I urge you to continue your efforts to fight this virus, which not only kills but seriously threatens the economic and social stability of the continent. |
If the divorced are remarried civilly, they find themselves in a situation that objectively contravenes God's law. Consequently, they cannot receive Holy Communion as long as this situation persists. This norm is not at all a punishment or a discrimination against the divorced and remarried, but rather expresses an objective situation that of itself renders impossible the reception of Holy Communion: '. . . If these people were admitted to the Eucharist, the faithful would be led into error and confusion regarding the Church's teaching about the indissolubility of marriage'. |
In a nuclear war, there would be no victors, only victims. The truth of peace requires that all ? whether those governments which openly or secretly possess nuclear arms, or those planning to acquire them ? agree to change their course by clear and firm decisions, and strive for a progressive and concerted nuclear disarmament. |
In each of them, like in the manger of Bethlehem, Jesus knocks at the door of our hearts, asking that we make room for him in our lives. God is like this. He does not impose, he never enters with force, but like a child asks to be welcomed. |
In fact, they come from every part of the world and carry out diverse duties in service to the people of God. |
In his last years, the Lord gradually stripped him of everything. When he could no longer travel and then not walk and finally not even speak, his gesture, his proclamation was reduced to the essential: to the gift of self until the last. |
In his spirituality and in his tireless ministry, the presence of Mary as mother and queen of the church was made manifest to the eyes of all. |
In Iraq, may peace finally prevail over the tragic violence that continues mercilessly to claim victims. |
In the face of continuing situations of injustice and violence that continue to oppress different areas of the earth and before those things that present themselves as new and insidious threats to peace -- terrorism, nihilism and fanatical fundamentalism -- it becomes necessary more than ever to work together for peace. |
In the final years, the Lord gradually stripped him of everything. And when he could no longer travel, and then could no longer walk, and finally could no longer speak, his announcement was reduced to the essential: The gift of himself until the very end. |
In the light of this common mission, we cannot not denounce and combat with decisiveness the hate and incomprehension, the injustices and the violence that continue to sow worry in the soul of men and women of good will. |
In the mirror of the cross we have seen all the suffering of humanity today. We saw the suffering of abandoned, abused children ... threats against families, the division in the world in the pride of the rich and the misery of all those who suffer hunger and thirst. |
In the particular moment that Italy has been living through in these months, may the risen Lord bring serenity to the national community and strengthen in all those who work to serve it the strong desire to pursue aims of harmony and authentic development for the good of all. |
in the service of the Church. |
In this regard, one can only note with dismay the evidence of a continuing growth in military expenditures and the flourishing arms trade, while the political and juridical process established by the international community for promoting disarmament is bogged down in general indifference. |