in Israel and Palestine.

“Please stop the attacks and the weapons,” Pope Francis pleaded on Sunday, “and understand that terrorism and war do not lead to any solution, but only to the death and suffering of so many innocent people.”

“War is always a defeat! Every war is a defeat!” he insisted.

Speaking after the Angelus prayer on Sunday, the Holy Father said he is following “with apprehension and sorrow,” the latest news from Israel, “where violence has erupted even more ferociously, causing hundreds of deaths and injuries.” https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2023-10/pope-at-angelus-war-is-a-defeat-every-war-is-a-defeat.html

Churches call for de-escalation in Holy Land after Hamas attack

Following the large-scale attack on Israel by Palestinian Hamas militants, the Patriarchs and heads of Churches in Jerusalem call for the immediate cessation of all violence and military activities, reiterating that everything is lost with war.

Pope Francis’ impassioned appeal for peace in the Holy Land during the Angelus on Sunday is one of the several voices from Churches around the world calling for an immediate de-escalation of the violence unleashed on 7 October by an Hamas attack which prompted Israel to issue an official declaration of war (“Operation Swords of Iron”).

Death toll rising
The Palestinian Islamist organization’s unprecedented land-sea-air military operation (“Al-Aqsa Storm”), considered to be the deadliest terrorist attack on Israel in its modern history, reportedly killed some 700 Israelis, including many civilians, while around 100 were taken hostage.

The Palestinian death toll in Israeli retaliatory strikes has risen to over 400, and more than 2,750 people have been wounded. Tens of thousands (70,000 according UNRWA, the UN agency that provides essential services to Palestinians) in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip have fled their homes. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2023-10/churches-urge-for-de-escalation-in-holy-land-after-hamas-attack.html

Cardinal Parolin decries “terrible and despicable attack” against Israel

OCTOBER 9 – Speaking at a conference on the pontificate of Pius XII and Jewish-Christian relations, the Vatican Secretary of State expresses the Pope’s sorrow for the violence in the Holy Land. He says “terrorism, violence, barbarism and extremism undermine the legitimate aspiration of Palestinians and Israelis.” He expresses hopes that reason will prevail over weapons.

Sirens warning of incoming rockets sound around Gaza, near Tel Aviv  (AMIR COHEN) –

Cardinal Pietro Parolin has condemned the attack on Israel that took place last Saturday 7 October, calling it a “terrible and despicable” act that has saddened the Pope who has expressed his condolences for all the dead and injured caused by the latest wave of violence. The Vatican Secretary of State expressed these words in his opening address at a three-day conference starting on Monday at the Pontifical Gregorian University entitled “The New Documents from the Pontificate of Pope Pius XII and their Meaning for Jewish-Christian Relations.”

Cardinal Parolin said, “I would have never thought to begin, today, my speech with the dutiful, sad obligation to share and convey the sorrow that the Holy Father expressed yesterday at what is happening in Israel. Two days ago, on the day of the Sabbath, on the feast of Simchat Torah, the joy of the Torah, in Israel, many Israeli brothers and sisters were awakened by a terrible and despicable attack. We are close to the families of the victims, to the thousands of wounded, to those who are missing and kidnapped and now in grave danger.” https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-10/cardinal-parolin-decries-terrible-attack-against-israel.html

Cardinal Parolin: War in Holy Land ‘beyond imagination’

OCTOBER 8 – Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin expresses his sorrow for the outbreak of war in the Middle East, calling for peaceful and alternative solutions to real problems.

The Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, has expressed his dismay at the renewed outbreak of violence in the Holy Land.

“The real problems that arise must be solved with quite different methods,” he said.

Cardinal Parolin made the remarks on Sunday as he spoke at a cultural event in the Italian city of Camaldoli.

Before beginning his speech at the Benedictine-organized event, the Cardinal recalled the escalation of violence in Israel after Hamas militants carried out a surprise attack on Saturday.

