Latest news with #ApostolicExhortation
Herald Malaysia
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Herald Malaysia
Archbishop Kurtz: US Church saw in Pope Francis the face of God's mercy
In an interview with Vatican News, Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, the former President of the US Bishops' Conference who accompanied the late Pope on his Apostolic Visit to the United States in 2015, says Americans "were yearning" for Pope Francis' message of mercy. Apr 25, 2025 Archbishop Kurtz and former President Barack Obama welcome Pope Francis to the United States on September 19, 2015 By Deborah Castellano Lubov"The Church and our nation saw in Pope Francis the face of God's mercy." The former head of the US Bishops, who led the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops during the Holy Father's historic visit to the United States in 2015, Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, made that statement in an interview with Vatican News. The Archbishop Emeritus of Louisville, Kentucky, began the interview by acknowledging that "not only the Church, but the world is mourning the death of Pope Francis." 'People yearned for his message of mercy' While expressing disbelief that it's been almost ten years since the late Pope made his Apostolic Journey to the United States in September of 2015, he said, "My mind and heart are filled with memories." "The Church and our nation saw in Pope Francis," he emphasized, "the face of God's mercy, and he was clear in saying that he's not the Messiah, but that Jesus is." 'The Church and our nation saw in Pope Francis the face of God's mercy.' "I think he was received so well," he highlighted, because "we live in such a hurting world that people yearn to hear the message of mercy." Archbishop Kurtz praised the "beautiful pastoral message" throughout Pope Francis' Apostolic Exhortation, ' Evangelii Gaudium, 'The Joy of the Gospel,' noting it is something "that perhaps will tie together the twelve years of his service as our Holy Father." "This exhortation," he said, "really came from his heart and from his priorities." America welcomed Pope's affirmations of human dignity In a special way, the former head of the US Bishops recalled the Pope's visit to Washington, DC, and his widely appreciated remarks to the Joint Meeting of Congress. "I think it was his address at the Joint Meeting of Congress that was the most moving to me, and perhaps it will be the most remembered in many ways, not just in Church records, but in the history of our nation." The reason for this, he noted, is because "Pope Francis spoke of freedom and the need to use freedom well and to treat people with dignity." "But," Archbishop Kurtz marveled, "he especially spoke about American heroes, people, everybody from Doctor Martin Luther King Junior to Thomas Merton, to Dorothy Day. He made his presentation so personal and personable." Having accompanied the Holy Father during the Apostolic Journey through Washington, New York, and Philadelphia, he reflected on the final leg of the visit to Philadelphia. Reeling in beautiful memories "In Philadelphia, he stayed at Saint Charles Seminary, which is my alma mater , where I went to the seminary," he remembered, expressing his joy to be there. "Another memorable visit," he underscored, "was to a prison in Northeast Philadelphia," noting how meaningful it was to be there with Pope Francis, adding, "It certainly struck me that one of the last visits, pastoral visits he made around Easter time, was again to a prison." After this reflection, Archbishop Kurtz reflected with a final thought. "Certainly, our Church mourns," he noted, "but I think many of us will just reel in the beautiful memories of our Holy Father." 'Certainly, our Church mourns, but I think many of us will just reel in the beautiful memories of our Holy Father.'--Vatican News
Gulf News
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Gulf News
Who am I to judge? Pope Francis in key quotes
Key quotes from Pope Francis's papacy: Humility "Pray for me" - pronounced at the end of every speech, because, he once explained, "I am a sinner too." His first tweet and first post on Instagram were versions of the mantra. The poor "How I would like a poor church for the poor" - setting the tone for his pontificate, three days after his election in March 2013. Tolerance "If someone is gay and is searching for the Lord and has good will, then who am I to judge him?" - groundbreaking signal of a more tolerant church, July 2013. Inequality "The worship of the ancient golden calf has returned in a new and ruthless guise in the idolatry of money and the dictatorship of an impersonal economy lacking a truly human purpose" - opposition to economic inequality spelled out in 2013 Apostolic Exhortation. Environment "The Earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth" - from his June 2015 encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si. Clerical sex abuse Speaking in February 2019 of the scourge of the sexual abuse of minors, he said: "I am reminded of the cruel religious practice, once widespread in certain cultures, of sacrificing human beings -- frequently children -- in