Price € 1,00. Back issues € 2,00 L’O S S E RVATOR E ROMANO WEEKLY EDITION IN ENGLISH Unicuique suum Non praevalebunt

Fifty-third year, number 43 (2.669) Vatican City Friday, 23 October 2020

Pope Francis at the International Meeting of Prayer for Peace Holy See and Keeping the flame alight China renew P ro v i s i o n a l A g re e m e n t

Upon the expiration of the Provisional Agreement between the Holy See and the People’s Republic of China regarding the ap- pointment of Bishops, which was signed in Beijing on 22 September 2018 and took effect one month later, the two Parties have agreed to extend the experimental implementation phase of the Provisional Agreement for another two years. The Holy See considers the initial application of the Agreement — which is of great ecclesial and pastoral value — to have been posit- ive, thanks to good commu- nication and cooperation between the Parties on the matters agreed upon, and intends to pursue an open and constructive dialogue for the benefit of the life of the Catholic Church and the good of Chinese p eople.

Motivations behind the decision

FOR THE HO LY FAT H E R ’S WORDS SEE PA G E 6/7 PA G E 10

Pope to FAO Hunger is a tragedy Fraternity: prophetic vision and artisanal work for humanity that requires creativity: the architec- ANDREA MONDA fraternity”. The latter, like peace, is PAGE 4 ture of peace must be “new”. The not only a vision but itself also a The sun is gently setting on the preceding one is apparently no job, a commitment made of physical Capitoline Hill leaving behind a longer enough. It must be repaired, strain, an “artisanal” job, an “a rc h i - cold breeze, as a young woman updated, reinvented. Europe too can t e c t u re ” that bears in itself the im- reads the Appeal for Peace that con- win a Nobel Peace prize like eight age of a dusty open construction Interview with Bartholomew I cludes the prayer meeting, “No one years ago, but it is evident that the site where it is still not easy to is saved alone. Peace and Fraternity” driving push that was born at the glimpse the final project, unless you Abandon indifference and organized by the Sant’Egidio Com- end of the Second World War (pre- are an architect. In the Gospel, cynicism munity in the spirit of the great cisely in Rome with the Treaties of Jesus is called “the son of the car- event that took place in Assisi on 27 the 1950s) appears to have become p enter”which is translated from the October 1986: “To leaders of nations clouded over, to have taken a down- tekton PAGE 9 Greek , from which comes ar- we say: let us work together to cre- ward trend. chi-tect, head carpenter. ate a new architecture of peace”, the The word “a rc h i t e c t u re ” is strik- God is the true architect of peace. young woman reads with emotion. ing: it makes one think of the capa- Only he can achieve a “new archi- It is then that we understand that city for vision, projects, dreams, the tecture of peace”. But what is man- Sunday Angelus what all the religious leaders are do- vision that spurred John Paul II to kind’s task within this open — “un- ing, sitting side by side, is not a begin this story in 1986 with a ges- accomplished”, one could say, using A peaceful future beautiful “fashion show”, an event ture that was, Francis says today, “a another term dear to Pope Francis — for Libya designed to thrill on a beautiful Ro- prophetic seed that by God’s grace building site? It is a big task, of man October evening, because has gradually matured through un- which the appeal outlines certain peace is not a feeling, but rather a precedented encounters, acts of PAGE 12 job. Tiring, constant, patient, a job peacemaking and fresh initiatives of CONTINUED ON PA G E 5 page 2 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 23 October 2020, number 43

Methodius of Toronto for Slovaks, Canada (20 Oct.). The Holy Father appointed Bishop Kurt R. Burnette as Apostolic Ad- VAT I C A N ministrator sede vacante of Saints Cyril and Methodius of Toronto for — Fr César Garza Miranda, OFM, Slovaks. Until now he has served as BULLETIN assigning him the titular episcopal Eparchial Bishop of Passaic for See of Magnetum. Until now he has Ruthenians, United States of Amer- served as parish priest, dean and ica (20 Oct.). Audiences Bishop-elect Byrne, 56, was born member of the presbyteral council in Washington, D.C. He was or- Thursday, 15 October representing consecrated life. COUNCIL OF CARDINALS dained a priest on 25 June 1994. In Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, titu- 1986 he obtained a bachelor’s degree Bishop-elect Garza Miranda, 49, was born in San Nicolás de los Gar- The Holy Father confirmed as co- lar Archbishop of Ravello, Apostolic from the College of the Holy Cross ordinator of the Council of Cardin- za, Mexico. Member of the Order Nuncio to Great Britain in Worcester, Massachusetts. He car- als to assist the Holy Father in the of Friars Minor, he was ordained a ried out his ecclesiastical studies at government of the Universal Church Archbishop Joseph Marino, titular the Pontifical University of Saint priest on 14 December 2002. He Archbishop of Natchitoches, Presid- and to draw up a plan for the revi- Thomas Aquinas in Rome, as a stu- qualified as an accountant and stud- sion of the Apostolic Constitution ent of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical dent of the Pontifical North Americ- ied philosophy and theology in the Academy “Pastor Bonus” on the Roman Curia an College (1989-1994). Franciscan Faculty of Guadalajara Cardinal Óscar Andrés Rodríguez Archbishop Fernando Chica Arel- and Monterrey. Maradiaga, SDB, Archbishop of lano, Holy See Permanent Observer The Holy Father appointed as coad- — Fr Juan Carlos Arcq Guzmán, Tegucigalpa, Honduras (15 Oct.). to the United Nations Agencies for jutor Bishop of Serrinha, Brazil, assigning him the titular episcopal The Holy Father has furthermore Food and Agriculture (FA O, I FA D Bishop Hélio Pereira dos Santos. See of Milevi. Until now he has confirmed as members of the afore- and WFP) Until now he has served as titular Bishop of Tiava and Auxiliary of the served as rector of the Archdiocesan mentioned Council, Cardinal Pietro Friday, 16 October Metropolitan Archdiocese of São Seminary of Monterrey. Parolin, Secretary of State; Cardinal Seán Patrick O’M a l l e y, OFM Cap, Mr Christian Wulff, former Presid- Salvador da Bahia, Brazil (16 Oct.). Bishop-elect Arcq Guzmán, 54, Archbishop of Boston, USA: Cardin- ent of the Federal Republic of Ger- Bishop dos Santos, 52, was born was born in Monterrey, Mexico. He al Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of many in Pão de Açúcar, Brazil. He was or- was ordained a priest on 15 August Bombay, India; Cardinal Reinhard Cardinal Michael Louis Fitzgerald, dained a priest on 19 December 1 9 9 7. Marx, Archbishop of München und 1996. He was ordained a bishop on M.Af r. — Fr José Manuel Garza Madero, Freising, Federal Republic of Ger- 22 July 2016, subsequent to his ap- many; and Cardinal Giuseppe Ber- assigning him the titular episcopal Archbishop Dagoberto Campos pointment as titular Bishop of tello, President of the Governorate See of Tiburnia. Until now he has Salas, titular of Forotoniana, Thiava and Auxiliary of São Sal- of Vatican City State (15 Oct.). Apostolic Nuncio to Liberia, Gam- vador da Bahia. served as rector of the Cathedral bia and Sierra Leone and episcopal vicar. The Supreme Pontiff has also ap- Saturday, 17 October The Holy Father accepted the resig- Bishop-elect Garza Madero, 68, pointed as members of the same nation from the pastoral care of the was born in Monterrey, Mexico. He Council Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Archbishop Giovanni Gaspari, titu- Diocese of Kalisz, Poland, presented was ordained a priest on 8 Septem- Besungu, Archbishop of Kinshasa, lar Archbishop of Alba marittima, by Bishop Edward Janiak and at the ber 1979. Democratic Republic of the Congo; Apostolic Nuncio to Angola and to same time appointed Archbishop and appointed as Secretary of the São Tomé and Príncipe, with family Grzegorz Ryś of Łó dźas Apostolic said Council Bishop Marco Mellino, memb ers Administrator “sede vacante” (17 titular of Cresima, until now adjunct EASTERN CHURCHES O ct.). secretary (15 Oct.). H.E. Mr Panos Kalogeropoulos, Ambassador of Greece to the Holy On Saturday, 17 October, the Holy The Holy Father accepted the resig- See, on the occasion of the presenta- Father appointed as Auxiliary Bish- nation of Bishop Marián Andrej Pa- PONTIFICAL ACADEMY OF tion of his Letters of Credence ops of Monterrey, Mexico, the fol- cák, CSSR, from the pastoral care of lowing: the Eparchy of Saints Cyril and SCIENCES Cardinal Marc Ouellet, PSS, Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops The Holy Father appointed as or- Carabinieri of the “Roma San dinary member of the Pontifical P i e t ro ” district Academy of Sciences Prof. José Nel- son Onuchic, professor of molecular Monday, 19 October Holy Father sends aid biophysics at Rice University in Archbishop Nikola Eterović, titular Houston, United States of America, (14 Oct.). Archbishop of Cibale, Apostolic In a communiqué released on Wednesday, 21 October, the Dicastery Nuncio to the Federal Republic of for Promoting Integral Human Development announced that Pope The Holy Father appointed as or- Germany Francis will send economic assistance to all the families of crew mem- dinary member of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences Professor Rein- Archbishop Augusto Paolo Lojudice bers of the M/V Gulf Livestock ship, which sank in the Sea of Japan early last month during typhoon Maysak. The cargo ship had set sail hard Genzel, director of the Max of Siena-Colle di Val d’Elsa-Mont- Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial from New Zealand’s Napier Port with 43 crew members, including 39 alcino, Italy Physics in Garching, Germany (15 Filipinos, two Australians and two New Zealanders, and was headed O ct.). Dr Peter Maurer, President of the to the Port of Jingtang, China. There were only two survivors. International Committee of the Red In cooperation with the Apostolic Nunciatures and the Stella Mar- Cross, and entourage is centres of the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand, the eco- STA R T OF MISSION nomic assistance will be delivered personally to the families of the CHANGE IN EP I S C O PAT E missing sailors and the survivors, along with a small personal gift the On 18 September, Archbishop Pontiff wished to offer to show his personal closeness and solidarity. Gábor Pintér, titular Archbishop of The Holy Father appointed Fr Wil- A team of professionals, chaplains and sisters of Stella Maris Velebusdus, began his mission as liam D. Byrne as Bishop of Spring- centres have been providing spiritual, psychological and personalized Apostolic Nuncio to Honduras. field, Massachusetts, United States support to the grieving Filipino families from the early days of the On 24 September. Archbishop Mitja of America. Until now he has served tragedy and will continue to do so over the next few months. Until Leskovar, titular Archbishop of Be- as parish priest of the Our Lady of now, due to Covid-19 restrictions, the support has been largely neventum, began his mission as Mercy parish in Potomac (14 Oct.). offered through social media and digital platforms. Apostolic Nuncio to Iraq.

