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Fifty-third year, number 24 (2.651) Vatican City Friday, 12 June 2020

At the General Audience the Holy Father’s appeal on World Day Against Child Labour Children are the future of our humanity

After the General Audience on Wednesday, 10 June, Francis turned his thoughts to the many victims of child labour. This Friday, 12 June, is the World Day Against Child Labour, a reality that de- prives boys and girls of their childhood and jeopardizes their integral develop- ment. Given the current health crisis in various countries, many children are forced into jobs that are inappropriate for their age, so as to help their own families who are in conditions of ex- treme poverty. Many cases are forms of slavery and confinement, resulting in physical and psychological suffering. We are all responsible for this. I appeal that every effort be made on the part of institutions to protect minors, by filling the economic and social gaps that un- derlie the distorted dynamic in which they are unfortunately involved. Chil- dren are the future of the human fam- ily: all of us are expected to promote their growth, health and tranquility.

Millions of little slaves in the world General Audience Wrestling with God Zohra and the silence

PAGE 3 GIUSEPPE FIORENTINO The power of images is also measured by their ability Card. Farrell’s homily to arouse indignation and trigger spontaneous protest couple for whom she worked. According to neigh- b ours’reports, it appears that the two continued their Remembering Floyd movements. So it was for the video that showed the brutal murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. I won- savage beating despite the little girl’s pleas. Only four der why, instead, another equally tragic incident did months earlier Zohra had left her home to work for the PAGE 4/5 not trigger the same wave of planetary anger. And yet, Rawalpindi couple. The couple who is currently in for several days now, the photo of the lifeless tiny body prison, had deceived Zohra, promising her that they of a little girl with evident signs of violence has been would allow her to study in exchange for her work. Sadly, what happened is not an isolated case. Four Letter to President of Colombia circulating in newspapers and on the web. The photo, years ago a judge and his wife tortured and killed their — whomever it may portray — has served to bring to On Environment Day maid who was only 10 years old. The initial prison sen- light the tragic ordeal of Zohra Shah and of many girls tence of three years was later reduced to just one. like her. In January, a 16-year-old girl was murdered by the PAGE 7 Zohra was only eight years old, but despite her family who hired her, because she was “guilty” of tender age, she worked as a maid for a wealthy family protesting about the quality of the food. While child in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Zohra was therefore one of labour is generally prohibited in Pakistan, it is permit- Angelus reflection too many children around the world who are forced to ted in families and restaurants. Now, at the urging of give up their childhood to work. But Zohra was still civil rights organizations and some NGO s (which have Rememb ering the victims just a little girl and, perhaps in response to the magni- also launched the hashtag #justiceforzohrashah), it ficent instincts of little ones at play, she let two parrots seems that the Pakistani authorities intend to include PAGE 8 escape from their cage. And for this reason Zohra was tortured, probably raped and finally killed by the CONTINUED ON PA G E 7 page 2 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 12 June 2020, number 24

studied at the Major Seminary of Toluca. He was ordained a priest on VAT I C A N 15 August 1991. The Holy Father appointed adjutor Bishop of Saint-Jérôme on Jesús Fernández González as Bishop BULLETIN 18 May 2018; Bishop of Saint- of Astorga, Spain. Until now he has Jérôme on 21 May 2019. served as of Rotdon and Auxiliary of Santiago de Com- Ignazio Sanna, Arch- AUDIENCES The Holy Father appointed Bishop postela, Spain (8 June). bishop emeritus of Oristano, Presid- Algirdas Jurevičius as Bishop of Saturday, 6 June ent of the Pontifical Academy of Te l šiai, Lithuania. Until now he has Bishop González, 64, was born in Theology Selga de Ordán, Spain. He was or- Cardinal , PSS, Prefect served as titular Bishop of Materi- dained a priest on 29 June 1980. He of the Congregation for Mr Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the ana and Auxiliary of Kaunas, Dicastery for Communication Lithuania (1 June). was ordained a bishop on 8 Febru- Cardinal , Apostol- ary 2014, subsequent to his appoint- ic Administrator of Genoa, Italy, Bishop Jurevičius, 48, was born in ment as titular Bishop of Rotdon President of the Council of Epis- CHANGES IN EP I S C O PAT E Vievis, Lithuania. He was ordained a and Auxiliary of Santiago de Com- copal Conferences of Europe (CCEE) priest on 26 December 1996. He was p ostela. The Holy Father united in persona ordained a bishop on 19 August Mr Valentí Junyent Torras, Mayor of episcopi the Diocese of Mont-Laurier, 2018, subsequent to his appointment Manresa, Spain, and his entourage The Holy Father accepted the resig- Canada, with the Diocese of Saint- as titular Bishop of Materiana and nation of Bishop Curtis John Guil- Monday, 8 June Jérôme and appointed Bishop Ray- Auxiliary of Kaunas. lory, SVD, from his office as Bishop mond Poisson of Saint-Jérôme as Cardinal Luis Francisco Ladaria Fer- of Beaumont, USA (9 June). Bishop of Mont-Laurier (1 June). The Holy Father appointed Fr Jorge rer, S J, Prefect of the Congregation Esteban Gonzáles as Auxiliary Bish- The Holy Father appointed Fr Dav- for the Doctrine of the Faith Bishop Poisson, 62, was born in op of the Metropolitan Archdiocese id Leon Toups as Bishop of Beau- Saint-Hyacinthe, Canada. He was Cardinal , Arch- of La Plata, Argentina, assigning mont: Until now he has served as ordained a priest on 9 December priest of the Papal Basilica of Saint him the titular episcopal See of of Saint Vincent de Paul Re- 1983. He was ordained a bishop on Pe t e r ’s, Vatican; of Alesa. Until now he has served as gional Seminary at Boyton Beach, 15 June 2012, subsequent to his ap- His Holiness for Vatican City State pro-vicar general of the said arch- Florida (9 June). pointment as titular Bishop of Gegi diocese (5 June). Archbishop Andrea Bellandi, Arch- and Auxiliary of Saint-Jérôme. He Bishop-elect Toups, 49, was born bishop of Salerno-Campagna- was appointed Bishop of Joliette, Bishop-elect Gonzáles, 53, was in Seattle, USA . He holds a degree in Acerno, Italy Canada, on 8 September 2015; Co- born in La Plata, Argentina. He was philosophy and theology; a licence ordained a priest on 7 December in theology and a doctorate in theo- 1992. He holds a degree in spiritual logy. He was ordained a priest on 14 t h e o l o g y. June 1997.

