By Tom Hoffarth LOS ANGELES (OSV News) – Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop David G. O’Connell was remembered as a man “gripped by grace” and “at ease with movers and shakers and also with the moved and shaken” as nearly 5,000 attended a funeral Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels March 3.
The Mass was the conclusion of a three-day tribute to Bishop O’Connell, starting with a March 1 memorial Mass at St. John Vianney Church in Hacienda Heights. On March 2 at the cathedral, local Catholics said farewell to Bishop O’Connell in an all-day public viewing followed by a vigil Mass.
In his homily at the funeral Mass, Msgr. Jarlath Cunnane, Bishop O’Connell’s classmate and close friend from their seminary days in Ireland in 1971, called upon the phrase “Anam Cara,” the Celtic concept of having a friend of the soul.
“You’re blessed if you have a soul friend,” said Msgr. Cunnane, the pastor of St. Cornelius Church in Long Beach. “And I was blessed to have David. … I was better for having known David O’Connell. Many of you were too, were you not?”
The question drew a round of applause from the pews.
Los Angeles Archbishop José H. Gomez presided over the Mass that not only filled the cathedral pews but had hundreds more standing in the aisles, ambulatories and seated on the outside plaza watching a livestream presentation.
Los Angeles Archbishop José H. Gomez places the Book of Gospels on the casket of Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop David G. O’Connell during his funeral Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels March 3, 2023. Bishop O’Connell was fatally shot at his home in Hacienda Heights Feb. 18. (OSV News photo/Sarah Yaklic, courtesy Archdiocese of Los Angeles)
Long, yellow school buses frequently pulled up to the curb outside the cathedral to drop off more mourners. Several streamed into the Cathedral Plaza as the two-hour Mass went on, using umbrellas as shade, clutching their young children, simply wanting to be present.
Three cardinals – Roger M. Mahony, Blase J. Cupich of Chicago and Robert W. McElroy of San Diego – attended as well as 34 bishops and more than 50 priests at the altar.
Local dignitaries included LA Police Chief Michel Moore, former Los Angeles mayors Eric Garcetti and Jim Hahn, former LA County Sheriff Jim McDonnell, LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn, LA District Attorney George Gascón and several other civic leaders who called Bishop O’Connell a friend over the years. Cunnane noted that Bishop O’Connell “wasn’t just my good friend. Friendship is something he was good at. He has friends young and old, far and wide … he has friends up and down the social scale, at ease in the corridors of power and with the powerless.”
In calling him a man “gripped by grace,” Msgr. Cunnane said Bishop O’Connell was “seized by the Lord, like Jeremiah (who) said: ‘Lord, you seduced me, and I let myself be seduced; you were stronger and you triumphed.'”
“A mind and a wit always quick and sharp, but sometimes in earlier days, with an edge, by grace became levity and joyous humor, and (an) ability to affirm,” the priest added. “He was always affirming, he found the good in people and praised it. He spoke it into them.”
Msgr. Cunnane thanked Bishop O’Connell’s family members present, several who came from Ireland, “for giving us the blessing of him for all these years and all this wonderful ministry here in Los Angeles.”
Archbishop Gomez read a message from Pope Francis that concluded: “To those gathered for the Mass of Christian Burial and to all who mourn Bishop O’Connell’s loss in the sure hope of the Resurrection, the Holy Father cordially imparts his blessing as a pledge of peace and consolation in the Lord.
The archbishop added: “As we know, Bishop Dave loved and served Jesus with all his heart and all his strength, and like Jesus, he loved his brothers and sisters ‘to the end,’ with a special love for those who are often forgotten and those who live on society’s margins. … We continue to pray for his eternal repose and especially we know that he has received the eternal reward. He’s in heaven. So, let’s keep praying for him, for his family, and for all of us. And let’s start going to his intercession for our needs.”
An ensemble choir with musicians from the cathedral, several parishes and Bishop Amat High School in La Puente provided music for many still in shock about Bishop O’Connell’s death at his home in Hacienda Heights on Feb. 18 at age 69.
One of the songs sung before the Mass was the traditional Irish ballad, “Danny Boy.”
After Communion, the choir sang the Irish hymn “Lady of Knock,” to whom Bishop O’Connell had a lifelong devotion. Among the lyrics: “Golden Rose, Queen of Ireland, all my cares and troubles cease. As we kneel with love before you, Lady of Knock, my Queen of Peace.”