ANDREA MONDA TIPO GRAFIA VAT I C A N A EDITRICE Subscription rates: Italy - Vatican: € 58.00; Europe: € 100.00 - US$ 148.00 £ 80.00; Latin America, Africa, L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO L’OS S E R VAT O R E ROMANO Asia: € 110.00 - US$ 160.00 - £ 88.00; Oceania, North America: € 162.00 - £ 130.00. Editor-in-Chief Management Office: phone +390669899480; fax +390669885164; e-mail [email protected]. WEEKLY EDITION IN ENGLISH For India: The weekly English Edition of L'Osservatore Romano is published and distributed in Unicuique suum Non praevalebunt Photo Service Giuseppe Fiorentino [email protected] w w w. p h o t o .v a India by Carmel International Publishing House, Cotton Hill, Trivandrum- 695 014, Kerala-India; Assistant Editor phone: +91471327253, fax: +91471328191, 329934; e-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]. For North America: L’Osservatore Romano (USPS 016-419) is published fifty times per year (weekly, except third week in Advertising Agency August and last week in December) by Our Sunday Visitor, L’Osservatore Romano, English Edition, 200 Noll Plaza, Vatican City Il Sole 24 Ore S.p.A. Editorial office Huntington, IN 46750. Periodicals Postage Pending at Huntington, IN, and additional mailing offices, USA – phone: redazione.inglese.or@sp c.va System Comunicazione Pubblicitaria via del Pellegrino, 00120 Vatican City Via Monte Rosa 91, 20149 Milano 800-348-2440 x2171; fax: 866-891-7390 – e-mail: [email protected]. w w w. o s s e r v a t o re ro m a n o .v a telephone +390669899300, fax +390669883675 s e g re t e r i a d i re z i o n e s y s t e m @ i l s o l e 2 4 o re . c o m POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Our Sunday Visitor, 200 Noll Plaza, Huntington, IN 46750 number 43, Friday, 23 October 2020 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 3

GENERAL AU D I E N C E

Pope Francis warned against everyday practical atheism, as he concluded his catechesis on the prayer of the Psalms, at the General Audience on Wednesday, 21 October. The following is a translation of his words which he shared in Italian with the faithful gathered in the Paul VI Hall.

The divine image is imprinted in each human being: not recognizing this is a sacrilege and an abomination To believe in God and hate mankind is practical atheism

Dear brothers and sisters, the absolute and to the tran- We see this clearly in the “O ur an end on the city streets. And Good morning! scendent — which the spiritual Fa t h e r ” that Jesus taught his dis- vice versa, it can blossom during masters call the “holy fear of ciples. the day’s activities and reach its Today, we need to slightly change Go d” — is what makes us com- fulfillment in the liturgy. The the way the Audience is conduct- To learn how to pray this way, pletely human, it is the boundary church doors are not barriers, but ed because of the coronavirus. the Psalter is a tremendous that saves us from ourselves, pre- permeable “membranes”, willing You are separated, with the pro- school. We saw how the Psalms venting us from venturing into do not always use refined and to receive everyone’s cry. tection of masks as well, and I life in a predatory and voracious am here, a bit distant and I can- genteel language, and that they The world is always present in manner. Prayer is the salvation of often bear the scars of existence. the Psalter’s prayer. The Psalms, not do what I always do, come the human being. near you, because every time I And yet, all these prayers were for example, voice the divine approach you, you come together There certainly also exists a first used in the Temple of Jerusa- promise of salvation for the weak- and we lose the distance, and false prayer, prayer that is said lem and then in the synagogues; est: “Because the poor are de- there is the danger of contagion only for the admiration of others. even the most intimate and per- spoiled, because the needy groan for you. I apologize for this, but The person or persons who go to sonal ones. The Catechism of the I will now arise,” says the Lord; it is for your safety. Instead of Mass only to show that they are Catholic Church puts it this way: “I will place him in the safety for coming near you and shaking Catholics or to show off the latest “The Psalter’s many forms of which he longs” (12:5). Or again, your hands and greeting you, we fashion they bought, or to make a prayer take shape both in the they warn about the danger of have to greet each other from a good impression in society. They liturgy of the Temple and in the worldly riches because “man can- human heart” (n. 2588). And distance, but know that I am near move toward false prayer. Jesus not abide in his pomp, he is like strongly admonished against such thus, personal prayer draws from you with my heart. I hope that the beasts that perish” (49:20). prayer (cf. Mt 6:5-6; Lk 9:14). But and is nourished first by the pray- you understand why I am doing Or still, they open the horizon to when the true spirit of prayer is er of the people of Israel, then by this. Also, while the readers were Go d’s gaze overhistory: “The sincerely received and enters the the prayer of the Church. reading the biblical passage, my Lord brings the counsel of the heart, it then lets us contemplate attention was caught by that baby Even the Psalms in the first nations to nought; he frustrates reality with God’s very eyes. boy or girl who was crying. And person singular, which confide the plans of the peoples. The I was watching that mum who When one prays, everything ac- the most intimate thoughts and counsel of the Lord stands for was cuddling and nursing the quires “depth”. This is interesting problems of an individual, are a ever, the thoughts of his heart to baby and I thought: “this is what in prayer, perhaps something collective heritage, to the point of all generations” (33:10-11). God does with us, like that subtle begins but in prayer that being prayed by everyone and for In short, where there is God, mum”. With what tenderness she thing acquires depth, it becomes everyone. The prayer of Christi- the human person must be there was trying to comfort and nurse weighty, as if God takes it in ans has this “b re a t h ”, this spiritu- too. Sacred Scripture is categori- the baby. hand and transforms it. The al “tension” that holds the temple cal: We love because he loved us worst service someone can give and the world together. Prayer They are beautiful images. And first. He always goes before us. God and also mankind is to pray can begin in the half light of a He always awaits us because he when this happens in Church, wearily, by rote. To pray like par- c h u rc h ’s nave, but then come to when a baby cries, one knows loves us first, he looks at us first, rots. No, we pray with he understands us first. He al- there is the tenderness of a moth- the heart. Prayer is the ways awaits us. If any one says ‘I er there, like today there is the centre of life. If there is love God’ and hates his brother, tenderness of a mother who is the prayer, even a brother, a he is a liar; for he who does not symbol of God’s tenderness with sister, even an enemy be- love his own brother who he can us. Never silence a crying baby in comes important. An old see, cannot love God who he can- Church, never, because it is the saying from the first not see. voice that attracts God’s tender- Christian monks reads: ness. Thank you for your witness. If you pray many rosaries each “Blessed the monk who day but then gossip about others, Today we complete the cat- regards every human be- and nourish grudges inside, if echesis on the prayer of the ing as God, after God” you hate others, this is pure arti- Psalms. First of all, we see that a (Evagrius Ponticus, Tra t - fice, it is not the truth. And this negative figure often appears in tato sulla preghiera, n. is the commandment we have the Psalms, that of the “wicked” 123). Those who adore from him: “that he who loves person, he or she who lives as if God, love his children. God should love his brother also” God were not there. This is the Those who respect God, (1 Jn 4:19-21). Scripture acknowl- person without any transcendent respect human beings. edges the case of a person who, referent, whose arrogance has no And so, prayer is not a even while sincerely seeking God, limits, who fears no judgment re- sedative to alleviate life’s garding what he or she thinks or anxieties; or, in any case, CONTINUED ON PA G E 4 do es. this type of prayer is cer- For this reason, the Psalter tainly not Christian. presents prayer as the fundamen- Rather, prayer makes tal reality of life. The reference to each of us resp onsible. page 4 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 23 October 2020, number 43

