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Herald Malaysia
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Herald Malaysia
Cardinal Parolin: We hope talks in Istanbul open paths to peace
On the sidelines of an event on Ukraine at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin speaks about the direct negotiations starting Thursday in Türkiye, saying, 'We hope this is a serious starting point to end the war." May 15, 2025 Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, speaking to journalists outside the Pontifical Gregorian University By Salvatore CernuzioAll eyes are on Türkiye, a possible destination for Pope Leo XIV's first journey, marking 1,700 years since the Council of Nicaea, as well as the setting beginning on Thursday 15 May of the Istanbul summit, which hopes to bring together the presidents of Russia and Ukraine for direct negotiations aimed at achieving a ceasefire. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, answered journalists' questions on the sidelines of the event titled 'Toward a Theology of Hope for and from Ukraine,' held at the Pontifical Gregorian University and organized under the patronage of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. He shares hopes for these U.S.-mediated direct talks, which could, for the first time, see Presidents Zelensky and Putin meet in person. 'We always hope there are openings for peace,' the Cardinal told various media outlets. 'We are pleased that there is finally the possibility of a direct meeting. We hope that the existing issues can be resolved there and that a genuine peace process can begin.' According to the Secretary of State, it is 'premature' to predict what will happen, but the hope is that the meeting in Istanbul will mark 'a serious starting point' to end the war. Too early to consider a papal visit to Kyiv Cardinal Parolin also said it is 'premature' to consider a possible visit by Pope Leo XIV to Ukraine, touching on President Zelensky's invitation during a phone call on Monday morning. The Pope made impassioned appeals for the regions scarred by war during the Regina Caeli on Sunday and again in a speech earlier that day at the Jubilee of the Eastern Churches. 'He will continue, as he has done numerous times since the start of his pontificate, to call for an end to the war,' the Cardinal assured. 'We remain ready to offer spaces as well. Talking about mediation might be excessive, but at the least we are willing to offer good offices to facilitate meetings.' At the same time, the Vatican does not want 'to interfere with other ongoing initiatives.' Repatriation mechanism for children remains active The Holy See's position, said the Secretary of State, is one that 'seeks to bring the parties closer rather than create further divisions.' He confirmed that the mechanism, initiated and supported by Cardinal Matteo Zuppi's mission which has led to the repatriation of some Ukrainian children forcibly taken to Russia, remains 'active.' This mainly involves 'exchanging names via the Nunciatures, then local verification and responses.' The number of these children remains 'highly disputed,' but the key, he says, is that 'they are gradually being reunited with their families, homes, and loved ones.' Ending the conflict in Gaza Regarding the Middle East, the Pope and the Holy See will continue along the path set by Pope Francis: persistent appeals 'to end the conflict in Gaza, achieve the release of hostages,' and 'provide humanitarian aid to Gaza.' On these issues, there was 'a strong call for serious intervention' during the pre-Conclave general congregations, along with 'concern about the dwindling Christian presence in the Middle East.' 'We will need to find responses to this serious problem,' Cardinal Parolin said. Pope Leo XIV's peace efforts Avoiding questions about the content of discussions before and during the Conclave (saying with a smile, 'don't ask us questions we can't answer'), Cardinal Parolin focused instead on the newly elected Pope, who has received 'very positive' comments and reactions. 'He presented himself in a very calm manner. He is a man of peace, who desires peace, and who will build peace through the bridges he mentioned from the very first words of his greeting to the faithful.' Possible trip to Nicaea Finally, in response to a question about the Pope's first journey, the Cardinal said: 'I'm thinking of Nicaea. It's an important moment for the Catholic Church and for ecumenism. It was definitely planned that Pope Francis would go. I imagine Pope Leo will follow the same path.'--
Sydney Morning Herald
09-05-2025
- General
- Sydney Morning Herald
The speech, the clothes, the name: Three clues about new Pope's leadership
