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07/11/2007 14:13
 
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MONSIGNOR GUIDO'S LITURGICAL 'GRACE NOTES'

It's very embarassing not to have noted it, but I didn't, although I was looking hard for any visual changes that might have been apparent at the Papal Mass to commemorate deceased prelates two days ago - the first occasion at which Mons. Guido Marini acted as Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations.

But how much more obvious can it be? The Novus Ordo altar never contains any image of the Lord! Paolo Rodari of Il Riformista has an article that notes the change.



THE CROSS AT THE CENTER OF THE ALTAR -
and John XXIII's lace-trimmed alb

By PAOLO RODARI




Above all, the orientation. Without the right orientation, the assembly united in prayer becomes a closed circle that cannot go out of itself, which cannot open towards the magnificent supremacy of He who comes, the Lord, the Pierced One.

Without the right orientation, the assembly implodes and debases itself into a self-sufficient, autonomous community - which does not favor dialog with the One Beyond, and where every word becomes self-referential.

It was a great risk - the loss of the right physical orientation within the holy liturgy. And a risk that Benedict XVI has been trying to keep the faithful from further running. A very difficult task, especially in view of so many 'disobedient' priests and prelates even within the Vatican who see anything traditional as a regression to the past.

And yet it is a necessary task - in fact, fundamental - in order to keep the consistency between lex orandi and lex credendi, between those who pray and what they believe.

On October 1, Benedict XVI gave a concrete example in bringing back the liturgy to what it should be, when he named his new Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations - the Genoese and follower of Genoa's late venerated (and very traditional) Cardinal Siri, Guido Marini, in place of the openly liberal follower of Mons. Bugnini (main architect of the Novus Ordo), Piero Marini.

In a recent interview, Mons. Guido said he was 100% in favor of Pope Benedict XVI's Summorum Pontificum which formally recognized the full and equal legitimacy of the traditional Mass as a form of the Roman rite.

And the traditional Mass is distinguished, among others, by the physical orientation of the Mass celebrant and the assembly towards the altar - symbolically, towards the East, representing the coming of the Lord.

And so, two days ago, in his public debut as ceremonial master, Mons. Guido introduced his main innovation.

It was the Papal Mass celebrated at the Altar of Peter's Chair in St. Peter's Basilica - an altar constructed by Bernini in 1656-1665, which features four gigantic sculptures of the Doctors of the Western and Eastern Churches supporting the wooden chair which, tradition says, belonged to St. Peter himself. [However, only the Bernini sculpture and Chair remain: the altar-proper itself was ripped out in 1990 or thereabouts, in an anecdote recounted elsewhere on this Forum by an eyewitness to the architectural outrage, to be replaced by a Novus Ordo altar 'that looks like a picnic table'.]

Mons. Guido 'choreographed' the ceremony in sober, spiritual manner. In an interview a few days earlier, he had said, "It is not my place to introduce inventions but to apply liturgical norms scrupulously." And so he did.

During the whole ceremony, he was next to the Pope with folded hands. And the liturgy itself was a sumptuous return to the traditional orientation - towards the coming Lord, he who resurrected to show us the way.

And how did he do this? The Novus Ordo altar was the same, but in the middle, it had the Crucifix flanked by the ritual six candles. Since 1970, even papal Masses were celebrated without an image on the altar, with a Crucifix usually placed on the right side of the altar - out of the way of celebrants and concelebrants [and generally, out of notice by the congregation].

In this way, although Benedict XVXI faced the assembly, both he and they had a common center of attention - the Cross. This adaptation is an example of the 'democratic' applications possible [in the Novus Ordo] for correct liturgical practice.

As Cardinal Ratzinger said in his Introduction to the spirit of the liturgy, "Among the truly absurd phenomena of these times, I would list the fact that the Crucifix has been set to the side in order to allow the people to look at the priest without obstruction. Is the Cross, then, an obstruction during the Eucharist?"

Evidently not, because the Crucifix in the center of the altar means a great deal. It is a vestige of ancient usage in apostolic times - a custom which, more than any other, recalls that 'conversi ad Dominum' (turn to the Lord) as Augustine said, a literal conversion of one's gaze into an understanding that only when one goes beyond self does one reach the salvation one hopes for. It is symbolic - when one lacks orientation in liturgy, one can easily lose orientation in living the faith.

Monday's commemorative Mass was also an occasion to dust off another old custom - and 'costume'. Under his red chasuble, Benedict XVI wore an alb with lace-trimmed sleeves and a lace bottom [albs are usually plain fabric, at most with a few rows of modest 'openwork' as trimming] last worn by John XXIII. Mons. Guido has many such treasures to look through in the Pontifical Sacristy.





Monday's Mass could be seen as a kind of dress rehearsal, perhaps, for when Benedict XVI himself will celebrate his first traditional Mass in public.

Il Riformista, 7 novembre 2007


Finally, a good picture of Mons. Guido assisting the Pope:


=====================================================================

Here is the full quote from Cardinal Ratzinger about using the Cross as a focal point for the Mass:

Facing toward the East, as we heard, was linked with the "sign of the Son of Man", with the Cross, which announces Our Lord's Second Coming. That is why, very early on, the East was linked with the sign of the cross. Where a direct common turning toward the East is not possible, the cross can serve as the interior "East" of faith. It should stand in the middle of the altar and be the common point of focus for both priest and praying community.

In this way we obey the ancient call to prayer: Conversi ad Dominum, "Turn to the Lord!" In this way we look together at the One whose Death tore the veil of the Temple - the One who stands before the Father for us and encloses us in His arms in order to make us the new and living Temple.

Moving the altar cross to the side to give an uninterrupted view of the priest is something I regard as one of the truly absurd phenomena of recent decades. Is the cross disruptive during Mass? Is the priest more important than Our Lord?

This mistake should be corrected as quickly as possible; it can be done without further rebuilding. The Lord is the point of reference. He is the rising sun of history.

Joseph Ratzinger
The Spirit of the Liturgy


[Modificato da TERESA BENEDETTA 10/11/2007 02:14]
07/11/2007 14:40
 
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GENERAL AUDIENCE TODAY

A full translation of the Holy Father's catechesis has been posted in AUDIENCE AND ANGELUS TEXTS.












CATECHESIS ON ST. JEROME

This is how the Holy Father synthesized his catechesis in English today:

In our catechesis on the teachers of the early Church, we now turn to Saint Jerome, who was responsible for the Latin version of the Bible known as the Vulgate.

Jerome made the Scriptures the centre of his life, translating the inspired word of God, commenting upon its teaching and, above all, striving to live his life in accordance with its precepts.

Born in Dalmatia in the middle of the fourth century and educated in Rome, he embraced the ascetic life and devoted himself to the study of Hebrew and Greek. After a sojourn in the East, he returned to Rome as secretary to Pope Damasus, who encouraged him in his work of translation. He then retired to the Holy Land, where he founded monasteries and a hospice for pilgrims in Bethlehem.

Jerome’s entire life, his vast erudition and the spiritual wisdom born of his ascetic lifestyle were devoted to the service of God’s word, the refutation of heresy and the encouragement of Christian culture.

Let us take to heart the words which this great master of the spiritual life once addressed to Saint Paulinus of Nola, and "seek to learn on earth those truths which will remain ever valid in heaven".











ECUMENICAL ENCOUNTER

The Italian service of Vatican Radio adds this information:



It was a significant moment at the end of the General Audience, when Benedict XVI greeted Archbishop Innokentiy of the Orthodox Patriarchate of Moscow.

The Archbishop presented him with a booklet that had Patriarch Alexei II on the cover.


And from APCOM:

POPE MEETS ROMANIAN PREMIER



VATICAN CITY, Nov. 7 (APcom) - Romanian Prime Minister Calin Popescu Tariceanu, accompanied by his wife, had a ten-minute private audience with Pope Benedict XVI today after the General Audience. They met in a room next to Aula Paolo VI, according to Fr. Federico Lombardi, Vatican press director.

The Romanian premier had requested the special meeting in view of the current tension between Italy and Romania over violent crimes committed by recent Romanian immigrants to Italy.

Fr. Lombardi said Tariceanu thanked the Pope and the Holy See for the welcome given by Church institutions to immigrants and for his words about the immigrant situation at Angelus on Sunday. He asked the PoPE to continue supporting tHe cause of immigrants and their peaceful assimilation into the host country.


WITH THE PRESIDENT
OF ROTARY INTERNATIONAL




VATICAN CITY, Nov 7 (PETRUS) - Another important guest who spoke to Pope Benedict XVI iven a private audience today after the General Audience was William Wilkinson, president of Rotary International.

A Rotary announcement said, "It was not a simple courtesy visit, but a particular recognition of the extraordinary personal commitment by businessmen and philanthropists in the worldwide Rotary campaign to eradicate polio, whcih has resulted so far in saving some two billion children."

Wilkinson was honored in 2001 by John Pauk II with the Pontifical Cross 'Pro Ecclesia et Pontefice', an equestrian order instituted by Leo XIII. Today was his first meeting with Pope Benedict.

Lst Oct. 25, the United Nations Association of New York honored Rotary International and its foundation with the Humanitarian Recognition Prize for its worldwide campaign to assure hygienic conditions and safe drinking water for many poor areas in the world.



[Modificato da TERESA BENEDETTA 08/11/2007 17:01]
07/11/2007 22:57
 
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THE ITALIAN PAPERS REPORT THE SAUDI KING'S VISIT
There were good interpretive articles from the leading Vaticanisti, which I will post here as I can translate them. I'll start with Marco Tosatti's in La Stampa, because he - rightly, I believe - sees the meeting as an indirect outcome of the Regensburg lecture:




The Pope and the Saudi king:
The dialog starts

By MARCO TOSATTI


It was a historic meeting - the first ever, between the King of Saudi Arabia, 'custodian of the sacred mosques' (Mecca and Medina) and the Pope.