On World Food Day the Pope relaunches appeal to establish a global fund for the development of poorer countries Hunger is a tragedy for humanity

In a video message to participants in a compounded by a lack of invest- ceremony held in Rome on Friday, 16 ment in the agricultural sector, the October, to mark World Food Day and consequences of climate change and the 75th anniversary of the United the increase in conflicts in various Nations Food and Agriculture areas of the planet. On the other O rg a n i z a t i o n , FAO, Pope Francis hand, tons of food are thrown away. stressed that hunger “is not only a Faced with this reality, we cannot re- tragedy for humanity, but also a main insensitive or paralyzed. We shame”. The following is a translation are all resp onsible.The current crisis of the Holy Father’s message, which he shows us that policies and concrete shared in Spanish. action are needed to eradicate world hunger. At times, dialectical or ideo- logical discussions distance us from To His Excellency achieving this objective, and we al- Mr Qu Dongyu low our brothers and sisters to con- Director General of FA O tinue dying due to lack of food. A On the day in which FA O celebrates courageous decision would be to es- the 75th anniversary of its creation, I tablish a “Global Fund” with the wish to greet you and all the mem- money that is used for weapons and bers that are a part of it. Its mission other military expenditures, in order is beautiful and important because to definitively eliminate hunger and you work with the objective of de- contribute to the development of tions that can transform the way we We are conscious that there is a feating hunger, food insecurity and poorer countries. In this way, many malnutrition. produce and consume food for the need to respond to this challenge in wellbeing of our communities and of an epoch that is full of contradic- wars and the migration of many of The theme chosen for this year’s our brothers and sisters and their World Food Day is significant: our planet, thus strengthening the tions: on the one hand we are wit- capacity to recover and long term nesses of unprecedented progress in families, forced to abandon their “Grow, Nourish, Sustain”, and to do homes and countries to seek a more so, “Together. Our actions are our s u s t a i n a b i l i t y. various scientific fields; on the other hand the world is facing several hu- dignified life, would be avoided f u t u re ”. This theme underscores the Therefore, at this time of great (Fratelli Tutti, cf. n. 189 and 262). need to act jointly and with firm de- difficulty caused by the Covid-19 manitarian crises. Unfortunately we termination in order to create initiat- pandemic, it is even more important see that according to FA O ’s most re- Mr Director General, in express- ives that improve the environment to sustain initiatives put into action cent statistics, despite the efforts un- ing my wish that FA O activities may around us and promote hope in by organizations like FA O, the World dertaken in the last decades, the be ever more incisive and fruitful, I many persons and peoples. Food Programme (WFP) and the In- number of people fighting against invoke God’s Blessing on you and hunger and food insecurity is grow- on those who cooperate in this fun- Throughout these 75 years FA O ternational Fund for Agricultural has learned that it is not enough to Development (I FA D ) in order to pro- ing, and the current pandemic will damental mission of cultivating the produce food, but that it is also im- mote sustainable and diversified ag- even further worsen these numbers. earth, feeding the hungry and safe- portant to guarantee that food sys- riculture, support small agricultural Hunger is not only a tragedy for guarding natural resources so that tems be sustainable and offer communities and cooperate in the humanity, but also a shame. It is we all may live with dignity, with re- healthy diets accessible to all. It is a rural development of the poorest caused largely by an unequal distri- spect and with love. matter of adopting innovative solu- countries. bution of the fruits of the earth, Thank you.

General Audience Pop e’s prayer intention for the month of October Women in leadership roles in the Church CONTINUED FROM PA G E 3 never succeeds in encountering Him; but it also The prayer intention for the states that one can repudiate the tears of the poor month of October, expressed only at the expense of encountering God. God in a video on the Pope’s cannot stand the “atheism” of those who repudi- Worldwide Prayer Network, is ate the divine image that is imprinted in every to “create broader opp ortuni- human being. That everyday atheism: I believe in ties for a more incisive female God but I keep my distance from others and I al- presence in the Church”. low myself to hate others. This is practical athe- “No one has been baptized a ism. Not recognizing the human person as the priest or a bishop”, the Pontiff image of God is a sacrilege, an abomination, the explains. “We have all been worst offense that can be directed toward the baptized as lay people”, and “lay people are protagonists of temple and the altar. the Church”. However, he con- Dear brothers and sisters, the prayers of the tinues, “we must emphasize the Psalms help us not to fall into the temptation of feminine lay presence because the “wicked”, that is, of living, and perhaps also terium, in dialogue with soci- presents women who hold women tend to be left aside”. ety. For this reason the Holy managerial positions in the of praying, as if God does not exist, and as if the The Holy Father prays that See’s newspaper, which re- Holy See along with journalists poor do not exist. “by the virtue of baptism, the turned to print its hard copy from Vatican Media. The video laity, especially women, may edition on 4 October, with re- continues with scenes inside participate more in areas of re- SPECIAL GREETINGS sponsibility in the Church, newed graphics and content, the offices of the Roman Curia was chosen as the testimonial and concludes with Francis’ I welcome all the English-speaking pilgrims without falling into forms of clericalism that diminish the for the video whose theme this call to “promote the integration and visitors who join us for today’s Audience. month is “Women in leader- of women, especially where im- Upon you and your families I invoke the joy and lay charism”. The video begins with the ship roles in the Church”. portant decisions are made”. peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you! image of two women approach- After the first scene, the As usual, the video is avail- Lastly, my thoughts turn as usual to the elderly, ing a news stand to buy a copy camera shows faces of women able in nine languages at to young people, to the sick and to newlyweds. May of the daily edition of L’Osser- who work in the Vatican, as www.thepopevideo.org, and you know how to also welcome life’s difficult and vatore Romano, a newspaper in they pass on copies of our was created and produced by sad moments, uniting yourselves to the sacrifice which women find opp ortuni- newspaper. In fact, the film the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer of the Cross. Through spiritual union with Christ ties and offer their contribution was produced in cooperation Network in cooperation with and prayer to the Trinity, you will be cooperators to reflection and discussions on with the Dicastery for the La Machi agency and the in the evangelizing mission of the Church. matters of faith and the magis- Laity, Family and Life, and Dicastery for Communication. number 43, Friday, 23 October 2020 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 5

Meeting of Prayer for Peace: “No One is Saved Alone. Peace and Fraternity”

