Observer

Index - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6

What Kind of Man is Pope Benedict XVI?

Rome, 19th April, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The mainstream North American and European media has never been friendly toward either the Catholic Church or to the man they hold up as the archetypal defender of Catholic conservatism. Joseph Ratzinger was the favourite target of dissident Catholics, liberal theologians, feminist 'nuns,' leftist media sources and anyone with a grudge against the Catholic Church.

Benedict XVI: With Mary and her prayers, God will help us move ahead

Vatican City, 19th April 2005 (CNA) - Pope Benedict XVI emerged onto the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica waving and smiling at a wildly cheering crowd of tens of thousands packed in St. Peter’s Square.

Welcome Benedict XVI!

Vatican City, 19th April 2005 (CNA) - The 265th. Pontiff of the Church comes from Germany and he is Pope Benedict XVI. Cardinal Ratzinger was elected today as the new successor of Peter.

White Smoke, Habemus Papam

Vatican City, 19th April 2005 (CNA) - At 17:56 in Rome, white smoke rose from the chimney atop of the Sistine Chapel. The Catholic Church has a new Pope.

Black smoke signals no pope chosen in first vote

Vatican City, 18th April 2005 (CNA) - It was 20:05 in Rome when black smoke rose from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel. Black smoke indicates that though there was a  first vote, none of the cardinals reached the two-thirds majority needed to elect a new Pope.

Cardinal Ratzinger prays for ‘a pastor to lead us to knowledge of Christ, to His love, to true joy’

Vatican City, 18th April 2005 (CNA) - Just hours before cardinals from around the world made their solemn procession to the Sistine Chapel to begin the conclave, which will elect a new pope, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger warned cardinals not to be 'tossed with every wind of doctrine.'

Cardinal Ouellet: Conclave is act of faith, not politics

Vatican City, 18th April 2005 (CNA) - Cardinal Marc Ouellet, Archbishop of Quebec, Canada, said this Sunday in Rome the Conclave is not a political act, but an act of faith.

Cardinals finish meetings, John Paul’s Fisherman’s Ring destroyed

Vatican City, 16th April 2005 (CNA) - The Vatican Press Office director denied media reports that the official meetings of the cardinals, known as General Congregations, ended with the discussion of names to succeed Pope John Paul II.

Sistine Chapel chimney ready for conclave

Vatican City, 15th April 2005 (CNA) - This Thursday workers at the Vatican finished installing the chimney in the Sistine Chapel that will send the famous black or white smoke into the air, announcing the election of a new Pope or the continuation of voting in the Conclave that will begin on Monday.

Vatican reveals conclave schedule

Vatican City, 16th April 2005 (CNA) - Voting for the successor of Pope John Paul II could begin as early as Monday evening, said Vatican Press Office director Joaquin Navarro-Valls.

Vatican official: Latin America ready to give the Church a pope

Vatican City, 15th April 2005 (CNA) - Archbishop Cipriano Calderon Polo, Vice President emeritus of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America and member of the Congregation for Bishops, said Thursday the Church in Latin America is “mature” and ready to give a Pope to the universal Church.

‘Jesus alone can satisfy man’s hunger for love; thirst for justice’, wrote John Paul II

Vatican City, 15th April 2005 (CNA) - Today the Vatican released Pope John Paul II’s message for this year’s annual World Mission Day, which he wrote before his death.

Preparations for the conclave: Cardinals explore state of Church in the world

Vatican City, 14th April 2005 (CNA) - 142 cardinals participated this morning in the tenth General Congregation of Cardinals, leading up to Monday’s conclave where they will choose the next pope.

Four votes, two plumes of smoke per day during Conclave

Vatican City, 14th April 2005 (CNA) - The cardinals gathered in the Conclave will vote twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon, but the burning of the ballots, which will send either white or black smoke into the air above the Sistine Chapel, will only take place twice each day.

Thousands visit tomb of John Paul II

Vatican City, 13th April 2005 (CNA) - Early this morning, the Vatican reopened the grottoes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica for the first time since the death of Pope John Paul II.