pagan rites." And on his own failings, after initially defending a bishop accused of covering up abuse in a row that rocked the Church in Chile, he said in April 2018: "I have incurred grave mistakes of judgement and perception of the situation, especially due to the lack of truthful and balanced information." Developing world "The land of the southern poor is rich and mostly unpolluted, yet access to ownership of goods and resources for meeting vital needs is inhibited by a system of commercial relations and ownership which is structurally perverse," - advocating the cause of the southern hemisphere in Laudato Si. Migrants "In this world of globalisation we have fallen into a globalisation of indifference. We are accustomed to the suffering of others, it doesn't concern us, it's none of our business" - railing against the world closing its eyes to the plight of migrants, on the Italian island of Lampedusa in July 2013. Old Europe "We encounter a general impression of weariness and ageing, of a Europe which is now a 'grandmother', no longer fertile and vibrant" - addressing the European Parliament in November 2014. Shooting from the hip "Some people think, and excuse the term, that to be good Catholics, they must be like rabbits" - typically pithy, improvised comment to reporters on the papal plane, January 2015. Church reform "A Curia that is not self-critical, that does not stay up-to-date, that does not seek to better itself, is an ailing body... It is the sickness of the rich fool who thinks he will live for all eternity" - from his December 2014 attack on the Vatican establishment, which he accused in the same speech of suffering from "spiritual Alzheimer's." Donald Trump "Anyone, whoever he is, who only wants to build walls and not bridges is not a Christian," the pontiff said in February 2016, on the return from Mexico, when asked about the then-US presidential hopeful's anti-immigration stance. When Trump returned to the White House in 2025, Francis condemned the president's migrant deportation plans as a "calamity" and a "major crisis". Mercy "There is no sin that God's mercy cannot reach and wipe away when it finds a repentant heart seeking to be reconciled with the Father," - extending permanently his decree allowing priests to grant absolution to women who have had abortions, at the end of his Jubilee Year of Mercy in November 2016. Common touch "When I pray, sometimes I fall asleep," he said in an episode of a Catholic TV2000 television programme in October 2017.
Time of India
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Wisdom of Pope Francis: Key quotes that define his Papacy
Pope Francis died at the age of 88 (Image: AP) After a prolonged illness, Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta. His death came just a day after he delighted the crowds of worshippers at the Vatican on Easter Sunday with an appearance on the balcony at Saint Peter's Basilica. Francis was known for his humble nature, empathy for the poor and was an ardent supporter of environment conservation . The legacy of Pope Francis is reflected in the key quotes he delivered on numerous occasions. Humility: The Pope's modesty was reflected in his simple words during a homily at Casa Santa Marta on January 23, 2015: 'Your sins are great? Just tell the Lord: Forgive me, help me to get up again, change my heart!'" by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Best-Paying Degrees of 2025 Are Not What You Think Best Paying Degrees | Search Ads Learn More Undo The poor: Pope Francis used to call refugees as 'nobles of the street'. Three days after his election in March 2013, he said, "How I would like a poor church for the poor" setting the tone for his papacy. Tolerance: The Pope has consistently taken an inclusive approach toward the LGBTQ community. Speaking to reporters on a flight back from Brazil on July 29, 2013, when asked about his views on LGBTQ individuals, he said, "If someone is gay and is searching for the Lord and has good will, then who am I to judge? We shouldn't marginalize people for this. They must be integrated into society." Inequality: Pope Francis has consistently spoken against inequality, viewing it as the root cause of social and economic problems. In the Apostolic Exhortation, a magisterial document written by him, he asserted, "The worship of the ancient golden calf has returned in a new and ruthless guise in the idolatry of money and the dictatorship of an impersonal economy lacking a truly human purpose". Environment: Pope Francis asserted on environment conservation viewing it as the matter to be addressed quickly. A prominent quote from his June 2015 encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si says, "The Earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth". Developing world: Pope Francis in his encyclical, Laudato Si, emphasizes that despite possessing rich and relatively unpolluted land, the poor in the south face obstacles in meeting their vital needs since they have no control over their resources. He quoted, "The land of the southern poor is rich and mostly unpolluted, yet access to ownership of goods and resources for meeting vital needs is inhibited by a system