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Fifty-third year, number 46 (2.672) Friday, 13 November 2020

At the General Audience the Holy Father invites us to persevere in prayer even in life’s darkest moments In silent prayer for victims of abuse

ON MCCARRICK

Pop e’s Appeal Cardinal Parolin’s statement at the General Audience Yesterday, the Report on The search for the sad case of former truth and a Cardinal Theodore McCarrick was published. glimpse of hope I renew my closeness to the victims of sexual The Report on the ’s institu- abuse and the Church’s tional knowledge and decision-making commitment to eradicate process related to former Cardinal Theodore Edgar McCarrick, which this evil. the Secretariat of State drew up on the ’s mandate, is published FOR THE C AT E C H E S I S SEE PA G E 3 today [10 November]. It is a sub- stantial text, which has involved a careful examination of all the relev- ant documentation of the archives in the Holy See, at the Nunciature in Washington and in the dioceses of the United States involved in various ways. The complex invest- igation was also integrated with in- formation obtained from interviews with witnesses and persons with knowledge of the facts, in order to obtain as complete a picture as possible and a more detailed and accurate knowledge of the relevant information. We publish the Report with sor- row for the wounds that these events have caused to the victims, their families, the Church in the United States, and the Universal Church. As the Pope has done, I too was able to view the testimon- ies of the victims contained in the Ac t a on which the Report is based,

CONTINUED ON PA G E 5

Card. Hollerich on Fratelli Tutti A sorrowful page the Church is learning from This is the Gospel ment or harm done to a minor. As A detailed response MONDA ON PA G E 6 ANDREA TORNIELLI soon as the first report was re- At the time of Theodore McCar- ceived from a victim who was a The compilation and publication rick’s appointment as minor at the time the abuse was of the Report itself, given its exten- Council for Interreligious Dialogue of Washington in 2000, the Holy committed, reacted siveness and content, responds to See acted on the basis of partial promptly regarding the elderly car- the request of Pope Francis that de- Deepavali message and incomplete information. What dinal, who had already retired as cision-making regarding McCarrick has now come to light are omis- head of the archdiocese in 2006, be thoroughly investigated and that PAGE 7 sions, underestimations, and first taking away his red hat and the results of the investigation be choices that later proved to be then dismissing him from the cler- published. The Report also repre - wrong, due in part to the fact that, ical state. This is what emerges sents an act of pastoral care by the Sunday Angelus during the assessment process re- from the Report on the Holy See’s Pope for the American quested by at the time, those Institutional Knowledge and Decision- community that was wounded and The sense of expectation questioned did not always disclose Making Related to Former Cardinal anguished that McCarrick had been all they knew. Until 2017, there had Theodore Edgar McCarrick (1930 to appointed and promoted to high PAGE 8 never been any precise accusation 2017) published by the Secretariat regarding sexual abuse or harass- of State. CONTINUED ON PA G E 4 page 2 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 13 November 2020, number 46

of the Archdiocese of Yangon, My- anmar, assigning him the titular of Malamocco. Until now he has served as procurator of the Archdiocese of Yangon and pro- fessor of Sacred Scriptures at the VAT I C A N Major Seminary (10 Nov.). priest on 23 August 1997. He holds a -elect Naw Aye, 51, was BULLETIN degree in philosophy and theology. born in Saukwaigyi Village, Myan- mar. He was ordained a priest on 18 The Holy Father has accepted the March 1995. He holds a degree in AUDIENCES served as Bishop of Dubrovnik, resignation of Bishop José Dolores philosophy and in theology, a BA in Croatia (4 Nov.). Grullón Estrella from the office of psychology, and a Master’s degree in Friday, 6 November Sacred Scriptures. Bishop Uzinić, 53, was born in bishop of the diocese of San Juan de H.E. Mr Uhuru Kenyatta, President Dubrava, Croatia. He was ordained la Maguana, Dominican Republic. of the Republic of Kenya, with his a priest on 27 June 1993. He was or- The Holy Father appointed Fr To- OR I E N TA L CHURCHES entourage dained a bishop on 19 Mar 2011, más Alejo Concepción as Bishop of Cardinal Luis Francisco Ladaria Fer- subsequent to his appointment as the diocese of San Juan de la Ma- The Synod of the Patriarchal rer, S J, Prefect of the Congregation Bishop of Dubrovnik. guana, Dominican Republic. Until Church of Alexandria for Copts, for the Doctrine of the Faith now he has served as priest of Egypt accepted the resignation from The Holy Father appointed as Aux- Nuestra Señora de Fátima in the the office of Curial Bishop presented Saturday, 7 November iliary of the Metropolitan same diocese (7 Nov.). by Bishop Youhanna Golta, titular Cardinal , PSS, Prefect Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bishop-elect Concepción, 57, was Bishop of Andropolis (3 Nov.). of the Bahia, Brazil: Fr Dorival Souza Bar- born in Santa Ana, Dominican Re- reto