Pop e’s prayer intention for the month of June The Holy Father accepted the resig- nation of Bishop Jerome Dhas RE L AT I O N S WITH STAT E S Compassion for the world Varuvel, SDB, from his office as Bish- op of Kuzhithurai, India (6 June). The Holy Father appointed Arch- The video for the month of June, transforms people’s lives” and The Holy Father appointed Fr Luis bishop Giovanni d'Aniello, titular accessible on the Pope’s World- “brings them closer to the Heart of Manuel López Alfaro as Auxiliary Archbishop of Paestum, as Apostolic wide Prayer Network, is filled with Christ, which welcomes all of us Bishop of San Cristóbal de Las Cas- Nuncio to the Russian Federation. timely scenes: images of patients into the revolution of tenderness”. as, Mexico, assigning him the titular Until now he has been Apostolic lining hospital corridors, doctors Available in nine language at see of Garba. Until now he has Nuncio to Brazil (1 June). and nurses on the front lines, try- www.thepopevideo.org, the video served as vicar general of the said was created and produced by the ing to treat and heal them. Our diocese (6 June). thoughts go immediately to the Pop e’s Worldwide Prayer Network NECROLO GY health emergency caused by Covid- in cooperation with La Machi Bishop-elect López Alfaro, 56, was 19. This context offers even greater agency and the Dicastery for Com- born in Mexico City. After graduat- Bishop Paolo Mietto, C S J, titular significance to the Pontiff’s prayer munication. ing in agricultural engineering, he Bishop of Muzuca in Byzacena, and intention for the month of June: Vicar Apostolic emeritus of Napo, “Compassion for the world”. Ecuador, at age 85 (25 May) The entire video revolves around Bishop Jacques Noyer, Bishop emer- the Heart of Jesus, to which the itus of Amiens, France, at age 93 (2 month of June is generally dedicat- Mr Gianluigi Torzi arrested over June) ed. “We pray that all those who suffer may find their way in life, al- London property deal Bishop Mário Rino Sivieri, Bishop lowing themselves to be touched emeritus of Propriá, Brazil, at age 78 by the Heart of Jesus”, Francis an- On Friday, 5 June, following an interrogation, the Office of the Pro- (3 June) nounces, as — despite the looming moter of Justice of the Vatican Tribunal issued a warrant for the ar- Bishop George Vance Murry, S J, of coronavirus — masked individuals rest of Mr Gianluigi Torzi, who had been assisted by his personal Youngstown, USA, at age 71 (5 June) continue to work: healthcare work- lawyers. ers in the hallways of hospitals, The order, signed by the Promoter of Justice, Prof. Gian Piero Bishop James A. Murray, Bishop riders on bicycles and motorbikes Milano, and the adjunct Promoter, Mr Alessandro Diddi, was issued emeritus of Kalamazoo, USA, at age making home deliveries of pack- in relation to events established in connection with the sale of a Lon- 87 (5 June) ages and food, and workers provid- don property on Sloane Avenue, which involved a network of com- Bishop Andrea Veggio, titular Bish- ing transportation and distribution. panies in which certain officials of the Secretariat of State were op of Velia and Auxiliary of Verona, “Many people suffer”, the p re s e n t . Italy, at age 96 (6 June) Pontiff observes, “due to the great The accused is charged with various episodes of extortion, embez- difficulties they endure”. In this re- zlement, aggravated fraud and money laundering, offences for which Bishop Francis Lagan, Auxiliary spect, he adds, “we can help them Vatican Law prescribes sentences of up to 12 years imprisonment. Bishop emeritus of Derry, Ireland, by accompanying them along an it- At present, Mr Gianluigi Torzi is detained in a designated area at titular Bishop of Sidnacestre, at age inerary full of compassion which the Barracks of the Gendarmerie Corps. 85 (9 June)

