In a speech to pilgrims from El Salvador, Pope Francis defended the memory of Archbishop Oscar Ro­me­ro, who was assassinated in 1980 while celebrating Mass. Romero used to strongly criticise abuses against human rights committed by the government of El Salvador.

The Pope denounced those who “defamed and slandered” Romero, even those who were “his brothers in the priesthood and the episcopate”. He added that Romero “continues to be a martyr” because the slander continues to this day.

Quoting Romero, he said: “We must be willing to die for our faith, even if the Lord does not give us that honour.” No one is born a martyr, the Pope said; God gives the grace for this special witness to individuals. However, the Pope said, all of the faithful should pray for the grace to bear witness even in adversity.

India planning to curb surrogate parenthood

The Indian is planning to restrict the practice of surrogate parenthood, which has developed into a lucrative industry. India is a world leader in commercial surrogacy. As many as 1,000 poor Indian women annually accept to carry a pregnancy to term for an average of just under €7,000.

Bishop Thomas Dabre of Poona, head of the Indian bishops’ doctrinal commission, welcomed the pros­pect of restrictions on the practice. “Hiring bodily elements is not morally right, according to Catholic teaching, because it commercialises the human body,” he said.

New book by Pope on God’s mercy out soon

A new book by Pope Francis, based on a lengthy interview with Italian journalist Andrea Tor­nielli, will be published early in January 2016.

In the book, entitled The Name of God is Mercy, the Pontiff speaks about the theme for the Jubilee Year of Mercy. Random House, which will publish the English-language version of the book, says it is “directed at everyone, inside or outside the Catholic Church, seeking meaning in life, a road to peace and reconciliation, or the healing of physical or spiritual wounds”.

Vatican delegation visits China

Representatives of the Secretariat of State and the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples were part of a six-man delegation of the Vatican that had talks with the Chinese officials during an 11-day trip to the country.

The delegation met also with Bishop Giuseppe Li Shan, who is recognised both by the Holy See and the Chinese Government – and the national seminary.

Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said the Vatican is currently engaged in a dialogue with the Chinese authorities, a fact the Holy See vies as “very positive”.

On the return journey from his trip to the US, Pope Francis told journalists: “I’d really love to go to China. I love the Chinese people… We have contacts, we talk. It’s necessary to keep going.”

Parolin said the Vatican is still optimistic over the chances of a papal visit to China.

Pope’s November prayer intentions

The Vatican has released the prayer intentions of Pope Francis for November. The Pope’s universal intention is: “That we may be open to personal encounter and dialogue with all, even those whose convictions differ from our own.” His intention for evangelisation is: “That pastors of the Church, with profound love for their flocks, may accompany them and enliven their hope.”

(Compiled by Fr Joe Borg)

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