Price € 1,50. Back issues € 3,00 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO WEEKLY EDITION IN ENGLISH Unicuique suum Non praevalebunt

Fifty-fourth year, number 4 (2.681) Friday, 22 January 2021

Holy Father sends Message to President Joe Biden Foster peace and reconciliation in the US and the world

The following is the message sent on Wednesday, 20 January, by the Holy Father to the 46th President of the United States of America, Mr Joseph R. Biden, on the occasion of his inau- g u ra t i o n .

The Honorable JOSEPH R. BIDEN President of the United States of America The White House Washington, DC

On the occasion of your inaugu- ration as the forty-sixth Presi- dent of the United States of America, I extend cordial good wishes and the assurance of my prayers that Almighty God will grant you wisdom and strength in the exercise of your high of- fice. Under your leadership, may the American people continue to draw strength from the lofty po- litical, ethical and religious val- ues that have inspired the nation since its founding. At a time when the grave crises facing our human family call for farsighted and united responses, I pray that your decisions will be guided by a concern for building a society marked by authentic justice and freedom, together with unfailing respect for the rights and dignity of every person, especially the poor, the vulnerable and those who have no voice. I likewise ask God, the source of all wis- dom and truth, to guide your ef- forts to foster understanding, reconciliation and peace within the United States and among the nations of the world in order to advance the universal com- mon good. With these senti- ments, I willingly invoke upon you and your family and the beloved American people an abundance of blessings.

President Biden at the foot of the Abraham Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC FRANCISCUS PP

Pope Francis deeply saddened to learn of the bomb attacks in Baghdad

General Audience Fraternity wins over violence Fighting for unity Deeply saddened by the news of the bomb attack in Tayaran Square in PAGE 2 Baghdad, on Thursday, 21 Janaury, the Holy Father sent a telegram to H.E. Mr Barham Salih, President of the Republic of Iraq. A “senseless An g e l u s act of brutality”, writes the , as he urges Iraqis to keep working to re- place violence with fraternity and peace. At least 32 people were killed in Seeking to be one the twin bombing attack and more than 110 were wounded, said. The following is the English text of the Pope’s telegram. PAGE 2 His Holiness was deeply saddened to learn of Christian Unity Week the bomb attacks on Tayaran Square in Baghdad this morn- ing. In deploring this senseless act of brutality, he prays for Mutual understanding the deceased victims and their families, for the injured and for the emergency personnel in attendance. BISHOP FARRELL ON PA G E 4/5 Trusting that all will continue work to overcome violence with fraternity, solidarity and peace, Pope Francis invokes Christian Unity Week upon the nation and its people the blessing of the Most High. Vaccine of peace C a rd i n a l CARDINAL BO ON PA G E 5 Secretary of State page 2 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 22 January 2021, number 4

REFLECTIONS OF THE HOLY FATHER

GENERAL AUDIENCE • Pope continues catechesis on prayer Fighting for unity and does not tempt us with high theology, but with the weak- rejecting particularism nesses of our brothers and sis- ters. He is astute: he magnifies others’ mistakes and defects, “During this time of serious hard- his disciples be united. No, he 10). Therefore, the solution to sows discord, provokes criti- ship, the prayer that unity may pre- p ra y e d to the Father for us, so these divisions is not to op- cism and creates factions. God vail over conflict is even more neces- that we might be one. This pose someone, because dis- has another way: He takes us sary”, Pope Francis said at the Gen- means that we are unable to cord generates more discord. as we are, he loves us so much, eral Audience on Wednesday morn- achieve unity by our own The true remedy begins by but he loves us as we are and ing, 20 January. Continuing his se- strength. Unity is above all a asking God for peace, recon- takes us as we are; he takes ries of catecheses on prayer, he reflect- gift, it is a grace to be request- ciliation, unity. those of us who are different, ed on the prayer for Christian unity, ed through prayer. This is true, first of all, for he takes sinners, and he al- as Christians around the world are Each one of us needs it. In Christians. Unity can be ways spurs us towards unity. observing the Week of Prayer for fact, we know that we are inca- achieved only as a fruit of We can evaluate ourselves Christian Unity. The following is a pable of preserving unity even prayer. Diplomatic efforts and and ask ourselves if, in the translation of the Holy Father’s within ourselves. The Apostle academic dialogue are not places in which we live, we words which he shared in Italian Paul, too, felt a painful con- enough. Jesus knew this and nurture conflict or fight for an from the Library of the Vatican’s flict within himself: wanting opened the way for us by increase of unity with the tools . the good but being inclined praying. Our prayer for unity that God has given us: prayer toward evil (cf. Rm 7:19). He is thus a humble but trusting it with good arguments, but without lacking trust nor tir- and love. What fuels conflict, Dear Brothers and Sisters, had thus grasped the root of participation in the prayer of the rather if we will have borne ing. It is a path that the Holy instead, is gossip, always talk- Good morning! so many divisions that sur- L o rd, who promised that any witness to the love that unites Spirit gave rise to in the ing behind peoples’ backs. In this catechesis, we will re- round us — between people, in prayer said in his name would us and draws all of us near. Church, in Christians and in Gossip is the most handy flect on the prayer for Christian families, in society, between be heard by the Father (cf. Jn During this time of serious us all, from which there is no weapon the devil has to divide u n i t y. In fact, the week of the nations and even between be- 15:7). At this point, we can ask hardship, the prayer that unity turning back. Ever onward! the Christian community, to 18th to the 25th of January is lievers — it is inside us. The ourselves: “Do I pray for uni- may prevail over conflict is To pray means to fight for divide families, to divide dedicated specifically to this — stat- ty?”. It is Jesus’ will but, if we even more necessary. It is ur- unity. Yes, fight, because our friends, to always divide. The to ask God for the gift of uni- ed, “the imbalances under inspect the intentions for gent that we set aside particu- enemy, the devil, is the one Holy Spirit always inspires us ty to overcome the scandal of which the world labors are which we pray, we will proba- larism in order to promote the who divides, as the word itself to unity. division among believers in linked with that more basic bly realize that we have common good, and our good says. Jesus asks for unity in The theme of this Week of Jesus. After the Last Supper, imbalance which is rooted in prayed little, perhaps never, example is fundamental to the Holy Spirit, to create uni- Prayer specifically regards he prayed for his own, “that the heart of man. For in man for Christian unity. And yet, this: it is essential that Chris- ty. The devil always divides. love: “Abide in my love and they may all be one” (Jn himself many elements wrestle the world’s faith depends on tians pursue the path toward He always divides because it is you shall bear much fruit” (cf. 17:21). This was his prayer be- with one another.[…] Hence it; in fact, the Lord asked for full visible unity. In the last convenient for him to divide. Jn 15:5-9). The root of com- fore the Passion; we could call he suffers from internal divi- unity among us “so that the decades, thanks be to God, He fosters division every- munion is love of Christ who it his spiritual testament. Let sions, and from these flow so world might believe” (Jn there have been many steps where, and in any way, while makes us overcome our preju- us note, however, that the many and such great discords 17:21). The world will not be- forward, but we need to perse- the Holy Spirit always joins in dices to see in others a Lord did not command that in society” (Gaudium et Spes, lieve because we will convince vere in love and in prayer, unity. In general, the devil or sister to be loved always. Then we will discover that the Christians of other confes- sions — with their traditions, with their history — are gifts ANGELUS • Closeness to the Indonesian people struck by the earthquake from God, they are gifts pre- sent within the territories of our diocesan and com- munities. Let us begin to pray Christians joined in prayer seeking to be one for them and, when possible, with them. We will thus learn During the Angelus on Sunday, 17 January, inflamed ever more while the Teacher us think: every authentic encounter the two, Andrew, says to his brother, to love and appreciate them. Pope Francis invited the faithful to join togeth- speaks. They sense the beauty of the with Jesus remains alive in memory; it Simon — whom Jesus will call Peter Prayer, the Council reminds er in prayer so that Jesus’ desire may be ac- words that respond to their greatest is never forgotten. You forget many when He meets him — “We have us, is the soul of the whole ec- complished: that we may all be one. Earlier he hope. And all of a sudden they dis- encounters, but a true encounter with found the Messiah” (v. 41). They left umenical movement (cf. Uni- had commented on the day’s Gospel Reading cover that, as evening was drawing Jesus remains forever. And many years sure that Jesus was the Messiah, cer- tatis redintegratio, 8). Therefore, of John and the disciples’ encounter with Je- around them, the light that God alone later, those two even remembered the tain. may prayer be the starting sus. The following is a translation of the Holy can give was exploding within their time. They were unable to forget this Let us pause for a moment on this point to help Jesus achieve his Fa t h e r’s address, which he delivered in Italian hearts. One thing catches our atten- encounter that had changed their lives experience of the encounter with dream: that they all may be from the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace. tion: 60 years later, or perhaps more, and was so happy and so complete. Christ who calls us to remain with one. one of them would write in his Then, when they leave from that en- him. Each one of God’s calls is an ini- Dear Brothers and Sisters, Gospel: “it was about four in the af- counter and return to their brothers, tiative of his love. He is the one who Buongiorno! terno on” (cf. Jn 1:39) — he wrote the that joy, that light overflows from always takes the initiative. He calls SPECIAL GREETINGS The Gospel for the Second Sunday in time. And this is one thing that makes their hearts like a raging river. One of you. God calls to life, he calls to faith, Ordinary Time (cf. Jn 1:35-42) pre- and he calls to a particular state in life: I cordially greet the En- sents the meeting between Jesus and “I want you here”. God’s first call is to glish-speaking faithful. In this his first disciples. The scene unfolds life, through which he makes us per- Week of Prayer for Christian along the River Jordan the day after sons; it is an individual call because Unity, let us ask the Father for Jesus’ . It is John the Baptist God does not make things in series. the gift of full unity between himself who points out the Messiah to Then God calls us to faith and to be- all Christ’s disciples, for the the two of them with these words: come part of his family as children of spread of the Gospel and the “Behold, the Lamb of God!” (v. 36). God. Lastly, God calls us to a particu- of the world. Upon And those two, trusting the Baptist’s lar state in life: to give of ourselves on you and your families I invoke testimony, follow Jesus. He realizes the path of matrimony, or that of the the joy and peace of our Lord this and asks: “What do you seek?”, priesthood or . They Jesus Christ. God bless you! and they ask Him: “Rabbi, where are are different ways of realizing God’s Lastly, as usual, my you staying?” (v. 38). design, the one he has for each of us thoughts turn to the elderly, to Jesus does not respond: “I live in that is always a design of love. God al- young people, to the sick and to Capernaum, or in Nazareth”, but ways calls. And the greatest joy for ev- newlyweds. During this Week of says: “Come and see” (v. 39). Not a ery believer is to respond to this call, Prayer for Christian Unity, I calling card, but an invitation to an offering one’s entire being to the ser- invite you to take on this encounter. The two follow him and vice of God and our brothers and sis- problem, praying that all remain with him that afternoon. It is ters. Christians may welcome the not difficult to imagine them seated, Brothers and sisters, before the L o rd’ s invitation to unite in asking him questions and above all faith in the one Church he listening to him, feeling their hearts CONTINUED ON PA G E 3 founded.