Peace, dialogue and greater care for one another

On Tuesday, 20 October, the highly Joining Pope Francis as speakers anticipated international Prayer for at the event were, among others: Peace meeting entitled “No One Is President Mattarella; Andrea Ric- Saved Alone. Peace and Fraternity” cardi, Founder of the Sant’Egidio was held in Rome. The ecumenical Community; Bartholomew I, Ecu- initiative was sponsored by Rome’s menical Patriarch of Constantinople; Sant’Egidio Community, and in- Rabbi Haim Korsia, Chief Rabbi of volved the participation of repre sen- France; Judge Mohamed Ab- tatives of a variety of religious de- delsalam Abdellatif, Superior Gener- nominations. al of the Superior Committee of The initiative began with simul- Human Fraternity; the venerable taneous prayer services led by differ- Shoten Minegishi, representing Soto ent religious groups, with the gath- Zen Buddhism; Dr Karmaljit Singh erings held in different places of Dillon of the Sikh Gurdwara Parb- worship in the Eternal City: in par- andhak National Committee in ticular, Jews met in the Synagogue, Pakistan, H.E. Heinrich Bedford- Muslims and Buddhists in the Cap- Strohm, Chairman of the Council of itoline Museums, and Christians in the Evangelical Church in Germany. the Basilica of Saint Mary in Ara- Ursula von der Leyen, President of coeli. The ecumenical service was the European Commission, provided followed by the meeting held in the a recorded video message. Piazza di Campidoglio, where vari- President Mattarella began the ous addresses were delivered, offer- series of interventions, noting that ing reflections on the contribution of “the testimony of religions is the rather than standing passively before us every element of creation. Cre- religion to building peace and fra- prophecy that can help the world to the evil of war and hatred”. He ob- ated in God’s image and likeness”, ternity, particularly in light of the served that “religions stand at the he said, “we see our fellow human pandemic and the widespread social shake off resignation, distrust, re- service of peace and fraternity”, and b eing’s image in ourselves and the and economic suffering associated sentment. On the other hand”, he thus the occasion offered “an incent- divine fragment in every human be- with it. said, “it is distorted to the extent of ive to religious leaders and to all be- ing. Looking at what is around us, The addresses were followed by a becoming blasphemy when it is lievers to pray fervently for peace, minute of silence in memory of the twisted to justify contrasts and we see divine work contained victims of the pandemic and all hatred, to feed conflict, to fuel fan- never resigned to war, but working t h e re i n ”. Thus, ecology should be wars, and then a reading of the Ap- aticism and violence among with the gentle strength of faith to understood “as a sign of the pres- end conflicts”. peal for Peace ROME 2020, after p eoples”. Heemphasized that ence of the divine in creation”. which each speaker consigned the “Rome and Italy are proud of being, Mr Riccardi noted that the mes- Rabbi Korsia emphasized that text and a sprig of an olive tree to a today once again, a crossroads of sage gleaned from the day’s meeting “our fraternity needs to be practiced child representing a different part of dialogue and peace”. is that “peace means building to- in encounter, in debate, sometimes the world. The children then handed Recalling his own words in his re- gether in dialogue, without exclud- even in lively discussion, but always the text to the ambassadors and cent Encyclical Fratelli Tutti, Pope ing or abusing others. Religions ex- in the hope of meeting the other, in political authorities. The ceremony Francis emphasized that “the com- ist on dialogue, because their first order to find oneself.” continued with the lighting of the mandment of peace is inscribed in job is prayer, which is dialogue with In his address, Judge Mohamed candelabrum of peace, beginning the depths of the religious tradi- Go d”. Abdelsalam, spoke about the im- with Pope Francis, followed by fel- tions”. Indeed, “believers have un- Patriarch Bartholomew expressed portance of the “pioneering role in low religious leaders, and ending derstood that religious differences the idea that our common home the necessary adoption of the renew- with Sergio Mattarella, President of do not justify indifference or should be regarded as “a house of able concept of human fraternity” the Italian Republic, representing enmity”, he said, but “rather, on the mirrors, a mirror in which we see assumed by Pope Francis and the the highest level of political author- basis of our religious faith we are our own image reflected, like that of Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, H.E. i t y. enabled to become peacemakers, every fellow human being and with Prof. Ahmed Al Tayyeb, who could not be present at the event. Follow- ing his introduction, he read out loud a speech written for the occa- sion by the Grand Imam who said Fraternity: prophetic vision and artisanal work that “the time has come for us to adopt a new form of globalization based on human fraternity that CONTINUED FROM PA G E 1 “Where is your brother Abel?”. that is creative and life generating, treats all human beings as equal in Cain answers: “I do not know. Am the currency of dialogue and for- rights and duties and strengthens so- concrete and urgent aspects: “Let I my brother’s keeper?”. God says: giveness which, if carried out in a cial coexistence”. us join forces to promote life, “What have you done? Listen; your way that is “honest, persistent and Meanwhile, Ven. Shoten Mine- health, education and peace. The b ro t h e r ’s blood is crying out to me courageous” becomes an “antidote gishi highlighted that all “re l i g i o u s time has come to divert the re- from the ground!” (cf. Gen 4:9-10). to distrust, division and violence” people should have strong coopera- sources employed in producing ever In the moment of prayer, Elie and dismantles “arguments for wars tion among themselves so that all more destructive and deadly Wiesel was cited: “The opposite of that destroy the fraternity to which people, regardless of the differences weapons to choosing life and to love is not hatred, but indifference”. our human family is called”. of the religions or cultural positions, caring for humanity and our com- This is the spirit that has moved The meeting ends and the breeze can be accepted as they are in their mon home. Let us waste no time! and gathered all the leaders to has become even colder, but there is e n t i re t y ”. Let us start with achievable goals: Rome to say “enough” to war and a large fire on the stage that shines In his reflection at the Basilica of may we immediately unite our ef- to pray together for peace, the spir- and warms. It is the candelabrum of Saint Mary in Aracoeli, H.E. Hein- forts to contain the spread of the it of responsibility that brings one peace made of candles lit by each of rich Bedford-Strohm, said that it is virus until there is a vaccine that is to emphatically state: “No one can the protagonists of the event. A “through the trinity of Praying, do- suitable and available to all. The feel exempted from this. All of us small “artisanal” gesture, but which ing justice and becoming one” that pandemic is reminding us that we have a shared responsibility. All of in the end created an architecture Churches can be “heralds and are blood brothers and sisters”. us need to forgive and to be forgiv- that generates heat and light, a light agents of God’s healing”, and “signs The blood shed from the Covid- en. The injustices of the world and of hope that shines in the beautiful of peace and brother and sister- 19 pandemic has surpassed millions of history are not healed by hatred Roman evening and warms the ho o d”. of victims worldwide; the cry of and revenge, but by dialogue and heart of the many people present, The event was broadcast in full who in an orderly and hopeful which God speaks in dialogue with f o rg i v e n e s s ”. This is what it means live streaming on the event website manner, return to their homes. Cain who is indifferent to his to be architects and artisans of and on the social channels of the b ro t h e r ’s destiny, comes to mind: peace: to circulate new currency A. MONDA Sant’Egidio Community. number 43, Friday, 23 October 2020 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 6/7

