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Herald Malaysia
6 days ago
- General
- Herald Malaysia
World Children's Day Committee moves to Dicastery for Laity, Family, Life
Pope Leo XIV issues a rescript on Wednesday effectively placing within the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life the Pontifical Committee that Pope Francis had established organizing events dedicated to children. Aug 13, 2025 File photo of World Children's Day encounter with Pope Francis held at Rome's Olympic stadium (Vatican Media) By Salvatore CernuzioFrom an organization directly under the Pope's authority, the Pontifical Committee for World Children's Day—established last year by Pope Francis to organize and coordinate the so-called 'WCDs'—has now been placed within the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life. This decision was made by Pope Leo XIV following an audience granted to the Substitute of the Secretariat of State, Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, on August 6, and was made public in a Rescript. In the document—released today but dated Saturday, August 9—it is specified that: 'This Superior Provision is to be communicated to the two Institutions concerned so they may carry out the transition process.' The new Vatican body was officially announced in a chirograph, a papal handwritten decree, in which Pope Francis entrusted it with the task of overseeing the ecclesial engagement and pastoral organization of the annual event. Established in 2024 It was Pope Francis, on November 20, 2024, who established—via a chirograph—the Pontifical Committee for World Children's Day, giving it the mission of overseeing 'the ecclesial animation and pastoral organization of World Children's Day.' This event, inspired by the World Youth Days (WYD), is aimed at bringing together minors from around the globe for a gathering of faith, music, and testimonies. The first edition took place on May 25, 2024, at the Olympic Stadium in Rome, in the presence of Pope Francis, and saw participation from over 50,000 children and adolescents, including many from conflict zones. Pastoral work for children The same founding chirograph highlighted that the Pontifical Committee is responsible for coordinating and promoting initiatives from national and regional organizing committees, and for collaborating with pastoral offices of local churches and episcopal conferences, to ensure that World Children's Day does not remain an isolated event. The goal is for pastoral care for children to increasingly become a priority in the Church. In early February 2025, the Committee also organized a meeting at the Vatican Apostolic Palace titled 'Love Them and Protect Them', focused on deepening the discussion around the rights of minors, who are increasingly exploited and abused. Pope Francis attended the event, along with royalty, politicians, and numerous subject-matter experts. The event, scheduled for February 3, 2025, and presented in the Vatican Press Office, would be opened and closed by Pope Francis. Speakers included Antonio Tajani, Mario Draghi, Liliana Segre, and others. Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life Now, the entire structure of the Committee is being transferred into the Dicastery, whose mandate includes matters related to the laity and the family, and which naturally extends to the pastoral care and attention to children. It is this same Dicastery, currently led by Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, that also organizes World Youth Days (WYD), which were originally coordinated by the 'Youth Section' of the now-defunct Pontifical Council for the Laity. That Council was incorporated into the current Dicastery in 2016, as part of Pope Francis' reform of the Roman Curia.--Vatican News
Herald Malaysia
01-08-2025
- General
- Herald Malaysia
US bishops: Youth are ready to make world better
The church must give young people space to discern God's call and boldly shape a better future, they say Aug 01, 2025 Archbishop Nelson J. Perez of Philadelphia (Photo: Wikipedia) By Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service Young people have such a great desire to make the world a better place that church leaders should help give them the space to discern what God wants for them, a group of bishops said during the Jubilee of Youth. "We need their voice," Archbishop Nelson J. Perez of Philadelphia told Catholic News Service before the start of the USA National Jubilee Pilgrim Gathering at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome. "We need to listen to their hearts and listen to their minds. They have a great desire to make the world a better place, to make the church a better place, and our lives a better place," he said July 30. "So I'm thrilled that so many of them are here." The archbishop was one of eight archbishops and bishops who attended the special gathering at the basilica organized by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops with the support of the Knights of Columbus. More than 4,000 people from the U.S. attended the event as part of their pilgrimage to Rome for the Holy Year. Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell'Oro of Galveston-Houston told CNS he tries to attend as many youth activities as he can, especially World Youth Days and this Holy Year's Jubilee dedicated to young people July 28-Aug. 3. The Italian-born bishop used to serve as the vocation director for his religious order, the Congregation of Somascan Fathers, so he is aware how much young people need a lot of "dedicated attention." "I think the church should offer space for them so that they can confront one another in a way that makes them look forward," and broadens their mind beyond their current situation to see how they can play a role in changing things for the better, he said. They have a responsibility "to become good disciples on their own," he said, so he sees his role as "challenging them" to not only enjoy being young but to also "be brave, courageous and trustful that if they make one step forward, the foot will land on solid ground." Recalling