Júnior, assigning him the titular Cardinal , public. He was ordained a priest on STA R T OF MISSION Dean of the see of Tindari. Until now he has 7 August 1993. He holds: a degree in served as parish priest of Nossa Sen- philosophy and theology, a licence On 30 September, Archbishop Brian Cardinal , Vicar hora da Conceição and São José in in philosophy and theology, and Udaigwe, titular Archbishop of General of His Holiness for Vatican Montes Claros-MG; Fr Valter studied missiology. City Magno de Carvalho, assigning him CONTINUED ON PA G E 3 Monday, 9 November the titular see of Giufi. Until now The Holy Father appointed Bishop he has served as rector of the São Jacques Habert as Bishop of H.E. Mrs Maria Alejandra Muñoz José Major Seminary (4 Nov.). Bayeux, France. Until now he has Seminario, Vice President of the Re- served as Bishop of Sées, France (10 public of Ecuador — Bishop-elect Barreto Júnior, 56, N o v. ) . Disciplinary measures Fr Pierluigi Maccalli, Society of was born in Jequié, Brazil. He was Bishop Habert, 60, was born in African Mission (SMA) ordained a priest on 10 March 1988. He holds a licence in liturgy and a -Malo, France. He was or- for Cardinal doctorate in theology. In addition, dained a priest on 30 September CHANGES IN EP I S C O PAT E he attended a specialist course in 1989. He was ordained a bishop on Gulbinowicz p h i l o l o g y. 9 January 2011, subsequent to his ap- The Holy Father appointed Bishop pointment as Bishop of Sées. Mate Uzinić as Archbish- — Bishop-elect Magno de In a statement released on Friday, op of the Metropolitan Archdiocese Carvalho, 47, was born in Capela The Holy Father appointed Fr Noel 6 November, the Apostolic - of Rijeka, Croatia. Until now he has Nova, Brazil. He was ordained a Saw Naw Aye as ciature in Poland announced that Cardinal Henryk Roman Gul- binowicz, Archbishop emeritus of Wro cław, Poland, has been sub- jected to disciplinary measures for Holy Father’s prayer intention for November harassment, homosexual acts and collaboration with the past Se- May robotics serve the common good curity Services. “Following the investigation into the accusations made against Car- In the video entrusted to the As the Pope is speaking, video have to direct so that they will be dinal Henryk Gulbinowicz, and Church through the Pope’s World- images scroll by: crowds of people, for the good of all. This prayer in- after analysing other accusations wide Prayer Network, Francis, their faces obscured by the techno- tention reinforces the idea that the concerning the Cardinal’s past, the speaking in Spanish, expresses his logy that “follows” them; scientists benefit that humanity has obtained Holy See has taken the following prayer intention for the month of working with holographic images; (and will continue to obtain) from disciplinary decisions against him: Novemb er. robots resembling both animals and technological progress must always he is forbidden from participating “Artificial intelligence”, he states, humans, and others in use in the take into account as well, and in in any public celebration or meet- “is at the heart of the epochal field of medicine; solar panels parallel, ‘adequate development of ing; forbidden from using epis- change we are experiencing”. He ex- serving green technology. responsibility and values.’ This is copal insignia; and prohibited plains that “robotics can make a bet- Accompanying the video on the how the Pope expressed it in his En- from a funeral service and burial in ter world possible if it is joined to website https://thepopevideo.org/ is cyclicals Laudato Si’ and now in Fra - the cathedral”, the statement said. the common good”. However, he a press release noting that this telli Tutti: ‘How wonderful it would Moreover, the 97-year-old Car- continues, “if technological progress month’s video “was made with the be if the growth of scientific and dinal will have to make a pay- increases inequalities, it is not true support of Enel, a multinational en- technological innovation could come ment of “an adequate sum of p ro g re s s ”. The Pontiff then points ergy company and one of the prin- money in the form of a donation with more equality and social inclu- to the path we need to take, because ciple players in world markets for for the activities of the St Joseph sion!’. We know that artificial intelli- “future advances should be oriented energy, gas, and renewable energy”. Foundation, established by the towards respecting the dignity of the It offers the following statement gence, robotics, and other applica- Polish Bishops’ Conference to as- person and of Creation”. He then from Fr Frédéric Fornos, S J, the In- tions of technology open great chal- sist the Church’s activities in fa- invites us to pray “that the progress ternational Director of the Pope’s lenges for ethics and social justice. vour of victims of sexual abuse, of robotics and artificial intelligence Worldwide Prayer Network, who in- This is why the Pope’s most recent their psychological assistance, may always serve humankind”. In dicates: “The transformation of our petition is important: to pray that prevention [of abuse] and the other words, he prays, “may it ‘be societies also transforms our work. this progress will always ‘be hu- education of those responsible for human’”. These are rapid changes that we man’”. the protection of minors”.