Papal conclave participants to take oath Friday

Vatican City, 13th April 2005 (CNA) - As cardinals from around the world prepare to elect a new pope, the Vatican announced today that all those who will be part of Monday’s conclave will be called to take their oath on Friday, April 15th.

Archbishop says beatification of John Paul II could come soon

Vatican City, 12th April 2005 (CNA) - Two days ago the cardinals gathered in Rome stated the opening of the cause of beatification of Pope John Paul II would depend exclusively on his successor.  In this context, the Secretary of the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints, Archbishop Edward Nowak, said the eventual process would not take very long to complete.

Papal apartments sealed, Cardinals to receive official condolences from world diplomats tomorrow

Vatican City, 12th April 2005 (CNA) - 137 cardinals from around the world gathered this morning at the Vatican for their 8th General Congregation in preparation for the election of a new pope. Among other plans, they announced the closing of the papal apartments with the seal of the Apostolic Camera, and the reception of condolences from the diplomatic corps scheduled for tomorrow.

Vatican: ‘May the Lord illuminate the minds of the papal electors’

Vatican City, 12th April 2005 (CNA) - As cardinals from around the globe prepare to enter the Sistine Chapel on Monday to elect a new shepherd for the Catholic Church, the Vatican is asking faithful worldwide to unite themselves in prayer to the historic event.

Holy See shows press video of Domus Sancta Marta

Vatican City, 12th April 2005 (CNA) - Accredited journalists at the Vatican were shown a video Monday of the St. Martha residence, inaugurated by Pope John Paul II in 1995, where the cardinals will be staying the next conclave.

Cardinal Ruini calls Christians to prayer, not curiosity

Vatican City, 10th April 2005 (CNA) - During this time Christians must focus on prayer and not be caught up with curiosity about who will be the next Pope, said Camillo Cardinal Ruini.

Vatican issues special stamps marking vacant see

Vatican City, 10th April 2005 (CNA) - Stamp collectors delight. The Vatican announced that a special series of stamps for the vacant see would be issued April 12.

New pontiff to decide on beatification process for Pope John Paul

Vatican City, 10th April 2005 (CNA) - The start of the beatification process for Pope John Paul II is entirely up to the new Pope, said Vatican Press Office director Joaquin Navarro-Valls at an April 9 press conference.

Two voting cardinals absent from conclave due to poor health

Vatican City, 10th April 2005 (CNA) - Two cardinals, eligible to vote for the next supreme leader of the Roman Catholic Church, have communicated to the Vatican that they cannot attend the conclave for reasons of health.

Cardinals unanimously decide to avoid media

Vatican City, 10th April 2005 (CNA) - After celebrating Pope John Paul II’s funeral mass Friday, the cardinals have begun “a more intense period of silence and prayer” in preparation for the conclave, and they have “unanimously decided” to avoid media interviews.

“The Pope never considered retirement,” says Vatican observer

Vatican City, 8th April 2005 (CNA) - In an article published in the Italian daily Corriere della Sera, Vatican analyst Luigi Acattoli pointed out that contrary to media reports, Pope John Paul II never considered resigning.

Millions watch as Pope John Paul II is laid to rest

Vatican City, 8th April 2005 (CNA) - Pope John Paul II, shepherd of the Catholic Church for 26 years, was laid to rest this morning in the presence of presidents, kings, church leaders from all denominations, and faithful from around the globe.

Cardinal Ratzinger offers moving tribute to John Paul II

Vatican City, 8th April 2005 (CNA) - Pope John Paul II followed the call of Christ up until his last day and traveled “everywhere, untiringly, in order to bear fruit that lasts.”

Vatican releases Pope’s testament: moving reflexion on life, death and Christ’s Salvation

Vatican City, 7th April 2005 (CNA) - The following is an English summary of the official Vatican Italian translation of the text of Pope John Paul II's last will and testament, which was originally written in Polish with successive additions.

Vatican releases John Paul II’s will

Vatican City, 7th April 2005 (CNA) - Earlier today, the Vatican released the last will and spiritual testament of Pope John Paul II, read yesterday for the first time by gathered cardinals.