'It could be said that Leo's first appearance on the balcony meant: 'I am not Francis, but Francis' vision will continue.' ' Loading Kurt Martens, who teaches at The Catholic University of America in Washington, said references in Leo's speech to embracing the whole world as well as synodality were signs the new pope would continue to focus on the poor and those on the margins of societies. The clothes Unlike Francis, who spurned many of the trappings of the papacy from the day he was elected, Leo wore the 'mozzetta', an elbow-length red cape, over his white cassock, suggesting a return to some degree of tradition. He also wore an ornate red and gold stole with illustrations of the four gospels in the New Testament over his shoulders, the gold pectoral cross that is traditionally offered to a pope when he accepts the office, and a white skullcap, known as a 'zuchetto' or 'pileolus'. Loading Francis wore all white vestments and a simple cross when he first appeared on the balcony in 2013, signalling his desire for simplicity, before later adding the stole. The new name For most of the Catholic Church's first millennium, popes used their given names. The practice of adopting a new name became ingrained during the 11th century, and from the mid-20th century, new popes began to choose names signalling the aim of their papacy, according to Reverend Roberto Regoli, a historian at Rome's Pontifical Gregorian University. Loading The last pope to take the name was Leo XIII, an Italian who led the church from 1878 to 1903. That Leo softened the church's confrontational stance toward modernity, especially science and politics, and laid the foundation for modern Catholic social thought. His most famous encyclical, Rerum Novarum of 1891, addressed workers' rights and capitalism at the beginning of the industrial revolution. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni told reporters the new Pope's decision to be called Leo XIV was a deliberate reference to the previous Leo, although some academics speculated he could also have wanted to signal a strong line of continuity: Brother Leo was the 13th-century friar who was a great companion to St Francis of Assisi, the late pope's namesake. The name 'is a deep sign of commitment to social issues', Manhattan University's chair of religious studies Natalia Imperatori-Lee said. Where does he stand on key issues? Loading Though he has kept a low media profile, Leo is seen as ideologically aligned with Francis, particularly in prioritising outreach to the poor, care for migrants, and a less hierarchical vision of church leadership. He told the Vatican's official news website last year that 'the bishop is not supposed to be a little prince sitting in his kingdom'. On women in the church, Leo's views appear aligned with Francis', who opened more leadership roles to them than any previous pontiff, while affirming the church's teaching barring the ordination of women as priests, The Washington Post reports. However, Leo's record also contains more conservative elements. In a 2012 address, he criticised Western media for promoting 'sympathy for beliefs and practices that are at odds with the Gospel', referencing same-sex families and what he called the 'homosexual lifestyle'. While he supported Francis' pastoral move to allow Communion for divorced and remarried Catholics, he showed only reserved backing for blessings of same-sex couples. His handling of clerical abuse cases during his time in Peru is expected to come under closer scrutiny now that he has ascended to the papacy. Still, within the Vatican, Leo is regarded as a unifying figure. His international experience and quiet diplomacy allowed him to navigate the ideological and regional divides among the cardinals. His election may mark a stylistic shift from Francis' more outspoken leadership, but not necessarily a reversal of his reforms. The new Pope's brother, John Prevost, described him as being very concerned for the poor and those who don't have a voice, saying he expects him to be a 'second Pope Francis'. 'He's not going to be real far left and he's not going to be real far right,' he said. 'Kind of right down the middle.' What is the Augustinian order he's a part of? The new pope was formerly the prior general, or leader, of the Order of St Augustine, formed in the 13th century as a community of 'mendicant' friars dedicated to poverty, service and evangelisation. The order's requirements and ethos are traced to the 5th century St Augustine of Hippo, one of the theological and devotional giants of early Christianity. It works in about 50 countries, promoting a contemplative spirituality, communal living and service to others. A core value of the order is to 'live together in harmony, being of one mind and one heart on the way to God'. Heir apparent In many ways, Francis saw Prevost as his heir apparent. Francis sent Prevost to take over a complicated diocese in Peru, then brought him to the Vatican in 2023 to serve as the powerful head of the office that vets bishop nominations from around the world, one of the most important jobs in the Catholic Church. In January, Francis elevated him into the senior ranks of cardinals, giving him prominence going into the conclave that few others had. But there had long been a taboo against electing a pontiff from a country whose geopolitical power loomed so large in the secular sphere. Prevost, a Chicago native, was seemingly eligible because he's also a Peruvian citizen and lived for years in Peru, first as a missionary and then as an archbishop.
Boston Globe
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
What's in a name? Pope Leo XIV's choice signals a commitment to social justice.
