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Herald Malaysia
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Herald Malaysia
Upcoming conclave will be first with more than 120 Cardinal electors
The conclave set to begin on May 7 will be the first to include 133 Cardinal electors, but it is not the first time the College of Cardinals has exceeded the 120 limit. May 02, 2025 The red skullcap or zucchetto worn by cardinals (VATICAN MEDIA Divisione Foto) By Tiziana Campisi and Kielce GussieA confirmed 133 Cardinals will participate in the upcoming conclave to elect the next Successor of St. Peter. Based on a paragraph in the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis (UDG), the limit of voting cardinals is 120—13 fewer than what the College of Cardinals has announced will be participating next week. However, the number of Cardinals in the College has often exceeded the limit, despite the regulations laid down in UDG. A tradition in the making? It was on October 1, 1975 that Pope Paul VI first established the rule that the 'maximum number of cardinal electors shall not exceed 120' in the Apostolic Constitution, Romano Pontifici Eligendo. Prior to this, in the consistory of 1969, the College of Cardinals reached 134 electors. Despite Pope John Paul II confirming the rule limiting the number to 120, recent Popes have created more Cardinals, exceeding this number. This was the case on four occasions for the Polish Pope: in the Consistory of June 28, 1988 (160 Cardinals, of which 121 were electors and 39 non-electors), February 21, 1998 (165 Cardinals, of which 122 were electors and 43 non-electors), February 21, 2001 (183 Cardinals, of which 136 were electors and 47 non-electors), and October 21, 2003 (194 Cardinals, of which 134 were electors and 60 non-electors).After Pope John Paul II's death, the conclave opened on April 18, 2005 with the College of Cardinals consisting of 183 Cardinals—117 electors and 66 non-electors. Staying under the limit This continued with Pope Benedict XVI, who exceeded the 120 number of Cardinal electors on two occasions: in the Consistory of November 20, 2010 (203 Cardinals, of which 121 were electors and 82 non-electors), and February 18, 2012 (213 Cardinals, of which 125 were electors and 88 non-electors). When he resigned in 2013 and with the ensuing conclave, the College of Cardinals consisted of 207 Cardinals—only 117 were electors. Pope Francis followed suit and made the College number greater than 120 in 10 consistories: · February 22, 2014 (218 Cardinals: 122 electors, 96 non-electors) · February 14, 2015 (227 Cardinals: 125 electors, 102 non-electors) · November 19, 2016 (228 Cardinals: 121 electors, 107 non-electors) · June 28, 2017 (225 Cardinals: 121 electors, 104 non-electors) · June 28, 2018 (226 Cardinals: 125 electors, 101 non-electors) · October 5, 2019 (225 Cardinals: 128 electors, 97 non-electors) · November 28, 2020 (229 Cardinals: 128 electors, 101 non-electors) · August 27, 2022 (226 Cardinals: 132 electors, 94 non-electors) · September 30, 2023 (242 Cardinals: 137 electors, 105 non-electors) · December 7, 2024 (253 Cardinals: 140 electors, 113 non-electors) Exceptions can happen Despite a history of exceeding the limit, this 2025 conclave will be the first time one will take place with more than 120 Cardinal electors. The College of Cardinals released a declaration on April 30, recognizing the right of all 133 electors to participate in the upcoming conclave and determining that the legislative provision of UDG had been tacitly dispensed from by Pope Francis when the set limit was surpassed. Universi Dominic Gregis, article 36 states, 'A Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church who has been created and published in a consistory has, by that very fact, the right to elect the Pope.' The Apostolic Constitution adds that any Cardinal who has not been canonically deposed or has not 'renounced the cardinalate with the consent of the Roman Pontiff' may partake in the election of the new Pope of the Catholic Church.--Vatican News
Herald Malaysia
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Herald Malaysia
Pope Francis: A Voice for Our Common Home
