Tag: Pope Francis

THE POPE FOR ALL AND THE POPE OF THE POOR – The Pope’s Presence: My Memories of Pope Francis

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I first encountered Father Jorge Bergoglio during my novitiate in 1981, in San Miguel, Buenos Aires Province in Argentina. Our Dehonian novitiate was located near the Colegio Máximo, where young Jesuits on formation, studied theology. At that time, Father Bergoglio was the rector of the institution. He had previously served as the novice master from 1972 to 1973, and after six years as provincial superior, he returned as formator of young Jesuits. Father Jorge Bergoglio helped young men grow in Ignatian spirituality as a mentor, guiding them in discerning God’s will, fostering solidarity with the poor, embracing simplicity, the life of poverty and obedience to God’s will.

THE FIRST ACTS OF POPE FRANCIS – Hope, the key word of the Holy Year 2025

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In his usual Sunday Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square, on the occasion of the feast of the Baptism of the Lord which, according to the liturgical calendar currently in force in the Catholic Church, marks the end of the Christmas season, Pope Francis made the following statement: “the face and voice of God are revealed through the human side of Jesus”.

CELEBRATING THE 2025 JUBILEE YEAR

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Pope Francis invites us to celebrate the 2025 Jubilee Year, themed “Spes non confundit”—Hope does not disappoint (Rom 5:5). This Jubilee is a time for spiritual renewal, drawing us closer to God and to one another. Through prayer, mercy, and simplicity, we are called to embrace hope as an anchor for our souls. Let this Jubilee be a pilgrimage of transformation, bringing joy, reconciliation, and a profound commitment to serving those in need.

Pope Francis’ Visit Bridges Faiths and Cultures in Jakarta

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At 60 years old, Father Justin Solistiadi, assistant parish priest at Saint John Mary Vianney, embodies the vibrant spirit of Indonesia’s Catholic community as they celebrate Pope Francis’ visit to Jakarta. In a city with a predominantly Muslim population, Father Solistiadi has played a pivotal role in fostering inter-religious dialogue and preparing his parish for this historic event. His efforts, including setting up a special committee of journalists and creating a new website, highlight the significance of the visit and its impact on both local and national levels.

International Day of Human Fraternity: Religious Intolerance, Abductions, Forced Conversions of Christian Minors Still Prevalent in Indian Subcontinent

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The Declaration on Human Fraternity is an important annual event that celebrates the signing of the declaration by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. Even as religious extremism increases in some regions of the Indian subcontinent, we reflect on the importance of respecting individual freedom of choice and consent in matters of belief, in order to foster a culture of goodness, peace, and fraternity.

Prayers for peace: Macau’s Catholic schools answer Pope Francis’ call to pray the Rosary

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Pope Francis asked, and Macau responded enthusiastically. Hundreds of children from local Catholic schools prayed the Rosary on October 18th as part of a global campaign of prayer for peace and unity promoted by the international foundation, Aid to the Church in Need. The local Portuguese-speaking Catholic community joined the “One Million Children Praying the Rosary” campaign for the second year in a row.