It was a sign - and not the first one - that something is moving in relationships between the Vatican and Islam, at least on the level of good intentions and attempts at dialog.

An unforeseeable outcome after the famous Regensburg crisis, when Benedict XVI cited a Byzantine emperor who was very critical of Islam and its prophet.

But yesterday there was absolutely no hint of controversy: Benedict XVI came forward to greet the Saudi monarch, extending both his hands, with great warmth.

Andullah II, dressed in a blue robe with a gold-trimmed white cloak over it and with the typical Arabian headdress, responded just as warmly.

Then they had a half hour conversation in the presence of two interpreters, both priests.

The Pope gave the Saudi sovereign a 16th century engraving showing St. Peter's Basilica, as well as gold commemorative medallions of his Pontificate.

The king presented the Pope with a gold and silver sculpture showing a palm tree and a man on a camel, and an original gift - a gold sword decorated with precious stones in a sheath of pure gold. It was so extraordinary even the Pope showed surprise.

The final communique was restrained but full of elements open to interpretation.

"The talks," it said, "took place in a climate of cordiality and allowed the participants to speak about issues that were close to their hearts. In particular, they re-stated the commitment to inter-cultural and inter-religious dialog, aimed at fruitful and peaceful coexistence among men and peoples; and the value of collaboration among Christians, Muslims and Jews for the promotion of peace, justice and moral and spiritual values, especially in support of the family."

The reference to the Jews cannot be taken for granted, given the position of Saudi Arabia. [Abdullah proposes pan-Arab recognition for Israel if the latter returns to its 1967 borders.]

Then there was a non-polemical nod, which could be significant, to the Christian residents of Saudi Arabia, even if most of them are temporary: "In wishing prosperity to all the residents of Saudi Arabia on the part of Vatican authorities, a reference was made to the positive and industrious presence of Christians."

Up to two million Christian foreigners live in Saudi Arabia as workers [in positions Saudis cannot or do not want to hold - from managerial and technical workers in the oil industry, to manual laborers employed in airports, hotels and municipal governments, to domestics working for middle-class and wealthy Arab families].

All Christians are prohibited from public worship of their religion or from carrying any public signs of it (Crosses, Bibles, rosaries, etc), under pain of severe punishment from Saudi Arabia's religious police.

There are no churches in the kingdom, except in some embassies, and even Masses in private homes are forbidden. The reason: "All Arabia is a mosque." Therefore, not only is construction of churches not allowed; no spiritual assistance whatsoever is permitted for non-Muslims.

The communique, although devoid of any controversial points, served at least to call attention to he existence of 'catacomb Christians' in Saudi Arabia.

Last point in the communique, with substantial agreement on both sides: "There was an exchange of ideas on the Middle East and on the need to find a just solution to the conflicts which afflict the region, particularly that between Israel and Palestine."

It might seem paradoxical, but perhaps the Regensburg crisis set into motion a search for dialog on the part of Muslims. [It is not paradoxical, seeing as the original message uncluttered by the controversial citation - was a call for dialog, among other things.][

Recently, 138 Muslim scholars sent a letter to the Pope and other Christian leaders which was much appreciated, because the signatories come from 43 countries, and it seems to signal a growing accord (or that which Arabic calls 'igmaa', consensus) towards finding a common road with Christians.

The Jesuit priest Samir Khalil Samir, analyzing the letter, said "let us hope that the nest step will see them facing the most sensitive questions regarding religious freedom. the absolute value of human rights, the relationship between religion and society, and the use of violence - in short, all the questions which concern the Islamic world (and I would say, above all, the Muslims themselves) as well as
the West."

La Stampa, 7 novembre 2007

======================================================================


His Holiness meets the King
By ANDREA TORNIELLI


It was the first meeting between a Saudi king and the Pope. Abdullah II, the monarch of Riyadh, met Benedict at noon yesterday. The Holy See, in a communique that was issued also in Arabic, said that talks took place 'in a climate of cordiality' which allowed them 'to speak on maters close to their hearts.'

At the center of talks with the Pope - which lasted half an hour - and subsequently with Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican Secretary of state and 'foreign minister' Mons. Dominique Mamberti, were the "commitment to inter-cultural and inter-religious dialog" aimed at peaceful coexistence and "the value of collaboration among Christians, Muslims and Jews in the promotion of peace, justice and spiritual and moral values, especially in support of the family."

The reference to the Jews was important and unexpected, at a time when there are Muslim states who are calling for the elimination of the state of Israel.

The Pope, on his part, spoke to the Saudi King of the 'positive' presence of Christians in Saudi Arabia.

Finally, during both meetings, there was an emphasis on 'the need for finding a just solution to the conflicts which afflict the region', particularly that between Israel and Palestine.

But more than the words exchanged yesterday was the gesture of the visit itself.

Abdullah II had met with John Paul II during a trip to Italy in May 1999 when he was vice-minister for defense and commandant of the National Guard.

Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal was received three times by Papa Wojtyla and had an audience with Benedict XVI in Castel Gandolfo last September.

But that the Saudi King - custodian of the holy mosques of Mecca and Medina - entered the Sacred Palaces to meet with the Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church is a historic event, as even the Arab media has commented.

Evidently, Abdullah is in a difficult position. The growing assertion of leadership in the region by Iran weakens Saudi Arabia, which feels threatened. [Has anyone considered the fact that Saudi Arabia, for all its wealth, has never had nuclear ambitions although it knows Israel has the bomb? Perhaps at the heart of its questionable alliance with the United States is that it trusts the United States enough to protect it from any nuclear threat and to keep Israel from using the bomb against Saudi Arabia.]

And the internal situation in that country, where for years, fundamentalism has been fodder, has become explosively risky.

For all this, the Saudi King needs allies, to show himself open to dialog and religious tolerance. Therefore, he requested this audience with the Pope. The Vatican gladly gave it, in return for a commitment to dialog and religious tolerance.

It is, of course, well-known that Saudi Arabia is one of the countries where there is no religious freedom, where being caught in possession of a Bible can land you in jail, and anyone who tries to preach Christianity can be sentenced to death. Members of any non-Muslim faith cannot practice their religion.

And in recent years, Saudi institutions have imposed on non-Muslims a sort of passive devotion, by requiring them, for instance, during Ramadan not to eat, drink or smoke in public, in the streets and in stores and offices.

Saudi Arabia presents itself as a 100 percent Muslim country, but according to AsiaNews, it has between 1.5-2 million Christian immigrant workers. There are no churches or priests, except within some embassies, and prayer assemblies in private homes are prohibited.

The reason is that "All Arabia is a mosque" because it is Holy Land for Islam. Thus, building a Christian church, or even a chapel, is not allowed, because "It would be like asking to construct a mosque in the Vatican", the Saudi authorities have always said. Meanwhile, Saudi money has financed construction of the biggest mosques in the West.

Pope Benedict XVI hopes, obviously, that this will change soon.

Il Giornale, 7 novembre 2007





HISTORIC MEETING AT THE VATICAN
by MARCO POLITI


A thirty-minute talk between the Successor of Peter and the Protector of the Sacred Mosques of Islam open a new page in relations between the Catholic Church and the Muslim world.

At 12:30 p.m., King Abdullah in blue robe and white cloak, his face framed by his white kaffiyah, came face to face with the white figure of Benedict XVI who waited at the door of his library and took both the King's hands in his.

It was the first time that a king of the Wahhabi dynasty, representing a rigidly orthodox and proselytical Islam, has breached Vatican walls to dialog with the head of a billion and 200-thousand Catholics.

The Pope was clearly taken aback when the Saudi king presented him a bejeweled golden sword, barely touching it, as he presented his more modest gifts: a historic engraving of the Vatican and the golden commemorative medallions of his Pontificate.

But in the Arab world, it is said that whoever bears a sword as a gift comes in peace - and the Pope and King Abdullah concluded their meeting with a communique of unprecedented tone.

In black and white, the Protector of Mecca and the Roman Pontiff declared agreement on the importance of 'collaboration among Christians, Muslims and Jews'.

Therefore, the two did not only agree on inter-cultural and inter-religious dialog for the 'peaceful and fruitful coexistence" among peoples, but something more: concrete cooperation among Christians, Muslims and Jews for 'justice and peace' in the world, besides safeguarding spiritual and moral values, 'especially in favor of the family.'

The unexpected - and therefore, historical - reference to a trialog (which was so dear to the heart of Papa Wojtyla) appears to indicate that King Abdullah is very serious with his pan-Arab offer of global peace with Israel, in exchange for a retreat from all occupied Palestinian territory, and is equally determined to stabilize the Middle East through cooperation among different religions and peoples.

This attitude assists the coming international conference in Annapolis on the Middle East called by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, but it is clear that both the Vatican and Arab public opinion want the negotiations to start in serious.

The meeting allowed Benedict XVI to introduce the question of freedom of worship for the two million foreign Christian workers and professionals in Saudi Arabia. That is completely prohibited.

Under Paul VI, the Vatican did not object to the construction in Rome of one of the largest mosques in Europe. The Saudi authorities have reasoned only that all of Arabia is Holy Land to Islam, but the Vatican has said that ways can be found to allow religious freedom.

Benedict's approach was delicate. In wishing every good for the Saudi nation, he also underscored 'the positive and industrious presence of Christians' in that country.

The Vatican also believes in a calibrated approach. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, with whom King Abdullah met afterwards, reiterated and underscored the urgency of stabilizing the Middle East and providing guarantees for religious freedom.

Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan begins a visit to Italy today, and if he should request a meeting with the Pope, the Vatican will not say No.

Repubblica, 7 novembre 2007

=====================================================================


KING ABDULLAH'S HISTORIC VISIT:
A COMMITMENT TO DIALOG

by LUIGI ACCATTOLI


His gold-trimmed white cloak over a blue robe resembled the Vatican style almost familiarly as the King of Saudi Arabia entered the private library of the Pope shortly after noon yesterday .