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GENERAL AU D I E N C E

Those who pray are never alone, Pope Francis said during the General Audience on Wednesday, 11 November, as he continued his series of catecheses on Jesus’ prayer, inviting the faithful to persevere in prayer especially in the darkest moments. The following is a translation of the Holy Father’s words which he shared in Italian from the Library of the Vatican’s .

The Holy Father invites us to persevere in prayer even in life’s darkest moments will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor Those who pray are never alone the pestilence that stalks in dark- ness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday” (vv. 4-6). It is Dear Brothers and Sisters, 8). A tenacious request. But God proud ones, while he does grant in Christ that this stupendous Good morning! is more patient than we are, and the prayer of the humble (cf. Lk prayer is fulfilled, it is in him that those who knock with faith and 18:9-14). There is no true prayer We continue the catecheses on without a spirit of humility. It is it finds its complete truth. prayer. Someone said to me: “Yo u perseverance on the door of his heart will not be disappointed. precisely humility that leads us to Without Jesus, our prayer risks talk too much about prayer. It is being reduced to human effort, not necessary”. Yes, it is neces- God always responds. Always. ask in prayer. Our Father knows well what we destined most of the time to fail- sary. Because if we do not pray, The teaching of the Gospel is ure. But he has taken on himself need; insistence is necessary not clear: we need to pray always, we will not have the strength to every cry, every groan, every jubi- to inform him or to convince even when everything seems in go forward in life. Prayer is like lation, every supplication ... every him, but rather it is necessary to vain, when God appears to be the oxygen of life. Prayer draws human prayer. And let us not for- down upon us the presence of the nurture the desire and expecta- deaf and mute and it seems we tion in us. are wasting time. Even if heaven get the Holy Spirit who prays in Holy Spirit who always leads us us; it is he who leads us to pray, forward. For this reason, I speak The second parable is that of is overshadowed, the Christian he leads us to Jesus. He is the a lot about prayer. the widow who goes to the judge does not stop praying. A Christi- gift that the Father and the Son Jesus gave us the example of so that he may help her obtain an’s prayer keeps stride with his justice. This judge is corrupt; he or her faith. And many days of gave us to foster an encounter continual prayer, practiced with with God. And the Holy Spirit, p e rs e v e ra n c e . Constant dialogue is a man without scruples, but in our life, faith seems to be an illu- the end, exasperated by the in- sion, a barren struggle. There are when we pray, is the Holy Spirit with his Father, in silence and in who prays in our hearts. recollection, was the fulcrum of sistence of the widow, he decides moments of darkness in our life, his entire mission. The Gospels to please her (cf. Lk 18:1-8).... He and in those moments, faith Christ is everything for us, also report his exhortations to the thought: “But, it is better to re- seems to be an illusion. But the even in our prayer life. Saint Au- disciples, that they pray insistent- solve this problem and get her off practice of prayer means accept- gustine used to say this with an ly, without growing tired. The my back rather than she continu- ing this struggle too. “Father, I enlightening expression that we Catechism recalls three parables ously come before me to com- pray and do not feel anything … also find in the Catechism: Jesus contained in the Gospel of Luke plain”. This parable makes us un- I feel like my heart is dry, that “prays for us as our priest, prays that underline this characteristic derstand that faith is not a mo- my heart is arid”. But we have to in us as our Head, and is prayed of Jesus’ prayer (cf. CCC, 2613). mentary leap, but a courageous continue, with this struggle in the to by us as our God. Therefore tough moments, the moments in First of all, prayer must be ten- disposition to call on God, even let us acknowledge our voice in which we feel nothing. Many acious: like the character in the to “a rg u e ” with him, without him and his in us” (n. 2616). This experienced the night of parable who, having to welcome a resigning oneself to evil and in- is why the Christian who prays faith and God’s silence — when guest who arrived unexpectedly justice. fears nothing, he or she trusts in we knock and God does not re- in the middle of the night, goes The third parable presents a the Holy Spirit who was given to spond — and these saints were to knock on the door of a friend pharisee and a publican who go us as a gift and who prays in us, p ersevering. and asks him for some bread. to the Temple to pray. The first eliciting prayer. May the Holy The friend responds, “No!”, be- turns to God boasting of his mer- During these nights of faith, Spirit himself, Teacher of prayer, cause he is already in bed — but its; the other feels unworthy even those who pray are never alone. teach us the path of prayer. he insists and insists until he to enter the sanctuary. God Indeed, Jesus is not only a wit- forces his friend to get up and however does not listen to the ness and teacher of prayer; he is give him some bread (cf. Lk 11:5- prayer of the first, that is, of the more. He welcomes us in his SPECIAL GREETINGS p ra y e r so that we might pray in him and through him. And this is I cordially greet the English- the work of the Holy Spirit. This speaking faithful. In this month is why the Gospel invites us to of November, let us pray espe- AT I C A N ULLETIN pray to the Father in Jesus’ name. cially for our deceased loved V B Saint John provides these words ones, and for all who have died, of the Lord: “Whatever you ask that the Lord in his mercy will CONTINUED FROM PA G E 2 Bishop Štefan Sečka of Spiš, in my name, I will do it, that the welcome them to the banquet of Slovakia, at age 67 (28 Oct.) Father may be glorified in the eternal life. Upon you and your Suelli, began his mission as Son” (14:13). And the Catechism families I invoke the joy of our Apostolic to Sri Lanka Bishop Józef Zawitkowski, titu- explains that “the certitude that Lord Jesus Christ. May God with the presentation of his Let- lar Bishop of Ausana, Auxiliary our petitions will be heard is bless you! ters of Credence to H.E. Mr Emeritus of Łowicz, Poland, at founded on the prayer of Jesus” Gotabaya Rajapaksa, President Lastly, as usual my thoughts age 81 (29 Oct.) (n. 2614). It gives the wings that of Sri Lanka. turn to the elderly, to young people, the prayer of mankind has always Bishop Ambrogio Ravasi, IMC, to the sick and to newlyweds. May desired to possess. Bishop Emeritus of Marsabit, the Holy Spirit illuminate your NECROLO GY How can we fail to recall here Kenya, at age 91 (30 Oct.) minds and support you especially the words of Psalm 91, laden with in difficult moments. Archbishop Paul Zinghtung Bishop Arturo Lona Reyes, trust, springing from a heart that Grawng, Archbishop emeritus of Bishop Emeritus of Tehuante- hopes for everything from God: Mandalay, Myanmar, at age 81 “he will cover you with his pin- pec, Mexico, at age 94 (31 Oct.) (24 Oct.) ions, and under his wings you page 4 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 13 November 2020, number 46