Vatican confirms: Conclave will begin on April 18th

Vatican City, 6th April 2005 (CNA) - The Vatican announced yesterday that the College of Cardinals, now gathered in Rome to elect the Church’s 265th pope, will begin their conclave on April 18th.

Pope John Paul’s funeral mass set for Friday morning

Vatican City, 4th April  2005 (CNA) - Pope John Paul II's funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Peter’s Square Friday at 10 a.m., Rome time, the Vatican has announced.

World leaders praise life of John Paul II

Washington DC, 4th April 2005 (CNA) - U.S. President George Bush was among a throng of world leaders who have been praising the life and memory of Pope John Paul II who died peacefully at the Vatican on Saturday evening.

Pope’s body lies in state, faithful to pay homage tomorrow

Vatican City, 3rd April 2005 (CNA) - The body of Pope John Paul II lay in state Sunday at the Apostolic Palace as members of the Roman Curia, religious leaders and civil dignitaries paid their respects and offered prayers for the soul of the late pontiff, who died Saturday as a result of heart and kidney failure.

Pope died after Mass of the Divine Mercy, Vatican reveals

Vatican City, 2nd April 2005 (CNA) - Pope John Paul died after attending the Mass of the Divine Mercy, a feast he personally established three years ago, revealed the Vatican in a press release. The Holy Father died at 9:37 p.m. in his private apartment.

Sunday 10:30, first funeral Mass for Pope John Paul at the Vatican

Vatican City, 2nd April 2005 (CNA) - The Vatican spokesman, Joaquin Navarro-Valls announced this evening that tomorrow, feast of the Divine Mercy Sunday, at 10.30 a.m.

Ancient tradition for confirming Pope’s death

Vatican City, 2nd April  2005 (CNA) - According to the Apostolic Constitution Apostólica Universi Dominici Gregis issued by Pope John Paul II in 1996, the confirming of the death of a Pontiff includes an ancient tradition: The death of the Pope is verified by the Cardinal Camerlengo, Cardinal Eduardo Martínez Somalo, who is to gently strike the Pope's head with a small silver hammer and call out his Christian name three times.

Pope John Paul II receives eternal reward at 9:37 p.m.

Vatican City, 2nd April 2005 (CNA) - The third-longest serving pontiff, after St. Peter and Pope Pius IX, died serenely at 9:37 p.m., Rome time, in his papal apartments overlooking St. Peter’s Square. His death, April 2, is on the eve of the Feast of the Divine Mercy, a feast-day that the Pope had instituted in the Church.

"I am happy, be it yourselves as well," utters Pope

Vatican City, 2nd April 2005 (CNA) - Pope John Paul II, before entering into the state of diminished consciousness, whispered to his personal secretary the eloquent phrase: “I am happy, be it yourselves as well.”

Pope still in serious condition, but not in a Coma, Vatican says

Vatican City, 2nd April 2005 (CNA) - During a 10:30 a.m. press briefing, Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls   announced that Pope John Paul was still in serious condition, but he was not in a coma.

Vatican announces Pope is unconscious but not dead, Rosary being held at St. Peter’s Square

Vatican City, 1st April 2005 (CNA) - The Vatican has officially announced that the Pope John Paul II’s blood pressure has dramatically dropped and he is now unconscious, but denied reports saying that the Pontiff has died.

Vatican says Pope critical but "calm and conscious"

Vatican City, 1st April 2005 (CNA) - The Vatican's spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said the Pope experienced serious heart problems yesterday but that he is "conscious, lucid and extraordinarily calm".

Press misrepresents Catholic teaching on end-of-life issues: ethicists

New York, 31st March 2005 (CNA) - Two prominent Catholic ethicists say the media portrayals of Church teaching on end-of-life issues, surrounding the Terri Schiavo case, are often inaccurate and misleading, reported the Culture of Life Foundation in their most recent publication.