of commercial relations and ownership which is structurally perverse." Migrants: Speaking out against the world's indifference to the plight of migrants, Pope Francis, during his visit to the Italian island of Lampedusa in July 2013, said: "In this world of globalisation we have fallen into a globalisation of indifference. We are accustomed to the suffering of others, it doesn't concern us, it's none of our business." Old Europe: During his visit to the European Parliament in November 2014, Pope addressed, "We encounter a general impression of weariness and ageing, of a Europe which is now a 'grandmother', no longer fertile and vibrant". Church reform: During his Christmas address to the Roman Curia (Vatican's administrative body), the Pope criticized the Vatican bureaucracy stating, "A Curia that is not self-critical, that does not stay up-to-date, that does not seek to better itself, is an ailing body... It is the sickness of the rich fool who thinks he will live for all eternity." Donald Trump : In February 2016, after his return from Mexico, the pontiff said, "Anyone, whoever he is, who only wants to build walls and not bridges is not a Christian," when asked about the then-US presidential hopeful's anti-immigration stance. After Trump's return to the White House in 2025, Francis condemned the president's migrant deportation plans as a "calamity" and a "major crisis". Mercy: During the commemoration of the Jubilee year of Mercy in November 2016,the Pope allowed all priests to forgive the sin of abortion. He said, "There is no sin that God's mercy cannot reach and wipe away when it finds a repentant heart seeking to be reconciled with the Father." Common touch: In an episode of a Catholic TV2000 television programme aired in October 2017, he said, "When I pray, sometimes I fall asleep". Every Sunday after leading the Angelus prayer, he wished the crowd: "Buon pranzo", i.e., have a good lunch. Vaccines: During the covid pandemic, Pope Francis urged people to get the coronavirus vaccine in early 2021, saying those who opposed it were in "suicidal denial". The quotes cited by Pope Francis enshrines us with his words of wisdom. These powerful quotes do not only reflect the essence of his papacy but also offer his legacy in compassion, humility, and moral clarity.
NZ Herald
21-04-2025
- Politics
- NZ Herald
‘Who am I to judge?' Pope Francis in key quotes
Tolerance 'If someone is gay and is searching for the Lord and has good will, then who am I to judge him?' – groundbreaking signal of a more tolerant church, July 2013. Inequality 'The worship of the ancient golden calf has returned in a new and ruthless guise in the idolatry of money and the dictatorship of an impersonal economy lacking a truly human purpose' – opposition to economic inequality spelled out in the 2013 Apostolic Exhortation. Environment 'The Earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth' – from his June 2015 encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si. Clerical sex abuse Speaking in February 2019 of the scourge of the sexual abuse of minors, he said: 'I am reminded of the cruel religious practice, once widespread in certain cultures, of sacrificing human beings – frequently children – in pagan rites.' And on his own failings, after initially defending a bishop accused of covering up abuse in a row that rocked the Church in Chile, he said in April 2018: 'I have incurred grave mistakes of judgment and perception of the situation, especially due to the lack of truthful and balanced information.' Developing world 'The land of the southern poor is rich and mostly unpolluted, yet access to ownership of goods and resources for meeting vital needs is inhibited by a system of commercial relations and ownership which is structurally perverse,' – advocating the cause of the southern hemisphere in Laudato Si. Migrants 'In this world of globalisation, we have fallen into a globalisation of indifference. We are accustomed to the suffering of others, it doesn't concern us, it's none of our business' – railing against the world closing its eyes to the plight of migrants, on the Italian island of Lampedusa in July 2013. Old Europe 'We encounter a general impression of weariness and ageing, of a Europe which is now a 'grandmother', no longer fertile and vibrant' – addressing the European Parliament in November 2014. Shooting from the hip 'Some people think, and excuse the term, that to be good Catholics, they must be like rabbits' – typically pithy, improvised comment to reporters on the papal plane, January 2015. Church reform 'A Curia that is not self-critical, that does not stay up-to-date, that does not seek to better itself, is an ailing body ... It is the sickness of the rich fool who thinks he will live for all eternity' – from his December 2014 attack on the Vatican establishment, which he accused in the same speech of suffering from 'spiritual Alzheimer's'. Donald Trump 'Anyone, whoever he is, who only wants to build walls and not bridges is not a Christian,' the pontiff said in February 2016, on his return from Mexico, when asked about the then-United States presidential hopeful's anti-immigration stance. When Trump returned to the