Voices
Gerard O’Connell is America’s Vatican correspondent and author of The Election of Pope Francis: An Inside Story of the Conclave That Changed History. He has been covering the Vatican since 1985.
FaithVatican Dispatch
The pope’s coming “will be a message of hope,” Cardinal D’Rozario said.
FaithVatican Dispatch
Pope Francis called on Catholics and Buddhists in Myanmar “to be united” in order “to heal the wounds of conflict that through the years have divided people of different cultures, ethnicities and religious convictions.” He reminded them that to achieve this unity it is necessary “to surmount all forms of misunderstanding, intolerance, prejudice and hatred.”
That was his core message in his address to the leadership of the state committee that oversees and regulates the 500,000 Buddhist monks in Myanmar, a majority Buddhist country.
FaithVatican Dispatch
The pope's audience included government ministers, civic leaders, military officials, cardinals and bishops, and about 200 lay people and the world’s media.
FaithVatican Dispatch
“The fact is the military are still in control here even if we have a civilian government,” the priest said.
FaithVatican Dispatch
To promote dialogue and reconciliation, the pope will have to move with great prudence.
Politics & SocietyNews
The pope described the attack as a “wanton act of brutality directed at innocent civilians gathered in prayer.”
FaithVatican Dispatch
Although he named no countries, Vatican observers believe he is referring especially to political leaders in several western and eastern European countries.
FaithVatican Dispatch
Participants at the recent plenary assembly approved a petition requesting the pope to waive the “monitum” issued by the Holy Office in 1962.
FaithVatican Dispatch
Since becoming pope, Francis has given special attention to the Holy See’s diplomatic staff.
FaithVatican Dispatch
“Not everything that is technically possible or feasible is therefore ethically acceptable.”