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GENERAL AU D I E N C E

“Wrestling with God” is “a metaphor for prayer”. emphasized this at the General Audience on Wednesday, 10 June, as he continued his series of catecheses on prayer. This week, the Holy Father reflected on the prayer of Jacob. The following is a translation of the catechesis which he delivered in Italian from the library of the Va t i c a n ’s Apostolic Palace, in compliance with restrictions related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Holy Father speaks about Jacob When prayer becomes a wrestling match with God Dear Brothers and Sisters, will surprise us at the moment we Good morning! do not expect him, when we find patriarch remains alone on the fears, because in the struggle, Ja- Let us continue with our cat- ourselves truly alone. That same foreign river bank. And he pon- cob was afraid. For once Jacob echesis on the subject of prayer. night, struggling against the un- ders: What awaits him the follow- has nothing but his frailty and Through the occurrences of men known, we will realize that we are ing day? What attitude will his powerlessness, and also his sins, and women from a far-off time, only poor men and women — brother Esau, whose birthright he to present to God. And it is this the Book of Genesis tells us stor- “poor things”, I dare say — but had stolen, assume? Jacob's mind Jacob who receives God's bless- ies in which we can reflect our right then, in that moment in is a whirlwind of thoughts.... ing, with which he limps into the lives. In the Patriarch cycle, we which we feel we are “p o or And, as it is growing dark, a promised land: vulnerable and also find the story of a man who things”, we need not fear: be- stranger suddenly grabs him and had turned shrewdness into his wounded, but with a new heart. cause God will give us a new best talent: Jacob. The biblical begins to wrestle with him. The Once I heard an elderly man — a name, which contains the mean- account tells us about the diffi- Catechism explains: “From this good man, a good Christian, but ing of our entire life; he will cult relationship Jacob had with account, the spiritual tradition of a sinner who had great trust in change our heart and will offer us his brother Esau. Ever since the Church has retained the sym- God — who said: “God will help the blessing reserved to those childhood, there was a rivalry bol of prayer as a battle of faith me; he will not leave me alone. I who have allowed themselves to between them, which was never and as the triumph of persever- will enter Heaven; limping, but I be changed by him. This is a overcome later on. Jacob is the ance” (CCC, 2573). will enter”. At first, Jacob was a beautiful invitation to allow second-born son — they were Jacob wrestles the entire night, self-assured man; he trusted in his ourselves to be changed by God. twins — but through deceit he never letting go of his adversary. own shrewdness. He was a man He knows how to do so, because manages to obtain the blessing In the end he is defeated, his sci- who was impervious to grace, res- he knows each one of us. Each of and birthright of their father atic nerve is struck by his oppon- istant to mercy; he did not know us can say, “Lord, you know me”. Isaac (cf. Gen 25:19-34). It is only ent, and thereafter he will walk what mercy was. “Here I am, I “Lord, you know me. Change the first in a long series of ploys with a limp for the rest of his life. am in command!”. He did not me”. of which this unscrupulous man That mysterious wrestler asks the think he needed mercy. But God is capable. Even the name “Ja- patriarch for his name and tells saved what had been lost. He cob” means someone who is cun- him: “Your name shall no more made him understand that he was SPECIAL GREETINGS ning in his movements. be called Jacob, but Israel, for limited, that he was a sinner who needed mercy, and He saved him. I greet the English-speaking Forced to flee far from his you have striven with God and faithful joining us through the brother, he seems to succeed in with men, and have prevailed” We all have an appointment media. Upon you and your fami- every undertaking in his life. He (Gen 32:28). As if to say: you will with God in the night, in the lies I invoke the joy and peace of is adept at business: he greatly never be the man who walks this night of our life, in the many the Lord. May God bless you! way, but forthright. He changes nights of our life: dark moments, enriches himself, becoming the I greet the Italian-speaking owner of an enormous flock. his name, he changes his life, he moments of sin, moments of dis- faithful. Tomorrow is the Solem- With tenacity and patience he changes his attitude. You will be orientation. There is an appoint- nity of Corpus Christi, the Body manages to marry Laban’s most called Israel. Then Jacob also ment there with God, always. He and Blood of Christ. This year it beautiful daughter, with whom he asks the other: “Tell me, I pray, is not possible to celebrate the is truly in love. Jacob — as we your name”. The other does not Eucharist with a public event, would say in modern terms — is a reveal it to him, but blesses him “self-made” man; with his ingenu- instead. Then Jacob understands however we can achieve a ity, his cunning, he manages to he has encountered God “face to “Eucharistic life”. The consecrat- obtain everything he wants. But face” (vv. 29-30). ed host enshrines the person of Christ: we are called to seek it be- he lacks something. He lacks a Wrestling with God: a meta- fore the tabernacle in church, but living relationship with his own phor for prayer. At other times also in that tabernacle that is the ro ots. Jacob had revealed himself capa- least, the suffering, persons who And one day he hears the call ble of dialoguing with God, of sensing him as a friendly and are alone and poor. Jesus himself of home, of his ancient home- said it. land, where his brother Esau, close presence. But that night, with whom he has always had a through a lengthy struggle that I address my thoughts to the terrible relationship, still lives. nearly makes him succumb, the e l d e rl y, to young people, to the sick Jacob sets out, undertaking a patriarch emerges changed. A and to newlyweds. I exhort every- long journey with a caravan of change of name, a change in his one to find in the Eucharist the many people and animals, until way of life and a change in per- necessary energy to live difficult he reaches the final leg, the Jab- sonality: he emerges changed. For moments with Christian fortitude. bok stream. Here the Book of once he is no longer master of I offer you my heartfelt bless- Genesis offers us a memorable the situation — his cunning is of ing! page (cf. 32:23-33). It recounts no use to him — he is no longer a that after having all his people strategic and calculating man. and all the livestock — which was God returns him to his truth as a numerous — cross the stream, the mortal man who trembles and number 24, Friday, 12 June 2020 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 4/5

US Cardinal at the prayer service

‘I can’t breathe’

