Latest news with #interfaithdialogue
LBCI
23-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Former PM Mikati congratulates Pope Leo XIV on inauguration, highlights Lebanon's ties to Vatican
Former Prime Minister Najib Mikati sent a message of congratulations to Pope Leo XIV following his inauguration as head of the Catholic Church, expressing admiration and support on behalf of the Lebanese people. In the message, Mikati praised the Pope's election as a moment of "hope and renewal" for millions around the world, noting that it holds special meaning for Lebanon's Christian community, which, he said, views the Vatican as a guiding light of faith and spiritual leadership. Mikati emphasized Lebanon's longstanding relationship with the Holy See, describing the country as a land of deep spiritual heritage and religious diversity. He expressed hope that the new papacy would be marked by wisdom and compassion, particularly in fostering interfaith dialogue between Christians and Muslims. He also commended the Pope's commitment to peace, justice, and human dignity, saying it serves as an inspiration to all who seek harmony and coexistence. Mikati concluded his message by assuring the Pope of Lebanon's continued prayers and support for his mission and leadership.
The Independent
19-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Pope Leo confirms stance on gay marriage and abortion
Pope Leo XIV laid out his stance on gay marriage and abortion in his inaugural address to the Vatican diplomatic corps. In the Friday address, he affirmed the church's definition of family as being founded on the 'stable union between a man and a woman'. He also said both unborn children and the elderly had inherent dignity as creations of God. The pronouncements offer a clear articulation of core Catholic teachings on marriage and abortion. The new Pope also addressed the importance of international relations and hailed interfaith dialogue as a crucial tool in the pursuit of world peace. This meeting with the diplomatic corps is a standard protocol following a papal conclave. It allows a newly elected pontiff to formally greet representatives from nearly 200 countries with which the Holy See maintains diplomatic ties. The Holy See's status as a sovereign state, recognised under international law, also grants it observer status at the United Nations. The meeting preceded Pope Leo's official installation Mass which is scheduled for Sunday, May 18. Leo, a member of the Augustinian religious order, has emphasised peace as a priority of his pontificate, from the first words he uttered on the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, 'Peace be with you all'. Pope's stance on women in the Church Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost presided over one of the most revolutionary reforms of Pope Francis ' pontificate by having women serve on the Vatican board that vets nominations for bishops. But he also has said that women cannot be ordained as priests. Despite having worked for years in Peru, where women often lead church communities, he also seems noncommittal on whether women could ever serve in any ministerial capacity. Nevertheless, women who have worked closely with him in recent years have praised his leadership style, ability to listen and respect for their opinions. Maria Lia Zervino was among the three women Francis appointed to the Dicastery for Bishops in 2022 to review possible appointments. Ms Zervino rejoiced when Leo was elected pope, saying the respect he showed for her and other women on the board and their opinions gave them faith in him as a leader. 'I'm convinced that he doesn't need to learn how to work (with women), how to let them speak, to listen to them, to have them participate in decisions, because that's what he does anyway,' said Ms Zervino.
The Independent
17-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
New Pope says marriage only ‘between a man and a woman'
Pope Leo XIV, in his inaugural address, has affirmed the Catholic Church 's stance against gay marriage and abortion. He emphasised the Church's definition of family as being based on a union 'between a man and woman', and the inherent dignity of unborn children and the elderly. The new Pope also addressed international relations and highlighted interfaith dialogue as essential for world peace. This address was part of a standard meeting with the Vatican diplomatic corps, representing nearly 200 countries. It comes ahead of the pontiff's official installation Mass which is scheduled for Sunday, May 18.
The Independent
17-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Pope Leo confirms stance on gay marriage, abortion
Pope Leo XIV laid out his stance on gay marriage and abortion in his inaugural address to the Vatican diplomatic corps. In the Friday address, he affirmed the church's definition of family as being founded on the 'stable union between a man and a woman'. He also said both unborn children and the elderly had inherent dignity as creations of God. The pronouncements offer a clear articulation of core Catholic teachings on marriage and abortion. The new Pope also addressed the importance of international relations and hailed interfaith dialogue as a crucial tool in the pursuit of world peace. This meeting with the diplomatic corps is a standard protocol following a papal conclave. It allows a newly elected pontiff to formally greet representatives from nearly 200 countries with which the Holy See maintains diplomatic ties. The Holy See's status as a sovereign state, recognised under international law, also grants it observer status at the United Nations. The meeting preceded Pope Leo's official installation Mass which is scheduled for Sunday, May 18. Leo, a member of the Augustinian religious order, has emphasised peace as a priority of his pontificate, from the first words he uttered on the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, 'Peace be with you all'. Pope's stance on women in the Church Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost presided over one of the most revolutionary reforms of Pope Francis ' pontificate by having women serve on the Vatican board that vets nominations for bishops. But he also has said that women cannot be ordained as priests. Despite having worked for years in Peru, where women often lead church communities, he also seems noncommittal on whether women could ever serve in any ministerial capacity. Nevertheless, women who have worked closely with him in recent years have praised his leadership style, ability to listen and respect for their opinions. Maria Lia Zervino was among the three women Francis appointed to the Dicastery for Bishops in 2022 to review possible appointments. Ms Zervino rejoiced when Leo was elected pope, saying the respect he showed for her and other women on the board and their opinions gave them faith in him as a leader. 'I'm convinced that he doesn't need to learn how to work (with women), how to let them speak, to listen to them, to have them participate in decisions, because that's what he does anyway,' said Ms Zervino.
Zawya
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
President Boakai Congratulates Pope Leo XIV As 'The 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church'
The President of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has extended heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV on his election as the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church on May 8, 2025. According to a Foreign Ministry release, President Boakai said this momentous occasion marks a profound chapter not only for the over one billion members of the Catholic Church but also for the global community that looks to the Holy See for moral leadership, compassion, and unity. President Boakai stated that Pope Leo XIV election comes at a time when the church, and indeed the world face complex social, spiritual, and economic challenges. 'The weight of this sacred office is immense, yet I am confident that your deep intercultural background, unwavering commitment to service, and embodiment of humility and faith will guide you with wisdom and strength, Your Holiness, the role you now undertake extends beyond the Catholic faith', President Boakai said. The Liberian leader said in an increasingly interconnected world, Pope Leo XIV voice will serve as a bridge builder among faiths and peoples, stating that the promotion of interfaith dialogue and mutual respect among all religions, and those of no faith is vital to achieving lasting peace and harmony. 'I am especially hopeful that your papacy will bring renewed focus to the development and inclusion of young people from all backgrounds, nurturing in them the values of peace, empathy, and shared responsibility. In doing so, we can foster a future generation better equipped to navigate diversity and resolve conflict before it escalates', President Boakai stated. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of Liberia: Executive Mansion.
