Latest news with #DicasteryforPromotingIntegralHumanDevelopment
Herald Malaysia
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Herald Malaysia
Cardinal Czerny asks Church to remember seafarers on Sea Sunday
In his message for Sea Sunday, the second Sunday of July, Cardinal Michael Czerny recognizes seafarers as 'pilgrims of hope' and calls on Catholics to shine a light on the global economy and its effects on those who work on ships and in ports. Jun 28, 2025 FILE PHOTO: Container ship crosses the Gulf of Suez towards the Red Sea before entering the Suez Canal By Christopher WellsBasing his reflection on the insight of Vatican II that whatever is genuinely human resonates in the hearts of Christians, the Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Cardinal Michael Czerny, assures 'all those who work at sea… that they are in the heart of the Church; they are not alone in their demands for justice, dignity, and joy.'Questioning the global economy In his Message for Sea Sunday—observed each year on the second Sunday of July—Cardinal Czerny insists that the Good News of the Risen Christ demands that Christians question 'even more radically… the existing order, because the Kingdom of God calls us to conversion.' So, he continues, 'the whole Church is called to consider how people work in ports and on ships today, with what rights, under what conditions, with what material and spiritual assistance.' In concrete terms, Cardinal Czerny calls on Catholics 'to shine some light on what lies behind our economies, on those who make them work on a daily basis, often not benefitting from them at all and indeed exposing themselves to discrimination and danger.' Seafarers as 'pilgrims of hope' He goes on to express a desire to recognize seafarers as 'pilgrims of hope' who 'embody the desire of every human being… to live a life of dignity, through work, exchange, encounters.' Hope, the Cardinal explains, 'must always remind us of our goal: we are not wanderers without a destiny, but daughters and sons whose dignity no one and nothing can ever erase.' And because we are all brothers and sisters coming from and returning to the same home, 'we can hope.' 'Already today, solidarity among ourselves and among all living beings can be stronger and more alive', Cardinal Czerny says. The sea calls us to conversion After thanking seafarers and their colleagues, whatever their religious or cultural affiliations, the prefect tells them, for being pilgrims of hope, the prefect invites them 'to be bridges even between enemy countries, prophets of peace'. And at the same time he asks ecclesial communities, and especially dioceses encompassing seas, rivers, or lakes, 'to promote attention to the Sea as a physical and spiritual environment that calls us to conversion.'--Vatican News
Newsweek
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
New Pope Update: Favorite Emerges to Replace Francis as Conclave Starts
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. As the conclave to elect the next pope begins, Pietro Parolin has emerged as the betting favorite to succeed Pope Francis, according to the latest market analysis by William Hill. Parolin, who serves as the Vatican secretary of state, has seen his odds shorten to 12/5 (29.4 percent) from 5/2 (28.6 percent) on April 21, overtaking Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, whose odds have drifted to 3/1 (25 percent) from 2/1 (33.3 percent) over the same period. Why It Matters On April 21, Francis died at the age of 88, ending his 13-year papacy. On Wednesday, the search for his replacement begins, a decision set to chart the ideological course of the Roman Catholic Church—with some clergy members expressing concern that Francis' replacement will continue the Argentine's progressive changes. What To Know Parolin, an Italian cardinal, is now seen as a leading candidate. However, Tagle, a former archbishop of Manila, remains a close second in the betting odds. Other prominent candidates include Matteo Zuppi, the archbishop of Bologna, whose odds have shortened to 4/1 (20 percent) from 5/1 (16.7 percent), positioning him as the third favorite. Peter Turkson of Ghana, formerly the head of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, follows at 5/1 (16.7 percent). Turkson's election would make him the first African pope since the fifth century, following Francis' history-making turn as the first Latin American to serve in the role. The Vatican Secretary of State cardinal Pietro Parolin presides at Mass marking the 20th anniversary of the death of Pope St. John Paul II at St. Peter's Basilica on April 02, 2025 in Vatican City,... The Vatican Secretary of State cardinal Pietro Parolin presides at Mass marking the 20th anniversary of the death of Pope St. John Paul II at St. Peter's Basilica on April 02, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. More Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/GETTY Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, has also gained traction in the betting market, moving to 6/1 (14.3 percent) from 8/1 (11.1 percent). Hungarian Peter Erdo, the current Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest, also has odds of 8/1 (11.1 percent) while Guinean Catholic prelate Robert Sarah is