White House in 2025, Francis condemned the President's migrant deportation plans as a 'calamity' and a 'major crisis'. Mercy 'There is no sin that God's mercy cannot reach and wipe away when it finds a repentant heart seeking to be reconciled with the Father,' – extending permanently his decree allowing priests to grant absolution to women who have had abortions, at the end of his Jubilee Year of Mercy in November 2016. Common touch 'When I pray, sometimes I fall asleep,' he said in an episode of a Catholic TV2000 television programme in October 2017. And every Sunday after leading the Angelus prayer, he wished the crowd: 'Buon pranzo' – have a good lunch. Pope Francis urged people to get the coronavirus vaccine in the middle of the global pandemic in early 2021, saying those who opposed it were in 'suicidal denial'. - Agence France-Presse
NDTV
21-04-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
"Who Am I To Judge Him": Key Quotes From Pope Francis' Papacy
Pope Francis has died at the age of 88 after a prolonged illness, the Vatican announced on Monday. Key quotes from Pope Francis's papacy: - Humility - "Pray for me" - pronounced at the end of every speech, because, he once explained, "I am a sinner too." His first tweet and first post on Instagram were versions of the mantra. - The poor - "How I would like a poor church for the poor" - setting the tone for his pontificate, three days after his election in March 2013. Pope Francis, Leader Of 1.4 Billion Catholics, Dies At 88 On Easter Monday - Tolerance - "If someone is gay and is searching for the Lord and has good will, then who am I to judge him?" - groundbreaking signal of a more tolerant church, July 2013. - Inequality - "The worship of the ancient golden calf has returned in a new and ruthless guise in the idolatry of money and the dictatorship of an impersonal economy lacking a truly human purpose" - opposition to economic inequality spelled out in 2013 Apostolic Exhortation. - Environment - "The Earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth" - from his June 2015 encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si. - Clerical sex abuse - Speaking in February 2019 of the scourge of the sexual abuse of minors, he said: "I am reminded of the cruel religious practice, once widespread in certain cultures, of sacrificing human beings -- frequently children -- in pagan rites." And on his own failings, after initially defending a bishop accused of covering up abuse in a row that rocked the Church in Chile, he said in April 2018: "I have incurred grave mistakes of judgement and perception of the situation, especially due to the lack of truthful and balanced information." - Developing world - "The land of the southern poor is rich and mostly unpolluted, yet access to ownership of goods and resources for meeting vital needs is inhibited by a system of commercial relations and ownership which is structurally perverse," - advocating the cause of the southern hemisphere in Laudato Si. - Migrants - "In this world of globalisation we have fallen into a globalisation of indifference. We are accustomed to the suffering of others, it doesn't concern us, it's none of our business" - railing against the world closing its eyes to the plight of migrants, on the Italian island of Lampedusa in July 2013. - Old Europe - "We encounter a general impression of weariness and ageing, of a Europe which is now a 'grandmother', no longer fertile and vibrant" - addressing the European Parliament in November 2014. - Shooting from the hip - "Some people think, and excuse the term, that to be good Catholics, they must be like rabbits" - typically pithy, improvised comment to reporters on the papal plane, January 2015. - Church reform - "A Curia that is not self-critical, that does not stay up-to-date, that does not seek to better itself, is an ailing body... It is the sickness of the rich fool who thinks he will live for all eternity" - from his December 2014 attack on the Vatican establishment, which he accused in the same speech of suffering from "spiritual Alzheimer's." - Donald Trump - "Anyone, whoever he is, who only wants to build walls and not bridges is not a Christian," the pontiff said in February 2016, on the return from Mexico, when asked about the then-US presidential hopeful's anti-immigration stance. When Trump returned to the White House in 2025, Francis condemned the president's migrant deportation plans as a "calamity" and a "major crisis". - Mercy - "There is no sin that God's mercy cannot reach and wipe away when it finds a repentant heart seeking to be reconciled with the Father," - extending permanently his decree allowing priests to grant absolution to women who have had abortions, at the end of his Jubilee Year of Mercy in November 2016. - Common touch - "When I pray, sometimes I fall asleep," he said in an episode of a Catholic TV2000 television programme in October 2017. And every Sunday after leading the Angelus prayer, he wished the crowd: "Buon pranzo" -- have a good lunch. - Vaccines - Pope Francis urged people to get the coronavirus vaccine in the middle of the global pandemic in early 2021, saying those who opposed it were in "suicidal denial".