But it was an extraordinary event. Never before had a Saudi King been received by a Pope. Especially since their positions on many issues could hardly be more different.

The meeting should be read in the light of its protocolar uniqueness and in the context of King Abdullah's European mission. He has been to London - where he was greeted by great controversy - and to Geneva, and is proceeding to Germany and Turkey, soliciting support for the Palestinian position at the coming Middle East conference called by President Bush in Annapolis.

In this context, there is pregnant meaning to the moderate declarations of the Vatican communique which expresses the hope for 'a just solution' to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and refers to the 'positive and industrious presence of Christians' in Saudi Arabia, after highlighting 'the value of collaboration among Christians, Muslims and Jews.'

The conversation with the Pope lasted 30 minutes. Abdullah, who is 83, met John Paul II at the Vatican in 1999, when he was only vice-minister of defense and commandant of the Saudi National Guard. He was also the Crown Prince.

The meeting yesterday had been paved by an audience granted by Benedict XVI to the Saudi foreign minister in Castel Gandolfo last September.

The Vatican communique said the meeting with the Pope was followed by one with the Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.

"The talks," it said, "took place in a climate of cordiality and allowed the participants to speak about issues that were close to their hearts. In particular, they re-stated the commitment to inter-cultural and inter-religious dialog, aimed at fruitful and peaceful coexistence among men and peoples; and the value of collaboration among Christians, Muslims and Jews for the promotion of peace, justice and moral and spiritual values, especially in support of the family."

The prudent language of the communique appears to stress the inter-religious aspect of the meetings over the political. Even more prudent was the reference to the total lack of religious freedom for the Christian minority in Saudi Arabia.

"In wishing prosperity on all the inhabitants of the nation, Vatican authorities brought up the positive and industrious presence of Christians in that country."

It might seem a weak statement, but it means something, according to the Vatican, that the statement could be made after a meeting with the leader of the most theocratic of Muslim states.

Hardly more concrete in the communique was the reference to 'an exchange of ideas' on the Middle east and 'the necessity of finding a just solution to the conflicts that afflict the region, especially that between Israel and Palestine'. The Vatican and Saudi positions on this matter are quite close, actually.

But yesterday's meeting should be considered as something of a reciprocal opening which justifies itself.

Someone who expressed 'satisfaction' about the meting was Ban Ki-moon, the secretary-general of the United Nations, whose spokesman underscored its importance as 'a moment of encounter between Christianity and Islam.'

----------------------

In a sidebar, Corriere quotes the vice-president of the Islamic community in Italy, Imam Yahya Palavicini, explaining the symbolism of King Abdullah's gifts to the Pope.



The palm and the camel (in a gold-and-silver statue) stand for life, and the sword stands for moral strength, he said.

"The man in the desert survives thanks to the palm and the camel, while the jewelled sword is both s symbol of moral strength and beauty that cannot be used for violence."

Corriere della Sera, 7 novembre 2007


WHEN A SWORD IS MORE
THAN JUST A SWORD


A sword is obviously a weapon primarily. Or was.

And the Sword of Islam has been considered to be among other things, the sword of war and jihad, symbol of forcible conquest.

But over the centuries, the sword in most cultures has mostly had acquired positive, usully noble, associations and cymbolisms.

The sword is said to be the emblem of military honor and should incite the bearer to a just and generous pursuit of honor and virtue.

It is symbolic of liberty and strength.

The kingly pattern of swords was that which established the possessor as the chosen ruler on whom divine kingship was conferred. Kingship was a political institution found in nearly every ancient and medieval civilization, and the king was believed to be appointed by heaven.

The sword's symbolism in the royal regalia was the temporal representation of divine power in the sovereign. Swords of a royal pattern appear in literature and history from Europe, the Far East, and even Africa.

Like the kingly pattern, the heroic pattern of swords, found mainly in literature and mythology, established the possessor as one invested with divine authority.

In the heroic traditions the sword was preserved or bestowed by deity, often given to a hero for a specific deed. Consequently the hero who possessed the magical and personalized sword had the grace of the gods.

In a way similar to kings, epic heroes were given divine authority and power with their swords, and the fortunes of each hero depended upon his sword.

Swords gave heroes power because they represented blades used by the gods and manifested the "divine cutting power" of deity.

In Indian mythology, the creature Asi ("The Sword") was created to protect the gods, much like God the Father in Judaeo-Christian tradition protected the garden of Eden with a "flaming sword".

Yahweh himself is known to have a sword that he used in the cosmogonic battle before creation, and his word was frequently equated with a sword. In the Middle Ages, the sword was often used as a symbol of the word of God.

As the Messiah of Christianity, Jesus Christ was to come a second time wielding a sword in the last days of judgment.

Heroes with a sword in history and legend derived their symbol of divine power from such figures of deity, and this pattern can also be found throughout the world.

The sword (especially borne with flames) is also a symbol of purification.

When borne with a cross in the same field, the sword signifies the defense of the Christian faith.

Two swords crossed in saltire is an emblem of St. Paul.

In Buddhism, the sword is a symbol of wisdom because its sharp edge can cut through ignorance and destroy evil, both of which interfere with the attainment of enlightenment for Buddhists.

The Islamic tradition of the sword of Mohammed became important regalia for the caliphs, because whichever house possessed the sword held the Imamate.

The sword was believed to have been brought by the angel Gabriel from the heavens, and it personified the strength of Allah.

[Modificato da TERESA BENEDETTA 09/11/2007 02:33]
08/11/2007 03:11
 
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HOW THE ARAB PRESS REPORTED THE SAUDI KING'S VISIT
Pope and Abdullah focus
on religious freedom,
says Arab press





Beirut, Nov. 7 (AsiaNews) – Arab media gave wide coverage to yesterday’s ‘historic’ meeting between Benedict XVI and Saudi King Abdullah.

All media outlets stressed how both sides shared the same view about the role religion can play in achieving peace and justice, but not everyone reported that Jews are also included in the process.

Many, especially in Saudi Arabia, did refer to the Vatican’s request that Christians be granted religious freedom that a “just solution” be found to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Saudi Arabia’s official news agency SPA reported that the “two sides [. . .] stressed that violence and terrorism have nothing to do with a religion,” something that was not in yesterday’s Vatican news release.

The news agency noted that the Saudi monarch stressed the importance of religion for peace and justice but did not mention the Jews, as the Vatican communique did.

Another Saudi paper, Arab News, talked about the “dialogue between Muslims, Christians and Jews [. . .] to promote peace, justice and moral values” and mentioned the meeting’s “warmth.” It also noted its significance since the Saudi monarch met the Pope in his capacity as “Custodian of the two holy mosques.”

Both King Abdullah and Pope Benedict said that “violence and terrorism have no religion or nation,” and that all “countries and peoples should work together to eradicate terrorism.”

It added that yesterday’s meeting came just weeks after 138 Muslim clerics and intellectuals wrote a letter to Benedict and other Christian leaders, and quoted several expatriates living in the kingdom who welcomed the king’s meeting with the pope as a step towards better relations between Muslims and Christians.

The Arab Herald, which also emphasised the historic and warm nature of the meeting, gave wide coverage to the Vatican’s request for broader religious freedom, noting that in the past this demand was a sticking point between the two sides.

The online paper published a range of opinions from some of its readers. One reader noted that no state should impose its views on worshippers; another complained that Muslims are not fully free in Europe because of restrictions on Muslim women wearing the hijab, whereas Christian nuns can wear their own veil; and another instead pointed out that whilst Europe is dotted with mosques, no church exists in Saudi Arabia.

Arab papers outside of the kingdom have largely carried news stories from international news agencies. They, too, stressed the historic nature of the meeting.

Pan-Arab Asharq Al-Awsat noted that the “Vatican has said it wants to pursue a dialogue with moderate Muslims.”

The Kuwait Times called the event a “historic meeting” in which religious freedom, co-operation between Muslims, Christians and Jews and peace in the Middle East took centre stage, noting also that the “Vatican wants greater rights for the 1 million Catholics who live in Saudi Arabia, most of them migrant workers who are not allowed to practice their religion in public.”

Finally, al-Jazeera started off its report on the meeting by saying that “King Abdullah has become the first Saudi monarch to meet a Catholic pontiff,” adding that the two “discussed [. . .] the situation of Saudi Arabia's Christian minority, the need for greater inter-faith collaboration and prospects for peace in the Middle East.”

Further into the text the Qatar-based satellite TV broadcaster quoted yesterday’s Vatican press release that referred to “collaboration among Christians, Muslims and Jews,” asserting also that the “Vatican wants more rights” for Christians.

=====================================================================

AsiaNews had an interesting sidebar to the King's visit, from the point of view of a Christian who was jailed in Saudi Arabia for being Christian.


Doubts and hopes about
King Abdullah’s visit to the Pope

by Nirmala Carvalho


Mumbai, Nov. 7 (AsiaNews) – If yesterday’s meeting between King Abdullah and the Pope is not followed by a “concrete commitment” by Saudi Arabia to respect religious freedom then we will be forced to speak of it in terms of a “simple courtesy visit, a hypocritical move, devoid of meaning”.

This is how Brian O’Connor, a Christian of Indian descent who was detained in the Kingdom’s prisons in 2004 because of his faith, comments on the historic event which took place in the Vatican.

While describing it as a “positive step” towards possible improvements for the Christians in the area, he underlines how far Riyadh still is from respecting Human Rights. He answered these qeustions from AsiaNews.



What importance do you place on the meeting between Benedict XVI and the Saudi King?

It is a positive step in every possible way; these are great signs of prosperity for non Muslims in Saudi Arabia where there is no religious freedom. If however Riyadh does not concretely commit itself to guaranteeing religious freedom then it is a hypocritical step as that the King would like to demonstrate to the International community that Saudi Arabia is opening up to Religious Freedom, and is just a courtesy meeting and of not much meaning and significance.


How do Christians live in Saudi Arabia?