Various religious leaders also were present – from the Armenian Apostolic Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church, Episcopal Church, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ, Baptist Church and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints as well as from the American Jewish Committee, the Hindu Vedanta Society, the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, the California Sikh Council and the Baha’i faith.
David O’Connell, a nephew from Ireland who shared a name with his uncle, said in a reflection at the end of Mass that “for me and my family and everyone listening here, we all have an opportunity to pick up where he left off and carry on the example that he set. Help those that you can help. Lend an ear and listen to people. Respect each other. Be considerate and give others the benefit of the doubt. Have patience and give everyone a chance.”
He added that his uncle “liked being a comedian, but he had a day job that seemed to be going better for him. … Uncle Dave was an inspiration for our whole lives. He taught us if we have the capacity to help someone, you should do it. All he wanted to do was make things easier for everyone else, and never asked for a single thing in return.
“He never ended a phone call without telling me how proud he was of me. And I hope he knows how proud we are of him. Let those close to you know that you love them and that you are proud of them.” Bishop O’Connell was interred in the cathedral’s mausoleum following his funeral Mass.
(Tom Hoffarth and Mike Cisneros write for Angelus, the news outlet of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Pablo Kay is editor-in-chief of Angelus.)
NATION FORT WORTH, Texas (OSV News) – Jonathan Roumie, who plays Jesus in the hit streaming series “The Chosen,” spoke to OSV News about his latest role in “Jesus Revolution,” why he plans to do some “heavy fasting” this Lent, and how he hopes to “bring people together under the banner of Christ.” Playing a charismatic but troubled evangelist in his new film marks a shift for Roumie, who admits some fans “may be a little thrown” by the contrast with his former role. Yet Roumie relies on his Catholic faith to guide him both on and off screen, and cites Mass, confession, adoration and the Liturgy of the Hours among his daily devotions. The actor said over the years he has also become more comfortable in speaking about his faith. “I had committed to surrendering to God,” said Roumie. “This is what I’m feeling called to do, and I’m going to do it. God will have my back.” Most of the episodes of “The Chosen,” an international hit series, have been filmed on a sound stage created for the show outside of Fort Worth.
NEW ORLEANS (OSV News) – During the New Orleans archdiocesan celebration of the World Day for Consecrated Life, Marianite Sister Suellen Tennyson, 84, made her first public comments Feb. 4 about her five months of captivity in Burkina Faso in West Africa last year. She was supervising her missionary congregation’s medical clinic in Yalgo, when she was taken in April 2022 by one band of kidnappers who later turned her over to a rival Muslim group. For some still unknown reason on Aug. 29, 2022, Sister Suellen’s captors handed her over to U.S. authorities. The first thing she wanted to know was if the wife of her great-nephew had had her baby. Her great-nephew had shared a sonogram of the unborn child with her before she was kidnapped. Iris Patricia Downing was born July 27 – nearly one month to the day before Sister Suellen’s release. The religious sister has since had several chances to hold the now-7-month-old girl in her arms. Sister Suellen is getting stronger, looking forward “to being just me again” and reveling in the blessedness of the normal.
BALTIMORE (OSV News) – Baltimore Circuit Court Judge Robert Taylor Jr. ruled Feb. 24 that a redacted version of the Maryland Attorney General Office’s report on child sexual abuse in the Archdiocese of Baltimore must be released publicly. The judge ordered the attorney general’s office to redact more than 200 names from the report and submit it to the court by mid-March. Christian Kendzierski, archdiocesan spokesman, said in a written statement issued in response to Taylor’s ruling, “As we said publicly last year, we respect the court’s decisions in this matter and will continue to cooperate with the court and the Maryland attorney general’s office. The archdiocese continues to pray this report brings some measure of healing of the deep wounds caused by the scourge of child sexual abuse in the life of the church.” In a letter sent to Catholics in the archdiocese Nov. 17, Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori acknowledged information in the report would be a source of renewed pain for many, “most especially those harmed by representatives of the church.” The report investigates 80 years of allegations of sexual abuse and the response by the archdiocese to those allegations.
