Tag: Pope Francis

INTERVIEW WITH PETER C. PHAN – “Pope Francis’s Most Enduring Legacy is his Transformation of the Church”

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Brought to the Vatican in 2023 by Pope Francis as head of the office that vets bishop nominations, Robert Prevost was entrusted with the chair of Saint Peter. The first American pope succeeds Francis, preaching peace while confronting political and social divides and urgent global crises. Seen as a firm supporter of his predecessor’s papacy – especially of the late pontiff’s commitment to social justice issues – Pope Leo XIV is likely to carry forward the legacy of Pope Francis, while forging his own path. The Argentinian pontiff, Peter C. Phan claims, leaves behind a transformative inheritance of compassion, reform and inclusivity. Born in Vietnam, Phan has lived in the United States since 1975, when his family arrived in Texas as refugees from the Vietnam War. A professor at Georgetown University and former president of the Catholic Theological Society of America, the theologian recalls, in an exclusive interview with “O Clarim”, some of the most defining aspects of Pope Francis’s papacy and how they can shape Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate.

MEMORIAL MASS FOR THE LATE PONTIFF – Macau bids farewell to Pope Francis

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In a sober but joyful ceremony, hundreds of faithful gathered at the Cathedral of the Nativity of Our Lady early Tuesday evening for a Mass in memory of Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. The liturgy, celebrated by Bishop Stephen Lee Bun-sang in three languages – Cantonese, Portuguese and English – attracted a large number of faithful from different backgrounds, who prayed for the Argentine pontiff’s soul and asked God to welcome him into the immensity of his love.

FR STEPHAN ROTHLIN SJ- DIRECTOR OF THE MACAU RICCI INSTITUTE – It’s appropriate and urgent to honor the legacy of Pope Francis

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In his twelve-year pontificate, Jorge Maria Bergoglio has confronted some of the deepest problems in the Catholic Church, but his legacy as Saint Peter’s successor extends far beyond the realms of faith. Pope Francis has placed the Church before the challenges that confront the world and humanity, addressing problems such as climate crisis, economic inequality and social justice. With the death of the Argentine pontiff, aged 88, the world bid farewell to a tireless defender of a more just and humane economy. Among the multiple dimensions of his papacy is the relentless defense of the metamorphosis of the prevailing economic system through love, witness and hope, rather than power or wealth. This perspective gave rise to the so-called “Economy of Francesco”, a global movement that invited economists, academics and businesspeople from all over the world to rethink the economic system based on the values ​​of the Gospel. On May 1st, 2019, the Holy Father appealed to young people and institutions from all over the world to join a joint effort to give life to the economy of the future. The Macau Ricci Institute (MRI) contributed to the mission, with the so-called “Macau Manifesto. The Director of the MRI, Father Stephan Rothlin, recalls the Pope’s profound legacy on economic justice. The Jesuit missionary, who holds a PhD in Economy and Philosophy, praises Francis’ push to transform an economy into an economy of life and common good. 

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.