Hopes for peace in jeopardy
“Our thoughts are with what is happening in the Middle East, in Israel, Palestine, and the Gaza Strip,” said Cardinal Parolin.  https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-10/cardinal-parolin-the-war-in-holy-land-is-beyond-imagination.html

CHRISTIAN LEADERS IN JERUSALEM SPEAK ON RISING ACTS OF ANTI-CHRISTIAN VIOLENCE: ISRAEL RESPONDS

CHRISTIAN LEADERS IN JERUSALEM SPEAK ON RISING ACTS OF ANTI-CHRISTIAN VIOLENCE: ISRAEL RESPONDS

On December 13, the diocese of Jerusalem released a joint statement by the Patriarchs and Heads of Christian Churches in Jerusalem who underscore their concerns with rising acts of violence against Christians in the Holy Land. They ask for dialogue, for greater protection for Christians throughout the Middle East, and also for a special cultural heritage area for Christians in Jerusalem.

It was entitled Statement on the Current Threat to the Christian Presence in the Holy Land.**

“Throughout the Holy Land,” starts the statement, “Christians have become the target of frequent and sustained attacks by fringe radical groups. Since 2012 there have been countless incidents of physical and verbal assaults against priests and other clergy, attacks on Christian churches, with holy sites regularly vandalized and desecrated, and ongoing intimidation of local Christians who simply seek to worship freely and go about their daily lives. These tactics are being used by such radical groups in a systematic attempt to drive the Christian community out of Jerusalem and other parts of the Holy Land.

“We acknowledge with gratitude,” it continues, “the declared commitment of the Israeli government to uphold a safe and secure home for Christians in the Holy Land and to preserve the Christian community as an integral part of the tapestry of the local community. As evidence of this commitment we see the government’s facilitation of the visit of millions of Christian pilgrims to the holy sites of the Holy Land. It is therefore a matter of grave concern when this national commitment is betrayed by the failure of local politicians, officials and law enforcement agencies to curb the activities of radical groups who regularly intimidate local Christians, assault priests and clergy, and desecrate Holy Sites and church properties.”

The statement ends with a request: “In accordance with the declared commitment to protect religious freedom by the local political authorities of Israel, Palestine, and Jordan, we are requesting an urgent dialogue with us the Church Leaders, so as to: 1. Deal with the challenges presented by radical groups in Jerusalem to both the Christian community and the rule of law, so as to ensure that no citizen or institution has to live under threat of violence or intimidation, and 2. Begin dialogue on the creation of a special Christian cultural and heritage zone to safeguard the integrity of the Christian Quarter in Old City Jerusalem and to ensure that its unique character and heritage are preserved for the sake of well-being of the local community, our national life, and the wider world.”

On Tuesday, Israel responded.

The Israeli embassy to the Holy See today released a press communiqué from Lior Halat, spokesperson for the Israeli minister of foreign affairs in response to the statement by leaders of Christian Churches of Jerusalem:

“The accusations that appear in the statement by church leaders are baseless and distort the reality of the Christian community in Israel.

”The Christian population in Israel – including in Jerusalem Dash enjoys for freedom of religion and of worship, is constantly growing, and is part of the unique fabric of Israeli society.

”Since the day it was established, the State of Israel has been committed to freedom of religion and worship for all religions, as well to ensuring the freedom of access to holy sites.

”The statement by church leaders in Jerusalem is particularly infuriating given their silence and the plight of many Christian communities in the Middle East suffering from discrimination and persecution.

”Religious leaders have a critical role to play in education for tolerance and coexistence, and church leaders should be expected to understand their responsibility and the consequences of what they have published, which could lead to violence and bringing harm to innocent and bring harm to innocent people.

“The State of Israel wishes all Christians in the Holy Land and across the world a merry Christmas and a happy new year.”

** (Statement on the Current Threat to the Christian Presence in the Holy Land. – The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (j-diocese.org))

POPE FRANCIS RELIVES AFRICAN TRIP AT GENERAL AUDIENCE – ISRAEL, VATICAN ISSUE STAMP MARKING 25 YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC TIES

Here is a link to the lengthy but very interesting press conference held aboard the papal plane last night as it brought Pope Francis, his entourage and members of the media back to Rome from Africa at the end of the Pope’s three-nation, six-day visit. Many a media summary has been offered of the Pope’s answers to questions on the plane, and a careful reading of this Vatican news report can be helpful in separating the wheat from the chaff. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2019-09/pope-francis-inflight-press-conference-full-text.html

POPE FRANCIS RELIVES AFRICAN TRIP AT GENERAL AUDIENCE

Barely resting up after his return to Rome last night from a six-day trip to Africa – his fourth to that continent – Pope Francis presided at the weekly general audience in a sun-splashed St. Peter’s Square this morning. As is traditional upon returning from an apostolic voyage, the Pope dedicated the general audience catechesis to a summary of that trip. (photo Vaticannews)

“Dear Brothers and Sisters,” he began, “Last night I returned to Rome from my apostolic journey to Mozambique, Madagascar and Mauritius. I went as a pilgrim of peace and hope to share the message of Christ as the true foundation of fraternity, freedom and justice in our world.”

He noted that, “in Mozambique, I encouraged the authorities to work together for the common good, the young to play their part in building up their country, and bishops, priests and religious to give a generous ‘yes’ to God. In Madagascar, I shared my hope that people there, with their traditional spirit of solidarity, will be able to contribute to a future of development, combined with respect for the environment and social justice. I also encouraged many contemplative nuns, bishops, priests, religious and young people to respond generously to God’s call.”

Then, speaking of his penultimate day in Africa, Francis said, “in Mauritius, a land of diverse cultures, I expressed to all my appreciation for their efforts to foster harmony between different groups. The Gospel at our final Mass reminded us how the Beatitudes – the identity card of Christ’s disciples – are the source of peace and hope. Let us pray that, from the seeds sown during this visit, God will bring forth abundant fruit for the people of Mozambique, Madagascar and Mauritius.”

Interestingly enough, according to a study by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, since 1980 the Catholic population in Africa has risen by 238%, the largest growth anywhere in the world.

ISRAEL, VATICAN ISSUE STAMP MARKING 25 YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC TIES

A communiqué this morning from the Israeli Embassy to the Holy See announced that “Israel’s ambassador to the Holy See Oren David was at this morning’s weekly general audience at which he met with Pope Francis and presented a stamp jointly issued by the Israeli philatelic service and the Vatican Post Office to mark the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The stamp depicts the church of Saint Peter and the synagogue of Capernaum in Galilee, an image that well represents the close ties between Judaism and Christianity and between the state of Israel and the Holy See. On this occasion Ambassador David invited Pope Francis to visit Capernaum and the holy places of Galilee.”

(JFL: On June 15, 1994, the Holy See established full diplomatic relations with Israel, setting up an apostolic nunciature in Tel Aviv, and naming Archbishop Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo as the first apostolic nuncio or ambassador.)

PRESS OFFICE ON PAPAL AUDIENCE WITH ISRAELI PRESIDENT RIVLIN – THE JERUSALEM POST ON PRESIDENTIAL VISIT – CATHOLIC BISHOPS IN THE HOLY LAND ON ISRAEL’S NATION STATE LAW – HOLY SEE REITERATES ISRAEL-PALESTINE TWO-STATE SOLUTION, JERUSALEM STATUS QUO

A fundamental Agreement between the Holy See and Israel was signed in Jerusalem on December 30 1993: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/secretariat_state/archivio/documents/rc_seg-st_19931230_santa-sede-israele_en.html

Action on some of the provisions involving taxes, visas for Catholic workers and other issues are still pending on the part of Israel. Below are a few pieces that give some background on the state of relations between the Holy See and Israel.

PRESS OFFICE ON PAPAL AUDIENCE WITH ISRAELI PRESIDENT RIVLIN

“Today, 15 November, the Holy Father Francis received in audience His Excellency Mr. Reuven Rivlin, President of the State of Israel, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by H.E. Msgr. Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.