on 14/1 (6.7 percent). Parolin has been praised for his diplomatic work, including mediating between the United States and Cuba. Known for his closeness to Francis, the Irish News described him as a "pragmatist" who wants "progress while adhering to the tradition and heritage of the Catholic Church." He described a 2015 Irish vote to legalize same-sex marriage as "a defeat for humanity." The next pope is being selected during an ongoing papal conclave which began on Wednesday by members of the College of Cardinals. Up to four rounds of voting will take place each day until one candidate achieves two-thirds support. What People Are Saying Lee Phelps, a spokesperson for William Hill, told Newsweek: "The conclave has begun to elect the next pope, and it appears that Pietro Parolin, who was replaced as favorite by Luis Antonio Tagle last week, is back in front in the race to become the next pontiff. He has been backed into 12/5 from 5/2 while Tagle is now 11/4 from 2/1. "Matteo Zuppi and Peter Turkson remain firmly in contention, at 4/1 and 5/1 respectively, while Pierbattista Pizzaballa is a mover in the market at 6/1 from 8/1, as we await white plumes of smoke from the Vatican's Sistine Chapel chimney." What Happens Next The College of Cardinals has gathered to begin the conclave process, which will continue behind closed doors in the Sistine Chapel until a new pope is selected. Vatican watchers are set to keep a close eye on the smoke signals from the chapel, with white indicating whether a consensus has been reached among the 133 cardinals.
The South African
25-04-2025
- Politics
- The South African
Could the next pope be African? Here's what we know
With the passing of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church faces one of its most pivotal moments in modern history, the election of a new pope. As the world mourns a deeply influential leader, attention now turns to the question of succession. This time, speculation is growing around Africa. Home to over 250 million Catholics, the continent has become central to the Church's future. Its rapid growth in membership, combined with a strong presence in theological and moral leadership, makes Africa impossible for the Vatican to overlook. A respected figure within the Vatican, Cardinal Peter Turkson has long been viewed as papabile (a potential pope). He has held several senior roles, including head of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. He currently leads the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. Turkson is widely known for his commitment to social justice, climate advocacy, and promoting dialogue across faiths. As Archbishop of Kinshasa, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo is a prominent voice on political and human rights issues in the DRC. A Franciscan by order, he's known for his humility, service, and courage in standing up for the vulnerable. His values align closely with Pope Francis, especially defending the poor and marginalised. Cardinal Okpaleke's journey has been marked by perseverance. Locals initially rejected his 2012 appointment to the Ahiara Diocese, but he responded with grace and patience. He was later appointed Bishop of Ekwulobia and eventually elevated to cardinal. Okpaleke's calm leadership style and quiet resilience have earned him growing respect across the Church. Electing an African pope would be a landmark moment, not just for the continent, but for global Catholicism. While tradition and internal Church politics remain powerful forces in Rome, the centre of Catholic growth is clearly shifting. With conversations unfolding rapidly on platforms like X and Instagram, more Catholics are asking: is it time for leadership that truly reflects the Church's global diversity? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Pope's condition 'remains stable' for double pneumonia treatment
March 8 (UPI) -- Pope Francis' condition "remained stable " as he spent a restful night and he began his 23rd consecutive day in the hospital for treatment of double pneumonia, the Vatican said Saturday. His "prognosis remains guarded," the Vatican said about the 88-year-old pope. "The night passed quietly; the Pope is resting," according to a statement from the press office. During the morning, the pope resumed prescribed therapies, including motor physiotherapy. On Friday, the pontiff alternated between prayer, rest and work, as his respiratory physiotherapy continues. Francis uses nasal cannulas for high-flow oxygenation, and at night he utilizes non-invasive mechanical ventilation, the Vaticans said. On Sunday, Cardinal Michael Czerny, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, will read the pope's homily in St. Peter's Square for the Jubilee of the World of Volunteering. The two highest-ranking secretariat officials are 70-year-old Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See's Secretary of State, and 65-year-old Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, the "substitute," who serves as a papal chief of staff Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Feb. 14. This is his longest hospital stay since he became pope in 2013. The pope has had prior respiratory problems and had part of one lung removed while he was a young man in Argentina.