ON THE REPORT ON THE HO LY SEE’S INSTITUTIONAL KNOWLED GE AND

A sorrowful page the Church is learning from

CONTINUED FROM PA G E 1 papal visit to the city in which Mc- and swore that he had “never had ington, becoming its Archbishop Carrick was pastor at that moment. sexual relations with any person, emeritus. The Report demonstrates office in the Church. The investiga- male or female, young or old, cleric that in this period, Archbishop tion carried out during these two Cardinal O’Connor’s letter or lay”. Pope John Paul II read the Carlo Maria Viganò, in his capacity years was commenced toward the A crucial point in the case is cer- letter and was convinced that the as delegate for Papal Representat- end of summer 2018, during weeks tainly McCarrick’s appointment as American Archbishop was telling the ives, had reported information about of considerable tension culminating Archbishop of Washington. During truth and that the negative “ru - McCarrick’s possible involvement in the denunciation by the former the months in which McCarrick’s mours” were precisely that — solely with adults that had arrived from Apostolic Nuncio in Washington, possible transfer to a See in the rumours that were unfounded, or at the nunciature to his superiors in Carlo Maria Viganò, who, in an in- United States traditionally led by a least unproven. It was, therefore, the Secretary of State, highlighting ternational media campaign, pub- cardinal surfaced, notable among the Pope John Paul II, acting through its seriousness. But, while he raised licly called for the resignation of the several positive influential opinions specific directions imparted to then- the alarm, he too understood that current Pontiff. regarding his person is a negative Secretary of State Angelo Sodano, there were no proven facts. Cardinal one from Cardinal O’Connor. While who established that McCarrick Secretary of State Absence of accusations of sexual acknowledging that he did not have should be reinstated on the shortlist presented the matter directly to abuse of minors until 2017 first-hand information, the Cardinal of candidates. And it was he who, in Pope Benedict XVI. In that context, The strength of the Report lies not explained in a letter, dated October the end, chose McCarrick for the in the absence of victims who were only in its completeness but also in 28, 1999, addressed to the of Washington. In accordance minors, and since the person con- the overview it provides. From this Nuncio, that he believed that Mc- with the testimonies cited in the Re- cerned was a cardinal who had overview, a few key points emerge Carrick’s appointment to a new of- port, to better understand the con- already retired from office, Pope Be- that are necessary to consider. The fice would be a mistake: that, in text of that period, it may be useful nedict XVI did not open a formal first point concerns the mistakes that fact, the risk of a serious scandal ex- also to recall that during the years canonical process to investigate Mc- were made; these have already led to isted in light of the rumours that when he was an Archbishop in Po- Carrick. the adoption of new regulations McCarrick had in the past shared a land, Pope John Paul II had wit- within the Church, to help avoid bed with young adult men at the nessed the use of false accusations Recommendations, not sanctions history repeating itself. A second rectory and seminarians at a beach on the part of the regime to discred- In the years that followed, not- element is that, until 2017, there had house. it priests and bishops. withstanding the indications McCar- been no specific accusations regard- rick received from the Congregation ing the sexual abuse of minors com- Pope John Paul II’s first decision Pope Benedict’s decision for Bishops to lead a more quiet and mitted by McCarrick. It is true that In this regard, it is important to Furthermore, at the time of his reserved life and to decline frequent in the 1990s several anonymous let- highlight the initial decision made appointment as Archbishop of appearances in public, the cardinal ters alluding to minor abuse had by Pope John Paul II. The Pope, in Washington, no victim — adult or continued to move about, traveling been received by cardinals and in fact, asked the Nuncio to verify the minor — had as yet made contact from one part of the globe to the the nunciature in Washington, but basis of these accusations. Once with the Holy See or with the Nun- other, Rome included, generally without providing any details, names again, the written investigation does cio in the United States to present with the knowledge and at least tacit or circumstances: these letters were not contain any concrete proof — in an accusation regarding any improp- approval of the Papal Nuncio. There regrettably considered to be not fact, three of the four bishops from er behavior attributed to the Arch- has been a lot of discussion regard- credible because of the lack of con- New Jersey who were consulted bishop. Moreover, nothing inappro- ing the true substance of the request crete elements. The first specific ac- provided information which the Re- priate about McCarrick’s behavior McCarrick received from the Holy cusation involving a minor was, in port reveals to have been “not accur- was reported during his years as See to lead a more withdrawn life. fact, that which emerged three years ate and incomplete”. Even though Archbishop in Washington. When, From the documents and testimonies ago, which led to the immediate the Pope had known McCarrick in 2005, accusations of harassment now published in the Report, it is opening of a canonical process that since 1976, having met him during and abuse toward adults began to evident that “sanctions” were never concluded with the two decisions his trip to the United States, he ac- surface once again, the new pope, imposed. They were, rather, recom- taken by Pope Francis — the first of cepted the proposal of the then Benedict XVI, rapidly asked for the mendations, given to him orally in which took away the red hat f ro m Apostolic Nuncio in the United resignation of the American cardinal 2006 and then in writing in 2008, the Cardinal emeritus and the States, Gabriel Montalvo, and of the to whom he had recently granted a without stating that this was an ex- second that dismissed him from the then prefect of the Congregation of two-year extension of his mandate. plicit desire on the part of Pope Be- clerical state. Those who came for- Bishops, Giovanni Battista Re, to In 2006, McCarrick left his position nedict XVI. They were recommenda- ward to testify against McCarrick as drop him as a candidate. They ar- as head of the Archdiocese of Wash- tions that presupposed McCarrick’s the canonical process unfolded are gued that even in the ab- good will and willingness to respect to be commended for having al- sence of specific details, them. The fact that the cardinal re- lowed their truth to be known and the risk should not be mained active, that he continued to should be thanked for having done taken of transferring the travel, and that he accomplished so while overcoming the pain of re- prelate to Washington. various missions in different coun- membering all that they have been They believed that the tries (out of which came useful in- t h ro u g h . accusations, even though formation), even though he had no they were considered mandate from the Holy See, shows Assessment before the Pope’s groundless, could resur- that his activity was tolerated. Hav- apostolic visit face and cause embar- ing received in 2012 a new accusa- The Report shows that at the time rassment and scandal. tion against McCarrick, Viganò, who he was first listed as an episcopal McCarrick, therefore, in the meantime had been appointed candidate (1977), as well as when he seemed destined to re- nuncio in the United States, re- was appointed to Metuchen (1981), main in Newark. ceived instructions from the Prefect and then to Newark (1986), none of of the Congregation for Bishops to the people consulted to provide in- McCarrick’s letter to investigate. However, the Report formation furnished negative infor- the Pope shows that he did not carry out all mation regarding Theodore McCar- Something happened of the investigations that had been rick’s moral conduct. The first in- that radically changed asked of him. Furthermore, continu- formal “assessment” of some accusa- the course of events. Mc- ing to follow the same approach tions regarding the then Archbishop Carrick himself, after used until that moment, he did not of Newark’s conduct toward semin- having evidently become take significant steps to limit Mc- arians and priests from his diocese aware both that he was a Carrick’s activity, or his national and surfaced in the mid-1990s, before candidate, and of the re- international travels. Pope John Paul II’s visit to that city. servations in his regard, It was the Cardinal Archbishop of wrote to then Bishop The process opened by Francis New York, John O’Connor, who car- Stanislaw Dziwisz, per- When Pope Francis was elected, ried out the assessment: he asked sonal secretary to the McCarrick was already over eighty others, including American bishops, Polish Pontiff on August years old and was, therefore, ex- for information and then concluded 6, 2000. McCarrick de- that there was no “imp ediment”to a clared himself innocent CONTINUED ON PA G E 5 number 46, Friday, 13 November 2020 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 5