Almost two weeks after he was killed by a white police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Mr George Floyd was finally In on Friday, 5 June, in the Basilica of Santa Maria in laid to rest beside his mother in Pear- Trastevere, Cardinal Kevin Farrell presided at a prayer vigil for the Pope expresses closeness land, Texas on Tuesday, 9 June, after a late George Floyd and his family. In his homily he recalled that “if funeral service in Houston. In the final the peace of Christ is truly present in the hearts of believers there to US Church and people moments of his life on 25 May, Floyd can be no more room for rivalry, for the denial of the dignity of had called out for his mother who had others and for the oppression of others”. The following is a transla- On Wednesday, 3 June, Pope Francis telephoned died two years earlier, as he was being tion of the Cardinal’s reflection, which was given in Italian. Archbishop José Horacio Gómez of Los Angeles, pinned down on the neck by the police President of the United States Conference of officer’s knee for eight minutes and 46 Catholic Bishops (USCCB), to express his closeness seconds, an image that was captured on to the Church and to the people of the United video by a young witness and which States, and to assure them of his prayers in this sparked worldwide demonstrations de- moment of unrest following the death of George manding justice. Dear brothers and sisters, Floyd. In addition to Floyd’s family mem- These days, the whole world is watching with Archbishop Gómez shared the news of the bers, the private funeral which was fol- apprehension the wave of protests that is go- Holy Father’s telephone call with US Bishops in lowed live throughout the nation was at- ing through many cities in the United States a news release posted on the USCCB website, “in tended by few hundred people, among of America following the unjust death of the hope that they could take comfort and gain them celebrities, political leaders and the George Floyd. Especially for us American cit- strength in the Holy Father’s encouragement”. families of other black victims of police izens, it is a source of great sadness to see how Pope Francis, Archbishop Gómez writes, “ex- brutality. During the funeral service, discrimination, prejudice and hatred on racial pressed his gratitude to the bishops for their pas- USA Mayor of Houston, Sylvester Turner pro- grounds still persist in our country. Cardinal Kevin Farrell’s homily at the Prayer Vigil celebrated in Rome ‘for peaceful coexistence in the ’ toral tone in the Church’s response to the claimed 9 June as George Perry Floyd We are always inclined to think that after demonstrations across the country in their state- Day and announced the reform of police long years of fighting for civil rights and racial ments and actions since the death of George policies including a ban on choke holds. equality, certain injustices and violence of the Floyd”. In addition to ensuring “the bishops of “We honour him today not because he past could never happen again. But we see his continued prayers and closeness in the days was perfect”, Turner said, but “b ecause with sorrow that this is not the case. Social Equality and human respect and weeks ahead”, the Pope “expressed special when he took his last breath, the rest of peace and fraternal coexistence among all cit- prayers for Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda and izens can never be taken for granted. They are us will now be able to breathe”. the local Church of Saint Paul and Minneapol- not a given once and for all. The great social The killing of George Floyd and the ness with our lives to the newness that the the DNA of the United States of America and love by living chastely, he spoke of the Fath- is”, the statement said. On behalf of all US Bish- movements of the ’60s and ’70s for civil rights p oliceman’s refusal to heed his cries of Gospel of Christ has brought on earth. A nov- are part of its founding documents. But these er’s mercy having mercy on all, even on his ops, Archbishop Gómez wished to thank Pope and against racial discrimination have un- pain: “I can’t breathe”, highlighted the elty that is never taken for granted and that principles, in the final analysis, are nothing enemies. In this sense, one cannot hope to Francis “for his strong words of support” ex- doubtedly left a profound mark on the civil problem of racial violence in the United must always be welcomed again by every new more than the translation of Christianity into promote social peace through violence, one pressed during the General Audience of 3 June, conscience of the nation, but they have not States but went further. The “gentle gi- generation that appears on earth. We have the language of civil law. That is why we cannot overcome injustice by committing in- “and in turn, assured the Holy Father of their definitively solved all the problems. In these ant” as he was known by his friends, heard the beautiful words of the Gospel that Christians, every time we make Jesus’ teaching justices and crimes even more serious than prayers”. days, we realize that peaceful coexistence and quickly became a symbol of the fight speaks of a “dwelling place” of the Father and known, are helping all our fellow citizens re- those one wishes to denounce. We Christians, Meanwhile as protests continued throughout mutual acceptance are precious goods that against racism around the world prompt- the Son in all those who love Jesus, that turn to the authentic ideals of our nation, its then, must always urge all people of good will the United States and the world, the first me- must always be promoted. They do not auto- speaks of the Holy Spirit Paraclete given to constitution and its laws. to unite their efforts to build together ing people to take to the streets despite matically derive from words spoken in the past morial service for Mr George Floyd was held in the ongoing pandemic and starting a believers, and that speaks of the peace that The command that Christ gave to his dis- something that remains as a lasting good for the sanctuary of North Central University, in and now preserved in writing in some histori- Jesus gives us as the most beautiful fruit of his ciples is: “Love one another as I have loved all, fleeing from the temptation to irrationally movement for change in particular cal discourse, but rather they are the fruit of Minneapolis, on Thursday, 4 June. Addressing against systemic racism, injustice and po- death and resurrection. All this cannot remain you” (Jn 15:12, 17). Christ made no distinction destroy what exists and to blindly vent one’s the family and dignitaries present, US civil rights profound attitudes that must dwell in the a theory, it must have concrete consequences between men and women, between Jews and own anger and frustration. A culture of re- lice brutality more generally. hearts of men and women. For this reason, activist Rev. Al Sharpton poignantly said: “the During the funeral service, several in life. Samaritans, between simple fishermen and spect, a sense of universal brotherhood, reason we could never be who we wanted and each new generation must be helped to have a If in every baptized person, if in every members of the Sanhedrin, between poor worthy living conditions, just laws are goods speakers stressed the importance of “fraternal heart”. Social fraternity must always dreamed of being is you kept your knee on our keeping the momentum of the move- Christian, there really is a special “dwelling shepherds and rich publicans. Jesus addressed that remain. Offensive words and gestures of neck”. The time has come, he added “to stand up be built anew, it is never reached in a stable place” of God, his or her heart cannot but be his message of salvation and mercy to all contempt, looting and violence lead to noth- ment going until justice has been in George’s name and say, ‘Get your knee off our and definitive way, because the human heart transformed. In them there cannot be any without excluding anyone. This simple fact ing good for the future. For this reason, we achieved. Many US states have already necks’”. Martin Luther King III, the Rev. Jesse can always close itself in its selfishness and re- more feelings of hatred and contempt towards should be a strong appeal to all of us who, in- Christians must not hide and fear; on the con- announced their intention to begin turn to being polluted by sin, thus causing Jackson and Sen. Amy Klobuchar were among anyone. And if the Holy Spirit Paraclete truly stead, often make distinctions based on social trary, precisely in these delicate moments of the 500 mourners at the 4 June service. sweeping reforms of their police forces new injustices, new violence, new oppressions. dwells in the hearts of Christians, they will class, economic status, race, political affili- social tension we must be present to address to ensure accountability and prevent the This is precisely the area in which we Chris- Derek Chauvin, the former white police officer look at every other human being “with the ation. the true and lasting good, the just desire for who kept his knee pressed down on Mr Floyd’s recurrence of innocent deaths at the tians can make our precious contribution. We eyes of God”, with the same respect and com- Unfortunately, even among us Christians a equality, respect and justice that is present in hands of police officers. Christians must always proclaim and bear wit- neck, is currently in prison charged with second- passion with which God sees every man and distorted way of thinking can infiltrate, which the hearts of so many men and women. degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. every woman on earth. The Holy Spirit, in leads us to identify with only one side, distan- As the Holy Father recalled in last Wednes- His bail has been set at at least one million dol- fact, as the Holy Father reminded us at Pente- cing ourselves from those who belong to the day’s Audience: “we cannot tolerate or turn a lars. The three police officers who were on the cost, is the true “principle of unity … He re- other side: wealthy people against poor blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form scene at the time of Mr Floyd’s murder have been minds us that first of all we are God’s beloved people, intellectuals against uncultured and yet claim to defend the sacredness of charged with aiding and abetting second-degree c h i l d re n ; all equal in this, and all different” people, progressives against conservatives, every human life. At the same time, we have murder and aiding and abetting second-degree (Pope Francis, Homily, Holy Mass on the whites against blacks, and in doing so we to recognize that ‘the violence of recent nights m a n s l a u g h t e r. Solemnity of Pentecost, 31 May 2020). And if completely lose sight of the universal dimen- is self-destructive and self-defeating. Nothing the peace of Christ is truly present in the sion of Christ’s message or even end up is gained by violence and so much is lost’” hearts of believers there can be no more room identifying our Christian faith with the ideo- (Audience of June 3, 2020). for rivalry, for the denial of the dignity of oth- logical vision of the side we have embraced. Dear brothers and sisters, when the Church ers and for the oppression of others. This We see, instead, how Saint Paul shows that he makes the words of the Gospel resound, she must be the real way of life of Christians in has fully accepted the spirit of Christ when he wants to be faithful to Christ, she does not the world and in this way, it must become a says: “For as many of you as were baptized in- want to take one side or one category against proclamation addressed to all, that it is pos- to Christ have put on Christ. There is neither another, she does not want to make political sible to achieve a reconciled and fraternal hu- Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, propaganda or proselytize for herself, but she m a n i t y. there is neither male nor female; for you are simply wants to help society promote the com- Since its birth our nation, has been multi- all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:27-28). Return- mon good and create bonds of authentic cultural, multi-ethnic, multi-religious. The ing to this purity of the Gospel becomes the brotherhood among all men and women. foundations on which it was built were the best way of promoting the social good, avoid- We ask the Lord to look upon all innocent equality of all people, the inalienable rights to ing partial and ideological visions. victims who have died because of injustice and life and freedom granted by the Creator him- For us Christians, it is also dutiful to insist racial discrimination, and may their spilled self to all people, tolerance, peaceful coexist- that the means must always be in harmony blood help our beloved nation to build a truly ence, equal opportunities for prosperity and with the end. Jesus spoke of poverty by living peaceful and fraternal society. well-being for all. These ideals are inscribed in poverty, he spoke of the dignity of human Amen.