his youth and the "struggle to find the answer" to whether he should get married or pursue the priesthood, Bishop Dell'Oro praised the guidance of his spiritual director who helped him discern and provide "the tools to make what I would say were courageous decisions, (and) renounce what needed to be given up and taking the chances of being in another setting." "I was fortunate to have had such good guidance in a fairly Catholic environment," without the "distractions of the media that we have today," he said. "It was, in a certain way, easier to focus on the fundamentals of life, of our faith." The church, therefore, should give young people "the space to discern, which is absolutely very, very important, even more than, if I may, space to do some ministries," he said. If "we engage them to live their life in the fullness as lay people, and then if they have vocations, they can discern, and that's a very, very important space that needs to be provided," he said. Bishop Edward J. Burns of Dallas, who was giving a homily during the Eucharistic adoration in the basilica for the pilgrims, told CNS he wanted young people to know that the presence of today's online "Catholic influencers" is nothing new. "We've had apostles, we've had martyrs, we've had saints" who were "the influencers of their day and through their lives and through their sanctity, and they continue to influence us," he said. Young people can continue to be "authentic as disciples in proclaiming the Word of God, even through digital means," he said. Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney, Australia, who coordinated World Youth Day in Sydney in 2008 as an auxiliary bishop, told CNS the Jubilee of Youth has been just as big an event as a World Youth Day and will have the same positive impact. "We have had fruit from that World Youth Day for 20 years now," he said, and the Jubilee celebrations will be "very good" for Rome, for Italy and for the young people from all over the world because of their testimony and their joy in their faith. "Certainly that's what World Youth Day does wherever it goes. It brings huge fruit in terms of vocations, good marriages, just young people thinking, 'Where does God fit into my life?' and 'Where do I fit into God's plans?' So that's going to happen here," he
Herald Malaysia
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Herald Malaysia
A Pope felt from Afar: Francis' quiet footprint in Malaysia
Pope Francis places a red biretta on new Cardinal Soter Fernandez in St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, November 19, 2016. Though he never stepped foot in Malaysia, Pope Francis left a deep and lasting imprint on the hearts of its people. His messages, broadcast from Rome, lived out through his global journeys, and echoed in pastoral letters, were warmly received across Malaysia's Catholic and interfaith communities. He became a spiritual figure not only to Catholics, but to many Malaysians who admired his sincerity, humility, and progressive compassion. Malaysia's Connection to Pope Francis Diplomatic Ties: Malaysia and the Holy See formalised relations in 2011, just two years before Francis' election. This strengthened the diplomatic relationship between the two especially with Malaysia's first resident ambassador to the Holy See, Tan Sri Bernard Giluk Dompok in 2016. Papal Audiences: Malaysian bishops and youth delegates had the opportunity to meet Pope Francis during various synods, ad liminas, World Youth Days and Jubilee of Hope events. Their exchanges left lasting impressions of the Pope's focus on a Church that is deeply engaged with the world, particularly the marginalised. Regional Outreach: In 2024, he visited neighbouring Singapore and Indonesia. Hundreds of Malaysian Catholics crossed the Causeway or flew to Jakarta to attend the papal Masses, events which further united the Catholic community across Southeast Asia and solidified the spiritual bonds between Pope Francis and his Malaysian followers. Humanitarian Influence: Pope Francis' calls for global solidarity during crises like the Rohingya refugee crisis, climate emergencies, and the COVID-19 pandemic resonated strongly with Malaysian NGOs and religious leaders. His frequent appeals for peace, justice, and the protection of human dignity found strong support within Malaysia's religious landscape. Malaysian Bishops Appointed by him Most Rev Julian Leow Beng Kim, Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur Notable For: Archbishop Julian has been instrumental in promoting interfaith dialogue and fostering social engagement within the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur. His efforts in building bridges between different faith communities have made significant contributions to the Church's mission in Malaysia. Rt Rev Richard Ng, Bishop of Miri Notable For: Bishop Richard is known for his deep theological insights and contributions to biblical studies, enhancing the Church's understanding of Scripture. His leadership focuses on strengthening the presbyterium, building infrastructure, training catechists, and providing faith formation to meet the growing needs of the faithful. Most Rev Simon Poh, Archbishop of Kuching Notable For: Archbishop Simon has been a impactful leader for the Church in Sarawak, with a focus on youth, unity, and interfaith harmony. His pastoral care extends beyond the Catholic community, reaching out to other religious groups and focusing on the importance of unity in diversity. Rt Rev Bernard Paul, Bishop of Malacca Johore
NZ Herald
22-04-2025
- Politics
- NZ Herald
Bay of Plenty leaders honour Pope Francis' legacy of social justice and care