L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO ANDREA MONDA TIPO GRAFIA VAT I C A N A EDITRICE Subscription rates: - Vatican: € 58.00; Europe: € 100.00 - US$ 148.00 £ 80.00; Latin America, Africa, Asia: € 110.00 - US$ 160.00 - £ 88.00; Editor-in-Chief L’OS S E R VAT O R E ROMANO Oceania, North America: € 162.00 - £ 130.00. Management Office: phone +39 06 698 45450/45451/45454; fax +39 06 698 45456; e-mail [email protected] - [email protected]. WEEKLY EDITION IN ENGLISH Photo Service For India: The weekly English Edition of L'Osservatore Romano is published and distributed in [email protected] w w w. p h o t o .v a Unicuique suum Non praevalebunt Editorial office India by Carmel International Publishing House, Cotton Hill, Trivandrum- 695 014, Kerala-India; Advertising Agency phone: +91471327253, fax: +91471328191, 329934; e-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]. Vatican City Piazza Pia, 3 Il Sole 24 Ore S.p.A. For North America: L’Osservatore Romano (USPS 016-419) is published fifty times per year (weekly, except third week in August and last week in December) System Comunicazione Pubblicitaria by Our Sunday Visitor, L’Osservatore Romano, English Edition, 200 Noll Plaza, Huntington, IN 46750. Periodicals Postage Pending at Huntington, IN, 00193 Roma redazione.inglese.or@sp c.va Via Monte Rosa 91, 20149 Milano and additional mailing offices, USA – phone: 800-348-2440 x2171; fax: 866-891-7390 – e-mail: [email protected]. w w w. o s s e r v a t o re ro m a n o .v a telephone +39 06 698 45843 s e g re t e r i a d i re z i o n e s y s t e m @ i l s o l e 2 4 o re . c o m POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Our Sunday Visitor, 200 Noll Plaza, Huntington, IN 46750 number 4, Friday, 22 January 2021 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 3

Appeal by the Holy Father at the General Audience Letter remembering Martin Luther King A world free from The timeliness of a dream of harmony nuclear weapons and equality At the General Audience on Wednes- international instrument ex- day morning, 20 January, Pope plicitly prohibiting these In a letter addressed to Bernice King on the occasion of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Francis launched an appeal for all weapons, whose use has an in- observed in the United States on Monday, 18 January, Pope Francis recalled the lasting nations to work toward a world discriminate impact, strikes a timeliness of her father’s dream of harmony and equality. The following is the English without nuclear weapons. His ap- large amount of people in a text of the Holy Father’s letter. peal came two days ahead of the en- short time and causes long- try into force of the Treaty on the lasting damage to the environ- To the Reverend Bernice A. King Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, al- ment. so known as the Nuclear Weapons I strongly encourage all I send cordial greetings and good wishes to all taking part in the Ban Treaty. The following is a trans- States and all people to work Beloved Community Commemorative Service on 18 January 2021, hon- lation of the words he offered in Ital- decisively toward promoting oring the life and achievements of Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. ian. conditions necessary for a In today’s world, which increasingly faces the challenges of social in- world without nuclear justice, division and conflict that hinder the realization of the common The day after tomorrow, Fri- weapons, contributing to the good, Dr King’s dream of harmony and equality for all people, attained day, 22 January, the Treaty on advancement of peace and to through nonviolent and peaceful means, remains ever timely. “Each one the Prohibition of Nuclear multilateral cooperation of us is called to be an artisan of peace, by uniting and not dividing, by Weapons enters into force. which humanity greatly needs extinguishing hatred and not holding on to it, by opening paths of di- This is the first legally binding to day. alogue”(Fratelli Tutti, 284). In this way we will be able to see ourselves, not as “others”, but as neighbors, in the truth of our shared dignity as children of Almighty God. Only by striving daily to put this vision into practice can we work together to create a community built upon justice and fraternal love. Pope expresses sorrow for victims Upon all present at this Commemorative Service, I gladly invoke the divine blessings of wisdom and peace.