“During the cordial discussions, which took place around the twenty-fifth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the positive relations between the Holy See and the State of Israel were evoked and, with regard to the state authorities and the local Catholic communities, the hope was expressed that suitable agreements may be reached in relation to some issues of common interest.

“Mention was made of the importance of building greater mutual trust in view of the resumption of negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians so as to reach an accord respecting the legitimate aspirations of both peoples, and of the Jerusalem question, in its religious and human dimension for Jews, Christians and Muslims, as well as the importance of safeguarding its identity and vocation as City of Peace.

“Finally, attention turned to the political and social situation in the region, marked by different conflicts and the consequent humanitarian crises. In this context, the parties highlighted the importance of dialogue between the various religious communities in order to guarantee peaceful coexistence and stability.”

RIVLIN THANKS POPE FRANCIS FOR FIGHTING ANTISEMITISM

(THE JERUSALEM POST)

President Reuven Rivlin met with Pope Francis in the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City on Thursday morning, and thanked the pontiff for his support in the fight against antisemitism on behalf of Israel and world Jewry.

“Your absolute condemnation of acts of antisemitism and your definition of such acts as anti-Christian are a significant step in the ongoing fight to stamp it out,” said the president.

Rivlin also discussed the controversy between the Jerusalem city government and church over municipal property taxes. “The State of Israel has full freedom of worship for all religions in all holy places,” Rivlin said.

In February, the municipality announced its intention to start collecting taxes from properties owned by churches that are not prayer houses. The municipality notified the Finance, Interior and Foreign ministries and the Prime Minister’s Office that it will start collecting NIS 650 million in tax from 887 properties. It said that until February it had refrained from such tax collections because the state did not permit it.

The move outraged churches based in Jerusalem, which in a rare protest closed the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

The audience was Rivlin’s second with Pope Francis. Their first meeting, also at the invitation of the Pope, took place in 2015.

The president and his wife Nechama received an official welcome to the Vatican, reviewing the Pontifical Swiss Guard in their traditional uniforms.

CATHOLIC BISHOPS IN THE HOLY LAND ON ISRAEL’S NATION STATE LAW

The Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land released a statement on 2 November responding to the Nation State Law of 19 July 2018 passed by the Israeli Knesset.

By Sr Bernadette Mary Reis, fsp (vaticannews. November 5)

It is out of a “spirit of dialogue” that the Catholic Bishops of the Holy Land speak out in a statement responding to the “issue of the Nation State Law passed by the Israeli Knesset on 19 July 2018.

We are all citizens
The legislation at issue limits the promotion and protection offered by the State of Israel to “Jewish citizens of the State of Israel”. In direct response to this, the Bishops write:
“We must draw the attention of the authorities to a simple fact: our faithful, the Christians, our fellow citizens, Muslim, Druze and Baha’i, all of us who are Arabs, are no less citizens of this country than our Jewish brothers and sisters.”

Discrimination
The Bishops also draw attention to the ongoing tension arising from the definition of Israel’s democracy being both “Jewish” and “democratic”. It is the Jewish majority who determines what this means, while the Arab minority experiences the discrimination caused by the imbalance of the “Jewish” element over the “democratic”. An ongoing struggle to “protect the rights of all citizens, to guarantee as much as possible the values of equality, justice and democracy” received a milestone victory with the 1992 passage of the Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty, the statement says.

Legal discrimination
Recent passage of the new Nation State legislation “is a blow to these values”, the statement continues. Now there is a “constitutional and legal basis for discrimination” because “Jewish citizens are to be privileged over and above other citizens”. In addition to “seriously downgrading the standing of the Arab language”, the law ignores “Palestinian Arabs, other major religious communities, Christians and Muslims as well as Druze and Baha’i”.