IN T E R N AT I O N A L MEETING OF PR AY E R FOR PEACE

Holy Father’s discourse at Rome’s Capitoline Hill The duty to say ‘no’ to arms and violence Pop e’s homily during the Moment of Christian Prayer for Peace The following is the English text of the Holy Father’s address at the will call them to account for all the International Meeting of Prayer for Peace held in Rome’s Piazza di days, months and years of war that Others are the means to our salvation Campidoglio and organized by the Community of Saint’Egidio, on Tuesday, 20 have passed and been endured by O c t o b e r. the world’s peoples! The words Jesus spoke to Peter The following is the English text of the Holy Father’s homily for the Moment of Save yourself. The next people to are incisive and full of wisdom: Dear Brothers and Sisters, We need peace! More peace! Christian Prayer for Peace: “No One is Saved Alone. Peace and Fraternity”, speak those words were the chief “Put your sword back into its place; “We cannot remain indifferent. which was held at the Church of Saint Maria in Aracoeli in Rome on Tuesday, priests and the scribes. They were I rejoice and give thanks to God for all who take the sword will per- Today the world has a profound 20 October. the ones who had condemned Je- that here on the Capitoline Hill, in ish by the sword” (Mt 26:52). sus, for they considered him dan- thirst for peace. In many countries, the heart of Rome, I can meet with Those who wield the sword, pos- gerous. All of us, though, are spe- people are suffering due to wars you, distinguished religious leaders, sibly in the belief that it will resolve It is a gift to pray together. I greet people, those who had heard Jesus cialists in crucifying others to save which, though often forgotten, are public authorities and so many difficult situations quickly, will all of you cordially and with grati- teach and who witnessed his mir- ourselves. Yet Jesus allowed himself always the cause of suffering and friends of peace. At each other’s know in their own lives, the lives of tude, especially my brother, His acles. Now they are telling him, to be crucified, in order to teach us p overty” (Address to Participants in side, we have prayed for peace. I their loved ones and the lives of Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch “Save yourself, come down from not to shift evil to others. The chief the World Day of Prayer for Peace, greet the President of the Italian their countries, the death brought Bartholomew, and dear Bishop the cross”. They had no pity, they priests accused him precisely be- Assisi, 20 January 2016). The Republic, the Honourable Sergio by the sword. “Enough!” says Jesus Heinrich, President of the Council only wanted miracles; they wanted cause of what he had done for oth- world, political life and public Mattarella. I am happy to en- (Lk 22:38), when his disciples pro- of the Evangelical Church of Ger- ers: “He saved o t h e rs and cannot opinion all run the risk of growing to see Jesus descend from the cross. counter once more my brother, the duce two swords before the Pas- many. Sadly, Justin, the Archbishop save himself!” (v. 31). They knew inured to the evil of war, as if it Sometimes we too prefer a wonder- Ecumenical Patriarch, His Holiness sion. “Enough!” That is his unam- of Canterbury, was unable to be Jesus; they remembered the heal- were simply a part of human his- working god to one who is compas- Bartholomew. I am most grateful biguous response to any form of vi- here because of the pandemic. ings and liberating miracles he per- tory. “Let us not remain mired in sionate, a god powerful in the eyes that, despite the difficulties of olence. That single word of Jesus The passage from the account of formed, but they drew a malicious theoretical discussions, but touch of the world, who shows his might travel these days, he and other echoes through the centuries and the Lord’s Passion that we have just conclusion. For them, saving oth- Appeal for Peace the wounded flesh of the victims… and scatters those who wish us ill. leaders wished to take part in this reaches us forcefully in our own heard comes shortly before Jesus’ But this is not God, but our own ers, coming to their aid, is useless; Let us think of the refugees and prayer meeting. In the spirit of the displaced, those who suffered the time: enough of swords, weapons, death. It speaks of the temptation creation. How often do we want a Jesus, who gave himself unre- he experienced amid the agony of War is a failure of humanity Assisi Meeting called by Saint John effects of atomic radiation and violence and war! god in our own image, rather than servedly for others was himself lost! the cross. At the supreme moment The mocking tone of the accusation Paul II in 1986, the Community of chemical attacks, the mothers who Saint Paul VI echoed that word to become conformed to his own Sant’Egidio celebrates annually, in in his appeal to the United Nations of his sufferings and love, many of is garbed in religious language, The following is the English text of prayers of so many of our suffer- lost their children, and the boys image. We want a god like different cities, this moment of in 1965: “No more war!” This is our those present cruelly taunted him twice using the verb to save. But the “Appeal for Peace” read during ing brothers and sisters, all too and girls maimed or deprived of ourselves, rather than becoming prayer and dialogue for peace plea, and that of all men and wo- with the words: “Save yourself!” the “gosp el”of save yourself is not often nameless and unheard. We their childhood” (Fratelli Tutti, 261). ourselves like God. In this way, we the International Meeting of Prayer among believers of various reli- men of goodwill. It is the dream of (Mk 15:30). This is a great tempta- the Gospel of salvation. It is the now solemnly commit ourselves Today the sufferings of war are ag- prefer the worship of ourselves to for Peace in Rome on Tuesday, 20 gions. gravated by the suffering caused by all who strive, work for peace in the tion. It spares no one, including us falsest of the apocryphal gospels, to make our own and to propose the worship of God. Such worship O c t o b e r. The Assisi meeting and its vision the coronavirus and the impossibil- realization that “every war leaves Christians. The temptation to think making others carry the cross. to the leaders of nations and the is nurtured and grows through in- of peace contained a prophetic seed ity, in many countries, of access to our world worse than it was before” only of saving ourselves and our Whereas the true Gospel bids us citizens of the world this Appeal difference toward others. Those pass- Gathered in Rome, in “the spirit that by God’s grace has gradually necessary care. (Fratelli Tutti, 261). own circle. To focus only on our take up the cross of others. for Peace. own problems and interests, as if ersby were only interested in Jesus of Assisi”, and spiritually united matured through unprecedented In the meantime, conflicts con- How do we find a way out of in- Save yourself. Finally, those who On this Capitoline Hill, in the nothing else mattered. It is a very for the satisfaction of their own de- to believers worldwide and to all encounters, acts of peacemaking tinue, bringing in their wake suffer- transigent and festering conflicts? were crucified alongside Jesus also wake of the greatest conflict in human instinct, but wrong. It was sires. Jesus, reduced to an outcast joined in taunting him. How easy it men and women of good will, we and fresh initiatives of fraternity. ing and death. To put an end to How do we untangle the knots of history, the nations that had been the final temptation of the crucified hanging on the cross, was no is to criticize, to speak against oth- have prayed alongside one anoth- Although the intervening years war is a solemn duty before God so many armed struggles? How do at war made a pact based on a Go d. longer of interest to them. He was ers, to point to the evil in others er to invoke upon our world the have witnessed painful events, in- incumbent on all those holding we prevent conflicts? How do we dream of unity that later came Save yourself. These words were before their eyes, yet far from their but not in ourselves, even to blam- gift of peace. We have called to cluding conflicts, terrorism and rad- political responsibilities. Peace is inspire thoughts of peace in war- spoken first “by those who passed hearts. Indifference kept them far mind the wounds of humanity, true: the dream of a united icalism, at times in the name of reli- the priority of all politics. God will lords and those who rely on the Europe. Today, in these uncertain by” (v. 29). They were ordinary from the true face of God. CONTINUED ON PA G E 8 we are united with the silent gion, we must also acknowledge the ask an accounting of those who strength of arms? No people, no times, as we feel the effects of the fruitful steps undertaken in the dia- failed to seek peace, or who fo- Covid-19 pandemic that threatens logue between the religions. This is mented tensions and conflicts. He CONTINUED ON PA G E 8 peace by aggravating inequalities a sign of hope that encourages us and fear, we firmly state that no to continue cooperating as brothers one can be saved alone: no and sisters. In this way, we arrived people, no single individual! at the important Document on Hu- Wars and peace, pandemics man Fraternity for World Peace and and health care, hunger and ac- Living Together, which I signed with cess to food, global warming and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, sustainable development, the dis- Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, in 2019. placement of populations, the Indeed, “the commandment of elimination of nuclear threats and peace is inscribed in the depths of the reduction of inequalities: the religious traditions” (Fra t e l l i these are not matters that concern Tu t t i , 284). Believers have under- individual nations alone. We un- stood that religious differences do derstand this better nowadays, in not justify indifference or enmity. a world that is amply connected, Rather, on the basis of our religious yet often lacks a sense of fratern- faith we are enabled to become ity. All of us are brothers and sis- peacemakers, rather than standing ters! Let us pray to the Most passively before the evil of war and High that, after this time of trial, hatred. Religions stand at the ser- there may no longer be “others”, vice of peace and fraternity. For this but rather, a great “we”, rich in reason, our present gathering also diversity. The time has come to represents an incentive to religious boldly dream anew that peace is leaders and to all believers to pray possible, that it is necessary, that fervently for peace, never resigned to war, but working with the gentle CONTINUED ON PA G E 8 strength of faith to end conflicts. page 8 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 23 October 2020, number 43

Meeting of Prayer for Peace: “No One is Saved Alone. Peace and Fraternity”

The others are the means to our salvation

CONTINUED FROM PA G E 6 “Whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for ing the weak and the outcast! But my sake and the Gospel’s will save why were they upset with Jesus? Be- it” (Mk 8:35). What is counted loss cause he did not take them down in the eyes of the world is, for us, from the cross they said to him: salvation. May we learn from the “Save yourself and us!” (Lk 23:39). Lord, who saved us by emptying They looked to Jesus only to resolve himself (cf. Phil 2:7) and becoming their problems. Yet God does not other: from being God, he became come only to free us from our ever- man; from spirit, he became flesh; present daily problems, but rather to from a king, he became a slave. He liberate us from the real problem, asks us to do the same, to humble which is the lack of love. This is the ourselves, to “become other” in or- primary cause of our personal, so- der to reach out to others. The cial, international and environmental ills. Thinking only of ourselves: this closer we become to the Lord Jesus, is the father of all evils. Yet one of the more we will be open and “uni- the thieves then looks at Jesus and versal”, since we will feel responsible sees in him a humble love. He for others. And others will become entered heaven by doing one thing the means of our own salvation: all alone: turning his concern from him- others, every human person, self to Jesus, from himself to the whatever his or her history and be- person next to him (cf. v. 42). liefs. Beginning with the poor, who Dear brothers and sisters, Calvary are those most like Christ. The great was the site of a great “duel” reborn: “the Cross makes us brothers makes room for others. Love alone Archbishop of Constantinople, Saint between God, who came to save us, and sisters” (BENEDICT XVI, Ad d re s s is the path towards full communion John Chrysostom, once wrote: “If and man, who wants to save only at the Way of the Cross at the Colos- among us. there were no poor, the greater part himself; between faith in God and seum, 21 March 2008). Jesus’ arms, of our salvation would be over- Let us look upon the crucified worship of self; between man who outstretched on the cross, mark the t h ro w n ” (On the Second Letter to the accuses and God who excuses. In turning point, for God points a fin- God and ask him to grant us the Corinthians, XVII, 2). May the Lord the end, God’s victory was revealed; ger at no one, but instead embraces grace to be more united and more help us to journey together on the his mercy came down upon the all. For love alone extinguishes fraternal. When we are tempted to path of fraternity, and thus to be- earth. From the cross forgiveness hatred, love alone can ultimately tri- follow the way of this world, may we come credible witnesses of the living poured forth and fraternal love was umph over injustice. Love alone be reminded of Jesus’s words: Go d.

War is a failure of humanity The duty to say ‘no’ to violence CONTINUED FROM PA G E 6 To all believers, and to men sp onsibility. All of us need to for- and women of good will, we say: give and to be forgiven. The in- a world without war is not utopi- let us become creative artisans of justices of the world and of his- CONTINUED FROM PA G E 7 an. This is why we want to say peace, let us build social friend- tory are not healed by hatred and once more: “No more war”! ship, let us make our own the revenge, but by dialogue and for- social group, can single-handedly achieve Tragically, for many, war once culture of dialogue. Honest, per- giveness. peace, prosperity, security and happiness. None. The lesson learned from the recent again seems to be one possible sistent and courageous dialogue May God inspire in us a com- pandemic, if we wish to be honest, is “the means of resolving international is the antidote to distrust, divi- mitment to these ideals and to awareness that we are a global community, disputes. It is not. Before it is too sion and violence. Dialogue dis- the journey that we are making all in the same boat, where one person’s late, we would remind everyone mantles at the outset the argu- together. May he touch every that war always leaves the world problems are the problems of all. Once ments for wars that destroy the heart and make us heralds of worse than it was. War is a failure more we realized that no one is saved fraternity to which our human p eace. of politics and of humanity. family is called. alone; we can only be saved together” (Fratelli Tutti, 32). We appeal to government lead- No one can feel exempted from Rome, Capitoline Hill, ers to reject the language of divi- this. All of us have a shared re- 20 October 2020 Fraternity, born of the realization that sion, often based on fear and mis- we are a single human family, must pen- trust, and to avoid embarking on etrate the life of peoples, communities, paths of no return. Together let government leaders and international as- us look at the victims. All too semblies. This will help everyone to un- many conflicts are presently in derstand that we can only be saved to- course. gether through encounter and negoti- To leaders of nations we say: let ation, setting aside our conflicts and pur- us work together to create a new suing reconciliation, moderating the lan- architecture of peace. Let us join guage of politics and propaganda, and forces to promote life, health, developing true paths of peace (cf. Fra t e l l i education and peace. The time Tu t t i , 231). has come to divert the resources employed in producing ever more We have gathered this evening, as per- destructive and deadly weapons to sons of different religious traditions, in or- choosing life and to caring for hu- der to send a message of peace. To show manity and our common home. clearly that the religions do not want war Let us waste no time! Let us start and, indeed, disown those who would en- with achievable goals: may we im- shrine violence. That they ask everyone to mediately unite our efforts to con- pray for reconciliation and to strive to en- tain the spread of the virus until able fraternity to pave new paths of hope. there is a vaccine that is suitable For indeed, with God’s help, it will be and available to all. The pandem- possible to build a world of peace, and ic is reminding us that we are thus, brothers and sisters, to be saved to- blood brothers and sisters. gether. Thank you. number 43, Friday, 23 October 2020 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 9