Rome, from John Tragic explosion in Madrid Lateran, 3 December 2020

On Wednesday evening, 20 January, bishop of Madrid. The telegram, these difficult moments”, and FRANCIS in the aftermath of the violent explo- signed by Secretary of State Cardi- promised his “prayers to the Lord” sion that occurred earlier that after- nal Pietro Parolin, conveyed to the as he entrusted to His mercy “the noon in the heart of Madrid, Spain, , as well as to “the clergy eternal repose of the victims, as well Pope Francis expressed his condo- and all the sons and daughters of as the injured and their families”. lences in a telegram addressed to this beloved people”, the Holy Fa- Lastly, Francis invoked “the mater- Cardinal , Arch- ther’s“closeness and affection in nal intercession of Our Lady of Al- mudena”and imparted his heartfelt and “comforting Apostolic blessing as a sign of Christian hope in the Risen Lord”. The suspected cause of the blast, which killed at least three people, in- jured at least eight and caused widespread damage, was an appar- Smoke rises from ent gas leak in the building on Tole- the ruined do street where it occurred. A 35- Church building year-old father and an 85-year-old in central woman were among the dead. A Ma d r i d statement from the Archdiocese in- dicated that the building belonged to the Church of the de la Paloma and San Pedro el Real, which is next door, and had been “completely destroyed”. Early re- ports indicated that two priests were in good condition following the ex- plosion and a third had been trans- ferred to a hospital. Pope Francis meets Bernice Albertine King on 12 March 2018

Before Wednesday’s General Audience Sunday Angelus Sports brings out the best The desire for unity

CONTINUED FROM PA G E 2 May the Virgin Mary help us make developing the dialogue between of our lives a hymn of praise to God in Catholics and Jews is being celebrated L o rd ’s call, which can reach us in a response to his call and in the humble in Italy. I am delighted about this ini- thousand ways —through others, hap- and joyful fulfilment of his will. But tiative that has been going on for over py or sad events —our attitude at let us remember this: there was a mo- 30 years, and I hope that it may bear times might be rejection. No … “I am ment in each of our lives, in which abundant fruits of fraternity and col- afraid”…. Rejection because it seems God made himself present more lab oration. to be in contrast to our aspirations; strongly, with a call. Let us remember Tomorrow is an important day: Th e and even fear because we believe it is that. Let us go back to that moment so Week of Prayer for Christian Unity b egins. too demanding and uncomfortable: that the memory of that moment This year, the theme refers to Jesus’ “Oh no, I will never be able to do it, might always renew that encounter counsel: “Abide in my love and you better not to, a calmer life is better… with Jesus for us. shall bear much fruit”(cf. Jn 15:5-9). God over there, me here”. But God’s After the Angelus the Holy Father continued: And on Monday, 25 January, we will call is always love: we have to try to conclude it with the celebration of discover the love behind each call, and Dear brothers and sisters, I express my Vespers in the Basilica of Saint Paul On Wednesday, 20 January, before the on two-quarter time]. Today it should be responded to only with closeness to the people of the Island of Outside the Walls, together with rep- General Audience, the Holy Father met you are 4-2 [referring to the pre- love. This is the language: the re- Sulawesi in Indonesia, which was resentatives of the other Christian with the “La Spezia”soccer team and vious night’s victory], and that’s sponse to a call that comes from love is struck by a powerful earthquake. I Communities present in . In addressed a greeting to the managers good. Congratulations, and only love. At the beginning there is an pray for the deceased, for the injured, these days, let us pray together so that and players. The following is a transla- keep going! encounter, or rather, there is the en- and for all those who lost their homes Jesus’desire may be accomplished – tion of his words. And thank you for this visit, counter with Jesus who speaks to us of and jobs. May the Lord comfort them “that they may all be one”(Jn 17:21): because I like to see the effort his Father, he makes His love known and sustain the efforts of all those who unity, which is always to con- Good morning! Good morning of young men and women in to us. And then the desire to commu- are engaged in bringing aid. Let us flict. to you all. sport, because sport is a won- nicate it to the people that we love pray together for our brothers and sis- I extend my cordial greetings to all First of all, congratulations, der; sport “brings out”all the arises spontaneously in us too: “I met ters in Sulawesi, as well as for the vic- of you who are connected through the because yesterday you did well. best that we have inside. Con- Love”,“I met the Messiah”,“I met tims of the airplane accident that also means of social communication. I wish Congratulations! In Argentina tinue with this, because it leads Go d”, I met Jesus”,“I found the occurred in Indonesia last Saturday. all of you a happy Sunday. And please, we dance the tango, and the you to a great nobility. Thank meaning of my life”. In a word: “I (Hail Mary…). do not forget to pray for me. Enjoy tango is two-four music [based you for your witness. found God”. Today the Day for deepening and your lunch. Ar r i v e d e rc i ! page 4, number 4, Friday, 22 January 2021 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO number 4, Friday, 22 January 2021, page 5

