The German Church is on a preparatory phase of her synodal journey[1] and Pope Francis has written a Letter[2] to share the concerns of his brothers and sisters “for the future of the Church in Germany” (Introduction). Rather than commenting on the pope’s Letter, I limit myself in this article to pointing out some points… Read the full article
On February 4, 2019, Pope Francis and Sheikh Ahmad al-Tayyeb signed a joint declaration of goodwill.[1] The text calls for a commentary from both a Catholic theological and Islamic studies point of view.[2] First, however, some remarks on context are due. Comparable texts have been signed before. Among them are the final declarations of the… Read the full article
From May 31 to June 2, 2019, Francis made an apostolic journey to Romania. At the end of the first day, when he returned to the nunciature, the pope was welcomed by 22 Jesuits working in the country. He stayed with them for about an hour, answering some questions in a relaxed and family atmosphere…. Read the full article
On the 25th anniversary of the foundation of the Pontifical Academy for Life (PAL), Pope Francis sent a letter of gratitude in recognition of its service and to relaunch its mission for the future. Recalling the communal origin and destiny of the human family, the pope widens the horizon in which human life is to… Read the full article
In June 2016, Fr. Adolfo Nicolás, then Superior General of the Society of Jesus, sent a document to his fellow Jesuits proposing a greater commitment to the cause of global economic justice in order to better serve our brothers and sisters victimized by unjust economic and social structures.[1] The document was inspired by Pope Francis’… Read the full article
At the beginning of his exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (EG), Pope Francis cites the encyclical letter Ecclesiam Suam (ES) of St. Paul VI, citing these significant words: “Paul VI invited us to deepen the call to renewal and to make it clear that renewal does not only concern individuals but the entire Church. Let us return to… Read the full article
Let’s say it right away: the apostolic journey of Pope Francis to Colombia (September 6-11, 2017) was really and truly a “manifesto” not only in words but also in actions and gestures. It showed that a different world is possible and indicated to the Church its own role of service as salt of the earth…. Read the full article
Pope Francis and the primacy of reality When speaking of evangelization in his Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (EG), Pope Francis addresses the topics of the common good and social peace (EG 217-237). He speaks of four principles in this regard: time is greater than space (222-225), unity prevails over conflict (226-230), realities are more important… Read the full article