DECISION-MAKING RE L AT E D TO FORMER CARDINAL THEOD ORE MCCARRICK

The search for truth and a glimpse of hope

CONTINUED FROM PA G E 1 tions to avoid that certain decisions made in the past be repeated. The and which have been deposited in canon law has been enriched by the the Holy See archives. Their contri- Vos estis lux mundi, bution has been fundamental. In his which provides for the creation of Letter to the of August stable mechanisms to receive reports 2018, the Holy Father Francis wrote, of abuse and establishes a clear pro- with regard to the abuse of minors, cedure to investigate the reports of “With shame and repentance, we ac- bishops who have committed crimes knowledge as an ecclesial com- or who have protected those re- munity that we were not where we sponsible. And in addition to the should have been, that we did not Motu proprio, there are the instru- act in a timely manner, realising the ments created following the Febru- magnitude and the gravity of the ary 2019 meeting on the protection damage done to so many lives”. of minors. I think, for example, of As may be seen from the size of the intervention of last December, the Report and from the quantity of concerning the on documents and information con- complaints, trials and decisions con- tained therein, the truth has been cerning cases of abuse of children pursued, offering useful material to and vulnerable people; and on cases answer the questions raised by the of failure to Report, or covering up matter. The investigation, as is well abusers. I am also thinking of the known, took two years of work and publication of the Va d e m e c u m on now that the text is made public it procedures in dealing with cases of is possible to understand why it has child abuse, published last July by taken time. The invitation I would the Congregation for the Doctrine like to address to anyone seeking an- its entirety, of what was reconstruc- In the last two years, while the in- of the Faith. swers is to read the entire document vestigation that led to this Report ted of the decision-making processes “Looking back to the past, no ef- and not to be misled into believing was conducted, we have taken sig- that concerned the former Cardinal fort to beg pardon and to seek to re- that the truth can be found in one nificant steps forward to ensure McCarrick, will it be possible to un- pair the harm done will ever be suf- part rather than another. Only from greater attention to the protection of ficient”, wrote the Holy Father in his the overall view and knowledge, in derstand what happened. minors and more effective interven- Letter to the People of God, and he added: “Looking ahead to the fu- ture, no effort must be spared to create a culture able to prevent such situations from happening, but also A sorrowful page the Church is learning from to prevent the possibility of their be- ing covered up and perpetuated. The pain of the victims and their CONTINUED FROM PA G E 4 without doubt, a tragic page in the following the reconstruction of a families is also our pain, and so it is recent history of Catholicism, a reality that is certainly more de- urgent that we once more reaffirm cluded from the conclave. His cus- painful story from which the entire tailed and complex in respect to our commitment to ensure the pro- tomary travels underwent no Church has learned. In fact, it is what was hitherto known. In the tection of minors and of vulnerable change, and the new Pope was not possible to read several of the last two decades, the Catholic adults”. Reading the document will given documents or testimony to measures that Pope Francis took Church has become more aware of show that all procedures, including make him aware of the seriousness after the February 2019 Meeting on the unspeakable anguish of victims, the appointment of bishops, depend of the accusations, involving adults, the Protection of Minors through of the necessity to guarantee the against the former Archbishop of the lens of the McCarrick case. on the commitment and honesty of Washington. What was communic- One can see this, for example, in protection of minors, of the import- the people concerned. No proced- ated to Pope Francis was that there the Motu proprio Vosestis lux ance of norms capable of com- ure, even the most detailed, is free had been allegations and “ru m o r s mundi, which contains instructions batting this phenomenon. The from error because it involves the related to immoral conduct with regarding the exchange of informa- Church has also become more consciences and decisions of men adults” to McCarrick’s ap- tion between the and aware of the need to protect against and women. But the Report will pointment to Washington. Since, in between Rome and the local abuse committed against vulnerable also have an effect in this respect: in his view, the accusations had been Churches, the involvement of the adults, and has become more aware making all those involved in such investigated and had been rejected Metropolitan in the initial investig- of the need to protect against abuse choices more aware of the weight of by Pope John Paul II, and well- ation, the indication that accusa- of power. For the , their decisions or omissions. These aware that McCarrick had remained tions be assessed quickly, as well as in the United States and in Rome, are pages that encourage us to re- active during Pope Benedict XVI’s the abrogation of the pontifical the case of Theodore McCarrick — flect deeply and ask ourselves what pontificate, Pope Francis did not more we can do in the future, learn- secret. All these decisions have a prelate possessing considerable think it was necessary to modify taken into consideration what ing from the painful experiences of intelligence and preparation, cap- “the course adopted by his prede- happened, learning from what was the past. able of weaving together many rela- cessors”. It is, therefore, not true not working, from procedures that I would like to conclude by say- that he annulled or weakened the were not flowing properly, from un- tionships both in the political as ing that pain is accompanied by an sanctions or restrictions placed on derestimates that had unfortunately well as in the inter-religious level — outlook of hope. For these facts not the Archbishop emeritus. been made at various levels. The remains an open wound, first and to be repeated, alongside more ef- Everything changed, as already Church continues to learn from its foremost for the pain and suffering fective norms, we need a conversion mentioned, when the first accusa- fight against the phenomenon of caused to his victims. This wound of hearts. We need credible pastors tion of sexual abuse of a minor sexual abuse, including in this case. cannot be treated solely with new who proclaim the Gospel, and we emerged. The response was imme- This became evident also in July laws or ever more effective codes of must all be well aware that this is diate. A rapid canonical process 2020 with the publication of the conduct, because the crime is also a only possible with the grace of the concluded with the serious and un- Va d e m e c u m of the Congregation for sin. To heal this wound, humility Holy Spirit, trusting in the words of precedented measure of dismissal the Doctrine of the Faith that in- and penitence is needed, asking Jesus: “Without me you can do from the clerical state of a former vited pastors and heads of religious Go d’s forgiveness and healing. nothing”. C a rd i n a l . orders not to automatically discard anonymous denunciations. What the Church has learned What has been recounted in the Humility and penitence The complete Report can be viewed at the following link: massive amount of testimonies and This, therefore, is the overall pic- http://www.vatican.va/resources/resources_rapp orto-card-mccarrick_ documents which have now been ture that emerges from the docu- 20201110 _en.pdf provided through the Report is, mentation presented in the Report, page 6 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 13 November 2020, number 46

Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich on ‘Fratelli Tutti’ This is the Gospel