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNIT Y 2021

Recent stages in the ecumenical commitment of the

Bishop BRIAN FARRELL * Mutual understanding and reciprocal trust he year 2020 will long be remembered for the transformation of life, communal and personal, caused by the pandemic. in several languages, accessible to all. The Ecumenical world, too, has suffered Adding to this is a new journal, “Acta from the restriction imposed due to the Œcumenica”, a new format of the “In- health crisis. In relationships among formation Service/Service d’information” Christians, divided but eager to over- bulletin which, published by the Dicast- come separations, personal contacts are ery for over 50 years, constitutes an au- essential. The mutual understanding and thentic archive of the Ecumenical com- reciprocal trust necessary to deepen com- mitment of the Church. We are munion are born and grow only through confident that this journal, which can al- encounter. Many meetings, many church so be consulted online, will be a source gatherings and ecumenical dialogues of information and inspiration for all have had to be cancelled or postponed to those who work in the field of unity. a future date. Certain meetings have There is also a new series entitled “Ut been replaced by video conferences, but unum sint”, created in collaboration with Tthere is no doubt that a conversation me- the Libreria Editrice Vaticana to disseminate diated by technology does not produce ecumenical essays and documents in or- the same effect as an exchange of ideas, der to foster theological reflection and beliefs, and motivations that takes place rapprochement among Christians. The in person. Yet, even in this fateful year, first volume is dedicated to the Dicast- the search for Christian unity has contin- ery’s sixtieth anniversary; the second will ued, and has made progress. Sixty years publish the proceedings of a recent con- after its founding (June 1960), the Pon- ference on the ecumenical mission of the tifical Council for Promoting Christian Eastern Catholic Churches. In the field Unity (PCPUC) carries onward with con- of formation, it is worth noting the “Cor- viction its mandate: to promote ecu- so Ut unum sint”, a programme for con- menism in the and the tinuing education in ecumenism relationships of the Catholic Church launched in 2019 in cooperation with the with other Christians, in their Churches Angelicum’s institute for ecumenical and communities. These two tasks have studies, under the patronage of the been clearly outlined and described in Council, directly involving several offi- the Ecumenical Vademecum for Bishops, cials. With regard to the second task, or which the recently published the relations of the Catholic Church with with Pope Francis’b l e s s i n g. other Churches and communities, here The document was drafted by Council too we can follow the framework of the officials with the advice of experts and Vademecum: spiritual ecumenism, the the approval of the relevant dialogue of charity, dialogue of truth and of the . To illustrate the re- dialogue of life. cent activity of the PCPUC we can use In the realm of spiritual ecumenism, the framework of the Vademecum, which one of the main activities of the Pontifi- reflects the fundamental areas of ecu- cal Council is the preparation each year, menical work, not only of the bishops in cooperation with the World Council but of the whole Church. of Churches, of the Week of Prayer for Orthodox Church. There are then the tions also relative to the Catholic re- The first essential task is within the Christian Unity. There are also other ac- numerous declarations and positions tak- sponse to the document of the Faith and Catholic Church herself: to keep ecu- tivities related to spiritual ecumenism, en by the Holy See or by the Pontiff Order Commission, The Church: Towards a menical responsibility alive. Information, such as the temporary transfer or ex- himself in support of Christians (as well Common Vision, drafted after having con- formation, motivation. This includes par- change of relics. In this regard, among as other populations) who find them- sulted with episcopal conferences, theo- ticipation in numerous meetings, publi- the events of recent years, we recall the selves in difficult circumstances. logical faculties and individual theolo- cations, regular correspondence with par- temporary transfer of the relics of Saint In the sphere of the dialogue of truth, gians, without reservations on the part of ticular Churches, ad limina visits, and so Nicholas of Bari, an event that attracted or the theological dialogue among the the Congregation for the Doctrine of the on. Moreover, in order to promote the over two million pilgrims in 2017. There Churches, there are currently underway Faith. Published also in 2020 was the have been similar transfers of relics in 15 bilateral dialogues and diverse discus- communiqué for the 20th anniversary of Greece and Bulgaria, again with a large sions of a multilateral nature. Naturally the Joint Declaration on the doctrine of participation of faithful. There is no not all dialogues have the same doctrinal Justification and the document of the di- shortage of requests: devotion to the consistency, nor do all promise equal re- alogue with the Disciples of Christ, Do relics of and martyrs is very much sults. Each one of them requires the ap- This in Memory of Me: Christians Formed and alive in orthodoxy. Another important pointment of several experts in a partic- Transformed by the Eucharist. The Joint event of the “ecumenism of saints”w e re ular theological/ecclesial field. The num- Working Group between the Catholic the celebrations with the Armenian ber per party varies: from 28 (in the Church and the World Council of Church for the recognition of Saint Gre- Catholic-Orthodox dialogue) to six or Churches has completed two texts of a gory of Narek as a Doctor of the seven in other dialogues. Generally these pastoral nature, regarding the promotion C h u rc h . commissions meet once a year, for a of peace in conflict situations and with In the field of the dialogue of charity, week, in different countries, hosted in al- regard to the ecumenical challenges and we can mention the many meetings orga- ternating years by the Catholic and the opportunities in aiding migrants and nized by the Dicastery with various other party. A dialogue commission re f u g e e s . Christian leaders. In normal times, not a works for five or six years, or until the Obviously the challenges vary accord- week passes that a delegation or repre- completion of a document of conver- ing to the dialogues. I will mention only sentative of another Church does not gence or consensus. In recent years, par- a few. The dialogue with the Orthodox come to the Vatican to meet the Holy Fa- ticularly significant documents have Churches, which focus mainly on the ec- ther or to have conversations with the been produced: in 2015 with Pentecostals clesiological question of the relationship . Rare, then, are the (Do Not Quench the Spirit); in 2016 with the between primacy and synodality, requires Pop e’s Apostolic Journeys that do not Orthodox Church (Synodality and Primacy in-depth studies and is also marked by a have an ecumenical dimension. Suffice it during the First Millenium); with Evangeli- complicated historical legacy, as well as to think of Pope Francis’recent visits to cals (‘Scripture and Tradition’ and ‘The Church by intra-orthodox tensions. With the his- the Holy Land, Albania, Georgia, Arme- in Salvation’); with Methodists (The Call to torical Churches of the East the funda- nia, Switzerland, Bulgaria, North Mace- Holiness: From Glory to Glory); in 2017 with mental issue is the different interpreta- ecumenical spirit in the Catholic Church, donia, Romania, the Baltic States, as well the Assyrian Church of the East (Common tion of the concept of Church, and there- the Pontifical Council has recently as his pilgrimage to the World Council Statement on ‘Sacramental Life’); in 2018 with fore of sacramentality and ordained min- equipped itself with new instruments. of Churches in Geneva in 2018. This visit the new Charismatic Churches (The Char- istry; another nine challenges have First of all, a website (www.christianuni- had an enormous and fruitful echo in the acteristics of the New Charismatic Churches), emerged related to ethical and moral is- ty.va) which, in addition to offering up- ecumenical world, especially Protestant. not a bilateral document, but drafted by sues, and difficulty in the very process of dates on the ecumenical activity of the To be remembered among the particular- our partners in dialogue with us; and dialogue due to a weakening of theolog- Holy See, presents all the ecumenical ly significant encounters in these recent with the Anglican Communion (Wa l k i n g ical traditions. With the free Churches documents published since the time of years is Pope Francis’meeting with Patri- Together on the Way); in 2020 regarding the (Baptist, Methodist, Mennonite, for ex- the Second Vatican Council in order to arch Kirill in 2016, an event held for the trilateral Lutheran-Mennonite-Catholic ample) we sense the sincere desire for di- encourage the study and reception of first time in history between the Bishop dialogue (Baptism and Incorporation into the alogue with the Catholic Church, but these texts. It is a true ecumenical library of Rome and the Head of the Russian Body of Christ, the Church), with publica- here, beyond the differences commonly page 4, number 4, Friday, 22 January 2021 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO number 4, Friday, 22 January 2021, page 5

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNIT Y 2021

Recent stages in the ecumenical commitment of the Holy See

Mutual understanding and reciprocal trust depth contributes to the spread of a more positive idea about her in Ortho- dox environments. Also of note in this context is the annual student exchange stituted some 20 years ago by what are involving young priests, which began called “the four pillars”: the Catholic several years ago with the Church of Church, the World Council of Churches, Greece, then launched in 2016 with the the World Evangelical Alliance, and the Russian Church and organized this year Pentecostal World Fellowship. It is a also with the Eastern Orthodox Church- “space of encounter”in which the histor- es. Thus there is a vast and dynamic net- ical Churches and all the new forms of work of ecumenical relationships among community can participate simply on the Christians and among the Churches, basis of faith in Jesus Christ, avoiding which should become better known and doctrinal controversies, to become better appreciated. At times public opinion on- acquainted with the respective identities ly becomes aware of big events, includ- in a spirit of mutual trust. The good ing, for example, Pope Francis’visit to fruits and progress achieved have not al- Lesbos in 2016 with Ecumenical Patri- ways been highly visible; some were not arch Bartholomew and with Archbishop noticed at all. Let us think, for example Ieronymos of Athens, and the meeting of the rapprochement between Catholic with Church leaders in Bari in 2018 for and Pentecostal leaders that is slowly the day of prayer and reflection on the growing in Brazil and South America, on Middle East. If on the one hand the cur- the basis of a letter of intent signed in rent pandemic has naturally put ecu- 2019, in which the partners committed menical work to an arduous test, as al- themselves to work together, avoiding all ready mentioned, it favours in-person forms of proselytism; and let us recall the meetings, meetings which we hope will interest reawakened in the charismatic resume as soon as possible, on the other Churches from the new office, Charis, in- hand it has inspired among Christians a stituted by Pope Francis as a service for spirit of greater solidarity and sharing, as charismatic renewal. Also in the frame- evidenced by the significant acceptance work of the dialogue of truth the Dicas- of the invitation launched by Pope Fran- tery has two internal projects: a working cis last May to simultaneously pray the document on the Petrine ministry which Our Father for the end of the suffering offers a summary of national and inter- that affects everyone. Another reason for national dialogues — and unoffi- encouragement is the awareness of the cial —on this theme, and the preparation growing involvement of the Roman Cu- of the 1700th anniversary of Nicea, the ria in the cause of unity, as demonstrated first , which will take by the numerous projects advanced in place in 2025 and can be a fruitful occa- these recent years by various Dicasteries. sion for a decisive reaffirmation of the Lastly, the warm and creative support Christian faith shared by all the Church- given by Pope Francis, not only in es. favour of ecumenical events but, much With regard to the dialogue of life, the more deeply, for a reform of the Curia Pontifical Council is active in the field of and of the Church and without a doubt cultural ecumenism through its Catholic an effective stimulus that inspires and en- experienced with historical Protes- tionist”, or that believe, under God’s Committee for cultural cooperation livens the daily work of the Pontifical tantism, there is the question of the mis- guidance, that they must take the place which provides scholarships to students Council for Promoting Christian Unity. sionary nature, or of proselytism which of the historical Churches, which sup- of Orthodox and Eastern Orthodox In spite of everything, 2020 did not halt in some parts of the world also aims at posedly have drifted away from the pure Churches. This year the Committee is the journey toward the restoration of uni- the conversion of other Christians, in- Gospel. However, a new, more relaxed supporting some 40 students, who are ty for which the Lord Jesus prayed at the cluding Catholics. This issue is particu- and cordial climate of dialogue is devel- taking courses in the Pontifical Universi- Last Supper. larly felt in relations with Pentecostals oping with some representatives of these ties and are living in Catholic Colleges. and Evangelicals, and with all those communities. Significantly contributing The opportunity to get to know the *Secretary of the Pontifical Council for movements that are considered “re s t o r a - to this is the Global Christian Forum, in- Catholic Church from up close and in Promoting Christian Unity