INTERVIEW

with Patriarch Bartholomew I

The Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople on “Fratelli Tutti” Abandon indifference and cynicism

The Ecumenical Patriarch of Con- hope that the Encyclical Fra t e l l i contributes to the exacerbation of Why is the image of the Good stantinople Bartholomew I, grants Tu t t i will prove to be a source of environmental problems. And Samaritan relevant today? an interview to Vatican media about inspiration and fruitful dialogue politics has become the servant of Christ connects, in particular, Pope Francis’ Encyclical “Fra t e l l i through the taking of decisive ini- the economy. Human rights and the “first and great command- Tu t t i ”, saying Christians dream of tiatives and cross-cutting actions international law are elaborated ment” of love for God with the our world as a united family. on an inter-Christian, inter-reli- and serve purposes alien to “second commandment similar to gious and pan-human level. justice, freedom and peace. The the first” commandment of love problem of refugees, terrorism, of neighbor (Mt 22:36-40). And ANDREA TORNIELLI The first chapter of the Encyclical state violence, humiliation of hu- He adds: “On these two com- speaks of the “shadows” that persist “We completely agree” with Pope man dignity, modern forms of mandments all the Law and the in the world. What are those that Fr a n c i s ’ invitation to “abandon slavery and the Covid-19 epidem- Prophets depend”. And John the worry you the most? And what hope indifference or even the cynicism ic are now putting politics before theologian is very clear: “He who do we gain from looking at the that governs our ecological, polit- new responsibilities and erasing does not love, has not known world through the Gospel? ical, economic and social life in its pragmatic logic. Go d”(Jn 4:8). The parable of the general, including our self- With his acute humanistic, so- Good Samaritan is close to the centered form of unity, and to cial and spiritual sense, Pope What is Christianity’s proposal in parable of the Judgment (Mt dream of our world as a united Francis identifies and names the the face of this situation? 25:31-46), it is (Lk 10:25-37) the human family”. “shadows” in the modern world. biblical text, which reveals to us With these words, Patriarch We speak of “modern sins”, al- The Church’s proposal of life the whole truth of the command- Bartholomew, the Ecumenical though we like to emphasize that is the trajectory towards “one ment of love. In this parable, the Patriarch of Constantinople, on a the original sin did not occur in thing is necessary”, and this is Priest and the Levite represent re- visit to Rome, commented on our time and in our age. We do love, openness to the other and ligion, which is closed in itself, it Pope Francis’ Encyclical Fra t e l l i not idealize the past at all. the culture of persons in solidar- is only concerned with keeping Tu t t i in a conversation with the Rightly, however, we are dis- ity. Before the modern arrogant the “law” unchanged, ignoring Vatican media. turbed by the fact that modern “man-go d” we preach the “Go d- and pharisaically neglecting the technical and scientific develop- Man”. In the face of “econom- “most serious prescriptions of the Your Holiness, what was your reac- ments have strengthened the icism”, we give way to the ecolo- law” (Mt 23:23), love and support tion to Pope Francis’ Encyclical “hubris” of man. The achieve- gical economy and economic for one’s neighbor. The Good “Fratelli Tutti”? ments of science do not respond activity based on social justice. Samaritan turns out to be the for- to our fundamental existential Even before we learned about We oppose the policy of “might eign philanthropist close to the quests, nor have they eliminated one who has been beaten by ban- our brother Pope Francis’ Encyc- makes right”, with the principle them. We also note that scientific dits and wounded. To the initial lical Fratelli Tutti, we were certain of respect for the inalienable knowledge does not penetrate question of the doctor of the law that it would be another example rights of citizens and internation- the depths of the human soul. “Who is my neighbor?” (Lk of his unshakeable interest in al law. In the face of the ecologic- We know it, but act as if we do 10:29), Christ answers with a man, “beloved by God”, through al crisis, we are called to respect not. question: “Which one of these the manifestation of solidarity creation, simplicity and awareness three seems to you to have been with all “the weary and of our responsibility to give the The Pope also speaks of the persist- the neighbor of the one who ran b u rd e n e d ” and the needy, and next generation an intact natural ent gap between the few who possess environment. Our effort to ad- into the bandits? (Lk 10:36)”. that it would contain concrete much and the many who possess dress these problems is indisp en- Here man is not allowed to ask proposals to face the great chal- little or nothing... sable, but we know that he who questions, but he is asked and lenges of the moment, inspired by called to act. It is always neces- Economic development has not works through us is the God who the inexhaustible source of Chris- sary to bring out the neighbor, tian tradition, and emerging from reduced the gap between the rich is the friend of men. and the poor. Rather, it has prior- the brother, before and in the his heart full of love. face of the distant, the foreigner Our expectations were fully itized profit, to the detriment of the protection of the weak, and and the enemy. It should be met after completing the analysis noted that in the parable of the of this very interesting Encyclical, Good Samaritan, according to which is not simply a compendi- the question of the doctor of the um or summary of previous En- law who tests Christ “What must cyclicals or other texts of Pope Patriarch receives I do to inherit eternal life” (cf. Lk Francis, but the crowning and Honorary Doctorate 10:25), in response to it, real love happy conclusion of all social for one’s neighbor has a clear so- do ctrine. in philosophy teriological reference. This is also We completely agree with His the message of the passage on Holiness’ invitation and challenge The Pontifical Antonianum University of Judgment. to abandon indifference or even Rome awarded the Ecumenical Patriarch the cynicism that governs our Bartholomew I an honorary doctorate in On what basis can we all consider ecological, political, economic philosophy on the occasion of the start of ourselves brothers and sisters, and and social life in general, includ- its academic year. why is it important to discover ing our self-centered form of In his address during the opening unity, and to dream of our world ceremony, Bartholomew called for the CONTINUED ON PA G E 10 as a united human family, in promotion of a culture of respect for which we are all brothers and sis- creation, for building bridges of dialogue ters without exception. In this among Christians and towards believers spirit we express the hope and of other faiths as well as non-believers. page 10 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 23 October 2020, number 43

INTERVIEW

with Peter Maurer

Interview with the President of the International Committee of the Red Cross With the Pope to build a united and inclusive society