VATICAN VATICAN CITY (CNS) – It is not enough to ask people who have suffered abuse for their forgiveness, Pope Francis said. They also must be offered “concrete actions to repair the horrors they have suffered and to prevent them from happening again” as well as the truth, transparency, safe spaces, psychological support and protection, the pope said in a video message released by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network March 2. In his video message, the pope said, “In response to cases of abuse, especially to those committed by members of the church, it’s not enough to ask for forgiveness.” “Their pain and their psychological wounds can begin to heal if they find answers – if there are concrete actions to repair the horrors they have suffered and to prevent them from happening again,” Pope Francis said. “The church cannot try to hide the tragedy of abuse of any kind. Nor when the abuse takes place in families, in clubs, or in other types of institutions,” he said. In fact, the church must be a model to help shine light on and remedy the problem.
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Francis will travel to Hungary April 28-30 where he will meet with government officials, refugees, academic scholars and young people in Budapest, the Vatican announced Feb. 27. The pope will arrive in Budapest April 28 and will meet with Katalin Novák, president of Hungary, and the country’s prime minister, Viktor Orbán, as well as local bishops, priests and other members of Hungary’s Catholic community. Novák, who is Hungary’s first female head of state, invited Pope Francis to visit Hungary during her visit to the Vatican Aug. 26, 2022. The pope will only spend one full day in the country April 29, during which he will meet privately with children from a local school, speak with refugees and people in need, address young people in Hungary and meet with the local Jesuit community. Before returning to Rome late afternoon April 30, he will celebrate Mass before the Hungarian Parliament building and meet with scholars from Budapest’s Pázmány Péter Catholic University.
WORLD SAULT SAINTE MARIE, Ontario (OSV News) – As he marks the tenth year of his papacy, Pope Francis has made progress in healing long-damaged relations between the Catholic Church and Indigenous peoples, sources told OSV News. Highlights of his outreach have included pastoral visits such as his 2022 journey to Canada, during which he apologized to Indigenous nations on their land for the church’s role in the government’s residential schools and the horrifying abuses committed; the Amazon Synod; and his writings on the deep relationship between care of creation and the Indigenous peoples. “When Pope Francis visited Puerto Maldonado in Peru (in 2018), he came not to give a talk, he came to listen,” said Peru-based Maryknoll Sister Patricia Ryan, a longtime advocate for Indigenous rights. “And listen he did, to testimonies given by two spokespersons – a woman and a man – of the Indigenous Amazonian population of Peru, who gave witness to the sufferings and indignities, wisdom, commitment and just demands of their peoples and of Mother Earth,” said Sister Ryan. “Pope Francis knows the importance of listening.”
IRPIN, Ukraine (OSV News) – “We lost everything”: It’s a sentiment shared by millions of Ukrainians uprooted and displaced during a year of a war condemned by much of the world that has transformed the face of Europe, increased international tensions and caused ripples in the global economy. “We’re living a new life now. It can’t be the same as it was before the war. Life will never be the same again,” said Sister Yanuariya Isyk, a member of the Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great whose ministry is based in Kyiv. The new reality is one of displacement and confusion, loss and death. Hospitals, schools and neighborhoods have been targeted in brutal acts that have outraged the world. The United Nations says more than 7,000 civilians, including more than 400 children, have died because of the war, and more than 11,700 have been injured. “It will take many years to rebuild and heal this society,” Sister Isyk said. Yet Ukrainians also speak of renewed unity, solidarity and hope. In a country that has become one big conflict zone, the war has galvanized religious communities to open their doors to those who have been displaced and to lead various humanitarian missions that include providing assistance to mothers and children with various needs. “They are providing so much help,” said Habovska who, along with her infant son, fled the then-occupied city of Kherson.
MOSUL, Iraq (OSV News) – From the devastating war in 2003 to the three-year occupation of Mosul by Islamic State militants, Iraq is often portrayed as a land caught in a spiral of violence and perennially doomed to remain in a state of instability. However, for Dominican Father Olivier Poquillon, Iraq is steadily rising from the ashes of war and taking its rightful place among the community of nations. While Iraq also has faced the global challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of economic inflation, the Dominican priest said the country is on the path toward rebuilding a lasting foundation for the new generation. Father Poquillon is representing the Dominicans to UNESCO’s flagship program “Revive the Spirit of Mosul,” an initiative that intends to rebuild the ancient city and its historical and religious landmarks that were destroyed or heavily damaged during the devastating occupation of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, commonly known as ISIL. Among the sites being rebuilt, the UNESCO program is also working toward rebuilding the Al-Tahera Syriac Catholic Church, which Pope Francis visited during his historic pilgrimage to Iraq in March 2021.