of view I find prophetic tones in the Letter, with it given that nations renounce portions of their respect to the rising individualism in the post- in order to transfer it to a common modern era. And also with respect to the renewal project. But this project is in grave difficulty of the Church, which is largely overcoming a today. The transfer of sovereignty is opposed to tendency toward individualism which unfortu- ‘s o v re i g n i s m ’. That is, fraternity is opposed to nately also persists within her. egotism. Look at the situation of the displaced: Pope Francis invites us to a new globalization: compromise cannot be found, and if it is found, that of love and fraternity. I am deeply touched it is certainly to the detriment of the refugees who by the reference to the Good Samaritan, and by pay the price for European indecision and selfish- ANDREA MONDA the necessary modernizing of the parable: today I ness. No, this is not our history. It is not the best am, I must be, a neighbour to the refugees in history of Europe, of that united Europe that we “You know me, director, and you know how I shy Lesvos, be they Christians or Muslims; I am a want. And this also applies to religions that ap- away from rhetoric. But if I have to specify an neighbour to the millions of people suffering adjective that shows my state of mind in reading pear on the European theatre: overcoming the from the pandemic everywhere in the world. temptations of closure, and with them the gener- Fratelli Tutti, the only word that comes to mind is From the perspective of fraternity, new fields alizations, isolating separatism, and violence. To ‘enthusiastic’”. This is how Cardinal Jean-Claude open out to us, new possibilities to our being always recognize that the Other is a wealth. To Hollerich, Archbishop of Luxembourg and Pres- Christians. And on the contrary, certain options ident of the Commission of Episcopal Confer- that are intrinsically opposed to being Christian always see the good that is also always there in ences of the European Community, began a con- close, first and foremost populist and nationalistic the Other. To speak of what unites us, not of versation on the new papal Encyclical, which he ideologies. Every “closed” system poses risks. And what divides us. offers us despite his many commitments. “I would this also applies to theology and the Church: to We have the duty to make an appeal to every- have preferred to subscribe to your invitation to always flee from identity-based closures. Open- one’s conscience. It is not (only) an issue of poli- write an organic commentary on Pope Francis’ ness and change are the paradigm of Christianity; tics. But above all of conscience. The Union beautiful text, but the situation of the pandemic since the time of the Apostles. It is the very pres- needs values, but I do not see a great circulation is, here in Luxembourg just as in the rest of ence of Christ in the Church that allows the of ideals at this time. The Union survives on Europe, extremely serious, and pastoral commit- propensity toward openness. I’ve said it before: compromises; it does not live on ideals. We have ments are mounting: if the sheep are not the Gospel is in this Letter, and the Gospel al- to return to the original ideal of a common gathered, it is the shepherd in this moment who ways comes first. In this sense I can say that in Home. The one dreamt of and built by the must search for the flock”. the Encyclical there is the entire pre-existing Doc- founding fathers. Which undoubtedly needs up- “I am enthusiastic”, he said at the outset, “b e- trine of the Church, but in Francis’ language, dating (for example also in relation to the coex- cause in this Letter we taste the flavour of the which is a language that makes it fragrant, that is istence of different religious beliefs), but which in Gospel. There is nothing more and nothing less able to speak to the heart”. its foundations is still valid. than the Gospel. There is nothing other than I would like to add one last thing. I see Fra t e l l i what Christ tells us in the Gospel. Fratelli Tutti Particularly in the first two chapters there are various Tu t t i as the continuation and the consequence of means first and foremost that ours is a com- references to Europe. What impression have they Laudato Si’. We live as brothers and sisters in a munity religion: we are never alone before God. made on you, Your Eminence? Jesus taught us to pray the “Our Father” in the common home. Only if we are brothers and sis- first person plural. But, especially here in Europe, I found it really beautiful that it speaks of ters can we protect our common home. Being it is now common to pray the ‘my Fa t h e r ’, to in- Europeans. They are people who have come to brothers and sisters, then, means contributing to dulge a very personal piety, to consider God as know and experience the concept of fraternity. the protection of creation with our brothers and ‘my’ God. This is not simply incorrect; it is not The same concept expressed in lay terms was at sisters of Amazonia and with those of generations Christian. Jesus is very explicit in this sense: I am the basis of the European project, just as the to come. There is a consequential nexus between with you when “two or three” are gathered in my founding fathers intended. A united Europe is a the two Encyclicals which will be further ex- name. The essential nature of the very Incarna- project of fraternity. The Pope says that if it did plored. I have no doubt that both documents are tion is in fraternal sharing. God became man and not exist, it would have to be invented. It is a the bases on which to build a new humanism for in order to share himself. From this point model for the world. Nowhere else in the world is all men and women of good will.

Unity a challenge after U.S. election

ALESSANDRO GISOTTI Archbishop of Los Angeles José H. munication between individuals and which preserves its distinctiveness”. Gomez, in a message of congratula- communities”. Words addressed to This model is all the more valid for “A house divided against itself can- tions to President-elect Joe Biden the media, but also applicable to a nation that from its birth presents not stand”. On 16 June, 1858, Abra- and Vice-President-elect Kamala other areas of American society. itself as plural: multi-ethnic, multi- ham Lincoln, a senatorial candidate Harris. Moreover, the American me- Certainly, unity for the Pope does cultural and multi-religious. This at the time, pronounced this sen- dia, almost unanimously, put the not mean uniformity. Even in this search for unity — corroborated by tence, inspired by the Gospel of theme of national reconciliation as particular context, we are aided by social friendship to echo Fra t e l l i Tu t t i Mark (3:25), in a speech aimed at the most urgent challenge (together the image of the polyhedron which, — is not, however, an end in itself, emphasizing how the young Americ- with Covid-19 and the consequent in Francis’ vision, “reflects the con- an democracy could not endure with economic crisis) that, as of this com- vergence of all its parts, each of CONTINUED ON PA G E 8 half of the States allowing slavery. ing 20 January, the next resident of That speech by the future President the White House will have to face. of the United States, quoted count- Significantly, last 30 June, Pope Francis focused on the issue of unity less times in the last century and a in a message to the Catholic Press half, remains an ever-present injunc- Association, to which Catholic com- Pope congratulates Biden tion to the American people, in- munications organizations in North scribed even on its seal with the America belong. “E pluribus unum, On Thursday, 12 November, Pope Francis spoke with Joseph R Biden, Jr, words chosen by the Founding Fath- the ideal of unity amid diversity, re- offering his “blessings and congratulations” to the US President-elect. ers recalling the principle of unity: E flected in the motto of the United , Director of the , confirmed the con- pluribus unum. States”, observed the Pontiff, “must versation. Earlier the President-elect received greetings from the American It is precisely unity, which “is also inspire the service you offer to Bishops by way of a letter from Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles, greater than conflict” as Evangelii the common good. How urgently is President of the USCCB, who stated that “as Catholics and Americans, our Gaudium puts it, that is strongly this needed today, in an age marked priorities and mission are clear. We are here to follow Jesus Christ, to evoked at this time after the most by conflicts and polarization from bear witness to His love in our lives, and to build His Kingdom on divisive and polarizing American which the Catholic community itself earth. I believe that at this moment in American history, Catholics have a presidential elections in the coun- is not immune. We need media cap- special duty to be peacemakers, to promote fraternity and mutual trust, try’s recent history. “Now is the time able of building bridges, defending and to pray for a renewed spirit of true patriotism in our country.”. for our leaders to come together in a life and breaking down the walls, Mr Biden, whose presidency will be inaugurated on 20 January, will be spirit of national unity”, said the visible and invisible, that prevent the second Catholic to serve as President of the United States, after John President of the U.S. bishops, the sincere dialogue and truthful com- F. Kennedy. number 46, Friday, 13 November 2020 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 7

Fifth centenary of the celebration of the first Mass in Chile God entered from the South