those displaced by war and viol- of Lake Chad or the Horn of MARIO GALGANO point of view of international hu- manitarian law which at the end ence, those affected by the Africa or the Pacific. And we see A merging of viewpoints, values of the day enshrines decades and weaponization of societies, those today that Covid comes on top of and aspirations in a wounded centuries of values of good beha- affected by climate change, by it and functions as an accelerator world now struck by the pandem- vior in society. So, coming to underdevelopment, by exclusion, and complicator of all those ic of the new virus that worsens Rome is a very positive experi- by poverty, by injustice. And I factors. And I think that’s what is existing problems. This was high- ence. And of course, talking with think developing a counter-nar- so tragic to see: that we see more lighted by the President of the the Pope, knowing about his sup- rative as you would say in mod- divisions and also if the rich have International Committee of the port for what we are doing in the ern language. Developing a vision become richer, the poor have be- Red Cross Peter Maurer in the field for people affected by war of a society which is different, come poorer and more excluded. and violence is a positive energy which is inclusive, which brings following interview with Vatican And I think that’s the big issue that I take home from Rome. people together and which builds News and L’Osservatore Romano we are fighting. on Tuesday, 20 October. Earlier bridges where reality separates so- Pope Francis stressed in his new We also see the secondary im- Mr Maurer had met with Pope cieties. This is at the core of our Encyclical “Fratelli Tutti” the im- common view and endeavors. We pact of the pandemic: the unem- Fr a n c i s . portance of global solidarity to face certainly are very proud to be ployment that has affected many the challenges in the world. In your close to the Holy See and to the poor countries and populations You met His Holiness, Pope Francis opinion, what are Pope Francis’ Pope in his efforts. has been even worse than before this Monday morning. Afterwards, strengths that correspond to the lines Covid. you also met Cardinal Secretary of of the International Red Cross? The International Red Cross faces State Pietro Parolin. How are these What corresponds with your mission many challenges. How is that situ- Unfortunately, there are still many meetings in the Vatican for you? as Red Cross? ation in the context of the current war zones in the world where the coronavirus pandemic? International Red Cross brings aid Well, first, it is, of course, a Well, let’s start with Fra t e l l i and support to the civilians in- very special moment to meet the Tu t t i . I think this is a key slogan I think coronavirus has acceler- Pope and to be here in Rome. It which has motivated decades of ated and accentuated many of the volved. Which regions are currently is also a good moment very work for the Red Cross. And I problems that we knew before. most affected where the Red Cross is frankly because there are few vis- think at the core of the belief that And it has come on top of a lot at the forefront of aid? What can its I do around the world in we, as Red Cross, and the Vatican of problems that we have been you tell us? which we have so much conver- and the Pope represent is, at the fighting against over the last dec- Well, if you just look at our gence of views, of values, of also end of the day, that we have to ades. We have seen war and viol- budget and where most of our aspirations that we represent. fight against the fragmentation of ence affecting societies. We have people are, more than 40 percent Whether you argue the world’s society — about divisions, which seen poverty, we have seen cli- of our activities are in Africa. analysis and response to crises in are so painful in its consequences mate change coming on top of all More than 30 additional percent the world from a point of view of for civilian populations, for the the complications, particularly in are in the Middle East. So, the your religious beliefs, or from a most vulnerable, for the migrants, vulnerable contexts like the Sahel regions of the Middle East and the conflict of the Middle East and in Africa remain at the fore- front of our activities. It is the Sahel, the Lake Chad, the Su- Abandon indifference and cynicism dans, the Congos, the Horn of Africa, Libya of course in Africa. But it’s the Middle East with the CONTINUED FROM PA G E 9 whole of creation” (Isaac the presence of evil and sin” (Th e Syrian conflict, the Yemeni con- Syrian). Love for the brethren is Mission of the Orthodox Church in flict, the Iraqi conflict which is at ourselves as such for the good of always incomparable. It is not an To d a y ’s World, D, 1). On the lips the fore of our attention. Then, humanity? abstract feeling of sympathy to- of every Christian, there must be the slogan “No more war!” And there are other parts of the world The Christians of the nascent wards humanity, which usually the attitude of a society towards which have newly added to the Church called each other “b ro t h - ignores the neighbor. The di- the death penalty is an indicator list that I made which is a long- ers”. This spiritual and Christ- mension of personal communion of its cultural orientation and standing list. We have been sur- centered fraternity is deeper than and fraternity distinguishes Christian love and fraternity consideration of human dignity. prised in the last 6 years to see natural kinship. For Christians, The worthy system of European Ukraine come in as a top opera- however, brothers and sisters are from abstract humanism. constitutional culture, of which tion of ICRC. We have recently not only members of the The Pope in his Encyclical strongly one of the fundamental pillars is seen Nagorno-Karabakh and the Church, but all peoples. The condemns war and the death pen- the idea of love, as an expression Armenian Azeri conflict blowing Word of God has taken on hu- alty. How would you comment on of its Christian beliefs, requires up in our face and accentuating man nature and united that chapter of “Fratelli Tutti”? us to consider that every man the problems. And of course, we everything in itself. Just as all must be given the possibility of have long-term engagements in human beings are God’s cre- This theme was referred to by repentance and improvement, Afghanistan and also in Latin ation, so all have been included the Holy and Great Council of even if he has been condemned America. in the plan of salvation. The the Orthodox Church (Crete, for the worst crime. It is there- love of the believer has no boun- June 2016), among others, as fol- fore a logical and moral con- daries and limits. In fact, it em- lows: “The Church of Christ sequence that even he who con- braces the whole of creation, it is condemns war in general, recog- demns war should reject the “the burning of the heart for the nizing it as the result of the death penalty. number 43, Friday, 23 October 2020 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 11

Extension of the Provisional Agreement between the Holy See and the People’s Republic of China The motivations behind the decision

he Provisional Agreement rolin, Vatican Secretary of State, re- public of China, n. 4). between the Holy See and cently spoke about “The Catholic Some sectors of inter- the People’s Republic of Church in China, past and present”at national politics have China regarding the ap- a Convention held in Milan this sought to analyze the Tpointment of Bishops was signed in month for the 150th anniversary of Holy See’s work primar- Beijing on 22 September 2018. That the arrival of the PIME missionaries ily along geopolitical Agreement expires today since it in Henan. On that occasion, he lines. Regarding the went into effect one month later, pointed out that various misunder- scope of the Provisional with the term of two years ad experi- standings had arisen regarding the Agreement, instead, the mentum. As this date drew near, the Provisional Agreement. Many of Holy See views it as a two parties evaluated various aspects them originated because extraneous profoundly ecclesiologic- of the Agreement’s application, and objectives or unrelated events re- al issue, in conformity through an official exchange of Note garding the life of the Catholic with two principles Ve r b a l e , have agreed to prolong the Church in China were attributed to stated thus: “Ubi Petrus, term for another two years, until 22 the Agreement and it was even con- ibi Ecclesia” (Saint Am- October 2022. Therefore, the renew- nected to political issues that have brose, “Where Peter is, al of the Provisional Agreement nothing to do with the actual Agree- there is the Church”) and seems to be a propitious occasion to ment. Recalling that the Agreement “Ubi episcopus, ibi Eccle- explore its objective and motiva- exclusively concerns the appoint- sia” (Saint Ignatius of tions. The primary objective of the ment of Bishops, Cardinal Parolin Antioch, “Where the Provisional Agreement regarding the stated he is aware of the existence of Bishop is, there is the appointment of Bishops in China is various problems regarding the life C h u rc h ”). Moreover, that of sustaining and promoting the of the Catholic Church in China, there also exists an proclamation of the Gospel in that but also that it is impossible to con- awareness that the dia- land, restoring the full and visible front all the issues together. logue between the Holy unity of the Church. In fact, the The stipulation of the Agreement, See and the People’s Republic of Province), while various other pro- primary motivations that have therefore, constitutes the destination China favors the search for the com- cesses for new episcopal appoint- guided the Holy See in this process, point of a long journey undertaken mon good for the benefit of the en- ments are in the process, some at the in dialogue with the Government by the Holy See and the People’s tire international community. initial stage, others in more ad- leaders of that country, are funda- Republic of China, but it is also and Specifically with this intention, vanced stages. Even though, statist- mentally of an ecclesiological and above all, the point of departure for Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, Sec- ically speaking, these results may not pastoral nature. The question re- broader and more far-sighted agree- retary for Relations with States, met seem to be that great, nevertheless garding the appointment of Bishops ments. The Provisional Agreement, with Mr. Wang Yi, State Councilor they represent a good start, in the is of vital importance for the life of the text of which, given its experi- and Foreign Minister of the People’s hope that other positive goals might the Church, both at the local as well mental nature, has been consensu- Republic of China, on 14 February be progressively reached. It cannot as at the universal levels. In this re- ally kept confidential, is the fruit of 2020 in Munich, Bavaria, in the be overlooked that in recent months gard, Vatican Council II, in the an open and constructive dialogue. context of the 56th Munich Security the entire world has been practically Dogmatic Constitution on the This dialogic posture, nourished by Conference, even though their first paralyzed by the health crisis that Church, stated that “Jesus Christ, respect and friendship, is strongly personal meeting, although not offi- has influenced both life and activity the eternal Shepherd, established willed and promoted by the Holy cial, had taken place on the occasion in almost all sectors of both public His holy Church, having sent forth Father. Pope Francis is well aware of of the General Assembly of the and private life. The same reality has the apostles as He Himself had been the wounds the Church’s commu- United Nations Organization in obviously influenced regular contact sent by the Father (cf. John 20:21); nion has sustained in the past, and New York in 2019. It should be between the Holy See and the and He willed that their successors, after years of prolonged negotiations noted that both meetings took place Chinese government as well as the namely the bishops, should be shep- that his Predecessors had begun and in the context of multilateral diplo- implementation of the Provisional herds in His Church even to the carried on and indubitably in con- matic meetings in favor of global A g re e m e n t . consummation of the world. And in tinuity with their thought, he has re- peace and security, thus seeking to The application of the Agreement, order that the episcopate itself might established full communion with the pick up on even the slightest signal with an effective and progressively be one and undivided, He placed Chinese Bishops who were ordained to foster and sustain the culture of more active participation of the Blessed Peter over the other without the necessary Pontifical encounter and dialogue. Chinese Episcopate is, therefore, of apostles, and instituted in him a mandate and authorized the signing As was made public by the Holy great importance for the life of the permanent and visible source and of the Agreement regarding the ap- See, the two diplomats acknow- Catholic Church in China and, as a foundation of unity of faith and pointment of Bishops, which had ledged the contact between the two consequence, for the universal communion” (Lumen Gentium, 18). already been approved by Pope Be- parties that had developed positively Church. It is also in that context This fundamental teaching regard- nedict XVI in draft form. over time during the meeting that that the pastoral objective of the ing the particular role of the Su- Cardinal Parolin emphasized that took place in Germany. On that oc- Holy See can be situated: to help preme Pontiff within the Episcopal the current dialogue between the casion, the desire to pursue the bilat- Chinese Catholics, who have long College and in the appointment of Holy See and China has age-old eral dialogue at the institutional level been internally divided, to manifest Bishops itself, inspired the negoti- roots and is the continuation of a fostering the life of the Catholic signs of reconciliation, collaboration ations and was a point of reference journey begun a long time ago. The Church and the good of the Chinese and unity for a renewed and more in the drafting of the text of the last Pontiffs, in fact, sought that people was reiterated. In addition, effective proclamation of the Gospel Agreement. Thus, little by little as which Pope Benedict XVI describ ed the hope was expressed that in- in China. In a Letter dated 26 things go forward, both the unity of as the overcoming of the heavy creased international cooperation September 2018, the Pope had en- faith and the communion among the “situation of misunderstandings and would promote civil co-existence and trusted in a particular way to the Bishops will be ensured, as well as i n c o m p re h e n s i o n ” that serves neither peace in the world and considera- Catholic community in China — to being able to completely be at the the “interests of ... the Chinese au- tions were exchanged regarding in- the bishops, priests, men and women service of the Catholic community in thorities nor the Catholic Church in tercultural dialogue and human religious, and lay faithful — the com- China. As of today, for the first time China”. Citing his predecessor, Pope rights. In particular, the importance mitment to live love for one another after many decades, all of the Bish- John Paul II, he wrote in 2007: “It is of the Provisional Agreement regard- in an authentic spirit, expressing it ops in China are in communion with no secret that the Holy See, in the ing the appointment of Bishops, through concrete actions so as to the Bishop of Rome and, thanks to name of the whole Catholic Church which has now been renewed, was help overcome misunderstandings, the implementation of the Agree- and, I believe, for the benefit of the highlighted with the hope that its giving witness to their own faith and ment, there will be no more illegit- whole human family, hopes for the fruits might grow on the basis of the genuine love. It must be acknow- imate ordinations. opening of some form of dialogue with experience gained over the first two ledged that there are still many situ- It should, however, be noted that the authorities of the People’s Republic years of it being in force. ations causing serious suffering. The all the open issues or situations that of China. Once the misunderstandings Regarding the results achieved so Holy See is very much aware of are still of concern for the Church of the past have been overcome, such a far, on the basis of the regulatory them, is taking them into account have not been treated in the Agree- dialogue would make it possible for us framework established by the Agree- and does not fail to draw them to ment, but solely the issue of epis- to work together for the good of the ment, two Bishops have been ap- the attention of the Chinese govern- copal appointments, which is decis- Chinese People and for peace in the pointed (His Excellency Antonio ment so that religious freedom might ive and essential to guarantee the or- w o rl d ”(Letter of the Holy Father Pope Yao Shun, Diocese of Jining, Inner be truly exercised. There is still a dinary life of the Church in China, Benedict XVI to the Bishops, priests, Mongolia Autonomous Region, and long and difficult road ahead. as in all other parts of the world. consecrated persons and lay faithful of His Excellency Stefano Xu Hong- His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Pa- the Catholic Church of the People’s Re- wei, Diocese of Hanzhong, Shaanxi CONTINUED ON PA G E 12 page 12 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 23 October 2020, number 43