We urgently need the vaccine of peace Message for war-torn people

Cardinal CHARLES BO * Pandemics in our land. Seven decade war is a Christ is not divided as long as we abide in pandemic. Thousands living in miserable IDP Him. He melts all our differences and makes “Abide in me and I in you, camps is a pandemic. Drug and looting of our us his messengers of peace. As Jesus pro- bear much fruit”( Jn 15:4-11). resources is a pandemic. Generations lived claimed his message in the streets, let us come through the unending wars. together around the altar of our sacred land ear Brothers and Sisters in Christ. and break the bread of peace. United, God In the all powerful name of Jesus I What is God telling us through signs of times? will give us the wisdom to transcend our dif- wish you all blessings in the new We urgently need the vaccine of peace. All ferences and bless us with an unyielding quest year. May the Good Shepherd Christians need to join together and herald for peace. Dguide us, protect us all in these challenging the words of our Lord “Peace I leave you; We shall overcome. We shall overcome sev- times. peace I give to you”Jn. 14:27. Jesus who came en decades of darkness of war. We shall over- It gives me great pleasure to greet all our to this earth with the great words “Peace to all come our despair because we believe in a liv- Christian brothers and sisters. Undoubtedly a men of Good will”today calls the Christian ing, loving and liberating God. Let peace flow robust Christian witness in Myitkyina is a joy churches to be the prophets of Peace. like a river in the Kachin land. Let our chil- to see much to be grateful for. I realize that God blessed our land with so many re- dren proclaim with joy the realization of the the role of Christians in the destiny of Kachin sources above and below the ground. More dream of the Revelation: We see a new heaven is a blessed one. All praise to God. than that He blessed us abundantly with sons and a new earth. There will be no more More than ever all our destiny is interwo- and daughters. We need to make them live in tears. ven with one another. The pandemic is an ag- a land of peace. Wars have not solved any Yes brothers! Rejoice this is the moment to onizing reminder that only by uniting to face problem for seven decades. Peace is possible; believe and move all mountains. Let us reach the challenges we will overcome in the name peace is the only way. As Christians let us our promised land of peace and prosperity of the Lord. I commend the generous support struggle towards peace based on Justice. United in the great name of Jesus. rendered to the poor during these days. Unity I am of the firm belief that the arc of histo- is our strength and calling. ry bends towards Justice. For that we need to * President of Bishops’Conference of Myanmar & We have faced other types of unarticulated unite as the people of peace. The peace of President of FABC page 6 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 22 January 2021, number 4