Pope Francis brought ethical urgency to the climate crisis by addressing its human and social consequences, building on the legacy of John Paul II and Benedict XVI. May 01, 2025 A press conference in the Vatican gardens at the release of Laudate Deum on October 5, 2023 (VATICAN MEDIA Divisione Foto) By Federico Citterich'Brothers and sisters, good evening.' With these simple but moving words, Pope Francis began his pontificate on 13 March 2013. A humble greeting, spoken straight to the hearts of the people, which immediately set the tone for his papacy: close to ordinary lives, attentive to the poor, and far from distant formalities. And even now, days after his passing, Pope Francis is globally remembered for his profound humility – a humility reflected not only in his simple lifestyle and solidarity with the poor, but also in his unwavering commitment to caring for nature and the planet. In fact, despite the fact that when Francis was elected Pope the Church was undergoing a period of significant transformation, the theme of the planet's well-being within the context of sustainability was not new to the Vatican. Vatican City and the first rise of environmental awareness The relationship between religion and science fluctuated over time, and it was not until Pope John Paul II that it was effectively solidified for the first time. When John Paul II was elected Pope in 1978, the world was starting to transition from a strictly science-based to a policy-including view of climate change. Global leaders began to talk about environmental issues, and newspapers around the world started devoting coverage to the theme. The issues of climate change and loss of biodiversity were increasingly gaining attention. Pope John Paul II visiting with people during his journey to Angola in 1992 The Vatican adjusted to this transition, although its initial stance was relatively reserved and rooted in Catholicism. Catholic doctrine stated humans were created in the image and likeness of God and regarded as the most superior beings on Earth, clearly distinguished from animals. In this context, St. Thomas Aquinas' perspective has been particularly influential. He considered animals as lacking a soul and fundamentally inferior to humans, thereby positioning them as entirely at the service of man. This clearly poses a challenge when addressing climate change issues such as the loss of ecosystems and biodiversity. There was a risk that climate change might not have been perceived as an immediate priority by the Catholic culture. A new vision of the relation between humans and animals Pope John Paul II revolutionised the way the Church approached the relationship between humans and animals. Already from his very first encyclical, Redemptor Hominis , the Pope introduced this new perspective: "[…] it was the Creator's will that humans interact with nature as 'masters' and intelligent, noble caretakers, rather than as 'exploiters' and 'destroyers' with no regard.' This view still positioned animals as inferior to humans, but it granted them a more profound right to life. But Pope John Paul II took a further, more radical step during the General Audience of 10 January 1990, when he declared: " […] animals also have a breath or vital spirit and […] they received it from God. In this regard, humanity, created by God, appears to be united with all living beings." This perspective significantly contrasted with Thomas Aquinas' view of soul-less animals. Now, animals were perceived as 'united' with humans, on their same level, and even possessing a soul, and hence had their same right to life. With this reconceptualisation, climate change and the loss of biodiversity emerged as more significant issues. Pope Bendict XVI and climate change After being elected in 2005, Pope Benedict XVI later re-addressed these issues. His humility as pontiff was evident in his perspective on the relationship between humans and nature. A relationship with deep cultural roots that, according to the Pope, needed to be revitalised. During his 2010 Message for the World Day of Peace title, If You Want to Cultivate Peace, Protect Creation , Pope Benedict XVI particularly emphasised this need for a renovation in the human-nature relationship. He said, "It is essential for humanity to renew and strengthen that alliance between human beings and the environment.' First, according to the Pope, this requires increased dialogue between people – a concept that is later re-addressed by Pope Francis. In a 2010 speech, Pope Benedict XVI said: '[…] environmental issues, particularly those related to climate change, are global and must be addressed on a global level […] Religion and culture, as interrelated expressions of the deepest spiritual aspirations of humanity as a whole, naturally serve as incentives for dialogue and cooperation among peoples in the service of peace and authentic development.' To reinforce the bond between humanity and the natural world, however, it's also important to consider a moral portion, because – in the Pope's words – 'environmental degradation is profoundly connected to the moral decline of humanity.' Within this framework emerges the idea of ecological conversion , an idea that will later be further explored by Pope Francis and that, according to Pope Benedict XVI, translates into changing personal habits for safeguarding the planet. But for this to occur, it's also crucial to transform the Catholic cultural system and move away from the view of humans as superior beings. In fact, Pope Benedict XVI's perspective of the human-nature relationship