JACKSON – When Bishop John Joseph Chanche arrived in the newly formed Diocese of Natchez in May of 1841, there were no Catholic Churches, only a couple of missionary priests, and his flock was far flung. He rose to the challenge and laid the foundation for the Diocese of Jackson. The diocese honors his legacy and thanks those who continue to build on his foundation with the Bishop Chanche medal for service. This year, Bishop Joseph Kopacz gave 40 adults their awards on Saturday, March 4, at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. The brief descriptions on these pages come from the Bishop Chanche Award nomination forms and offer a glimpse into the men and women who serve the church today.
DOROTHY ASHLEY – Holy Ghost, Jackson Dorothy volunteers and spend her valuable time to make sure every responsibilities given to her at the parish is carried out and done smoothly. She is so well-respected that many of our parishioners have her serve as godparent to their children. – Father Nick Hien Nguyen, SVD
PAUL BROWN – Immaculate Heart of Mary, Greenwood Paul has been our music director and organist since 2013, converting to Catholicism in 2016. He has done an amazing job organizing our choir and several concerts. He is always willing to volunteer his time and expertise for the good of the church. Paul has such a cheerful and warm personality. He is a registered nurse, so he has compassion for others. He is always willing to help our parish and parishioners with anything they may come to him with. He is multi talented and he uses those talents to better lives of people around him. – Father Andrew Nguyen
ANGELA CANIZARO – St. Paul, Vicksburg Angela has been a faithful volunteer for decades in the church. Though she just turned 89, she continues to be involved in numerous ministries in the parish. She sets up for daily Mass at 7 a.m. each day, is responsible for the upkeep for many things around the altar, acts as lector in the church, has been a member in past on parish council and renovation projects, and still volunteers to bring communion to the home bound as well as the parish meals on wheels program. She never sees herself as “too old” for any ministry. – Father Rusty Vincent
Wendell and Betty Cox – Holy Savior, Clinton Wendell and Betty have contributed in so many different ways to the life of Holy Savior parish over the past 50 years, especially in the areas of music and religious education. They are always very welcoming and exemplify the spirit of the new evangelization in the church, always bringing the message of Christ’s Good News to others through their words and actions. They open their home up to small groups and invite parishioners over for holiday celebrations when they have nowhere else to go. They live out their faith in a very joyful spirit and have touched many different lives here at our parish. – Father Lincoln Dall
Kathleen Feyen – Christ the King, Jackson Kathleen is a true witness of the Catholic faith in and outside the church. She is always willing to help in any circumstance, even if it is inconvenient. She is always smiling as she does the task ahead of her. She happily welcomes visitors. She keeps us with the lives of parishioners especially those who are sick or home bound. She is an invaluable resource to Christ the King and to the church at large. – Deacon Denzil Lobo
Baldemar Temaj Garcia – St. Anne, Carthage For more than twenty years, Baldemar has served in our community, especially among the Guatemalan community. He has participated in almost all liturgical ministries, but above all in the social part of the community helping and organizing together with the priest any way to highlight the dignity of people as children of God. – Father Marco A. Sánchez, S.T.
Paul and Brenda Griffin – Sacred Heart, Camden Paul and Brenda are true leaders in both the church and civic community. They initiate activities, events and programs to build up this community. As a married couple they support one another in all endeavors. They are able to see the needs in the community that they both grew up in and implement action to address them. – Father Guy Wilson, S.T.