In what became his final public appearance, the Argentine pontiff greeted crowds in St Peter's Square on Easter Sunday. Francis 'challenged you', Muller said. 'To think of less fortunate people, then to orientate your politics and your activity towards it.' Muller said the pope was a prayerful and reflective person. 'I think we need people like that in our society to help orient it at times.' Aquinas College principal Matt Dalton said Francis was a champion for social justice and marginalised groups in society. 'We give thanks for his witness,' Dalton said. The Catholic school community prayed and reflected on Francis' death and would provide guidance for students when they return to school. St Mary's Catholic School Tauranga said in a post to social media that their school community would 'join the faithful around the world in mourning his loss and giving thanks for his humility, compassion, and service'. 'We invite all our students, staff, and families to keep Pope Francis in your prayers.' Prime Minister Christopher Luxon paid tribute to Francis and said it was a 'time of great sorrow for all those who have admired Pope Francis' compassion and humility'. Winston Peters, who is Acting Prime Minister while Luxon is in Britain, said on behalf of the Government and the New Zealand people, 'We extend our deepest condolences to the Holy See and the global Roman Catholic community on the passing of Francis. 'We join in mourning his loss and honour his enduring legacy of humility and compassion.' A joint statement from Father Prakash Somu and Father Mohan Kumar of Rotorua's Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop Parish said a special Requiem Mass would be held at Saint Mary's Church on Wednesday at 12.05pm 'to honour the life, ministry, and legacy of Pope Francis'. 'All are welcome to come and pray, give thanks, and reflect on the hope and humility he brought to the church and the world.' The statement said many parishioners had the privilege of seeing Francis during World Youth Days and pilgrimages to Rome. 'Most notably, the bishops of New Zealand have met with him personally, and they often spoke of his warmth, simplicity, and his genuine care for all people. 'He was a pope who truly lived the Gospel – a shepherd who smelled of the sheep, as he liked to say – and we will remember him with deep affection.' They said their prayer was that the new pope would continue the 'spirit of mercy and inclusivity Francis embodied – championing the poor, caring for creation, and being a bridge-builder in a divided world'. 'We hope the new Holy Father will listen deeply to the cries of the Earth and of humanity, guiding the church with wisdom, compassion, and courage in today's complex world.' John Paul College principal Justin Harper said: 'We were saddened to hear the news last night, especially after seeing that Pope Francis was able to attend the Easter Mass at the Vatican.' The college would start the next term with a memorial service to celebrate Francis' life and contribution, and flags were at half-mast as a sign of respect, he said. 'Pope Francis will be remembered as a 'first' for the church. He was the first South American pope and also the first Jesuit pope. 'His legacy includes positive changes to the church, which include a recent synod.'
NZ Herald
22-04-2025
- Politics
- NZ Herald
Pope Francis' death: Special Requiem Mass to be held in Rotorua to honour life and legacy
Winston Peters, who is Acting Prime Minister while Luxon is in Britain, said on behalf of the Government and the New Zealand people, 'We extend our deepest condolences to the Holy See and the global Roman Catholic community on the passing of Pope Francis. 'We join in mourning his loss and honour his enduring legacy of humility and compassion.' 'All are welcome' at requiem mass A joint statement from Father Prakash Somu and Father Mohan Kumar of Rotorua's Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop Parish said a special Requiem Mass would be held at Saint Mary's Church on Wednesday at 12.05pm 'to honour the life, ministry, and legacy of Pope Francis'. 'All are welcome to come and pray, give thanks, and reflect on the hope and humility he brought to the church and the world.' The statement said many parishioners had the privilege of seeing Pope Francis during World Youth Days and pilgrimages to Rome. 'Most notably, the bishops of New Zealand have met with him personally, and they often spoke of his warmth, simplicity, and his genuine care for all people. 'He was a pope who truly lived the Gospel — a shepherd who smelled of the sheep, as he liked to say — and we will remember him with deep affection.' They said their prayer was that the new Pope would continue the 'spirit of mercy and inclusivity that Pope Francis embodied — championing the poor, caring for creation, and being a bridge-builder in a divided world'. 'We hope the new Holy Father will listen deeply to the cries of the Earth and of humanity, guiding the church with wisdom, compassion, and courage in today's complex world.' The statement said the election of a new Pope — known as the Conclave — was 'one of the most sacred and solemn processes in the church'. After the funeral rites, the College of Cardinals would gather in prayerful discernment within the Sistine Chapel. 'Through a process rich in tradition and guided by the Holy Spirit, a new Pope is chosen — a moment that reminds us that, even in grief, the church moves forward with faith and hope." The statement quoted a saying of Pope Francis: 'A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just'. 'We will remember him for warming our world with that mercy — and we now entrust him to the loving mercy of God." John Paul College principal Justin Harper said: 'We were saddened to hear the news last night, especially after seeing that Pope Francis was able to attend the Easter Mass at the Vatican'. The college would start the next term with a memorial service to celebrate Pope Francis' life and contribution, and flags were at half-mast as a sign of respect, he said. 'Pope Francis will be remembered as a 'first' for the church. He was the first South American Pope and also the first Jesuit Pope. 'His legacy includes positive changes to the church, which include a recent synod.' Harper said Pope Francis focused on inclusion, challenging people toward stewardship roles, and oversaw the addressing of historical injustices of the church. 'Collectively, the church now begins a focus on the Papal Conclave, where Francis' replacement will be elected.'