A soldier keeps watch at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington The Rev. Al Sharpton speaks during a memorial after a night of protests in Minneapolis (Reuters) service for George Floyd in Minneapolis (Reuters) page 6 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 12 June 2020, number 24 storytelling WORD OF THE YEAR

“I would like to devote this year’s Message to the theme of storytelling, because I believe that, so as not to lose our bearings, we need to make our own the truth contained in good stories. Stories that build up, not tear down; stories that help us rediscover our roots and the strength needed to move forward together” (Message of the Holy Father for the World Day of Social Communications 2020)

“The Good Samaritan” by Francesco Koeck (1824)

Interview with Marilynne Robinson Necessary compassion

The Pope thinks that telling stories is ANDREA MONDA and tactful understanding of the This quality in the work is palpable. world she is making. The American Again, this view of the matter has no good not only for the individual, but In his Message for the 54th World philosopher C. S. Peirce said that obvious implications for the value of also for the community. The community Communications Day the Pope in- God would be most Godlike in lov- the story in moral terms, except in is a group of people, one could say it is vites people to revert to the good ing those who resemble Him least. I one very essential way, that it is an a “weaving of stories”, therefore telling habit of telling stories. Telling good think harsh texts often try, and often instance of the fact that our minds stories helps build a community. Does stories will help us not to lose our fail, to effect an embrace of those are strangely and wonderfully made. the art of storytelling have a social and bearings. In fact, the Pope says: “we only God and the writer could love. We can imagine and speak at the political function? need to make our own the truth farthest limits of our own words and contained in good stories. Stories In what sense do stories have to be understanding, and, miracle of mir- History demonstrates continu- that build up, not tear down; stories “good”? Is it for their content? Or for acles, be understood! A good story ously how important stories are to that help us rediscover our roots and the in which they are written? Yet externalizes a moment in the work- communities. Your three last ques- the strength needed to move forward stories (novels, movies, newspapers) ing of a mind, and those who hear it tions are so intertwined that I will together. Amid the cacophony of mostly tell stories which are full of evil. recognize it as somehow their own. answer them together. Stories can voices and messages that surround What relationship is there between the nurse and shelter antagonisms and us, we need a human story that can need to tell good stories and the pres- The Pope states that telling stories al- resentments, and writers, like politi- speak of ourselves and of the beauty ence of evil in people’s lives? lows each person to bring her or his cians, have been richly rewarded for all around us”. To Marilynne Robin- Good stories come from such a identity into focus, to know herself or propagating destructive narratives. son, an accomplished writer and one deep place in consciousness that himself, and it helps one to understand Many writers were notoriously sup- of the most acute literary critics, we their “go o dness”arises from ele- reality. Does literature have a cognitive portive of Fascism in the last cen- ask why stories are so important? ments that have merged and modi- function? What is the use of literature? tury, and have been revered all the The most powerful and the purest fied one another and invited new same, as if they were somehow ex- experience I have had in my life of I have filled my head with litera- elements drawn in by association empted from moral judgment be- stories and storytelling were given to ture for so many years that I can and cultural memory — all this be- cause they were writers. Whether this me by the books and songs my hardly offer objective testimony in fore the writer knows more than that is reverence or veiled contempt, or mother read and sang to me. They this matter. I do agree that narra- a live seed of embodied thought — tended to be very, very sad — aban- tives of all sorts — advertisements, some nameless combination of the an “idea” —has begun to germinate. doned children, children who died gossip, the trashiest ephemera — do two, I cannot decide. How bizarre it When the realization comes, then and were bitterly and sweetly enter into our sense of ourselves and is to act as if any human being could the writer must be very attentive to mourned, orphan children. My others. People are very much shaped be too lofty to be subject to humane the nature of the story. What voice brother and I always wept and al- by their expectations, by the way norms, or so marginal and trifling will it speak in? What language will ways begged to hear them again and they expect the plot of their life to that he or she has the kind of im- flesh it out? A good story is a suc- again. They were, I think, a pro- unfold, and this can make them munity we grant to children and the cessful collaboration between the found instruction in compassion, fearful or hostile or self-seeking, incompetent. And they earn this writer and the thing to be written. that deep and wholesome sorrow even without respect to their own abysmal status by writing poetry and that children very generously suffer fortunate histories. Young writers of- novels, which, if they have any worth for a chimney sweep or a lost dog or ten feel they have to be grimly loyal at all, should be proof of functioning a lame prince. Very often I have to this “re a l i t y ” they themselves have intelligence. In all candor, I feel that heard adults praise a book by saying never encountered except as a con- this exemption has depleted the it made them cry. So I tend to be- sumer product, on a television truth and sapped the vigor of West- screen or in a best-seller. lieve a very good book can address ern intellectual culture. On the other hand, good litera- real fear and real pain or guilt or When I taught young writers, my ture is an honest witness, attentive shame and elicit compassionate colleagues and I had a sort of to the complex and mingled experi- identification in the reader, which is motto: first, do no harm. We meant fully as worthy as its offering him or ence of actually being in the world. that everyone who came to us her a world to enjoy and a model to A teacher told me once that the emulate. It seems to me that com- function of literature is to reduce should leave us as able to write well passion in the broadest sense is the chaos to meaningful complexity. Pa- as they were when we admitted life of the soul, the human analogue tience, charity and a true reluctance them. Teaching of that kind is deli- to divine grace. If the bitterness of a to judge allow the world to present cate work and can go very wrong. tale is compensated by the reader’s itself fully enough to allow meaning But that old oath lends itself to very deep wish that things could be oth- to emerge where we may not expect broad application. Harm spreads erwise, teller and reader have created it, and beauty to surprise us. Insofar pandemically. It is a good and beau- one story between them. Of course as we pass beyond prejudice and ca- tiful discipline to honor those for this to be achieved the writer nard, they allow truth to set us free, around us, and the faith we claim, herself must have a compassionate or at least to loosen our chains. with great, generous care. number 24, Friday, 12 June 2020 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 7

On World Environment Day the Pope writes to the President of Colombia We cannot be healthy on a sick planet

“Everything is interconnected: Genuine care for our own lives and our relationships with nature is inseparable from fraternity, justice, and faithfulness to o t h e rs ”, Pope Francis wrote in a tweet marking World Environment Day on Friday, 5 June. For the occasion, the Holy Father sent a letter to the President of Colombia, which was designated by the United Nations as this year’s host country for World Environment day. Due to the Covid- 19 pandemic, celebrations took place virtually. The following is the English text of the Pope’s letter, which he wrote in Spanish.

