The Holy See’s representative to the United Nations appealed Wednesday to the Human Rights Council to couple psychological treatment with spiritual care. In response to a recent report on mental health issued by the council’s special rapporteur, Archbishop Ivan Jurkovich agreed that the report “rightly promotes the adoption of an integrated bio-medical, psycho-social, and community-based
…
Read more
As Chinese Catholics celebrate the feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians, Cardinal Joseph Zen has asked for prayers on behalf of Christians in the country, who often face difficulty and even persecution for their faith. “In the history of the Church, Our Lady, Help of Christians always came to help the Church in difficulty,”
…
Read more
Although largely forgotten today, Italian Cardinal Antonio Samoré played a key role in notching one of the Vatican’s signature diplomatic victories by preventing a war between Chile and Argentina in 1978. His legacy illustrates the key role that Vatican diplomacy has often played on the global stage. Pope Francis’s diplomatic efforts are often hailed
…
Read more
The papal nuncio to the United Nations on Wednesday stressed the religious rejection of the “utter savagery” of terrorism and violence. “Genuine religious faith is in fact a source of unity and strength against fundamentalist terrorism and encourages individuals and societies to opt for non-violent means to air their grievances and to obtain justice,” Archbishop
…
Read more
The Holy See on Tuesday expressed its “strong support” for the 2030 United Nations development agenda, but added it has “firm reservations” about some items in the agenda document. “This Agenda is a clear sign that, in spite of differences in some areas, the international community has come together and affirmed its commitment to eradicate
…
Read more
Vatican City, Oct 18, 2014 / 02:49 pm .- Pope Francis met with Vietnamese prime minister Nguyen Tan Dung Saturday morning, which is a move seen as a important step in strengthening ties between the Vatican and Vietnam. A statement released by the Vatican regarding the Oct. 18 encounter explained that during their “cordial conversations,”
…
Read more
Vatican City, Oct 1, 2014 / 10:52 am .- Pope Francis and Vatican officials are due to meet this week with the nuncios to seven Middle Eastern nations to discuss responses to the Islamic State, and in particular how to provide humanitarian aid to displaced persons. The summit will be held at the Vatican Oct.
…
Read more