The Saudi kingdom falsely claims to believe in Human Rights, but in my own personal experience, Saudi Arabia's human rights record is appalling, and this is manifest in its persecution. Saudi Arabia currently has one of the worst records of all countries on human rights and there is no freedom of religion.

Christian worshippers risk arrest, lashing, and deportation for engaging in overt religious activity and there are no official churches in Saudi Arabia. The ever vigilant Muttawa or religious police are employed to enforce adherence to Islamic norms by monitoring public behaviour and even the personal lives of the people in the Saudi kingdom.

The world must know that in Saudi, Christians are targeted for abuse, discrimination, and persecution, without any authentic verification, they can be picked up and arrested for proselytism, even their evidence is fabricated. Christians are even targeted for owning, printing, or distributing of any non-Muslim religious material.


What prospective may open in the aftermath of King Abdullah’s visit to the Vatican?

I hope this meeting will usher in a climate of tolerance and reciprocity for non-Muslims in the kingdom. I hope that there will be freedom to open places of Christian worship and Churches in Saudi.

I know the holiest sites of Muslims are there in Saudi, but in Rome there are mosques. There must and should be a spirit of reciprocity if the King is sincere.

If any Muslims anywhere in the world are jailed for whatever reason, they can ask for a Koran. If a Christian is prosecuted and jailed in a Muslim country, and they request for a Bible, they are denied the Bible. If the King concedes full religious freedom then yesterday’s visit can be described as fruitful and the King’s intentions as sincere.


Originally from Karnataka in Southeast India, O'Connor, a Protestant Christian was arrested on March 25, 2004, by the Muttawa (religious police) after being lured outside his house in Riyadh.

The Muttawa took him to a mosque where he was severely beaten and tortured for over 24 hours. The Muttawa ordered him to sign a paper admitting to selling alcohol, and try to convert him to Islam. However he consistently refused.

He was formally charged in September with possession and sale of alcohol, possession of pornographic videos, possession of Bibles and preaching Christianity. On Oct. 20, 2004, he was convicted of selling alcohol, and sentenced to 10 months in prison plus 300 lashes.

O’Connor maintained his innocence and admitted only to organising private prayer meetings as allowed under State law. In November he was released and expelled from the country thanks to a massive campaign of international pressure promoted by AsiaNews.

Recalling his 7 months in prison O’Connor expresses no regrets: “At least my seven months and seven days in the Saudi prison served to denounce the violations of Rreligious freedom violations in that place”.


[Modificato da TERESA BENEDETTA 10/11/2007 19:54]
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French bishops plan for 2008 papal visit

Lourdes, Nov. 7, 2007 (CWNews.com) - At their annual meeting this week, the French bishops discussed plans for a papal visit to the Lourdes, according to Poland's Catholic Information Agency.

Pope Benedict has been invited by the French episcopal conference to attend the celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the Marian apparitions at Lourdes, to be held in 2008. A papal trip would also likely include a visit to the famed monastery at St. Michel.

While the Lourdes celebrations are scheduled for December 8, 2008, a visit to St. Michel would be more likely in September, allowing for a papal Mass on the beach near the monastery.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy is expected to visit the Pope before the end of the year; he will probably issue an invitation on behalf of the government for the papal visit.
08/11/2007 17:08
 
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THE POPE'S DAY TODAY

The Holy Father met this morning with
- H.E. Armando Emílio Guebuza, President of the Republic of Mozambique, and delegation
- Mons. Vernon James Weisgerber, Archbishop of Winnipeg and President of the Canadian bishops conference, with
Mons. Pierre Morissette, Bishop of Baie-Comeau, Vice President, and
Mons. Mario Paquette, Segcretary-General.
- Bishops of Portugal, first group, on ad-limina visit
- H.E. Mons. Vito Rallo, Apostolic Nunzio to Burkina Faso and Niger
In the afternoon:
- Bishops of Portugal, second group, on ad-limina visit.

The Vatican released the Italian texts of
- The Holy Father's letter to all bishops and faithful on the 1600th anniversary of the death of St. John Chrysostom.
- The Holy Father's message to Mons. Gianfranco Ravasi, President of the Pontifical Council for Culture,
on the 12th session of the Pontifical Academies today.


MEETING WITH
PRESIDENT OF MOZAMBIQUE




VATICAN CITY, NOV 8, 2007 (VIS) - At midday today, the Holy See Press Office released the following communique:

"The Holy Father Benedict XVI today received in audience Armando Guebuza, president of the Republic of Mozambique. The president subsequently went on to meet with Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B., and Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States.

"During the cordial discussions, the good relations existing between the Holy See and Mozambique were noted with pleasure, as was the convergence of ideas and intentions on the contribution the Church can make to the good of the entire nation, expressing a hope for ever more solid collaboration in the field of healthcare, and education of the young generations who are the hope of the nation. In particular, the Catholic Church is committed to strengthening and developing her presence in the university sector.

"Mention was also made of the Rome Peace Agreement, the 15th anniversary of which was celebrated on October 4, concurring on the need to achieve full national reconciliation. Finally the resumption of talks was proposed, with a view to an Agreement between the Holy See and the Republic of Mozambique."




PONTIFICAL ACADEMIES:
A CULTURE WORTHY OF HUMAN LIFE


VATICAN CITY, NOV 8, 2007 (VIS) - This morning, the pontifical academies held their twelfth public session under the presidency of Archbishop Gianfranco Ravasi, president of their coordinating council.

For the occasion, Benedict XVI sent a Message to Archbishop Ravasi, who is also president of the Pontifical Council for Culture.

"The celebration of this public session," writes the Pontiff in his Message, "annually renews an opportunity for meeting and collaboration between the pontifical academies ... in order to harmonize their various initiatives, all of which have a precise objective: promoting, both in the Church and the world, a culture worthy of human life, fecundated by faith, capable of proposing the beauty of Christian life and of providing an adequate response to the ever more numerous challenges of today's cultural and religious context."

The Pope dwells on the theme chosen for the session - "Witnesses of His love (Sacramentum caritatis, 85). The love of God as shown by martyrs and by the works of the Church" - indicating how it expresses "the fundamental link between the celebration of the divine Mysteries and the witness of life, between the experience of encountering the Mystery of God ... and the dynamism of a renewed commitment that causes us to be 'witnesses of His love'."

The Holy Father highlights how "it is more necessary than ever to re-present the example of Christian martyrs, both those of antiquity and those of our own time, whose lives and witness, even to the spilling of their blood, are the supreme expression of love of God."

The Pope concludes by mentioning "the works of charity that have flowered down the centuries through the efforts of generous faithful" who "have striven to create and promote charitable initiatives and institutions to meet the needs of the poorest, thus giving concrete expression to the close and indissoluble link between love of God and love of others."


POPE'S LETTER ON THE 16TH CENTENARY
OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM'S DEATH


VATICAN CITY, NOV 8, 2007 (VIS) - Made public today was a Letter written by the Holy Father for the occasion of the 16th centenary of the death of St. John Chrysostom, in which he underlines the saint's "shining figure," proposing it "for the joint edification" of the universal Church.

The Letter was read this morning at the opening of an international congress, "St. John Chrysostom 1600 years after his Death," being held at Rome's "Augustinianum" patristic institute from November 8 to 10.

"The life and doctrinal teaching of this saintly bishop and Doctor ring out in every century," the Pope writes, "and even today they still induce universal admiration. The Roman Pontiffs have always recognized in him a living source of wisdom for the Church and their interest in his magisterium became more intense over the course of last century."

Referring to the life and ministry of the saint, Benedict XVI recalls how he was born in Antioch in Syria in the mid fourth century. "During his 12 years of priestly ministry in the Antiochean Church, John distinguished himself for his capacity to interpret Scripture in a manner the faithful could understand." He also sought "to strengthen the unity of the Church, ... at a historical moment in which it was threatened both internally and externally. He rightly felt that unity among Christians depends above all on a correct understanding of the central mystery of the Church's faith: that of the Blessed Trinity and the Incarnation of the Divine Word."

"Having served the Church in Antioch as a priest and preacher for 12 years, John was consecrated bishop of Constantinople in 398, remaining there for five and a half years. In that role, he concerned himself with the reform of the clergy, encouraging priests by word and example to live in conformity with the Gospel."

St. John Chrysostom "tirelessly denounced the contrast that existed in the city between the extravagant wastefulness of the rich and the indigence of the poor." At the same time, he encouraged the wealthy "to welcome homeless people into their own houses." He also "stood our for his missionary zeal" and built hospitals for the sick.

Talking of the bishop of Constantinople's ministry, Benedict XVI recalls how "since the fifth century John Chrysostom has been venerated by the entire Church, Eastern and Western, for his courageous witness in defense of ecclesial faith and for his generous dedication to pastoral ministry."

"Special mention must also be made of the extraordinary efforts undertaken by St. John Chrysostom to promote reconciliation and full communion between Christians of East and West. In particular, his contribution proved decisive in putting an end to the schism separating the See of Antioch from the See of Rome and from other Western Churches."

The Pope goes on to highlight how "both in Antioch and Constantinople John spoke passionately of the unity of the Church throughout the world. ... For John, the unity of the Church is rooted in Christ, the Divine Word Who with His Incarnation united Himself to the Church as a head is united to its body."

"For John Chrysostom the ecclesial unity achieved in Christ finds unique expression in the Eucharist." His "profound veneration" for this Sacrament was "particularly nourished in the celebration of the divine liturgy. In fact, one of the richest expressions of Eastern liturgy bears his name: 'The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom'."

The Holy Father indicates how, "with great profundity, John Chrysostom develops his ideas on the effects of sacramental communion in believers. ... He tirelessly repeats that preparation for Holy Communion must include penitence for sins and gratitude for the sacrifice Christ made for our salvation. Thus, he exhorts the faithful to participate fully and devotedly in the rites of divine liturgy and to receive Holy Communion in the same way."