Demand for equality
The statement continues with a declaration that the above-mentioned groups “demand to be treated as equal citizens.” In addition, equality must incorporate civic, ethnic, and religious identities. This demand is based on the fact that “Jerusalem and the whole of this Holy Land is a heritage we share with Jews and Muslims, Druze and Baha’i, a heritage we are called upon to protect from division and internecine strife”.

Call to rescind the law
In conclusion, the Bishops “call on the authorities to rescind” the law since it is contradictory to both the humanistic and democratic basis of Israeli legislation and international law. Thus all can be assured that the “State of Israel seeks to promote and protect the welfare and the safety of all its citizens”.

Signatories
There are 25 signatories to the statement, representing the Latin, Armenian, Melkite, Chaldean and Maronite Churches, as well as the representatives of men and women religious serving in the Holy Land.

HOLY SEE REITERATES ISRAEL-PALESTINE TWO-STATE SOLUTION, JERUSALEM STATUS QUO

Archbishop Bernardito Auza, the Holy See’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations in New York on October 18 addressed a UN Security Council debate on the Middle East and the Palestinian question.
By Robin Gomes (vaticannews)

The Holy See has reiterated its unwavering support for a fair, durable and early solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, through the resumption of negotiations aimed at reaching a Two-State solution, with Israel and a Palestinian State living side by side in peace and security within internationally-recognized borders.

Archbishop Bernardito Auza, the Holy See Permanent Observer to the United Nations in New York made the call in an address on Thursday to a UN Security Council debate on the situation in the Middle East and the Palestinian question.

Legitimate aspirations of both peoples

While expressing grave concern over facts on the ground, the Vatican diplomat called on both sides to demonstrate wisdom, responsibility and the political will to reach a historic peace agreement that would meet the legitimate aspirations of both peoples.
“Persevering dialogue based on good will ,” he said, “must replace inflammatory rhetoric, violence and conflict.” “Innocent civilians must never be the target of terror or overwhelming military actions,” he stressed.

Noting that states in and outside the Middle East have exacerbated the Israeli-Palestinian discord and the intra-Palestinian divisions for their own interests, Arch. Auza urged these states to rather facilitate and sustain the peace process.

“Status quo” for Jerusalem status

The status of Jerusalem has been a painful issue between Israel and the Palestinians. Palestinians want East Jerusalem as the capital of their future independent state, whereas Israel has declared the whole city to be its “united and eternal” capital.

At the UN, Arch. Auza reiterated the Holy See’s support for the historic “status quo” of Jerusalem, in line with UN resolutions, rejecting any unilateral measure aimed at changing it.

He asserted the Holy See stand that the Holy City be a place of convergence and peace and that the followers of the three monotheistic religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam be guaranteed free and unhindered access to the Holy Places.
Palestinian refugees

The Holy See official also expressed serious concern over the dire humanitarian situation of Palestine refugees. Arch. Auza urged that the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), that is providing some 5.6 million Palestine refugees with the most basic human needs, be allowed to function fully in order to prevent the situation from worsening. (from October 19)

ANGLICAN, CATHOLIC LEADERS ASK ISRAEL TO PROTECT HOLY SITES IN JERUSALEM – VATICAN MUSEUMS RELEASE BOOK ON ETHICS OF CONSERVATION

https://twitter.com/Pontifex : God, who cannot be outdone in generosity, still uses you and me to help our brothers and sisters.

ANGLICAN, CATHOLIC LEADERS ASK ISRAEL TO PROTECT HOLY SITES IN JERUSALEM

Joint Statement by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and the Archbishop of Westminster Cardinal Vincent Nichols about recent events in Jerusalem

(March 5, 2018) – The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and the Archbishop of Westminster Vincent Nichols have called on the Israeli Government to protect the status quo at the holy sites in Jerusalem.

In a joint letter to the Israeli Ambassador to London, Mark Regev, the two faith leaders expressed their deep concern at the events unfolding in Jerusalem of unprecedented, punitive and discriminatory taxation of Christian Institutions and their fears that this dispute could inflict longterm damage on relations between the two communities.