Pope Francis has sent a letter to Valderrama, chaplain of the expedi- tude that flows from the hearts of all Bishop Bernardo Bastres Florence, tion of Ferdinand Magellan. of you, sons and daughters of the SDB, of Punta Arenas, Chile, on the It is above all from the Eucharist, pilgrim Church in Chile, who with occasion of the 500th anniversary of as the re- faith and love renew your dedication the celebration of the first Mass in minds us, that “as from a font, grace to the Lord, in the sure hope that he Chile. The following is a translation of is poured forth upon us; and the will continue to accompany your the Holy Father’s letter, which he wrote sanctification of men in Christ and journey throughout history. I en- in Spanish. the glorification of God ... is courage you to live the celebration achieved” (Constitution S a c ro s a n c - of the Eucharistic Mystery, which tum Concilium, 10). Thus, in this unites us to Jesus, with a spirit of To His Most Reverend Excellency fifth centenary we can rightly say, as adoration and thanksgiving to the Map of the voyage of Magellan’s expedition Msgr BERNARD O BASTRES the motto of the diocese of Punta Lord, because it is for us the prin- FLORENCE, SDB Arenas states, that “God entered ciple of new life and unity, that Bishop of Punta Arenas spurs us to grow in fraternal service from the South”, because that first in justice, in order to witness to the Dear Brother, Mass celebrated with faith, in the to the poorest and most disinherited of our society. world the joy of the Gospel. I cordially greet you, as well as all simplicity of an expedition in a then I accompany you with remem- the other brother bishops, priests, unknown land, initiated the Church I spiritually join all of you, dear religious and lay faithful of all the that continues to carry out her pil- pastors and faithful of the holy brance in prayer, and while I invoke dioceses of Chile, as they commem- grimage in this beloved nation. People of God, in thanking the the protection of the Mother of God orate the celebration of the first As a particular Church you have Lord who in the Eucharist continues on the beloved Church in Chile, I Eucharist on Chilean territory this long prepared for this special date. to make Himself the “b re a d ”that heartily impart to you the Apostolic coming 11 November. This is a his- But the pandemic, which is affecting satisfies the deepest hunger of every B l e s s i n g. toric date, not only for the diocese the whole world, and is a cause of man and woman, gathering everyone in his love to live a brotherhood that And please do not forget to pray of Punta Arenas, but for the entire suffering and death for millions of for me. Catholic Church in Chile, because our brothers and sisters, prevents is in solidarity and effective, that 500 years ago, on 11 November 1520, you from celebrating the 500th an- does not exclude, that does not op- Fr a t e r n a l l y, Divine Providence willed that the niversary of the first Eucharist with press, that does not ignore. sacrifice of Holy Mass be offered for large-scale liturgical acts, as you May Our Lady of Mount Carmel, FRANCIS the first time in those lands, in the would have wished to do. However, Model of the Church and Help of Cerro Monte Cruz, in the Strait of despite this limitation, there is no Christians, teach you to trust in the Rome, Saint John Lateran, Magellan, by the priest Pedro de obstacle that can silence the grati- Lord and to do his will, in love and 9 November 2020

Message for the Feast of Deepavali Christians and Hindus: Rekindling Positivity and Hope during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond

Dear Hindu Friends, For the Feast of Deepavali, whose celebrations begin this year on 14 November, compassion for the suffering and the for Interreligious Dialogue sent a message, signed by its The Pontifical Council for Interreli- those in need. Such signs of solidar- President, Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot, and Secretary, Msgr Indunil gious Dialogue offers its warmest ity have led us to appreciate more greetings and best wishes to you on Kodithuwakku Janakaratne Kankanamalage, entitled: Christians and Hindus: deeply the importance of coexis- the occasion of Deepavali, which Rekindling Positivity and Hope during the Covid-19 Pandemic and Beyond. The tence, the fact that we belong to one you are observing this year on 14 following is the English text of the message. another and that we need one an- November. Amid the difficulties of other for the well-being of all and the Covid-19 pandemic, may this that of our common home. As Pope very meaningful feast dispel every Francis has rightly noted, “solidarity cloud of fear, anxiety and worry, and today is the road to take towards a fill your hearts and minds with the post pandemic world, towards the light of friendship, generosity and healing of our interpersonal and so- solidarity! cial ills”, and “a way of coming out With this year’s Deepavali Mes- of the crisis better” (General Audi- sage, the Pontifical Council charged ence, 2 September 2020). with promoting interreligious dia- Our respective religious traditions logue and cooperation continues its teach us to remain positive and cherished tradition of sending you hopeful even amid adversity. In festive greetings and a few timely re- cherishing those religious traditions flections. This is the twenty-fifth of and teachings, may we strive in the such Messages, which seek to ac- midst of this global crisis to spread knowledge, maintain and cherish the what Pope Francis delights in call- good things present in both of our ing “the contagion of hope” (Urbi et religious traditions and spiritual pat- hope for the future, even in the face healthcare, education and religious Orbi Message, 12 April 2020) through rimonies (cf. Nostra Aetate, 2). Albeit of apparently insurmountable practices. Yet it is precisely trust in gestures of care, affection, kindness, a small step in the direction of inter- obstacles, socio-economic, political Go d’s providence that inspires us to gentleness and compassion which religious appreciation and coopera- and spiritual challenges, and wide- remain optimistic and to work to re- are more contagious than the tion, these Messages have, over the coronavirus itself. years, enhanced and promoted spread anxiety, uncertainty and fear. kindle hope in the midst of our soci- Hindu-Christian dialogue and har- Our efforts to do so are surely eties. Based on those religious traditions mony at various levels. We readily based upon our conviction that The pandemic has in fact brought and teachings, our shared values and continue this noble tradition for the God, who created us and sustains a number of positive changes in our our commitment to the betterment sake of forging, fostering and fur- us, will never abandon us. An en- way of thinking and living, despite of humanity, may we, as Christians thering mutual relationships between couragement to be optimistic may the unprecedented suffering it has and Hindus, join all people of good Hindus and Christians as a means well sound unrealistic to those who caused worldwide and the lock- will in working to build a culture of of working together for our good have lost their loved ones or liveli- downs that have disrupted our nor- positivity and hope in the heart of and for the good of all humanity. hoods or both. Even the boldest mal life. Experiences of suffering our societies, not only in these diffi- This year, in the wake of the hope and positivity can dissipate in and a sense of responsibility for one cult days but also in the future that Covid-19 pandemic, we wish to share the tragic situations caused by the another have brought our com- lies before us. with you some thoughts on the need present pandemic and its grave ef- munities together in solidarity and To all of you we wish a Happy to encourage a positive spirit and fects on daily life, the economy, concern, in acts of kindness and D eepavali! page 8 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 13 November 2020, number 46

ANGELUS

After praying the Angelus on Sunday, 8 November, Pope Francis made an appeal for peace in Ethiopia and Libya. The Pope also recalled the people of Central America affected by a violent hurricane. Before the Marian Prayer, to the many faithful present in Saint Peter’s Square — in observance of the anti-covid provisions — the Holy Father had commented on the Sunday Gospel, centred on the Parable of the Ten . The following is a translation of his reflection, which he shared in Italian.