Pope suffering from high fever, receives Annointing of the Sick

Rome, 31st March 2005 (CNA) - The Vatican confirmed this afternon that Pope John Paul II has developed a high fever as a result of a urinary tract infection.

Pope receives feeding tube, Vatican calls recovery 'slow and progressive'

Vatican City, 30th March 2005 (CNA) - Amid much speculation by worldwide media as to John Paul II's true condition following last month's tracheotomy surgery, Joaquin Navarro-Valls, head of the Vatican Press Office released a statement today calling the Holy Father's convalescence "slow and progressive," and added that a feeding tube is now assisting his food and water intake.

Christians question new translation of Bible

London, 28th March 2005 (CNA) - A new version of one of the world’s most widely read English-language Bibles has caused a stir among some Christians in the United States.

Thousands receive emotional Easter blessing from Pope unable to speak

Vatican City, 27th March 2005 (CNA) - Tens of thousands from around the world gathered for the solemn Easter mass in St. Peter's Square this morning to celebrate the Resurrected Christ and to receive the Pope's benediction.

Doctor rules out new hospitalization of Pope

Vatican City, 22nd March 2005 (CNA) - With heightened rumors in the press about the health of Pope John Paul II, the Pontiff’s medical team on Tuesday ruled out the possibility of another hospitalization of the Pope at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome.

Pope tells university students to ‘renew art and culture’

Vatican City, 21st March 2005 (CNA) - In a message read by Archbishop Leonardo Sandri, substitute for the Secretariat of State today, the Holy Father told participants of the 38th University Congress (UNIV) to “renew the languages of art and culture.”

Pope demonstrates ‘unfathomable dignity’ of priesthood, says Cardinal Castrillon

Vatican City, 18th March 2005 (CNA) - This morning, Cardinal Dario Castrillon Hoyos, prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy, presented John Paul II’s long awaited Letter to Priests for Holy Thursday 2005.

‘Peace is the work of justice’, Pope tells conference

Vatican City, 17th March 2005 (CNA) - Yesterday, Pope John Paul II called on members of a conference examining the Church’s call to justice continue to foster solidarity with and dignity for all members of the human family.

Cardinal calls Holocaust Museum ‘a warning, a witness, and an appeal’

Vatican City, 17th March 2005 (CNA) - On March 15^th, the new Holocaust History Museum at Yad Vashem Mausoleum in Jerusalem opened its doors. Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, librarian of Holy Roman Church, and the Pope’s representative to the event, assured those gathered of the Church’s and the Holy Father’s solidarity.

British library to digitalize 15th century Bible manuscript

London, 15th March 2005 (CNA) - The British Library in London has announced it has signed an agreement to digitalize and reunite the Codex Sinaiticus, the oldest Greek copy of the Bible, whose different sections are currently in libraries in Egypt, Germany, Russia and the United Kingdom.

Vatican unveils project bringing together Science and Theology

Vatican City, 11th March 2005 (CNA) - Earlier today, the findings of one of the most prestigious current research programs on the relationship between science, philosophy and theology was unveiled at the Vatican.

New York Press Editor quits in wake of offensive Pope story

New York, 9th March 2005 (CNA) - Jeff Koyen, editor of the controversial alternative New York weekly, the New York Press quit rather than accept a two week suspension over the paper’s recent cover story, “the 52 Funniest things about the Upcoming Death of the Pope.”

John Paul II receiving flood of e-mails from around world

Vatican City, 7thn March 2005 (CNA) - The Vatican has announced that e-mail’s for Pope John Paul II have been pouring in from around the world ever since the Vatican's web site posted an address in each of its six language versions (john_paul_ii@vatican.va).

Vatican expects Pope to return for Holy Week

Vatican City, 7th March 2005 (CNA) - Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls told journalists today that the Vatican expects the Pope to be back from the hospital in time for Holy Week.

Globalization Report stresses value and dignity of work

Vatican City, 28th February 2005 (CNA) - The conclusions of a Report of the World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalization was presented Friday afternoon at the Lateran University in Rome.

Vatican calls Pope’s condition ‘good’

Vatican City, 28th February 2005 (CNA) - This morning Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls gave journalists a medical bulletin outlining the current state of the Pope's health.