To His Excellency Iván Duque Márquez President of the Republic of Colombia I am pleased to greet you, the organizers and the participants in the World Environment Day, which would have been held in person this year in Bogotá, but because of the Covid-19 pandemic will be held virtually. This challenging situation Children walk next to polluted waters in Lahore (AFP) reminds us that in the face of adversity, new paths always open in order for us to be united as a great human family. ize the very high costs of the destruction and ex- more committed to the care and protection of our ploitation of the ecosystem. This is not a time to common home, and of our most vulnerable and The protection of the environment and respect continue looking the other way, indifferent to the marginalized brothers and sisters in society. for the biodiversity of the planet are issues that af- fect us all. We cannot pretend to be healthy in a signs that our planet is being plundered and viol- I encourage you in this task that lies before world that is sick. The wounds inflicted on our ated by greed for profit, very often in the name of you. I trust that your deliberations and conclu- mother earth are wounds that also bleed in us. progress. We have the chance to reverse course, to sions will always foster the building of an increas- Caring for ecosystems demands a look to the fu- commit ourselves to a better, healthier world and ingly habitable world and a more humane society, ture, one that is not concerned only with the im- to pass it on to future generations. Everything de- where all of us have a place and no one is ever mediate moment or that seeks a quick and easy pends on us, if we really want it. left behind. profit, but rather one that is concerned for life and Recently we celebrated the fifth anniversary of I ask you, please, to pray for me. May Jesus that seeks its preservation for the benefit of all. the Letter Laudato Si’, which drew at- bless you and the Blessed Virgin watch over you. tention to the cry that mother earth lifts up to us. Our attitude toward the present state of our From the Vatican, 5 June 2020 planet should indeed make us concerned for and I would also invite all of you to participate in the witnesses to the gravity of the situation. We can- special Year that I have announced to reflect in not remain silent before the outcry when we real- light of that document and, together, to become

Zohra and the silence Pope establishes new fund

CONTINUED FROM PA G E 1 try in the world. And if, as abwe, just to cite a few. to help families in need in Rome mentioned, some signs of im- Among the worst forms of domestic work on the list of provement are noticeable (es- child exploitation is that of dangerous occupations. pecially in Latin America and those who work in the streets, In this time of growing concern with so many However, millions of chil- the Caribbean, where since that is, the use of all those people left unemployed or in precarious conditions dren are actually in danger as 2002 there has been a 26% de- children who, in large cities in due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Holy Father they are forced to work every crease in the number of minors Asia, Latin America and has established the Gesù Divino Lavoratore Fu n d day and at every latitude. Last employed in dangerous activit- Africa, try to survive by col- (Jesus the Divine Worker), aimed specifically at year, on the eve of the World ies), it seems that the goal of lecting refuse for recycling or helping people in Rome who are struggling eco- Day against Child Labour (12 eradicating child labour by by selling food and drinks. In nomically from this crisis. June), the data was released on 2025 set out in the United Na- the Senegalese capital city of In a letter dated 8 June addressed to the Vicar this worldwide scandal of tions’ Sustainable Develop- Dakar alone, there are 8,000 of Rome Cardinal , the Holy which too little is said. Ap- ment Goals, is a long way off. children living as beggars. An- Father explained that the fund “is meant to be a proximately 152 million chil- According to last year’s estim- other aspect of this tragic met- sign that can urge people of goodwill to offer a dren between the ages of 5 and ates, by that date there will ropolitan reality is sexual ex- concrete gesture of inclusion, especially toward 17 are victims of labour ex- still be 121 million children ploitation, which involves one those who are seeking comfort, hope and a recog- ploitation. Almost half of these forced to work. million children every year. nition of their rights” and dignity as workers. The — 74 million — are forced to According to U N I C E F, the But while the various forms fund is to help those “who risk being excluded perform work that puts their phenomenon is concentrated of child labour — even the from institutional protections and who need sup- health and safety at serious above all in less developed most degrading — can be port until they can walk on their own again”, he risk, with psychological reper- areas of the planet, as a by- quantified in some way, less added. In the same letter, the Pope also an- cussions as well. Sixty-four product of that poverty which can be said of those jobs that nounced that he had made the first donation of million girls and 88 million it then helps to reproduce. escape statistical evaluation: one million Euro ($1.12 million) to the Rome dio- boys are deprived of the child- However, as it is well known, such as domestic and family cesan Caritas. hood to which they are en- there is no lack of cases of labour, in which girls like Pope Francis called on priests to be the first to titled; removed from school, child labour even in marginal Zohra and other little Pakistani contribute to the fund and invited all institutions deprived of the protection they areas in the world’s wealthy Cinderellas are employed. and citizens to generously share what they have need and the opportunity to North. According to data from Whether working in their own with those in need, including “the great number of build a future for themselves. the International Labour Or- home or someone else’s, it of- daily and occasional workers”, those with fixed- Of course, some progress ganization, among the danger- ten becomes a veritable form term contracts that have not been renewed, those has been made. In 2000 the ous activities in which children of slavery for girls, forcing who are paid hourly, interns, domestic workers, number of child workers was are involved are mines, where them to live in the nightmare small entrepreneurs and self-employed workers. well over 200 million, but the they are in contact with chem- of violence and abuse. Too In return, Cardinal De Donatis expressed his current figure of 152 million is icals and agricultural pesticides much silence surrounds the deep gratitude to the Holy Father for the estab- still very high. Suffice to say or with dangerous machinery. lives of these little slaves, who lishment of the Diocesan Fund, and voiced his as- that if all these minors lived in This is the case for children instead ask to be made visible. surances that together with the institutions — start- the same territory it would be employed in mines in Cam- And who, above all, ask for ing with Municipal and Regional Authorities — the ninth most populous coun- bodia, tea plantations in Zimb- justice. “we will all respond united and committed”. page 8 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 12 June 2020, number 24

ANGELUS

At the Angelus on Sunday, 7 June, Pope Francis expressed his closeness to those in countries where the coronavirus “continues to claim many victims”, and invited the faithful to pray especially for the sick, their families and for all their caregivers. Earlier, he had commented on the Gospel passage of John for the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity (Jn 3:16-18). The following is a translation of the Pope’s reflection, which he shared in Italian from the window of the Apostolic Palace before the faithful who had gathered in Saint Peter’s Square for the occasion.

