Speaking to the prelates of the regional episcopal conference of North Africa, which encompasses the dioceses of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya, Pope Francis said: “For several years your region has been experiencing significant changes, which offer hope that aspirations to greater freedom and dignity may be fulfilled and which favour greater freedom of conscience, but at times these events have led to outbursts of violence.
“I wish to mention, in particular, the courage, loyalty and perseverance of the bishops of Libya, as well as the priests, consecrated persons and laypeople who stay in this country despite the dangers. They are genuine witnesses of the Gospel. I thank them and encourage them to continue their efforts in contributing to peace and reconciliation throughout the region.”
Bishops received books – Vatican
Fr Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican press office, has denied reports that the Office of the Synod intercepted books that had been mailed to bishops participating in the October meeting of the Synod of Bishops. He added that the copies that had arrived by mail were distributed without any problem.
Lombardi was reacting to a report by journalist Edward Pentin that about 100 copies of Remaining in the Truth of Christ, a collection of essays defending Catholic teaching on marriage, were not delivered as part of a plan of the synod secretariat to censure views that were not in line with the position of Cardinal Walter Kasper and other progressives.
Arch-conservative Fr Joseph Fessio, the publisher of the book’s English edition, maintained that the books had not been delivered.
Hight restrictions on religious freedom
According to a study by the Pew Research Centre, 77 per cent of the world’s population lives under “high or very high” restrictions on religion, up from 68 per cent in 2007.
The report also found that “Christians were harassed, either by government or social groups, in 102 of the 198 countries included in the study”.
‘Ask candidates about immigration stance’
Archbishop of Westminster Cardinal Vincent Nichols said voters in next May’s UK general election should question all the parties on their immigration policies.
Nichols said “these are people who drown in the Mediterranean trying to get into Europe, people caged in Calais because they’re desperate. We have to keep the human person at the front of these issues.”
An election pastoral letter released at Masses in England and Wales asked Catholics to consider the stance of candidates in their constituency on issues including marriage, abortion and assisted suicide. It urged them to reflect on what kind of society they want “here and abroad”.
Nichols stressed that he endorsed no individual party, but wanted people to engage with politics and ask questions. He believed people had disconnected from politics, but he insisted it was “everybody’s business”.
Pope’s March prayer intentions
The Vatican has announced the prayer intentions of Pope Francis for March. The Pope’s universal intention is: “That those involved in scientific research may serve the wellbeing of the whole human person.”
His intention for evangelisation is: “That the unique contribution of women to the life of the Church may be recognised always.”
(Compiled by Fr Joe Borg)