Pope’s new book presented last night

Vatican City, 23rd February 2005 (CNA) - Memory and Identity, Pope John Paul II’s most recent book, was presented yesterday evening at a press conference in Rome's Palazzo Colonna.

Brazilian Cardinal: the Pope’s mission will end when God calls him

Brasilia, 11th February 2005 (CNA) - The president of the National Bishops Conference of Brazil and Archbishop of San Salvador de Bahia, Cardinal Geraldo Majella Agnelo, weighed in on media reports this week speculating about papal retirement, saying Pope John Paul II views “the governing of the Church as a mission” that will only reach its conclusion when he is called home to the Father.

Cardinal optimistic of Pope’s health, abilities

Rome, 15th February 2005 (CNA) - A top Italian cardinal said he is certain Pope John Paul II has the capacity to continue to work and to make decisions even after the 10 days he recently spent in hospital for the flu and breathing difficulties, reported the Italian daily La Repubblica.

Sister Lucia, last living witness of Fatima, dead at 97

Lisbon, 14th February 2005 (CNA) - Sister Lucia, the last surviving witness of the three children to whom the Virgin Mary appeared at Fatima, Portugal, died Sunday at the age of 97.

Pope anxious to get back to work

Vatican City, 11th February 2005 (CNA) - The Pope is back home at the Vatican today after his release Thursday evening from the Gemelli hospital in Rome. John Paul II rode in his famous Popemobile to much fanfare from supporters through Roman streets as he made his return journey.

Forensic Scientists reveal what Jesus may have looked like as a 12-year old

Rome, 11th February 2005 (CNA) - Forensic scientists in Italy are working on a different kind of investigation—one that dates back 2000 years. In an astounding announcement, the scientists think they may have re-created an image of Jesus Christ when He was a 12-year old boy.

Vatican denounces book, suspends U.S. Jesuit from teaching Catholic theology

Vatican City, 9th February 2005 (CNA) - The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has denounced the book “Jesus: Symbol of God” by American Jesuit Fr. Roger Haight as containing "grave doctrinal errors,” reported John Allen of the National Catholic Reporter.

“We need to trust life!” says Pope in message from hospital

Vatican City, 7th February 2005 (CNA) - Yesterday, in his message delivered from his hospital room at the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome, John Paul II affirmed urged the faithful to defend and trust the gift of life.

Vatican calls Pope's condition "positive"

Vatican City, 3rd February 2005 (CNA) - Late this morning, Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls told journalists that "The Holy Father's general and respiratory conditions show positive developments."

Pope John Paul II hospitalized for flu complications

Vatican City, 1st February 2005 (CNA) - Pope John Paul II has been hospitalized in Rome, CNA has learned. The ailing pontiff was taken to the Agostino Gemelli Hospital at 10:50 p.m. Rome time and is undergoing medical exams at the Hospital’s 10th  floor.

Pope says priestly candidates must be capable of living celibacy

Vatican City, 1st February 2005 (CNA) - In a message made public today, the Holy Father stressed that seminaries must carefully verify the capability of their candidates to live a celibate life from the moment of their admittance. He particularly underlined the fact that this must happen immediately on their entrance into the seminary.

Martyrdom would have been too easy for Pius XII, says Italian professor

Rome, 28th January 2005 (CNA) - Pope Pius XII was a heroic leader, who kept the Church intact and saved the lives of many with his wise decisions during World War II, says an Italian professor and specialist in religious geopolitics.

Pope tells media they “have enormous potential for promoting peace”

Vatican City, 24th January 2005 (CNA) - The Pope made public today his message for the 39th Day of Social Communications which is due to be held on May 8, 2005, on the theme: "The Communications Media: at the service of understanding among peoples."

Pope tells Spanish Bishops to have “no fear” promoting vocations

Vatican City, 24th January 2005 (CNA) - This morning, the Pope received the first group of Spanish prelates who have just completed their "ad limina" visit. In his address, the Pope highlighted that Spain "is a country of profound Christian roots.