Pope Francis remembers victims of the pandemic, the sick and their caregivers Closeness to those still suffering

Dear Brothers and Sisters, u re ” of God's love. And let us to let ourselves be encountered authorities give us. But unfortu- Good morning! also think of how God reveals by him and to trust in him. This nately in other countries — I am himself to Moses: full of tender- is Christian life. To love, to en- thinking of several — the virus To day’s Gospel (cf. Jn 3:16-18), ness, merciful, gracious, slow to counter God, to seek God; and on the Feast of the Most Holy continues to claim many victims. anger, and abounding in steadfast he seeks us first; he encounters Trinity, demonstrates — with the Last Friday, in one country, one love and faithfulness (cf. Ex us first. Apostle John’s succinct language person died every minute! Ter- 34:6). The encounter with this — the mystery of God’s love for May the Virgin Mary, dwell- rible. I wish to express my close- God encouraged Moses, who, as ing-place of the Trinity, help us ness to those populations, to the the world, his creation. In the the Book of Exodus tells us, was brief dialogue with Nicodemus, to welcome with an open heart sick and their families, and to all not afraid to stand between the the love of God, which fills us those who are caring for them. Jesus presents himself as the One people and the Lord, saying to who brings to fulfilment the with joy and gives meaning to Let us be close to them with our Him: although it is a stiff-necked our journey in this world, always p r a y e r. Fa t h e r ’s plan of salvation for the people, pardon our iniquity and guiding us towards our destina- The month of June is dedicat- world. He affirms: “For God so our sin, and take us for thy inher- tion, which is Heaven. ed in a special way to the Heart loved the world that he gave his itance (cf. 34:9). And this is what only Son” (v. 16). God did, by sending his Son. We of Christ, a devotion that unites These words are to indicate are children in the Son with the After the Angelus, the Holy Father the great spiritual teachers and that the action of the three divine strength of the Holy Spirit! We continued: the simple folk among the People of God. Indeed, the human and Persons — Father, Son and Holy are God’s legacy! Dear brothers and sisters, I divine Heart of Jesus is the well- Spirit — is all a single plan of Dear brothers and sisters, greet you all, people of Rome love that saves humanity and the and pilgrims: individual faithful, spring from which we can always to day’s Feast Day invites us to let draw upon God’s mercy, forgive- world; it is a plan of salvation for ourselves once again be fascinat- families, and religious communi- ness and tenderness. We can do us. The world God created was ed by the beauty of God; beauty, ties. And also your presence in so by focusing on a passage of good, beautiful, but after sin, the goodness and inexhaustible truth. the square is a sign that in Italy the Gospel, feeling that at the world is marked by evil and cor- But also beauty, goodness, and the acute phase of the epidemic centre of every gesture, of every ruption. We men and women are humble and close truth, which has passed, but be careful, do word of Jesus, at the centre there sinners, all of us; hence, God became flesh in order to enter our not sing ‘Vi c t o r y ! ’ yet, do not could intervene to judge the life, our history, my history, the celebrate victory too soon! It re- is love, the love of the Father world, to destroy evil and casti- history of each one of us, so that mains necessary to carefully fol- who sent his Son, the love of the gate sinners. Instead, he loves the every man and woman may en- low the rules in force, because Holy Spirit that is within us. And world, despite its sins; God loves counter it and have eternal life. they are rules that help us pre- we can do so by adoring the each one of us even when we And this is faith: to welcome vent the virus from advancing. Eucharist, where this love is make mistakes and distance God-Love; to welcome this God- Thanks be to God we are com- present in the Sacrament. Then ourselves from him. God the Love who gives himself in Christ, ing out of it stronger, but always our heart too, little by little, will Father loves the world so much who moves us in the Holy Spirit; with the prescriptions that the become more patient, more gen- that, in order to save it, he gives erous, more merciful, in imitation what is most precious to him: his of the Heart of Jesus. There is an only-begotten Son, who gives his ancient prayer — I learned it from life for humanity, rises again, re- my grandmother — which said: turns to the Father and together “Jesus, make my heart resemble with him sends the Holy Spirit. yours”. It is a beautiful prayer. The Trinity is therefore Love, “Make my heart similar to yours”. wholly at the service of the world, A beautiful and short prayer, to which he wishes to save and re- pray during this month. Shall we create. And today, thinking of say it together now? “Jesus, let God the Father, Son and Holy my heart resemble yours”. Once Spirit, we think of God’s love! more: “Jesus, let my heart re- And it would be beautiful if we semble yours”. felt that we were loved: “Go d I wish everyone a happy loves me!”. This is today’s senti- Sunday. I was about to say ‘a ment. happy and hot Sunday’. A happy When Jesus affirms that the Sunday. Please, do not forget to Father has given his only-begot- pray for me. Enjoy your lunch. ten Son, we spontaneously think Ar r i v e d e rc i . of Abraham and his offering of his son Isaac, of whom the Book of Genesis speaks (cf. 22:1-14): this is the “immeasurable meas-