The Pope speaks about the Parable of the Ten Virgins Do not lose the sense of expectation

Dear Brothers and Sisters, ones instead take the oil with us away from the contradictions I see a flag there, that makes Good morning, them together with their lamps. of the moment. This attitude — me think of the populations of The bridegroom is late, late in when one loses the sense of ex- Central America, who were hit by This Sunday’s Gospel passage pectation — precludes any view of a violent hurricane in recent days, (Mt 25:1-13) invites us to prolong coming, and they all fall asleep. the hereafter: we do everything as which claimed many victims and the reflection on eternal life that When a voice alerts them that the if we will never depart for the caused immense damage, aggrav- we began on the occasion of the bridegroom is about to arrive, in other life. ated by the already difficult situ- Feast of All Saints and the Com- that moment, the foolish ones ation of the pandemic. May the memoration of the Faithful De- realize that they do not have oil And so we care only about for their lamps; they ask the wise possessing, about emerging, Lord welcome the deceased, com- parted. Jesus recounts the parable fort their families and sustain of the ten virgins invited to a ones for some, but the latter reply about establishing ourselves.... that they cannot give away any And always more. If we allow those most in need, as well as all wedding feast, symbol of the those who are doing all they can Kingdom of Heaven. oil, because there would not be ourselves to be led by what seems enough for them all. While the to help them. In Jesus’ time it was customary most attractive to us, by what we foolish maidens go to buy oil, the I am following with concern for weddings to be celebrated at like, by seeking our interests, our bridegroom arrives. The wise the news arriving from Ethiopia. night; so the procession of guests life becomes sterile; we do not ac- maidens enter the banquet hall While I urge that the temptation took place with lit lamps. Some cumulate any reserve of oil for with him, and the door is closed. of an armed conflict be rejected, I of the bridesmaids are foolish: our lamp, and it will be extin- The others arrive too late and are invite everyone to prayer and to they take their lamps but do not guished before the encounter turned away. fraternal respect, to dialogue and take the oil with them; the wise with the Lord. We must live It is clear that with this par- today, but a today that goes to- to a peaceful resolution to the d i s a g re e m e n t s . able, Jesus wants to tell us that wards tomorrow, towards that en- we must be prepared for the en- counter, a present full of hope. If, Today, in Tunis, the meetings counter with him. Not only for on the other hand, we are vigilant of the “Libyan Political Dialogue Unity a challenge the final encounter, but also for and correspond to God’s grace by Fo ru m ” will begin, which will see the everyday great and small en- doing good, we can serenely the involvement of all the parties. counters, with a view to that en- await the bridegroom’s coming. Given the importance of the CONTINUED FROM PA G E 6 counter for which the lamp of The Lord will be able to come event, I very much hope that at faith is not enough; we also need even while we are sleeping: this such a delicate time a solution to but tends toward the promo- will not worry us, because we the long suffering of the Libyan tion of the good of the person the oil of charity and good works. As the Apostle Paul says, the have the reserve of oil accumu- people may be found, and that and the community. The two the recent agreement for a per- faith that truly unites us to Jesus lated through our daily good were at the heart of Francis’ manent ceasefire be respected and is, “faith working through love” works, accumulated with that ex- speech before the United implemented. Let us pray for the (Gal 5:6). It is what is repre sent- pectation of the Lord, that he States Congress (a first for a delegates of the Forum, for peace ed by the behaviour of the wise may come as soon as possible Pope on Capitol Hill), which and that he may come to take us and stability in Libya. took place on 24 September maidens. Being wise and prudent means not waiting until the last with him. Today in Italy we celebrate the 2015. Let us invoke the intercession day of Thanksgiving which [this “If politics must truly be at moment to correspond to God’s grace, but to do so actively and of Mary Most Holy, that she may year] has the theme “Water, bless- the service of the human per- help us to live an active faith, as ing of the earth”. Water is vital son”, was his exhortation on immediately, starting right now. “I … yes, I will convert soon ...”. she did: [faith] is the shining for agriculture, and it is also vital that occasion, “it follows that for life! I am close in prayer and “Convert today! Change your life lamp with which we can pass it cannot be a slave to the eco- affection to the rural world, espe- to day!”. “Yes, yes, tomorrow”. through the night beyond death nomy and finance. Politics is, cially to small-scale farmers. Their And the same thing is said to- and reach the great feast of life. instead, an expression of our work is more important than ever morrow, and so it never arrives. compelling need to live as one, in this time of crisis. I join the After reciting the Angelus, the Holy in order to build as one the Today! If we want to be ready for Italian bishops who call for the Father continued: greatest common good: that of the final encounter with the Lord, protection of water as a common a community which sacrifices we must cooperate with him now Dear brothers and sisters, yes- good, the use of which must re- particular interests in order to and perform good deeds inspired terday in Barcelona, Joan Roig y spect its universal destination. by his love. share, in justice and peace, its Diggle, layperson and martyr, was And now I address my greeting goods, its interests, its social We know that unfortunately it proclaimed Blessed. He was to you, people of Rome and pil- life”. Directly addressing the happens that we forget the pur- killed at just 19 years of age dur- grims from various countries: members of U.S. congress, the pose of our life, that is, the defin- ing the Spanish Civil War. He families, parish groups, associ- Pope said: “I do not underes- itive appointment with God, thus was a witness to Jesus in the ations and individual faithful. I timate the difficulty that this losing the sense of expectation workplace and remained faithful wish you all a happy Sunday. involves, but I encourage you and making the present absolute. to Him up to the supreme gift of Please, do not forget to pray for in this effort”. An exhortation When one makes the present ab- life. May his example inspire in me. Enjoy your lunch. Ar r i v e d e rc i ! that today, in such a delicate solute, one looks only to the us all, especially in the young, the moment in the history of the present, losing the sense of ex- desire to live the Christian voca- United States, echoes even pectation, which is so beautiful tion fully. A round of applause more resoundingly. and so necessary, and also pulls for this young Blessed, so brave!