John Chrysostom "also draws the moral consequences" from his contemplation of the Eucharistic Mystery, reminding people "that communion with the Body and Blood of Christ obliges them to offer material assistance to the poor and hungry who live among them."

Benedict XVI expresses the hope that this centenary may be a good occasion to increase studies on the saint, "recovering his teachings and encouraging his devotion."

"May the Fathers of the Church," the Pope concludes, "become a stable point of reference for all Church theologians" and may theologians themselves discover "a renewed commitment to recover the heritage of wisdom of the holy Fathers. The result can only be a vital enrichment of their ideas, even on the problems of our own times."


CANADIAN BISHOPS MEET WITH
POPE AND CURIAL OFFICIALS

By Carol Glatz
Catholic News Service


VATICAN CITY, Nov. 8 (CNS) -- The president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops said coming to the Vatican to visit Pope Benedict XVI and curial officials "is always something that energizes us."

Archbishop James Weisgerber of Winnipeg, Manitoba, conference president, led a small delegation to the Vatican Nov. 6-12 for regularly scheduled annual meetings with Vatican officials.

The vice president of the bishops' conference, Archbishop Pierre Morissette of Baie-Comeau, Quebec, and secretary-general, Msgr. Mario Paquette, accompanied Archbishop Weisgerber.

Archbishop Weisgerber told Catholic News Service that the delegation's 20-minute private meeting Nov. 8 with Pope Benedict "went very well."

"He is a marvelous listener and very hospitable," he said.

He said they spoke with the pope about the problem of secularization and the situation of the aboriginal peoples in Canada.

The archbishop called the pope's ability to make time for and dedicate his attention to the many people who come to see him "a great gift."

The Canadians' appointment followed the pope's 35-minute meeting with the president of Mozambique "and it was amazing how he can be extremely present and make you feel you're the only one in the world," Archbishop Weisgerber said.

The archbishop told the pope they hoped he would take part in the 2008 International Eucharistic Congress in Quebec in June.

He said when they asked if the pope was planning to attend "he just smiled very warmly, very nicely and said his schedule for 2008" was not yet finalized.

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, told CNS Nov. 7 he has not seen any plans for a Quebec trip.

Archbishop Weisgerber said he did not mention the online petition aimed at convincing the pope to journey to Quebec since he had only just recently learned about it.

=====================================================================

Here's an item about that online petition:

Petition pleads for Pope
to come to Quebec City

By DEBORAH GYAPONG
Canadian Catholic News
Quebec City




A former Quebec justice minister has launched a petition aimed at bringing Pope Benedict to Quebec City for the 2008 International Eucharistic Congress in June.

"With the petition maybe we can help him decide to come to Quebec City," said Marc Bellemare in a phone interview.

The Vatican, however, says there are no plans for the pope to visit Quebec.

Cardinal Marc Ouellet of Quebec has said he will meet with the pope later this month to get a final answer on his attendance. The Congress also coincides with the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec.

"It is not only the birth of the city but the birth of Catholicism in North America," said Bellemare. "There will be 15,000 people to celebrate. Without the pope it's not the same."

His website (www.pape2008.com) enables people to sign an electronic version. In less than a week, more than 4,000 had done so.

"He must come!" said Bellemare. "For all the Catholics of the world it is important for him to come here. We need the pope."

The Vatican press office, however, says there are no plans for a papal visit to Quebec.

The press office director Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi told the Catholic News Service Nov. 7 that the pope will visit the United Nations, World Youth Day in Australia and Lourdes, France. "I have not seen any plans for a visit to Quebec."
[Modificato da TERESA BENEDETTA 10/11/2007 02:55]
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The Unlikely Ambassador to Islam

By Father Jonathan Morris
Fox News
Thursday , November 08, 2007



It sounds like the beginning of a good mystery novel — “a German Pope and a Saudi King were meeting privately behind the Vatican walls” — but, in fact, that is precisely what happened this week.

For the first time ever, a reigning monarch of Saudi Arabia came to the Vatican to meet with the Pope.

Not just any Pope; it’s the Pope of the Regensburg address — that infamous speech against religiously-motivated violence that provoked parts of the Muslim world into proving his point. And this is no ordinary monarch; he’s the leader of a Muslim country that boasts, year after year, one of the worst records of religious liberty in the world.

Strange bedfellows? Not so.

The well-kept secret of this papacy is that it is on track to leave a legacy of effective diplomacy and inter-religious dialogue with the very group it so upset just one year ago — Muslims.

Ever since the violent protests have subsided in the aftermath of Regensburg, Muslim leaders have been flocking to the side of Pope Benedict, and he to theirs. In September of 2006, Pope Benedict opened the doors of his summer residence (off grounds even to most Catholic prelates) for a personal meeting with the twenty ambassadors of Muslim countries stationed in Rome. In November of the same year, just two months after Regensburg, Pope Benedict managed a successful trip to Turkey. Then, in September of 2007, on the anniversary of the Regensburg address, 138 Muslim clerics, scholars, and politicians from Sunni, Shia, and Kurdish groups signed a letter to the Pope inviting the Christian and Muslim worlds to unite around love. Now we witness the first visit of the King of Saudi Arabia.

All in a year’s time! What’s going on? Is the Pope caving in on his core convictions, as expressed in the Regensburg address, for the sake of public relations? A look behind the scenes tells us that it is just the opposite.

At the conclusion of Tuesday’s meeting with King Abdulla, the Vatican briefed the press about the secret content of their discussion. The press office used typical diplomatic verbiage: “The presence and hard work of Christians in Saudi Arabia was discussed.” A straight-talk translation of that would go something like this: “Pope Benedict XVI expressed indignation to King Abdullah that the nearly one million Christians in Saudi Arabia are prohibited from any form of public worship. He wondered why there is a grand Mosque in Rome and no cathedral in Riyadh; no crosses, no Bibles, and no churches anywhere in the Kingdom.”

This reminds me of the fact that Pope Benedict never apologized for his Regensburg speech; he expressed regret that some people were offended by it.

So while Pope Benedict isn’t mincing words, his interlocutors keep coming back for more of the same. Either they are gluttons for punishment or the Pope is making headway in promoting human reason and the dignity of the human person as the meeting point between cultures and religions.

The combination of a clear presentation of differences and lots of cordial human contact, seems to be a uniquely "Benediction" approach to diplomacy and inter-religious dialogue.

From this vantage point where I write — a stone’s throw from the Vatican — it seems his approach is working, at least better than anywhere else.

[Modificato da TERESA BENEDETTA 10/11/2007 19:53]
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THE POPE'S DAY TODAY

The Holy Father met today with
- The officers of the Conference of Latin American and Caribbean bishops (CELAM)
- Bishops of Portugal, Group 3, on ad-limina visit
- Members of the Federazione Universitaria Cattolica Italiana (FUCI). Address in Italian.
In the afternoon:
- Bishops of Portugal, Group 4, on ad-limina Visit

It was announced the Pope met yesterday afternoon with
- Giovanni Maria Vian and Carlo Di Cicco, editor and deputy editor of L'Osservatore Romano.


THE POPE MOURNS
THE DEATH OF CARDINAL YAMAO


The Holy Father sent telegrams of condolence on the death of Japanese Cardinal Stephen Hamao, emeritus President of the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Itinerant Peoples, who died n Tokyo yesterday. The elegrams were sent to the Bishop of Yokohama and the cardinal's sister.

THE MOST REVEREND RAFAEL MASAHIRO UMEMURA
BISHOP OF YOKOHAMA

HAVING LEARNED WITH SADNESS OF THE DEATH OF CARDINAL STEPHEN FUMIO HAMAO, I EXTEND MY HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO YOU AND THE FAITHFUL OF THE DIOCESE OF YOKOHAMA WHERE HE MINISTERED AS BISHOP FOR NEARLY TWO DECADES.

WITH GRATITUDE FOR THE LATE CARDINAL'S DEVOTED WITNESS TO THE GOSPEL, HIS LIVELY CONCERN FOR THE POOR AND HIS GENEROUS SERVICE TO THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH AS PRESIDENT OF THE PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR THE PASTORAL CARE OF MIGRANTS AND ITINERANTS, I WILLINGLY COMMEND THE SOUL OF THIS PROUD SON OF THE JAPANESE PEOPLE TO THE LOVING MERCY OF GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.

TO ALL WHO MOURN HIM IN THE HOPE OF THE RESURRECTION I CORDIALLY IMPART MY APOSTOLIC BLESSING AS A PLEDGE OF CONSOLATION AND STRENGTH IN JESUS CHRIST OUR SAVIOR.

BENEDICTUS PP. XVI


MRS. TERESA TERUKO UEMATSU

SADDENED AT THE NEWS OF YOUR DEAR BROTHER’S DEATH, I EXPRESS MY DEEP SYMPATHY TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

I ASSURE YOU OF MY PRAYERS FOR HIS ETERNAL REST AND I ASK OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST TO GRANT YOU THE CONSOLATION AND PEACE BORN OF OUR FIRM HOPE IN HIS PROMISES. WITH MY APOSTOLIC BLESSING.

BENEDICTUS PP. XVI


Tokyo, Nov. 9, 2007 (CWNews.com) - Cardinal Stephen Fumio Hamao, the former president of the Pontifical Council for Migrants, died in Tokyo on November 8 at the age of 77.

Cardinal Hamao, who had resigned his Vatican post in March 2006, was a cancer victim. Appointed an auxiliary bishop of Tokyo in 1970, he had been named Bishop of Yokohama in 1979. After serving as president of the Japanese bishops' conference he was called to Rome in 1998 to become president of the Pontifical Council for Migrants. He was elevated to the College of Cardinals by Pope John Paul II (bio - news) in 2003.

In a message of condolence, Pope Benedict XVI praised the Japanese prelate for his "devoted witness to the Gospel, his lively concern for the poor, and his generous service to the universal Church."

Cardinal Hamao had been one of two cardinals from Japan; he is survived by Cardinal Peter Shirayanagi, the former Archbishop of Tokyo, who will be 80 on November 26.