was significantly more inclusive. In his 2009 encyclical Caritas in Veritate , the Pope emphasised the importance of comprehending nature. Here, however, to comprehend doesn't simply mean to understand , but acquires its Latin, historic connotation. The term comprehend – from the Latin cum (together) and pre(he)nd?re (to take) – historically means to 'keep together'. Pope Benedict XVI's view of nature is all encompassing and does not differentiate between its components. A name in tribute to ecology But it's Pope Francis who, more than anyone, would prioritize ecology and sustainability, as hinted by the very name he chose. A name – Francis – in honour of St. Francis of Assisi, the same figure who, 34 years earlier, was declared Patron Saint of Ecologists by Pope John Paul II. In one of his first speeches as Pope, Francis said: 'And so, the name came to my heart: Francis of Assisi. He is the man of poverty, the man of peace, the man who loves and cares for Creation.' From the very beginning of his pontificate, his concern for the environment was already evident. The need for an ecological conversion Pope Francis' starting point was the adoption of Pope Benedict XVI's idea of a profound cultural shift. According to the Argentine pontiff, our Common Home (i.e., the planet and its environment) is ill because humanity itself is ill. In his 2015 encyclical Laudato Sì , the Pope wrote: "Caring for ecosystems requires a perspective that extends beyond the immediate, because when the focus is solely on […] economic gains, genuine concern for their preservation is often lacking.' Similarly to his German predecessor, Pope Francis advocates for a cultural shift, and it's at that moment that the notion of an ecological conversion pragmatically takes place. However, to practically implement this ecological conversion, Pope Francis suggested that humanity should first recognise the damage caused to the natural world. In Laudato Sì , the Pope said: '[…] we must examine our lives and recognise how we offend God's Creation through our actions […].' The Vatican news outlets' focus on sustainability And it's for this reason that Pope Francis sought to raise awareness about climate change and sustainability, including through the Holy See's daily newspaper L'Osservatore Romano. During Francis' pontificate, the newspaper conformed to the Pope's view of recognising the harm humanity caused to nature. Climate change-driven natural disasters, pollution-related deaths, and harm to ecosystems and biodiversity were just some of the themes that the newspaper covered to improve awareness and trigger the ecological conversion. This was coupled with pieces that provided ethical reflection and inspired readers to change their lifestyle by presenting practical solutions as well as institutional and political action. In fact, Pope Francis consistently emphasised the critical role that policy plays in addressing climate change. In a 2016 speech, the Pope stated: 'Protecting our Common Home requires increasing political consensus.' Therefore, it is not surprising that under Pope Francis, the Vatican has progressively engaged with political facets related to the topics of climate change and sustainability, as highlighted by the Deputy Editorial Director of L'Osservatore Romano, Alessandro Gisotti: "Over time, the Holy See's commitment to climate conferences, especially under Pope Francis, has deepened, reaching a peak with his planned participation in COP28 in Dubai, though he ultimately could not attend due to health reasons." In other words, the Vatican was increasingly becoming more engaged in the fight against climate change. Of course, this included political action, but also – and perhaps more importantly – local action. In his encyclical Laudato Sì , in fact, the Pope highlighted: 'While the existing global system seems unable to take responsibility, local efforts can make a difference. It is at the local level where greater accountability, a strong sense of community, a special capacity for care, and more generous creativity can emerge, along with a profound love for one's own land.' Pope Francis seems to adopt the principle: 'Think globally, act locally', underscoring the importance of local action in fighting climate change. In this context, Gisotti said: 'A subject of particular significance to the Pope, and thus to the Vatican media, is amplifying the voices of grassroots movements around the globe – many led by young men and women – dedicated to environmental protection.' Pope Francis and the Church's evolution But Pope Francis has also led the Church towards a renewed vision – an evolution reflected, for instance, in its approach to homosexuality, to migrants, but also to the relationship between science and faith. The Pope himself described the interrelation between religion and science as effective, underlining that the two share common values and exhibit complementary aspects. Science can learn from religion, and vice versa. In Laudato Sì, the Pope said: 'Science and religion, which offer different approaches to reality, can engage in a rich and mutually beneficial dialogue.' An idea – that of the dialogue – already mentioned by Pope Benedict XVI, which now achieves its fullest expression. But also, an idea that echoes the very first words spoken by Francis in his role as Pope: 'Brothers and sisters, good evening.' With that phrase, more presence than speech, Pope Francis offered a gesture of simplicity, a gesture of fraternity. But most of all, a gesture of dialogue.--Vatican News