VAT I C A N BULLETIN Condolences from the Holy Father Rememb ering AUDIENCES Nuova-Soure, Brazil. He was ordained a CO N G R E G AT I O NFOR THE priest on 18 May 1985. He was ordained CAU S E S OF SAINTS a bishop on 27 July 2002, subsequent to Thursday, 14 January his appointment as Bishop of Alagoin- The Holy Father appointed Bishop Cardinal Scheid Cardinal Luis Francisco Ladaria Fer- has. Fabio Fabene, of Montefi- rer, S J, Prefect of the Congregation for The Holy Father appointed Bishop ascone, as Secretary of the Congregation Cardinal Eusébio Oscar Scheid passed away on 13 January. Upon learn- the Doctrine of the Faith Joaquim Wladimir Lopes Dias as Bish- for the Causes of Saints. Until now he ing of his death, the Pope sent his condolences by telegram to Cistercian Cardinal , Archbishop op of Lorena, Brazil. Until now he has has served as Undersecretary for the Cardinal Orani João Tempesta, who succeeded the late Cardinal as Arch- of Bologna, Italy served as Bishop of Colatina, Brazil (13 Synod of Bishops (18 Jan.). bishop of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro. The following is a brief biog- Bishop Vittorio Francesco Viola of Jan.). raphy of Cardinal Scheid along with a translation of the Holy Father’s Tortona, Italy Bishop Lopes Dias, 63, was born in telegram, which was written in Portuguese. Cafelândia, Brazil. He was ordained a OF Friday, 15 January priest on 12 December 1997. He was or- I have learned with great sorrow the news of the death of O CIAL CIENCES Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Pre- dained a bishop on 4 March 2012, subse- S S Cardinal Eusébio Oscar Scheid and wish to assure my fect of the Congregation for the Evange- quent to his appointment as titular Bish- prayerful solidarity in this moment of mourning with you lisation of Peoples op of Sita and of Vitó- The Holy Father appointed as a member and with all the faithful who found in him a zealous Pastor. H.E. Mrs Sally Jane Axworthy, Am- ria, Espirito Santo, Brazil. On 4 March of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sci- His episcopal motto “God is good” reminds us of God’s bassador of Great Britain to the Holy 2015 he was appointed Bishop of Colati- ences Prof. Jutta Allmendinger, Presi- goodness to his Church, this remembrance being truly con- See na. dent of the WZB Berlin Social Science soling when we remember our beloved Dom Eusébio who H.E. Mrs Callista L. Gingrich, Am- The Holy Father accepted the resigna- Center (20 Jan.). served the with so much courage, as he was bassador of the United States of Ameri- tion presented by Bishop Giovanni San- the first Bishop of São José dos Campos and with equal care ca to the Holy See, on her farewell visit tucci from the pastoral care of the Dio- led the Archdiocese of Florianópolis and the metropolitan cese of Massa Carrara-Pontremoli, Italy CARDINAL TA K E S POSSESSION See of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro. While I thank the Saturday, 16 January (15 Jan.). Most High for having given so generous a Pastor to the Cardinal , PSS, Prefect of The Holy Father accepted the resigna- Church in Brazil, I raise fervent prayers that He welcome the tion presented by Bishop Joseph Đình On Saturday, 23 January, Cardinal Sil- him into His eternal bliss, and comfort with hope in resurrec- Mr Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Di- Đúc Đao from the pastoral care of the vano Maria Tomasi, CS, Special Delegate tion all those who mourn the loss of their beloved Pastor. I castery for Communication Diocese of Xuân Lôc, Viêt Nam. He is to the Sovereign Military Order of Mal- convey to them the Apostolic Blessing, as a pledge of com- succeeded by Bishop John Đo Văn ta, will take possession of the Deaconry forting heavenly favours. Monday, 18 January Ngân. Until now he has served as titular of San Nicola in Carcere in Rome. Archbishop Gianpiero Palmieri, titu- Bishop of Buleliana and Auxiliary of the FRANCIS PP lar of Idassa, Vice-Regent for the Dio- said diocese (16 Jan.). cese of Rome Bishop Đo Văn Ngân, 67, was born in NECROLO GY Fr Roberto Del Riccio, S J, Provincial Ninh Dinh, Viêt Nam. He was ordained Cardinal Eusébio Oscar theology and liturgy until his for Italy of the a priest on 14 January 1992. He was or- Scheid, S C ,J Archbishop appointment as Bishop of dained a bishop on 1 June 2017, subse- Bishop Adam Dyczkowski, Bishop emeritus of Saõ Sebastião do São José dos Campos on 11 Wednesday, 20 January quent to his appointment as titular Bish- emeritus of Zielona Góra-Gorzów, Rio de Janeiro, Ordinary February 1981, followed by Members of the La Spezia soccer op of Buleliana and Auxiliary of Xuân Poland, at age 88 (10 Jan.) emeritus for Eastern-Rite his episcopal ordination on team Lôc. Bishop Luis Adriano Piedrahíta San- faithful resident in Brazil, the following 1 May. doval of Santa Marta, Colombia, at age He was appointed 74 (11 Jan.) Archbishop of Floria- CHANGES IN EP I S C O PAT E APOSTOLIC Archbishop Oscar Rizzato, Almoner nópolis on 23 January emeritus of the Office of Papal Chari- 1991, and on 25 July The Holy Father appointed Bishop ties, titular Archbishop of Virunum, at 2001 he became Arch- Paulo Romeu Dantas Bastos as Bishop The Holy Father appointed Archbish- age 91 (11 Jan.) bishop of São Sebastião of Jequié, Brazil. Until now he has op Giovanni d’Aniello, titular Archbish- Bishop Florentin Crihălmeanu of do Rio de Janeiro. That served as Bishop of Alagoinhas, Brazil op of Paestum and Apostolic Nuncio to Cluj-Gherla, Romania, at age 61 (12 same year he was named (13 Jan.). the Russian Federation, as Apostolic Jan.) Ordinary for Eastern- Bishop Dantas Bastos, 65, was born in Nuncio to Uzbekistan (14 Jan.). Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of Glas- Rite faithful resident in gow, at age 70 (13 Jan.) Brazil. He also served as Bishop Moses Hamungole of Monze, President of South Re- Zambia, at age 53 (13 Jan.) gion IV of the Brazilian Archbishop Abel Gabuza, Bishops’ C o n f e re n c e . First group of homeless people receive Archbishop of Durban, South Africa, at He was created and age 65 (17 Jan.) proclaimed Cardinal by Covid-19 vaccination at the Vatican Bishop Vincent Michael Rizzotto, Saint John Paul II in the Auxiliary Bishop emeritus of the Arch- consistory of 21 October On Wednesday, 20 Jan- diocese of Galveston-Houston, USA, at 2003, receiving the Title uary, in the atrium of the age 89 (17 Jan.) of Ss. Bonifacio e Paul VI Hall, as the Vat- Bishop Vincent Logan, Bishop emeri- Alessio. ican City State vaccina- tus of Dunkeld, Scotland, at age 79 (14 Cardinal Scheid re- tion program proceeds, a Jan.) tired from his position first group of some 25 Bishop Mario Cecchini, Bishop emer- was born on 8 December as Archbishop of Saõ Sebas- homeless people perma- itus of Fano-Fossombrone-Cagli-Pergo- 1932 in Bom Retiro, Joaçaba, tião do Rio de Janeiro on 27 nently housed in the care la, Italy, at age 87 (13 Jan.). Brazil. He studied at the De- February 2009, and retired as and residence facilities of Archbishop Philip Edward Wilson, honian Fathers’ Seminary Ordinary on 28 July 2010. the Office of Papal Char- Archbishop emeritus of Adelaide, Aus- and was ordained a priest on He participated in the con- ities received their first tralia, at age 70 (17 Jan.) 3 July 1960 in Rome. He clave of April 2005 which dose of the vaccine Bishop Francisco Daniel Rivera held a specialization and a elected Pope Benedict XVI. against Covid-19. Further Sánchez, M.Sp.S. Auxiliary Bishop of doctorate in Christology. Cardinal Scheid passed groups are to follow in México, Federal District, titular Bishop Upon return to his home- away on Wednesday after- the coming days. of Aradi, at age 65 (18 Jan.) land, he taught dogmatic noon, 13 January.

Pope prays for Indonesians in the wake of natural disaster Many victims and widespread damage caused by the earthquake in West Sulawesi

On Friday, 15 January, Pope Fran- According to the latest reports, while Caritas Indonesia (KA R I N A) cis offered his condolences and the earthquake left 86 dead, over has already been working in the solidarity following the terrible 300 injured and more than 30,000 area, thanks also to the contribu- earthquake that struck the island displaced. Details continue to tion of Italian Caritas, which of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Signed by change as hundreds of people are called for donations to help relief Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro still missing and rescuers continue Rescuers search for efforts through its website Parolin, the telegram expressed the to search for survivors among the survivors at a www.caritas.it. Caritas Indonesia’s Holy Father’s sadness over “the rubble. Rescue efforts have been collapsed building local director Fr Fredy Rante tragic loss of life and the destruc- aggravated by several landslides, a in Mamuju city Taruk reported that the local tion of property caused by the vi- lack of electricity and the pandem- (AFP) parishes of Mamuju, the town olent earthquake in Indonesia” and ic, which in Indonesia has already most critically affected, and Poli- “his heartfelt solidarity with all caused more than 25,000 deaths, wali had opened an emergency re- those affected by this natural disas- making it the country most gravely ception centre for displaced peo- ter”. The Pope is praying “for the affected by Covid-19 in South East ple, and a team had been sent to repose of the deceased, the healing Asia. the area to join the local teams of the injured and the consolation In addition to expressing its and the many volunteers involved of all who grieve”, and in particu- closeness to the people of West in efforts to assess what is mostly lar, he “offers encouragement to Sulawesi, the Italian Bishops Con- needed, including logistical needs the civil authorities and those in- ference has announced that it will such as food, clean water, blankets volved in the continuing search send 500,000 euros in aid to those and tents as well as medical sup- and rescue efforts”. affected by the earthquake. Mean- plies. number 4, Friday, 22 January 2021 L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO page 7

