Millions around the world followed the televised transmission of Pope John Paul II’s beatification. In his homily Pope Benedict said John Paul II has “restored to Christianity its true face as a religion of hope”.
He said “I wanted his cause of beatification to move forward with reasonable haste”.
The Vatican said 87 countries had sent formal delegations to attend the beatification. There were 16 heads of state in attendance, including the presidents of Poland and Italy, and seven prime ministers.
“The longed-for day has come,” said Pope Benedict. “It came quickly because this was pleasing to the Lord. John Paul II is blessed.”
Priests create conflicts for Church
Catholic priests in Vietnam who show greater loyalty to the Communist regime than to the Church are creating serious difficulties for the Church. Three Catholic priests are running for election to the National Assembly, in defiance of Church legislation which does not let priests run for elections.
In the case of two of these priests they are running for re-election. The National Assembly is the body which puts into practice the policies of the Communist Party.
One of the three candidate is Fr Phan Khac Tu, the editor of a newspaper that frequently criticises the Pope. He has been removed from ministry by the Saigon archdiocese.
Pope on dangers to religious freedom
While addressing the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, Pope Benedict said freedom of religion is again in danger.
He called for “the recognition of the fundamental human right to religious freedom on the part of all states”.
He added that religious min-orities should be protected by governments.
The members of the academy discussed various aspects of the threats against religious freedom, including state coercion and persecution, legal restrictions on religious minorities, social pressures, and the growth of secular fundamentalism in Western counties.
Christians targeted in India violence
Violence against Christians in India is on the increase.
Hindu extremists in Madhya Pradesh beat a Protestant pastor until he was unconscious; radicals in Maharashtra prevented tribal Christians from holding services; and extremists in Kerala be at Christians who were distributing copies of the Gospel.
“As Christians we are not discouraged and will continue to proclaim that God is with us,” said Joseph Dias of the Catholic Secular Forum.
“But we want the state authorities to guarantee the genuine freedom to worship in the country, for believers of all religions.”
Bishop condemns sex tape broadcast
Bishop Paul Tan, head of the Malaysian bishops’ conference, has condemned as “vile and putrid” the broadcast on state TV of a video allegedly of the opposition leader with a prostitute. His supporters say the person is a lookalike actor.
Pope’s prayer intentions for May
“That those working in communication media may respect the truth, solidarity, and dignity of all people.”
“That the Lord may help the Church in China persevere in fidelity to the Gospel and grow in unity.”
(Compiled by Fr Joe Borg)