Herald Malaysia
26-04-2025
- General
- Herald Malaysia
Pope's coffin sealed ahead of funeral on Saturday morning
Pope Francis' coffin is sealed in a private ceremony in St Peter's Basilica, after some 250,000 mourners had paid their respects. Apr 26, 2025 The Pope's coffin is sealed (VATICAN MEDIA Divisione Foto) By Anne PreckelOn the eve of Pope Francis' funeral Mass, his coffin has been solemnly sealed. The Pope had been lying in state in St Peter's Basilica since Wednesday. After the huge crowds of visitors – in total around 250,000 - over the last three days, St Peter's emptied out as the last mourners paid their respects. Rite of sealing the coffin The deceased Pope lay in state in front of the Confessio altar in a wooden coffin, wrapped in a red chasuble, with a white mitre and a rosary clasped in his hands – the coffin resting at ground level, without a catafalque. This was Francis' own decision.. The ceremony, led by Cardinal-Camerlengo Kevin Farrell, began with the reading of a document listing the stages of Jorge Mario Bergoglio's life and his most important activities as Pope. It stated that the memory of the 266th Pope 'remains in the heart of the Church and of all humanity'. Among the milestones mentioned were his stay in Germany at the end of the 1980s and his multifaceted work in Argentina: "He was a simple and popular pastor in his archdiocese, who travelled far and wide, even by metro and bus. He lived in a flat and prepared his own food because he felt like a normal person.' Covering of the face Archbishop Diego Ravelli spread a white silk cloth over the face of the Pope, while Cardinal-Camerlengo Farrell sprinkled Francis with holy water. A bag containing coins and medals minted during his pontificate was then placed in the coffin with the Pope. The lid was then placed on the zinc coffin, along with Francis' cross and coat of arms and a plaque with the Pope's name and the duration of his life and Petrine ministry, while psalms were sung. After the zinc coffin was sealed, the seals of the Cardinal-Camerlengo and the Prefecture of the Papal Household, the Office for Liturgical Celebrations and the Vatican Chapter were imprinted. The wooden coffin, which bears a cross and the coat of arms of the deceased pope, was then sealed.--Vatican News
Herald Malaysia
22-04-2025
- General
- Herald Malaysia
Pope Francis' body to lie in state until funeral on Saturday morning
The body of the late Pope Francis will be transferred to St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday to lie in state until his funeral on April 26, Saturday morning. Apr 22, 2025 The late Pope Francis' body lies in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta (VATICAN MEDIA Divisione Foto) By Devin WatkinsThe Holy See Press Office announced on Tuesday that Pope Francis' funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM in St. Peter's Square. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside at the Mass, which will be concelebrated by Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests from across the globe. The Eucharistic celebration will conclude with the Ultima commendatio and the Valedictio , marking the beginning of the Novemdiales, or nine days of mourning and Masses for the repose of Pope Francis' soul. The late Pope's body will then be taken into St. Peter's Basilica and then to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for entombment. Earlier, on Wednesday, the coffin containing the Pope's body will be carried from the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter's Basilica, so that the faithful may pay their respects. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside over the rite of translation on April 23, which will begin at 9:00 AM with a moment of prayer. The procession will pass through Santa Marta Square and the Square of the Roman Protomartyrs, according to the Holy See Press Office. The procession will then exit through the Arch of the Bells into St. Peter's Square and enter the Vatican Basilica through the central door. At the Altar of the Confession, the Cardinal Camerlengo will preside over the Liturgy of the Word, at the conclusion of which the visits to the body of the Roman Pontiff will commence.--Vatican News