Pope encourages bishops and priests of Venezuela Close to those suffering from

poverty and the pandemic People await donations in Caracas, Ve n e z u e l a . Kicking off a virtual meeting organized by current context”, Pope Francis said, “de- the Venezuelan , mands that we act in this way. We cannot held on 19-20 January, Pope Francis shared act alone, isolated, self-sufficient, with hid- a video message in which he encouraged den agendas”. It is important, he contin- closeness to those suffering due to poverty ued, that “we always turn to Jesus, that we and the pandemic. The theme of the meet- meet in sacramental fraternity, to tell him ing was “Our priests in the pandemic: their and tell each other ‘all that we have done experience and ministerial exercise in this and taught’, with the conviction that it is p erio d”. not our work but God’s”. Because “it is he In his message the Pope emphasized to who saves us; we are only tools in his attendees that the occasion was “an event hands”. to share, in a spirit of ministerial fraternity, The aim of the virtual assembly, he not- your priestly experiences, your efforts, ed, was to enable the meeting “of those your uncertainties, as well as your hope who have received the mission to witness work”. This is what the Lord wants us to we need to rekindle “the desire to imitate and your conviction to advance the work and extend the Lord’s paternity to the holy be, the Pope observed: “experts in the task the Good Shepherd, and learn to be ‘ser- of the Church, which is the work of the faithful People of God”. Thus the Pope of- of loving others and the capacity to show vants’of everyone, in particular of our less L o rd ”. He shared that these difficult times fered “two principles”that “guarantee the them, in the simplicity of small, everyday fortunate and often rejected brothers and call to mind a passage from the Gospel of growth of the Church, if we are faithful: gestures of affection and attention, the ca- sisters”, and to ensure that “in this time of Mark (cf. 6:30-31), in which the disciples, love of neighbour and service to others. ress of divine tenderness”. crisis they feel accompanied, supported, upon returning from their mission, tell the These two principles”, he said, are the We must also be “humble servants”, said loved”. Thus he encouraged his “dear Lord “all that they had done and all that foundation of Jesus’message: “the Eu- the Holy Father, “because it is Jesus who brother Bishops and Priests”to “go forth, they had taught”, and then the Lord in- charist, to teach love, and the washing of calls us and reminds us that a servant is not working with joy and decision in your pas- vites them to go with him and rest. “O ur feet, to teach service. Love and peace to- greater than his Lord, nor is the one sent toral work. To renew the gift of yourselves being Pastors of the Church, even in the gether”, he recalled, “otherwise it doesn’t greater than the one who sent him”. Thus, to the Lord and to his holy people”.

Catholic Church President of the Irish Catholic Bishops’C o n f e re n c e in England and Wales celebrates The Church and Peace Sunday State’s apology to victims

The Catholic Church in England day, ’s National Presi- In a statement released on 12 January on crecy and social ostracism that “unmarried and Wales celebrated Peace Sun- dent, Archbishop Malcolm the occasion of the publication of Ireland’s mothers”and their children were forced to day on 17 January. The celebration McMahon of Liverpool, who is al- mother and baby homes report, Archbishop endure. “To g e t h e r ”, he continued, “we occurs yearly on the third Sunday so Vice President of the Bishops’ Eamon Martin of Armagh, President of the must ask ‘How could this happen?’, and of January to reflect on the Holy Conference of England and Wales Irish Catholic Bishops’Conference, called “identify, accept and respond to the broad- Fa t h e r ’s message for World Day (CBCEW), wrote to parishes to en- on “all those who are in positions of leader- er issues which the Report raises”. courage them to sup- ship in the Church to study this lengthy re- “We must continue to find ways of reach- port the work of Pax port carefully and especially to spend time ing out to those whose personal testimonies Christi and to raise up are central to this Report”, Martin the Gospel message of continued, as well as be committed peace: “The Christian “to doing what we can to help and message of peace, support them”. Many of the sur- through reconciliation, vivors are still trying to rebuild justice and nonviolence, their personal history and search can offer hope and di- for members of their family. Their rection in these times”. right “to access personal informa- Many dioceses across tion about themselves”should be England and Wales ac- fully respected, the Archbishop tively promoted Peace said. He urged “the State to ensure Sunday on their web- that any remaining obstacles to in- sites and in their parish- formation and tracing should be es. Resources, including o v e rc o m e ”. Indeed, he added, as Pope Francis’Wo r l d “Church, State and wider society Peace Day Message, a we must ensure together that, in liturgy booklet, a flyer the Ireland of today, all children of Peace. Resources for parishes, with ideas for parishes, schools, reflecting on the courageous testimonies of and their mothers feel wanted, welcomed young people and schools are pro- individuals, families, groups and a the witnesses to the Commission”. Arch- and loved”. vided by Pax Christi, part of the script for a short talk about the bishop Martin unreservedly apologised to An estimated 9,000 children or babies international Catholic peace move- Peace Sunday theme, can be the survivors and to all those who were af- are believed to have died in these kinds of ment which, on this occasion also found on Pax Christi’s website: fected. He invited everyone to reflect on the institutes between 1922 and 1998. Ireland’s collects offerings and donations www.paxchristi.org.uk/p eace-sun- Report which highlights a hidden part of Prime Minister Micheál Martin also offered from parishes to support its year- day-2021. I re l a n d ’s history, depicting the isolation, se- his apologies on behalf of the State. round work for peace and against military spending and nuclear weap ons. This year Peace Sunday focused on Pope Francis’Message for the 100 days since his arrest on accusations of terrorism 54th World Peace Day, celebrated on January 1st with the theme “A culture of care as a path to peace”, Renewed calls for the release of Father Swamy in which the Pope called on lead- ers of governments, international Fr Stan Swamy, the elderly Je- other religions and activists in Swamy, on twitter. The case munity of loyal law-abiding organizations and businesses, sci- suit Indian activist involved in Jharkhand State participated has also come to the attention citizens at the service of Moth- entists, communicators and educa- defending the human rights of in a candle-lit procession in of the United Nations Office er India, contributing to tors, to take up the principles of indigenous people in Jhark- Dumka, a peaceful protest of the High Commissioner for building the nation and con- as a hand State who was arrested against the unjust detention of Human Rights. Speaking at tinuing to cooperate with the “compass”to achieve “a more hu- last 8 October on charges of the religious. Speaking to the an online meeting to mark 100 government for the common mane future”, particularly in light terrorism and sedition, remains online Catholic daily, “Matters days of Fr Stan’s detention, good of all Indians and for of the Covid-19 pandemic. High- imprisoned. One hundred of India”, one protester said the UN Special Rapporteur progress in India. Further ap- lighting the connection between days since his arrest by the that Fr Stan had defended the on the Situation of Human peals for Fr Stan’s release have social injustice and violent con- National Investigation Agency, cause of “our poor tribals”and Rights Defenders, Mary come from the Conference of flict, the message urges everyone India’s anti-terrorist agency, “is an ideal example for all Lawlor, spoke about the illegal Religious India, the Federa- to become “a prophetic witness of the priest continues to be de- Christians”. nature of his arrest. tion of Asian Bishops’Confer- the culture of care”in order to tained at Taloja prison in Meanwhile, the Jesuit Con- The Catholic Bishops Con- ences and several Indian News overcome social inequalities, Mumbai, despite the inconsis- ference of South Asia renewed ference of India, which de- p oliticians. which can only be achieved tent evidence against him, his its efforts for the release of scribed Fr Stan’s arrest as “in- Fr Stan suffers from Parkin- “through a widespread and mean- precarious health conditions, their confrère. Among the c o m p re h e n s i b l e ”, highlighted son’s Disease. He is accused of ingful involvement on the part of especially in a time of pan- most active voices is that of Fr the Jesuit’s commitment to de- having ties to Maoist rebels women, in the family and in every demic, and repeated appeals Cedrik Prakash, also a human fending the rights of the Adi- and of being involved in vio- social, political and institutional for his release. rights activist, who recently vasi people. Catholics in In- lent unrest that took place in s p h e re ”. On Friday, 15 January, launched the hashtags #Stand- dia, the bishops said, have al- Bhima-Koregaon, Maharash- On the occasion of Peace Sun- Christian faithful, members of withStan and #FreeStan- ways been respected as a com- tra. page 8L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO Friday, 22 January 2021, number 4

Fratelli Tutti

A group of students wrapped in the Aboriginal flag, participate in the Kokoda Track Reconciliation Trek organized by Reconciliation SA, courtesy of i n d i g e n o u s . g o v. a u