Shortly after resigning his Vatican post, Cardinal Hamao had said that the Vatican has "great difficulties understanding" the Christians of Asia, and should make a greater effort to adapt Church teachings to the Asian cultural context.

With the death of Cardinal Hamao, there are now 178 living cardinals, of whom 103 are under the age of 80 and thus eligible to participate in a papal election. At a consistory scheduled for November 23, Pope Benedict will elevate 23 new cardinals, of whom 18 will be cardinal-electors


POPE ADDRESSES ITALIAN UNIVERSITARIANS:
UNITE MATURITY IN FAITH WITH STUDY




VATICAN CITY, NOV 9, 2007 (VIS) - At midday today in the Vatican's Clementine Hall, Benedict XVI received a delegation from the Italian Catholic University Federation (FUCI) for the occasion of the organization's 110 anniversary.

FUCI, said the Pope, "has contributed to the formation of entire generations of exemplary Christians who have proved capable of translating the Gospel into life and with life, dedicating themselves in the cultural, civil, social and ecclesial fields."

In this context he recalled Blesseds Piergiorgio Frassati and Alberto Marvelli, the Italian politicians Aldo Moro and Vittorio Bachelet, "both barbarously murdered," and Paul VI "who was the principal ecclesiastical assistant to FUCI during the difficult years of fascism."

"In the mid 1990s," the Holy Father went on, "the academic system in Italy underwent a radical reformation, and today has an entirely different aspect, full of promise for the future but also having elements that give rise to legitimate concern."

"It is precisely in this field that FUCI can, even today, fully express its original and ever-valid charism: a convinced witness to the 'possible friendship' between knowledge and faith. This involves incessant efforts to unite maturity in faith with growth through study and the acquisition of academic knowledge."

"Study," said Benedict XVI, "also represents a providential opportunity to progress along the road of faith, because well-cultivated intelligence opens man's heart to listening to the voice of God, highlighting the importance of discernment and humility."

"Today as in the past, people who wish to be Christ's disciples are called to go against the tide" and not to let themselves be influenced by messages that propagate "arrogance and the achievement of success at all costs.

"In modern society," the Holy Father added, "there exists a race, sometimes a desperate race, towards appearance and possession at all costs, at the expense, unfortunately, of being. The Church, teacher of humanity, never tires of exhorting people, especially the young of whom you are a part, to remain watchful and not to fear choosing 'alternative' paths which only Christ can indicate."

"Jesus calls all His friends to live in sobriety and solidarity, to create sincere and disinterested emotional relationships with others. From you, dear young students, He asks for honest commitment to study, cultivating a mature sense of responsibility and a shared interest in the common good. May your years at university be, then, training for a convinced and courageous evangelical witness. And to realize your mission, seek to cultivate an intimate friendship with the divine Master, enrolling yourselves in the school of Mary, Seat of Learning."

[Modificato da TERESA BENEDETTA 11/11/2007 03:55]
09/11/2007 17:04
 
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FR. SAMIR COMMENTS ON MEETING BETWEEN POPE AND SAUDI KING



A translation from the Italian service of Vatican Radio:

The meeting between Benedict XVI and King Abdullah II of Saudi Arabia on Tuesday had great resonance in the Muslim world, according to Jesuit Fr. Samir Khlail Samir, professor of Islamology and history of Arab culture at Saint Joseph's University in Beirut, Lebanon. Alessandro Gisotti interviewed him:


What has been the reaction in the Arab world?

First, it must be pointed out that all the major newspapers were interested and commented at length on the meeting. The reactions have all been positive, underscoring the cordial climate and the desire for peace on both sides.

All appeared to pick up three major points: First, the Muslim-Christian dialog, with some even referring to dialog among Muslims, Christians and Jews [as the Vatican communique mentioned].

Then they underscored peace, but the best thing is that all the Arab media picked up what the communique said about a common commitment to promote not just peace but justice and moral values as well.

I think this is very important, because John Paul II always said there is no peace without justice. This is also the common feeling in the Arab and Muslim world, especially in the case of Palestine.

As for the phrase about moral values, it has a different meaning for the Muslims, because the Muslim world has often criticized the West for an absence of moral values. Everything that they see in Western society, even among Christians, seems to them to show a lack moral or ethical values. And I think that on this point, Christians - Catholics in particular - will find many areas of agreement.


Could this meeting lead to any positive developments for the Christians living in Saudi Arabia?

I think it's a small first step to face the problem which has been completely blocked up to now. The present situation is increasingly felt to be anomalous even in the Muslim world.

The pretext claimed by Saudi Arabia for the past two decades is that all Arabia is a mosque, and therefore it is not possible to introduce any other religion inside it, just as - they claim - one cannot construct a mosque inside the Vatican. But this is just a pretext, of course.

The idea of religious freedom is progressing in the Islamic world even if we cannot yet understand its deeper meaning.

I think the Pope did well to refer to the problem without openly asking for more. Indeed, one cannot indefinitely say, "Let's be patient, things will take time", but neither can one ask for everything all at once.

[Modificato da TERESA BENEDETTA 10/11/2007 19:51]
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A MORE-THAN-CASUAL ENCOUNTER
Last Wednesday, I posted this item on THE POPE'S DAY as one of three more-than-casual post-GA encounters with the Pope:

ECUMENICAL ENCOUNTER

The Italian service of Vatican Radio adds this information:



It was a significant moment at the end of the General Audience, when Benedict XVI greeted Archbishop Innokentiy of the Orthodox Patriarchate of Moscow.

The Archbishop presented him with a booklet that had Patriarch Alexei II on the cover.

It turns out that wasn't just any 'booklet' that Patriarch Innokentiy gave the Pope. Here 's a story from the Italian service of ZENIT, translated here:


VATICAN CITY, Nov. 8 (ZENIT.org).- Benedict XVI received Wednesday from Bishop Innokentiy of the Russian Orthodox Church a French translation of a book on the social doctrine of the Russian Church, entitled Fondaments de la doctrine sociale.

It is the first printed compendium since the Russian Orthodox formulated and adopted the document in 2000.

In the book, the Russian Church, through its bishops, takes a stand on numerous political, economic and social questions: on church and State relations, the nation, work, property, international relations, family ethics, human rights, health, bioethics, culture, communications media, the relation between science and faith, ecology, globalization, etc.

The Pope was also given the most recent issue of the magazine (French edition) Messager de l’Eglise orthodoxe russe, dedicated to the recent visit to France of Alexei II, Patriarch of Moscow and all the Russias.

Vatican Radio called the brief encounter between the Pope and Bishop Innokentiy as a 'significant ecumenical moment'.

The Russian Church's European website www.egliserusse.eu reported that the Pope "has asked Mons. Innokentiy to convey his greetings to to Patriarch Alexei, and expressed the hope that the social doctrine of the Russian church may contribute to a common proclamation of faith by Catholics and Orthodox Christians and their common testimony to the values proclaimed in the Gospel."

The Russian Church will formally presented the book in Paris on November 12 during a colloquium on the theme "Towards a common social doctrine of Christians" at the Sevres Center.

[Modificato da TERESA BENEDETTA 09/11/2007 23:19]
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ABOUT THE PETRINE PRIMACY...
DOES RUSSIA SHARE THE PAN-ORTHODOX VIEW?

Thanks to Lella, who carries this item on her blog from this weekend's issue of Panorama magazine, in which Ignacio Ingrao reports something already 'revealed' in previous statements made by both sides about what was agreed on at the Ravenna ecumenical sessions last month. See previous posts in NEWS ABOUT THE CHURCH. Here is a translation of the Panorama item:





And so, Benedict XVI opens up
to the Orthodox Churches

By IGNAZIO INGRAO

A new important step towards the reunification of the Catholic and Orthodox Churches: On November 15, a document on "collegiality and authority in the Church" will be made public.

It is the result of the meetings held in Ravenna last month by the mixed international commission for dialog between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.

A preliminary look at the document shows that it faces one of the most controversial issues in the ecumenical dialog: the role and authority of the Pope in a unified Church.

The proposal is to adopt the organizational model of the Church in the first millennium [before the Great Schism of 1054 that led to the formation of the Orthodox Churches], in which there were five major Patriarchates (Rome, Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem), with the Bishop of Rome recognized as primus inter pares (first among equals).

However, it is not clear what the Russian Orthodox Church will have to say about this. Its delegation walked out of the Ravenna meetings to protest the inclusion of the Estonian Orthodox Church at the authorization of the patriarch of Constantinople. [Patriarch Alexei II questions the standing of the Patriarch of Constantinople who is recognized by all the other Orthodox Churches as their 'first among equals'. Alexei has maintained that Moscow, not Constantinople, deserves to be the second Rome - notwithstanding the fact that the Russian Orthodox Church was an outgrowth of the Orthodox Church of Constantinople, the original Orthodox Church.]

Benedict XVI is expected to discuss this issue at the plenary sessions of the College of Cardinals on November 23, the day before the general consistory.

The next meeting of the mixed international theological commission will be in 2009.

Panorama n.46/2007

=====================================================================

Just to clarify the origins of the Russian Orthodox Church:

In 988, Prince Vladimir I of Kiev officially adopted Byzantine Rite Christianity — the religion of the Eastern Roman Empire — as the state religion of Kievan Rus. This date is often considered the official birthday of the Russian Orthodox Church. [But there was no Orthodox Church yet at the time, since the Schism didn't come till 1054, although there were already two Catholic Rites - the Western or Latin, and the Eastern or Byzantine.]

Thus, in 1988, the Church celebrated its millennial anniversary [under false pretenses, really, because it started out in 988 as a Catholic Church of the Eastern rite[]. It therefore traces its apostolic succession through the Patriarch of Constantinople. [So how can Alexei deny the 'seniority' of Constantinople? It is not even one of the major Patriarchates of the first millennium, for the simple reason that Moscow did not become the seat of the Russian patriarchate till the 14th century!]