Pope Leo XIII, who was head of the Catholic Church from 1878 to 1903, laid the foundation for modern Catholic social thought, most famously with his 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum, which addressed workers' rights and capitalism at the dawn of the industrial age. He criticized both laissez-faire capitalism and state-centric socialism, giving shape to a distinctly Catholic vein of economic teaching. Advertisement The name 'is a deep sign of commitment to social issues,' said Imperatori-Lee. 'I think this (new) pope is saying something about social justice, by choosing this name, that it is going to be a priority. He is continuing a lot of Francis' ministry.' Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed that choice of the name Leo was a reference to Leo XIII and the social doctrine of the church, in particular the Rerum Novarum encyclical, considered the Catholic Church's first social encyclical. Another predecessor, Pope Leo I, was known for repelling the barbarian invasion of Atilla the Hun in 452 A.D. and dissuading him from sacking Rome through diplomacy, Italian Cardinal Mauro Piacenza told RAI Italian state TV. He also noted that Pope Leo XIII elevated the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii to a papal basilica in 1901. Advertisement Leo could also refer to Brother Leo, the 13th century friar who was a great companion of St. Francis of Assisi. By choosing such a name, the new pope could be signaling also a very strong continuity with Francis, who named himself after the saint. For most of the Catholic Church's first millennium, popes used their given names. The first exception was the 6th century Roman Mercurius, who had been named for a pagan god and chose the more appropriate name of John II. The practice of adopting a new name became ingrained during the 11th century, a period of German popes who chose names of early church bishops out of 'a desire to signify continuity,' according to Rev. Roberto Regoli, a historian at Rome's Pontifical Gregorian University. For many centuries, new popes tended to choose the name of the pope who had elevated them to cardinal. John was the most popular, chosen by 23 popes, followed by Benedict and Gregory, each with 16. It was from the mid-20th century that new popes began to choose names signaling the aim of their papacy, Regoli said. AP writers Nicole Winfield and Vanessa Gera contributed from Rome.
Hindustan Times
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Meet Pietro Parolin and Luis Antonio Tagle, favorites to succeed Pope Francis
Two favorites to succeed Pope Francis are Pietro Parolin and Luis Antonio Tagle. White smoke was seen above the Sistine Chapel, indicating that cardinals have elected a new pope to lead the church's 1.4 billion faithful. While the identity of the new pontiff has not been revealed yet, social media users discussed the favorite cardinals to take over the top job at the Vatican. Born in January 1955 in Italy, Parolin has served as the Vatican Secretary of State since 2013, effectively the second-in-command to Pope Francis, often described as the "deputy pope." The 70-year-old holds degrees in theology and canon law from the Pontifical Gregorian University and a diploma from the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, the Vatican's diplomatic school. He has served in Vatican missions in Nigeria, Mexico, and Venezuela, where he defended the Church against Hugo Chávez's policies. Luis Antonio Tagle was born in June 1957 in Manila, Philippines. He is the Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization since 2019, overseeing the Church's missionary work, and Grand Chancellor of the Pontifical Urbaniana University. Tagle studied philosophy at Ateneo de Manila University and theology at Loyola School of Theology, with a doctorate in theology from the Catholic University of America. Ordained in 1982, he served as Bishop of Imus (2001–2011) and Archbishop of Manila (2011–2020). Made a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012, he participated in the 2013 conclave that elected Francis. If elected, Tagle would be the first Asian pope in the modern era.
Hindustan Times
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Meet Dominique Mamberti, cardinal who will announce new pope after Habemus Papam
White smoke was spotted from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel after the cardinals at the Vatican elected a new pope on the second and final day of the papal conclave. Several locals and social media users cheered 'Habemus Papam'. The new pope will be announced by cardinal Dominique Mamberti. The smoke signal means the winner secured at least 89 votes of the 133 cardinals participating in the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis. The name will be announced later, when Dominique Mamberti utters the words 'Habemus Papam!' — Latin for 'We have a pope!' — from the loggia of the basilica. The cardinal then reads the winner's birth name in Latin and reveals the name he has chosen to be called. The new pope is then expected to make his first public appearance and impart a blessing from the same loggia. Dominique Mamberti, a 73-year-old French cardinal, is the current protodeacon of the College of Cardinals, tasked with delivering the iconic "Habemus Papam" announcement from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. Born on March 7, 1952, in Marrakech, Morocco, to French parents, Mamberti grew up in Vico, Corsica, and spent part of his childhood in Courtelevant, France, where his mother hailed from. He studied law in Strasbourg and Paris, earned a degree in canon law from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, and was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Ajaccio in 1981. Fluent in French, Italian, and Arabic, Mamberti is known for his discretion and expertise in international diplomacy. Mamberti's career in the Vatican's diplomatic service began in 1986, with postings in Algeria, Chile, Lebanon, Sudan, Eritrea, Somalia, and the United Nations in New York. In 2002, Pope John Paul II appointed him titular archbishop of Sagona and apostolic nuncio to Sudan and Somalia, later adding Eritrea. From 2006 to 2014, he served as the Vatican's Secretary for Relations with States—effectively its foreign minister—under Popes Benedict XVI and Francis, navigating complex global issues and signing bilateral agreements with countries like Cape Verde and Serbia. In 2014, Pope Francis named him prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, the Vatican's highest judicial authority, succeeding Cardinal Raymond Burke. He was elevated to cardinal in 2015, assigned the titular church of Santo Spirito in Sassia.