ST E FA N O GIROLA Moreover, even a nation of average wealth and privilege like Australia, in which some of “But let man unto man like brethren act, the old problems of underdevelopment de- My doctrine that suits to a T, scribed by the Encyclical have been overcome The heart that can feel for the woes of another, for some time, is not immune from some of the Oh, that’s the religion for me”. evils stigmatized by the Pope. These were the verses of a traditional song of The brilliant image of material well-being, the Australian bush, published by the “Bul- of great technological development, of cleanli- letin”in 1905. Historian Russel Ward quoted ness, order and civic sense, hide —only to dis- this song in a now classic book, The Australian tracted or evasive eyes —other less pleasant but Legend (1958), as a clear example of a core value real aspects that paint a much more complex of Australian culture, expressed by the term picture than that expressed by the popular ep- ‘mateship’. ithets of “Australia Felix”, or “Lucky Coun- A term that encompasses the importance of try”. loyalty, equality and, above all, friendship. Still Surely, the way in which Australia and its today, when a stranger greets us by calling us neighbour New Zealand have managed to face ‘mate’, all the social, cultural and ethnic barri- Australian society and policies challenged by indications of the Pontiff the Covid-19 pandemic has confirmed that, all ers that divide us seem to melt in a brief things considered, people live much better here epiphany of our common humanity, in the des- than in many other parts of the world. But not perate search for friendship and fraternity. For even this land has been saved from those this reason too, Pope Francis’latest Encyclical, In name of a crushing social phenomena that the pandemic centred on the theme of universal fraternity, has exacerbated and on which Fratelli Tutti is fo- can speak directly to the heart and mind of all cused. Australians. In Australia too, the grave consequences are Of course, like all values, mateship is also common humanity now evident of a growing individualism and of manifested above all on the level of ideals, an economic model that has advantaged the ul- more than on the practice of interpersonal rela- tra-rich while increasing the precariousness and tionships or political actions. The federation But the references of the Papal Encyclical to tion of a xenophobia still lingering in several fragility of the weakest classes. established in 1901 was not based on the values the importance of reconciliation, which must sectors of the population, along with the in- A nation in which 88% of people regularly of mateship, but on the White Australia policy be based on a forgiveness never separated from crease of Islamophobic tendencies. It was in use the Internet has certainly benefited from that left at the margins of the modern nation the historical memory of the wrongs suffered fact an Australian, the 28-year-old Brenton technologies that have reduced or erased that both the original inhabitants of the continent by the victims; the reference to solidarity with Harrison Tarrant, who on 15 March 2019 killed “tyranny of distance”that has marked, often and immigrants of colour. Better still, mateship the most vulnerable, including those who seek 51 faithful at the Mosque in Christchurch, New negatively, Australian life. But at the same officially remained a primary and shared value, more dignified living conditions in another Zealand, promoting his heinous gesture live via time, the only explicit citation to Australian but which in reality excluded entire human land: all this should offer reasons for deep social media. bishops in the Encyclical refers precisely to the groups, among which many women who did thinking to Australians as well. The extremism of identity ideologies and of most deleterious effects of the use of the new not identify themselves with its militaristic or Despite much progress achieved, today In- white supremacy that armed Tarrant’s hands re- digital technologies, in strong growth Down chauvinistic connotations. digenous Australians are still over-represented mains a small minority in Australian society and Under too: the narcissistic obsession fuelled by Still today, more than a century after the in statistics on social disadvantage, while the politics. However, it is undeniable that Pope social media that create the illusion of a fragile birth of the federation, millions of Australian physical and psychological suffering of asylum B e rg o g l i o ’s reminder of the risks of a “xenopho - “connection”, a poor substitute for the deep children sing in school the verses of a national seekers in Nauru or in Papua New Guinea do bic mentality, as people close in on themselves” bonds of friendship and fraternity; the threats anthem that promises “those who’ve come not even scratch the surface of the apathy and is not without relevance for society. to privacy; the fruition of pornographic and vi- across the seas”,“boundless plains to share”. indifference of a large part of the population. Many Australian leaders could reflect on the olent images even by the very young; hatred, They sing with naive confidence in the values It would be unjust, however, to characterize Pop e’s condemnation of political strategies insults and aggression in place of dialogue and of equality and justice for all, which they feel as Australian attitudes toward people in need of with limited horizons, obsessed with electoral the civil exchange of dissenting opinions; last- typically ‘Aussie’, but their joyful song does refuge and solidarity only through the prism of consensus and guided by opinion polls. On ly, the deleterious influence that the spread of not reach their Afghan, Indonesian or Pak- bipartisan policies that prevent boat people the one hand, the proverbial Aussie pragma- fake news can have on the democratic pro- istani peers confined with their families in de- from landing on the continent. Indeed, Aus- tism and innate suspicion of grand ideologies cess. tention centres on remote islands of the Pacific, tralia maintains a generous immigration pro- have preserved the recent history of this nation For this too, the wisdom with which the guilty of having dreamed of reaching those gramme that has allowed thousands of people from civil wars, from totalitarianism and from Pope addresses the topic of the impact of new lush and boundless plains. to find safety, freedoms and opportunities un- the bitter ideological contrasts that have technologies has much to offer to those Aus- This discrepancy among ideals professed as thinkable in their countries of origin. caused much bloodshed in the “old world”. tralian politicians, educators and parents who central to one’s own culture or religion and The recent opening toward parts of the On the other hand, there are undeniable limi- ask themselves how to ensure that technologi- their application to the personal or political world less represented in previous immigration tations to a certain way of policy-making that cal progress is at the service of the most pro- level naturally do not pertain to Australia programmes, such as the Middle East and Sub- pursues only short-term results, far removed found needs of the human person and not of alone: how many human individuals or groups Saharan Africa, and the solidarity expressed to- from those ideals of openness to universal fra- the interests of oligarchs and economic poten- live in absolute consistency with their openly ward Islamic terrorism by some new immi- ternity and to the needs of the weakest, hoped tates, creators of new types of mental slavery expressed ideals? grants in Australia, are linked with the re-igni- for by the Pontiff in the Encyclical. and alienation.

Holy Father's prayer intention for the month of January At the service of human fraternity

“At the service of human fraterni- kippah. Indeed, the Pope contin- ration of God and love of neigh- ty”is the prayer intention for the ues, “fraternity leads us to open b our”. month of January, which Pope ourselves to the Father of all and The three are then shown gath- Francis is entrusting to all to see in the other a brother or sis- ered together as they set up and Catholics through the Worldwide ter, to share our lives or to support, distribute food to the poor in a Prayer Network. to love, and to know each other”. spirit of fraternity. The video con- “When we pray to God follow- “The Church values God’s ac- cludes with the Holy Father’s invi- ing Jesus, we come together as tion in other religions”. In the pur- tation to pray to the Lord that he brothers and sisters with those suit of this spirit of fraternity, the “may give us the grace to live in who pray according to other cul- Pope also reminds us not to forget full fellowship with our brothers tures, other traditions and other that, “for us Christians, the well- and sisters of other religions and b eliefs”, the Pope says, as images spring of human dignity and fra- not fight each other, and praying of members of the great monothe- ternity, is in the Gospel of Jesus for one another, open ourselves to istic traditions are seen at prayer, Christ”. Thus, as believers, we all”. each according to their custom. A “must return to our sources and The video which can be viewed Muslim woman is depicted kneel- concentrate on what is essential”. at www.thepopevideo.org, has ing down in prayer as she faces to- After finishing their moment of been translated into nine lan- wards Mecca, a Christian woman prayer, the video shows the three guages and was created and pro- prays with a in her hands as protagonists communicating with duced by the Pope’s Worldwide she gazes at a picture of Our Lady one another via telephone text Prayer Network in cooperation and a Jewish man stands holding a messages. “What is essential to our with La Machi Agency and the Di- sacred text, wearing the tallit and faith”, the Pope adds, “is the ado- castery for Communication.