The letter stated that, “they threaten to cause serious damage to the Christian presence in Jerusalem, to Christian families, and to the Christian institutions, including hospitals and schools, which serve many of the poorest people, regardless of their background.

“It is our view that the measures being pressed in Jerusalem and in the Knesset are a clear and evident threat to the status quo. These violations of historic agreements risk undermining prospects for peaceful coexistence between communities, at a time of already heightened tensions.”

The two Archbishops are praying for the peace of Jerusalem and have urged the Israeli government to address this crisis as a matter of urgency and immediately enter dialogue with the local Churches to find a resolution.

VATICAN MUSEUMS RELEASE BOOK ON ETHICS OF CONSERVATION

The Ethnological Materials Laboratory of the Vatican Museums has released a new book entitled “Ethics and Practice of Conservation: Manual for the conservation of ethnographic and multi-material assets”.

Available in English, Italian, and Spanish, the Vatican Museums’ new book on the ethics and practice of conservation is the result of nearly a century of experience at the Anima Mundi Ethnological Museum.

“Ethics and Practice of Conservation: Manual for the conservation of ethnographic and multi-material assets”, edited by Stefania Pandozy and Mathilde De Bonis, also contains a rich collection of photographs.

The images succeed in showing the ethics underlying the conservation practice of Vatican experts.

The Anima Mundi Ethnological Museum was set up by Pope Pius XI in 1925 and is one of the few in the world to preserve testimonies and artistic artifacts, and spiritual traditions of all peoples.

The new book details 16 study cases of conservation efforts performed upon objects including prehistoric flints, a piece of Japanese armor, a Polynesian reliquary, Chinese paintings, a wampum belt, and artworks made of Amazonian feathers.

(JFL: You’ll really want to click on this link to view the accompanying video:
http://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2018-03/vatican-museums-release-book-on-ethics-of-conservation.html#play)

POPE SENDS CONDOLENCES FOR DEATH OF SHIMON PERES

POPE SENDS CONDOLENCES FOR DEATH OF SHIMON PERES

Pope Francis, upon learning of the death overnight of former Israeli President Shimon Peres, sent the following telegram to current Israeli President Reuven Rivlin:

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of His Excellency Shimon Peres, and I wish to convey to you and to all the people of Israel my heartfelt condolences. I fondly recall my time with Mr. Peres at the Vatican and renew my great appreciation for the late President’s tireless efforts in favour of peace. As the State of Israel mourns Mr. Peres, I hope that his memory and many years of service will inspire us all to work with ever greater urgency for peace and reconciliation between peoples. In this way, his legacy will truly be honoured and the common good for which he so diligently laboured will find new expressions, as humanity strives to advance on the path towards enduring peace. With the assurance of my prayers for all who grieve, especially for the Peres family, I invoke the divine blessings of consolation and strength upon the nation. FRANCISCUS PP.”

Pope Francis met President Shimon Peres in 2014 during his three-day trip in late May to Jordan, Bethlehem and Jerusalem.A month later, he welcomed Peres, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople to the Vatican and together they planted an olive tree in the gardens. The pontiff met Peres again in September 2014 in the Vatican. Peres’ term as presidemnt had ended in July of that year-

The closest I ever was to former Israeli President Shimon Peres was on December 29, 2008 when I attended the reception he offered at his residence for the heads of the Christian Churches in Israel. This is a yearly event for the exchange of New Year’s greetings between the president and the religious leaders.

At the time, I was in Bethlehem at the Jacir Palace Hotel for a 10-day visit over the Christmas period. On the 29^th, I had gone to Jerusalem with a pastor friend of mine in Beit Sahour, Fr. Faysal, who had business at the Latin Patriarchate. There was the usual stop at the Israeli checkpoint (Bethlehem is in Palestine), documents were shown, questions were asked and the car was examined from top to bottom. We were okayed to pass through and I spent the day at the Patriarchate before going to President Peres’ home.

Just last Monday evening in the Vatican, Pope Francis met with members of the World Jewish Congress.