Spanish bishops: Church’s teaching on condoms has not changed

Madrid, 20th January 2005 (CNA) - The Bishops Conference of Spain issued a press release this week clarifying statements made by the body’s spokesman, Father Juan Antonio Martinez Camino, which the press interpreted as official Church support for condom use to prevent AIDS.  In their statement, the bishops maintained that, “It is not true that the teaching of the Church on condoms has changed.”

Spanish bishops’ spokesman says science also supports abstinence

Madrid, 19th January 2005 (CNA) - Despite media reports around the world that the bishops of Spain have thrown their support behind condoms as a means of preventing AIDS, the statements by the General Secretary of the Bishops Conference of Spain, which are the source of the reports, reiterate the Catholic position that abstinence and fidelity must be promoted in order to stop AIDS.

Vatican Announces Release of Kidnapped Iraqi Archbishop

Vatican City, 18th January 2005 (CNA) - The Vatican press office announced with relief and satisfaction today that, “we learned of the release of Archbishop Basile Georges Casmoussa of Mosul who had been kidnapped yesterday afternoon.

Fatima Bulletin reveals Gibson visited Fatima visionary and showed her ‘The Passion’

Coimbra, 12th January 2005 (CNA) - Mel Gibson met with Sr. Lucia of Fatima at the Convent in Coimbra, Portugal, and screened “The Passion of the Christ” for the Carmelite community there during Lent 2004, reveals the latest issue of the Fatima Bulletin.

In wake of tragic year, Pope says to the world - “Do not be overcome by evil”

Vatican City, 10th January 2005 (CNA) - This morning at 11 in the Regia Hall, John Paul II met with the members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See for an exchange of New Year's greetings and for his annual "state of the world" address.

Catholic magazine in Cuba takes stock of successes and challenges for the future

Havana, 6th January 2005 (CNA) - Despite heavy restrictions on freedom of speech in Cuba, the magazine “Palabra Nueva” (“New Word”), published by the Archdiocese of Havana, closed out 2004 with a positive evaluation of year and a commitment to continue serving Catholics during 2005.

Truth about man cannot be reached by mere science, Pope tells university students

Vatican City, Vatican, 15th December 2004 (CNA) - During the annual Mass for university students and faculty members from Roman and other European universities with Pope John Paul II yesterday evening in St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pope reiterated that the full truth about man can be reached by looking at “Christ’s gaze of love,” and not only by science.

The "Bible for children" translated in Ottoman language to evangelize in Turkey

Konigstein, Germany, 13th December 2004 (CNA) - Turkish-speaking Christians now have access to a Bible for children printed in Turkish published by the international Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

Pope highlights importance of Nativity scenes

Vatican City, Vatican, 13th December 2004 (CNA) - Pope John Paul II spoke about the importance of Nativity scenes during the Angelus prayer yesterday, Gaudete Sunday, noting that they are “a sign of faith in God, Who in Bethlehem came 'to live in our midst'."

Pope marks 150th anniversary of Immaculate Conception Consecrating the Church to Mary

Vatican City, Vatican, 8th December 2004 (CNA) - Appearing in a good form on Wednesday, Pope John Paul presided over the 150th Anniversary of the Immaculate Conception and consecrated the Church tu Mary.

Pope John Paul II: "God does not forget one single tear"

Vatican City, Vatican, 2nd December , 2004 (CNA) - Receiving 180 members of the secular institute, "Servants of Suffering," on the 10th anniversary of its foundation this morning, Pope John Paul II said that their witness as ‘silent Cyrenians’ assures those suffering that “God forgets no tears.”

Church wants to serve in promoting human dignity, says Pope

Vatican City, Vatican, 2nd December 2004 (CNA) - Receiving the president of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Guema, this morning, Pope John Paul II said that the Church, "inspired by the Gospel, only wants to serve in promoting man's dignity, in a normal climate of freedom, cooperation, reconciliation, understanding and respect that facilitates the peaceful and fruitful execution of its spiritual and humanitarian mission."