The Kievan church was originally a Metropolitan Diocese of the Patriarchate of Constantinople and the Byzantine patriarch appointed the metropolitan who governed the Church of Rus. The Metropolitan's residence was originally located in Kiev.

As Kiev was losing its political, cultural, and economical significance due to the Mongol invasion, Metropolitan Maximus moved to Vladimir [a beautiful and well-preserved medieval walled city not far from Moscow, one of the must-see places to visit in Russia] in 1299. His successors, Metropolitan Peter and Theognostus, moved the residence to Moscow by 1326.

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Pope petitioned to beatify Pius XII
by William Donohue
Spero News
Thursday, November 08, 2007


William Donohue is the president of the Catholic League of America.

Two national Catholic organizations, the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights and the Society of Catholic Social Scientists, are working jointly to petition Pope Benedict XVI to expedite the cause for the beatification of Pope Pius XII.

It is our strongly held conviction that Pope Pius XII has been unfairly portrayed as someone who stood silent during the Holocaust. Indeed, we know of no world leader who did more to resist the Nazis and rescue Jews than this great man. To depict him otherwise is to slander him, and this is not something Catholics will ever accept.

Petition to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI
for the Beatification of Pope Pius XII


With profound respect and sincere devotion, We, the undersigned, humbly request that the cause for the beatification of Pope Pius XII proceed without delay.

Pius XII's virtuous life speaks for itself and is supported by an abundance of incontestable documentary evidence. The truth regarding his service to the Church and the World, as a diplomat and during his pontificate, prior to and through the World War II period, is also historically established.

He has been the victim of an unjust smear campaign for fifty years. Now, however, overwhelming evidence has been amassed that proves beyond doubt that he labored without pause for peace, that he sought to assist in every way possible the victims of war, especially Jews, hundreds of thousands of whom were spared through his efforts, and that he constantly warned the world of the horrors of Nazism and Communism.

We urge that you honor this holy and brave Pontiff at the soonest possible date.


To sign this petition, click here
www.catholicleague.org/petition.php

[Modificato da TERESA BENEDETTA 10/11/2007 02:44]
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THE POPE'S DAY TODAY

The Holy Father met today with
- Bishops of Portugal on ad-limina visit, Group 5 and Group 6, separately. Address in Portuguese
and in a special audience at St. Peter's Square
- Confederation of the diocesan confraternities of Italy. Address in Italian


SPECIAL AUDIENCE FOR
ITALIAN DIOCESAN BROTHERHOODS


A full translation of the Holy Father's addrEss on this occasion has been posted in HOMILIES, DISCOURSES, MESSAGES.









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THE NOVELTY BENEDICT XVI BRINGS TO THE PAPACY
By GIANNI BAGET BOZZO



In today's issue of La Stampa, we get a fresh insight and analysis of Benedict XVI's actions once again from this veteran political commentator-theologian.

Perhaps a sign to understand the direction that Pope Benedict XVI is giving to his Pontificate is the new format of the Osservatore Romano under Giovanni Maria Gian.

It used to be an ordinary Italian newspaper which documented the activities of the Holy See. It is now a Papal newspaper, which focuses on properly Papal matters, of the Pope's magisterium and governance of the Church, highlighting questions of doctrinal and spiritual character for the universal Church.

At the same time, reporting and analysis of international affairs has taken the place of merely focusing on Italian politics and society.

There is another side of Benedict XVI's activity which perhaps explains why he named a trusted co-worker like Cardinal Bertone to a role normally carried out by Vatican diplomats, that of secretary of State.

The Pope wishes to have something to say personally about the problems of the world, therefore those that have to do with nation states, and among his top priorities is to assure freedom of religion, especially for Christians. This explains two fundamental acts of his Pontificate so far.

The first is his decision to address the freedom of the Church in China, making clear that its presence cannot be left alone to an underground Church, no matter how faithful it is, but that the Church should take its place in the context of Chinese institutions and society.

It means that the Church accepts the Confucian principle of 'great harmony' often enunciated as the basis (and goal) of the Chinese Communist government, at this paradoxical point when - while the regime remains Communist - the country itself is becoming a great capitalist power, and only this 'great harmony' can govern such a China.

That is why the Pope accepts that Catholic bishops should have the consensus of the Chinese government. This might be taken as an act of acculturation to China, but the purpose is to obtain a degree of freedom, limited as it may be, for Chinese Catholics.

Today, there are more Chinese Catholics than the number of registered members in the Chinese Communist Party. Still, the papal line is that the Church in China should grow in the Confucian 'great harmony' that is guaranteed by the Communist regime.

The Pope is showing a similar orientation with respect to the Muslim world.

The Regensburg lecture had been considered by most commentators an 'error' but it has proven to be a fresh beginning.

It was not the Western governments but the Pope who has made the world aware that religious freedom for Christians impacts on Muslim identity in the world.

And that is why the 'custodian of the holy mosques of Mecca and Medina' came to Rome and offered the Pope a sword, a gesture that could be seen to symbolize an end to reciprocal hostility.

After Regensburg, the religious freedom of Christians in Muslim lands has become a Muslim problem as never before.

It is significant that the joint communique after the visit of the Saudi Arabian king referred to the 'industrious presence of Christians in Saudi Arabia.'

The reference legitimizes a reality that is otherwise denied as religious fact under present Saudi law.

Equally significant is the letter addressed by an international group of Muslim religious authorities to the Pope and other Christian leaders.

It is a recognition that relationship with Christianity is something that is fundamental for Muslims, in a way different from Islam's relationship with the Western world.

They are addressing the Christian churches as a reality on a par with Islam, in a way that all of Western society is not.

Thus, in the two aspects of Benedict XVI's actions - his governance of the Church and his relationship with the rest of the world - we see the novelty that he has brought to the Roman Papacy.

La Stampa, 10 novembre 2007
[Modificato da TERESA BENEDETTA 10/11/2007 19:48]
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DAILY VIDEO CLIPS OF THE POPE'S ACTIVITIES

Vatican Radio has activated a service called VideoNews on Demand which promptly provides video clips of the Pope's activities, as well as a continuing archive of past clips.

Click on the VIDEONEWS button on the right side of the page
www.radiovaticana.org/it1/video_menu.asp

The list of the available clips are on the right side, starting with the latest one, and goes all the way back to Sept. 30, the Pope's last Angelus in Castel Gandolfo.

[Modificato da TERESA BENEDETTA 11/11/2007 04:46]
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Daily Video Clips
Thanks, Teresa for the website link. I tried it and it's great ... my Italian isn't up to that speed, unfortunately but I get the gist of it. Something to check out every day ...

Aloha ...
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ANGELUS TODAY

A full translation of the Pope's words today has been posted in AUDIENCE AND ANGELUS TEXTS.

The Holy Father delivered a homily on St. Martin of Tours, expressed the hope that Lebanon may get a new President acceptable to all Lebanese, asked Italians to pray for farmers particularly on Italy's Thanksgiving Day today, and greeted Argentines for the beatification in Argentina of their first native-born compatriot to be beatified.








The following report is adapted from AsiaNews:

ST. MARTIN AS A MODEL
FOR GLOBAL SOLIDARITY


An appeal to Christians and to the world so that there is food, health care work, and culture for all, as well as an appeal for Lebanon where presidential elections have been postponed three times, were the two main themes of Benedict XVI’s special messages at Angelus today, attended by thousands of pilgrims who gathered in St. Peter's Square under a cold early-winter sky.

In his homily earlier, the Pope recalled that that the Church celebrates today the feast of St Martin of Tours.

After a brief outline of the saint's life, Benedict recalled St. Martin's famous gesture of sharing his cloak with a poor beggar. “That night," he said, "Christ appeared to him in a dream, smiling and wearing that same cloak”.

St Martin’s gesture, he pointed out, followed the logic of Christ's miracle of the loaves.

“St Martin helps us to understand that only through a common commitment to sharing, can we answer to the great challenger of our time: that is to build a world of justice and peace, where every human being can live in dignity.

"This can only happen if a global model of authentic solidarity prevails, capable of insuring that all of the worlds’ people have food, water, healthcare, but also work and recourse to energy as well as culture and scientific and technological knowledge”.

After the Angelus prayer, Benedict XVI recalled the current situation in Lebanon where elections for president are due to be held. The vote was postponed for the third time last night to November 21, three days before current President Emile Lahoud’s mandate expires.

Tensions between pro-Syrian parties and the government and the divisions among Christian deputies (the president must be a Maronite Christian), have failed to bring consensus on a candidate and risk plummeting into all out civil war, fomented by Syria and pro-Iranian Palestinians.


POPE'S CONCERN
ABOUT LEBANON ELECTIONS


VATICAN CITY (AFP) - Pope Benedict XVI Sunday expressed his concern about Lebanon's presidential election planned for November 21, underscoring that it was "crucial" for the future of the violence-torn nation.

"The national assembly will be soon called upon to elect a new head of state," the pontiff said, adding that the ballot was "crucial for the survival of Lebanon and its institutions."

"I add my concerns to those expressed recently by the Christian Maronite patriarch Cardinal Nasrallah Sfeir and his wish that all Lebanese can recognise the new president," he said, after the noonday Angelus prayers today.

The ballot has been deferred three times since September 25 amid deadlock on a consensus candidate between parliament's pro-Western majority bloc and the opposition, which includes factions backed by Syria and Iran.


THE POPE PAYS TRIBUTE
TO BLESSED CEFERINO OF ARGENTINA


This is whagt the Pope said today after the Angelus prayers:

I address a special greeting to the Argentine community in Rome. Dear friends, many of you have come on the occasion of the beatification of Ceferino Namuncura, which takes place today in Chimpay, Argentina, where the celebration will be presided by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, who has gone there in my representation.

May the Blessed Ceferino intercede for you and your families.



In Chimpay, Argentina, a statue of Blessed Ceferino at his shrine, and nuns line up in the pre-dawn hours for the beatification rites today.