ANGELUS

At the end of the Angelus on Sunday, 18 October, Pope Francis spoke about Libya, highlighting that “the time has come to stop every form of hostility, promoting dialogue that leads to peace, to stability and to the unity of the country”. Earlier the Holy Father had reflected on the theme of hypocrisy as he commented on the Gospel passage of Matthew on the issue of taxes owed to Caesar (Mt 22:15-21). The following is a translation of the Pope’s words which he shared in Italian with the faithful gathered in Saint Peter’s Square.

The Pope speaks of World Missionary Day and launches an appeal for the North African country A peaceful future for Libya

Dear Brothers and Sisters, to back Jesus into a corner with In this maxim of Jesus we find port. In this context I would like Good morning, this question, and to make him not only the criterion for the dis- to thank God for the long- fall in the trap. But he knows tinction between the political awaited liberation of Father Pier This Sunday’s Gospel reading (cf. their wickedness and avoids the sphere and the religious sphere; Luigi Maccalli — we greet him Mt 22:15-21) shows us Jesus strug- pitfall. He asks them to show him clear guidelines emerge for the with this applause! — who was gling with the hypocrisy of his the coin, the coin of the taxes, of mission of believers of all times, kidnapped two years ago in Ni- adversaries. They pay him many the tribute, takes it in his hands even for us today. To pay taxes is ger. We also rejoice because three compliments — at the beginning, and asks whose is the imprinted a duty of citizens, as is complying other hostages were released with many compliments — but then image. They answer that it is with the just laws of the state. At him. Let us continue to pray for ask an insidious question to put Caesar’s, that is, the Emperor's. the same time, it is necessary to the missionaries and catechists him in difficulty and discredit Then Jesus replies: “Render affirm God’s primacy in human and also for those who are perse- him before the people. They ask therefore to Caesar the things cuted or kidnapped in various him: “Is it lawful to pay taxes to life and in history, respecting that are Caesar’s, and to God the Go d’s rightover all that belongs parts of the world. Caesar, or not?” (v. 17), that is, to things that are God’s” (v. 21). pay their tribute to Caesar. At to him. I wish to address a word of en- With this reply, Jesus places that time, in Palestine, the domin- Hence the mission of the couragement and support to the himself above the controversy. ation of the Roman Empire was Church and Christians: to speak fishermen who have been held in Jesus, always above. On the one poorly tolerated — and it is un- of God and bear witness to him Libya for more than a month, hand, he acknowledges that the to the men and women of our and to their families. Entrusting derstandable, they were invaders tribute to Caesar must be paid — — also for religious reasons. For time. Every one of us, by Bap- them to Mary Star of the Sea, for all of us too, taxes must be tism, is called to be a living pres- may they keep alive the hope to the people, the worship of the paid — because the image on the ence in society, inspiring it with be able to embrace their loved emperor, underscored also by his coin is his; but above all he re- the Gospel and with the lifeblood ones again soon. I pray also for image on coins, was an insult to calls that each person carries of the Holy Spirit. It is a ques- the various discussions in pro- the God of Israel. within him another image — we tion of committing oneself with gress at the international level, Jesus’ interlocutors are con- carry it in the heart, in the soul — humility, and at the same time that they may be relevant for the vinced that there is no alternative that of God, and therefore it is to future of Libya. Brothers and sis- to their questioning: either a “yes" Him, and to Him alone, that with courage, making one's own contribution to building the civil- ters, the time has come to stop or a “no”. They were waiting, each person owes his own exist- every form of hostility, promoting precisely because they were sure ence, his own life. ization of love, where justice and fraternity reign. dialogue that leads to peace, to stability and to the unity of the May Mary Most Holy help us country. Let us pray together for all to flee from all hypocrisy and the fishermen and for Libya, in to be honest and constructive cit- silence. Holy See and China izens. And may she sustain us disciples of Christ in the mission I greet you all, people of Rome renew Provisional Agreement to bear witness that God is the and pilgrims from various coun- centre and the meaning of life. tries. In particular, I greet and bless with affection the Peruvian community of Rome, gathered CONTINUED FROM PA G E 11 After the Angelus, the Holy Father ing of the Provisional Agree- here with the venerated image of ment on the appointment of continued: Trusting completely in the the Señor de los Milagros. A Bishops and its renewal today, Dear Brothers and Sisters, round of applause for the Peruvi- Lord of history who unfailingly might contribute to the resolu- guides His Church and in the today we celebrate World Mis- an community! I also greet the tion of the matters of common sion Day, which has the theme volunteers of the Italian Associ- maternal intercession of the interest that are still open, in Most Holy Virgin Mary, Our “Here I am, send me. Weavers of ation for the Protection of Anim- particular, those touching the f ra t e r n i t y ”. This word “weavers” is als. Lady of Sheshan, the Holy See life of the Catholic community entrusts this delicate and im- beautiful: every Christian is called And I wish you all a blessed in China, as well as the promo- portant step to the gracious to be a weaver of fraternity. Mis- Sunday. Please, do not forget to tion of an international vision support and, above all, to the sionaries — priests, consecrated pray for me. Enjoy your lunch. of peace, in a moment in which prayers of all Catholics, and men and women, and lay people Ar r i v e d e rc i ! hopes that this contact and dia- we are experiencing numerous — who sow the Gospel in the logue with the People’s Repub- tensions on an international great field of the world, are espe- lic of China, which has ma- level. cially so. Let us pray for them tured to the point of the sign- *** and give them our practical sup-