Violating rights of the poor is an act against God, says Pope

Vatican City, Vatican, 1st December 2004 (CNA) - Speaking on Psalm 71 in today's general audience in the Paul VI Hall, Pope John Paul II explained that because “the Lord is the guardian and defender of the poor and oppressed,” according to the Bible, violating the rights of the poor is “an act against God.”

Rediscover the mystery and significance of Sunday, says Pope

Vatican City, Vatican, 29th November 2004 (CNA) - Speaking yesterday from his balcony overlooking St. Peter’s square befor praying the Angelus, Pope John Paul II urged Christians to rediscover 'with new strength the meaning of Sunday: its 'mystery,' the value of its celebration, its significance for the Christian and human life."

By returning relics to Orthodox, Pope marks desire to speed up Christian unity

Vatican City, Vatican, 29th November 2004 (CNA) - Pope John Paul II manifested his desire for Christian unity when he handed over the relics of Saint John Chrysostom and Saint Gregory Nazianzen to the Orthodox Ecumentical Patriarch Bartholomew I in Saint Peter’s Basilica on Saturday.

Praying the rosary brings change to community

New York, USA, 26th November 2004 (CNA) - It’s a powerful tool that is changing communities and changing hearts; it’s the rosary. Its popularity has increased over recent years, especially since Pope John Paul II called the Year of the Rosary in October 2003.

Nations must guarantee human dignity of prisoners, Pope says

Vatican City, Vatican, 26th November 2004 CNA) - Pope John Paul II called on all nations this morning to ensure that prisoners are guaranteed their basic human rights and that alternative penalties to prison be sought and developed to include programs of “human, professional and spiritual formation.”

Vatican announces "catalogue" of new international movements and lay associations in the Church

Vatican City, Vatican, 23rd November 2004 (CNA) - The Vatican has announced the recent publication of a "Catalogue of International Associations of the Faithful" in response to Pope John Paul II's request in the Apostolic Exhortation "Christifideles laici" for an index of associations which have been officially approved by the Holy See.

Society absent of God self-destructs

Vatican City, Vatican, 19th November 2004 (CNA) - In an interview published in Italian newspaper "La Reppublica" today, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, said that “a society in which God is completely absent self-destructs,” and talked about the political, legal and cultural consequences of the marginalization of God from public life, and those of the loss of the meaning of human sexuality and the family.

Nobody dares to become Christian, says Indian bishop

Konigstein, Germany, 16th November 2004 (CNA) - There are practically no conversions to Christianity in the South West Indian state of Kerala, according to Bishop Peter Thuruthikonam of Vijayapuram.

Cardinal Rouco calls on laity not to fear marginalization and persecution

Madrid, Spain, 16th November 2004 (CNA) - Presiding at the closing of the Congress of Lay Apostolates, Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varlea, Archbishop of Madrid and President of the Bishops Conference of Spain, issued an energietic call to the country’s Catholics to be witnesses without fear of being misunderstood and persecuted.

Euthanasia does not redeem persons from suffering, it suppresses them

Vatican City, Vatican, 12th November 2004 (CNA) - Receiving participants in the international conference on palliative cures at the Vatican this morning, Pope John Paul II issued strong words against the practice of euthanasia as a means to alleviate suffering, saying it is “motivated by sentiments of a poorly understood compassion” and that it “supresses” rather than redeems the person from suffering.

Vatican reiterates desire for two independent and reconciled states in Holy Land

Vatican City, Vatican, 11th November 200 (CNA) - The Vatican issued a statement following the death of Palestinian National Authority president Yasser Arafat, who passed away this morning in a military hospital in Paris at the age of 75, asking for peace in the Holy Land and for “two independent and sovereign States, fully reconciled with each other."

Pope sends condolences to Palestinian people upon death of Yasser Arafat

Vatican City, Vatican, 11th November 2004 (CNA) - Upon learning of the death of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat this morning, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican secretary of state, sent a telegram of condolences in the name of Pope John Paul II to Rawhi Fattuh, president of the Palestinian Legislative Council, expressing the Holy Father’s closeness to the Palestinian people.

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