[Modificato da TERESA BENEDETTA 11/11/2007 16:50]
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Democracy’s Root: Diversity
By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN
Op-Ed Columnist
The New York Times

Published: November 11, 2007

Last Tuesday, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia met Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican — the first audience ever by the head of the Catholic Church with a Saudi monarch. The Saudi king gave the pope two gifts: a golden sword studded with jewels, and a gold and silver statue depicting a palm tree and a man riding a camel.


Thomas L. Friedman

The BBC reported that the pope "admired the statue but merely touched the sword." I think it is a great thing these two men met, and that King Abdullah came bearing gifts. But what would have really caught my attention — and the world's — would have been if King Abdullah had presented the pope with something truly daring: a visa.

You see, the king of Saudi Arabia, also known as the Keeper of the Two Holy Mosques of Mecca and Medina, can visit the pope in the Vatican. But the pope can't visit the king of Saudi Arabia in the Vatican of Islam — Mecca. Non-Muslims are not allowed there. Moreover, it is illegal to build a church, a synagogue or a Hindu or Buddhist temple in Saudi Arabia, or to practice any of these religions publicly.

As BBCnews.com noted, "some Christian worship services are held secretly, but the government has been known to crack down on them, or deport Filipino workers if they hold even private services. ... The Saudi authorities cite a tradition of the Prophet Muhammad that only Islam can be practiced in the Arabian Peninsula."

I raise this point because the issue of diversity — how and under what conditions should "the other" be tolerated — is roiling the Muslim world today, from Lebanon to Iraq to Pakistan. More churches and mosques have been blown up in the past few years than any time I can remember.

A senior French official suggested to me that maybe we in the West, rather than trying to promote democracy in the Middle East — a notion tainted by its association with the very Western powers that once colonized the region — should be focusing on promoting diversity, which has historical roots in the area.

It's a valid point. The very essence of democracy is peaceful rotations of power, no matter whose party or tribe is in or out. But that ethic does not apply in most of the Arab-Muslim world today, where the political ethos remains "Rule or Die." Either my group is in power or I'm dead, in prison, in exile or lying very low. But democracy is not about majority rule; it is about minority rights. If there is no culture of not simply tolerating minorities, but actually treating them with equal rights, real democracy can’t take root.

But respect for diversity is something that has to emerge from within a culture. We can hold a free and fair election in Iraq, but we can't inject a culture of diversity. America and Europe had to go through the most awful civil wars to give birth to their cultures of diversity. The Arab-Muslim world will have to go through the same internal war of ideas.

I just returned from India, which just celebrated 60 years of democracy. Pakistan, right next door, is melting down. Yet, they are basically the same people — they look alike, they eat the same food, they dress alike. But there is one overriding difference: India has a culture of diversity. India is now celebrating 60 years of democracy precisely because it is also celebrating millennia of diversity, including centuries of Muslim rule.

Nayan Chanda, author of a delightful new book on globalization titled "Bound Together: How Traders, Preachers, Adventurers, and Warriors Shaped Globalization," recounts the role of all these characters in connecting our world. He notes: "The Muslim Emperor Akbar, who ruled India in the 16th century at the pinnacle of the Mughal Empire, had Christians, Hindus, Jain and Zoroastrians in his court. Many of his senior officials were Hindus. On his deathbed, Jesuit priests tried to convert him, but he refused. Here was a man who knew who he was, yet he had respect for all religions. Nehru, a Hindu and India's first prime minister, was a great admirer of Akbar."

Akbar wasn't just tolerant. He was embracing of other faiths and ideas, which is why his empire was probably the most powerful in Indian history. Pakistan, which has as much human talent as India, could use an Akbar. Ditto the Arab world.

I give King Abdullah credit, though. His path-breaking meeting with the pope surely gave many Saudi clerics heartburn. But as historic as it was, it left no trace. I wished the pope had publicly expressed a desire to visit Saudi Arabia, and that the king would now declare:
"Someone has to chart a new path for our region. If I can meet the pope in the Vatican, I can host Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Shiite and Buddhist religious leaders for a dialogue in our sacred house. Why not? We are secure in our own faith. Let us all meet as equals."

Why not?


SOURCE: www.nytimes.com/2007/11/11/opinion/11friedman.html?n=Top/Reference/Times%20Topics/People/B/Benedi...

[Modificato da loriRMFC 12/11/2007 06:29]
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THE POPE'S DAY TODAY

The Holy Father met today with
- Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Dean of the College of Cardinals
- H.E. Suprapto Martosetomo, Ambassador of Indonesia, who presented his credentials. Address in English.
- Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops
- Mons. Angelo Amato, Secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith


POPE RECEIVES
NEW INDONESIAN AMBASSADOR


Vatican City, Nov. 12 Earth Times.org) - Pope Benedict XVI on Monday praised authorities in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation for "promoting inter-religious cooperation."

But the pontiff who made the remarks in a meeting with Indonesia's new ambassador to the Vatican, Suprapto Martosetomo, also stressed the need for "constant vigilance" to ensure people enjoyed the right to practice their faiths freely.

"Indonesia, a multi-religious country with the largest Muslim population of any nation in the world plays an important and positive role in promoting inter-religious cooperation, both within its borders and in the international community," Benedict said according to a Vatican statement.

Benedict said such cooperation was particularly important between Christians and Muslims who "worship the one God who is the Creator and beneficent Lord of the whole of human life."

The pontiff said that although Catholics in Indonesia are a small minority- the total population is estimated to be 235 million, with over 85 per cent Muslim - they contributed to society through a network of educational and health care institutions.

"While their (Christians) right to the free exercise of their religion in complete equality with their fellow citizens is guaranteed by the national Constitution (of Indonesia) the protection of this fundamental human right calls for constant vigilance on the part of all," Benedict said.

In September last year the Vatican criticised Jakarta for the execution of three Christians convicted of masterminding a series of attacks on Muslims in the archipelago nation's region of Sulawesi that killed at least 70 people in 2000.

The executions of the men for which the Vatican had asked clemency sparked riots with thousands of protesters torching cars and looting shops.

An APcom item, translated here, picks up the Pope's words on taking he name of God in vain to justify terrorism to lead off its story on the Pope's meeting withthe new Indonesian ambassador.



POPE UNDERSCORES TERRORISM THREAT

VATICAN CITY, Nov. 12 (Apcom) - Pope Benedict XVI used strong words today in reiterating his condemnation of the use of the 'holy name of God' to justify acts of violence or terrorism, in addressing the new ambasssador of Indonesia to the Holy See.

Indonesia has the largest Muslim population of any single country in the world today.

The Pope said:
"One of the gravest threats to Indonesia’s cherished ideal of national unity is the phenomenon of international terrorism. I deeply appreciate your reaffirmation of the Government’s position of condemning terrorist violence, under whatever pretext it occurs, as a criminal offence which, by its contempt for human life and freedom, undermines the very foundations of society.

"This is particularly the case when the holy name of God is invoked as a justification for such acts. The Church at every level, in fidelity to the teaching of her Master, unequivocally condemns the manipulation of religion for olitical ends, while urging the application of international humanitarian law in every aspect of the fight against terrorism.


MEETING WITH CARDINAL SODANO

A Vatican communique says that at the end of the Pope's meeting with Cardinal Sodano today, the Dean of the College of Cardinals , who is also the president of the Cardinals' supervisory commission for the IOR (Istituto per le Opere di Religione - the Vatican's private bank), presented the new directors to the Pope: Paolo Cipriani, director general; Prof. Angelo Caloia, president of the oversight committee and the supervisory council, and Mons. Piero Pioppo.

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Note: If this should go elsewhere then please move it!

Pope to visit Washington and New York in April

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Pope Benedict XVI will visit Washington and New York next April to celebrate Masses and address the United Nations in his first US trip since becoming pontiff, the Catholic Church said Monday.

The pontiff's visit will take place from April 15 to 20, said Sister Mary Ann Walsh, spokeswoman for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Walsh confirmed that Vatican ambassador Archbishop Pietro Sambi had unveiled the details of the trip in a speech to the Conference's fall meeting in Baltimore.

"Peter, the rock on which Jesus founded this church, will be among us in the person of his successor, Benedict the XVI," the Catholic News Service, which is affiliated with the Conference, quoted Sambi as saying.

Walsh told AFP that the pope would arrive in Washington on April 15 and receive an official welcome at the White House the next day, his 81st birthday, when he will also address US bishops.

On April 17 he will celebrate Mass at the new Washington Nationals baseball stadium, and meet with directors of Catholic colleges and diocesan educational leaders.

On April 18, the pope will head to New York to address the United Nations at the invitation of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon.

On April 19, the third anniversary of his election as pope, Benedict is due to celebrate Mass at New York's St. Patrick's Cathedral before visiting the site of the fallen World Trade Center the next day.

The pope's visit to Ground Zero will be in "solidarity with those who have died and their families and all who wish for an end of violence and the implementation of peace," Archbishop Sambi said.

After his tour of the World Trade Center site, the pope will round off his US visit with Mass at New York's Yankee baseball stadium, Walsh said.

In September, the Vatican said Benedict would visit New York to address the UN next year, most likely in April, but gave no other details.


====================================================================

I was just going to post the Apcom bulletin about it. Here is a translation:


ROME, Nov. 12 (Apcom) - Pope Benedict XVI will visit the United States on April 15-20, 2008. He will visit the White House on April 16, Ground Zero in New York City on April 20, and address the United Nations on April 18.

These were made known today by Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States.

The reason for the visit, Sambi said, is "to show slidarity with those who saw their loved ones die in the terror attacks 9of 9/11) and with all those who pray daily for an end to violence in the world."

He will celebrate two public Masses while in the US - at National Stiadum in Washington on April 17 (his 81st birthday) and at Yankee Staidum in New York on April 20.
[Modificato da TERESA BENEDETTA 12/11/2007 20:15]
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