Patricia Lorena Tejeda Ibarra Cruz – St. Mary, Batesville Patricia’s beautiful personality is what has helped our Hispanic Community grow. She does everything she possibly can for our parish and is a real example of actions speak louder than words. She encourages all the children of families she knows to attend Sunday School and Mass. She has been asked to be a godmother and Confirmation sponsor numerous times. – Father Pradeep Thirumalareddy
Glenn and Christine Ingracia – St. James, Magnolia Glenn and Christine are a devoted Catholic family, always taking care of others. They are truly an inspiration to all in their service to others. It is a blessing to see how they invite others to join with them to serve vibrantly in our community. – Father Suresh Thirumalareddy
Sheri Krause – St. Francis of Assisi, Madison Sheri has been a faithful servant and founding member of St. Francis since 1984. The many ways she has been involved in in the parish cannot be counted. Sheri has been hospitality minister and greeter at the doors of our church since joining St. Francis. Her assistance alongside the Knights of Columbus at all their events and with parish functions has been constant. However, Sheri’s most endearing quality is her humility. She insists on staying in the background and out of the spotlight. She has worked at setting up, tending to, decorating, publicizing, cooking, serving others, and cleaning up at nearly every parish event since the beginning of St. Francis, yet she has never been formally acknowledged or honored, except when the KC’s named her their “KC Angel” with a t-shirt! – Father Albeenready Vatti
MICHAEL LEE – St. Michael, Vicksburg Mike evangelizes his faith by the way he lives inside and outside of church. He takes his role as sacristan very seriously and is reliable and consistent in being present as needed to fulfill this role. Mike is always available during Mass as well as outside of Mass times to assist with any need in the church, ranging from assisting with altar servers to setting the altar or cleaning as needed. His compassion and care for others is a true example of Christian faith. – Father Robert Dore
Jaime and Herlinda Martinez – St. Martin Mission, Hazlehurst Jaime and Herlinda are instrumental in getting the Hispanic population motivated to be a part of the church, rather than just attending Mass. They are always encouraging the people to be involved in church activities. They are always available to help with translations when needed. They both assist in educating the Hispanic people on every aspect of the Mass. They are always in attendance at weddings and Mass. Herlinda teaches classes for marriage and baptism. – Janice Stansell
Linda and Vince McGrath – St. Joseph Catholic Church, Starkville Linda and Vince exhibit a quiet leadership. They live out their vocation to marriage together. They keep up with people in the parish community and in the wider community, they pray for them and they witness their faith to them. Together they have a heart for God’s people and display a great concern, especially for those who need prayer in any way. – Father Jason Johnston
Ed Nalker – Immaculate Conception, Raymond Ed is the heart and soul of this parish, being the first to get there on Sunday mornings and making sure everything is in place for the parish to function. He lives out his faith in his words and his actions. Ed always has a kind word for everyone at the parish and makes sure they feel welcome. Immaculate Conception in Raymond is a flourishing small parish that still has a strong sense of mission and identity mainly through Ed Nalker’s love and leadership in this parish. He has really made a difference here as a spiritual leader. As the pastor, I appreciate all he does and know that it makes a big difference in our parish community. – Father Lincoln Dall
Margot Orman – St. James the Less, Corinth Margot has been in almost every ministry in the parish with love and service for our community. She is a testimony of faith, love and service in our parish. She is like the tresure of the field, our pearl of great value. – Father Mario Solorzano
Myrtle Jean Otto – Holy Child Jesus, Canton Myrtle has been a dedicated and generous member her whole life. She has especially put her magnificent voice at the service of the parish and the wider community. She was trained by Sister Thea Bowman in what makes for good liturgy. Good Gospel music is very important in the black community. Each Sunday, her properly prepared music adds so much to the celebration. Her voice helps one to be in the presence of the Lord immediately. – Father Guy Wilson, S.T.
Randall Scott Owen and Kasey Lane Owen – St. Patrick, Meridian This young couple take God seriously and live out their catholic life in an exemplary way. They have five children and have committed their lives to serve God in all ways possible. I can proudly point them out say that they are the best examples of Christian faith. How ever busy they are, they will have time for church and God. – Father Augustine Palimattam Poulose
Marcia Prosen – Holy Cross, Philadelphia Marcia is a Catholic in her words and actions, serving our parish community over 18 years. She makes a huge difference in our parish and is a true companion to the poor, in addition to all in our parish community. – Father Darnis Selvanayakam
Josephine Pradia Rhymes – Immaculate Conception, Clarksdale Being a cradle Catholic, Josephine has been exposed to the faith her entire life and it shows through her daily life and the positive impact she has on both youth and adults within the parish, the community and on the numerous committee and projects she chairs. She is definitely a standout member of the parish because she can readily make assessments that are necessary for a viable and functional parish. – Father Raju Macherla
SAMUEL RUST – St. Joseph, Gluckstadt As a young adult, Samuel has shown exemplary service to the parish and on the diocesan level in evangelization, faith formation and service. He is a member and officer in the Knights of Columbus council, a youth ministry volunteer and catechist, and he acts as an altar server as needed. Samuel is truly committed to his Catholic faith. He exemplifies his commitment not only in the ministries he serves, but in all aspects of his work, social and prayer life. – Father Matthew Price Simmons
Sam and Jamie Sample – St. Thomas the Apostle, Lexington Sam and Jamie have been lovingly dedicated to the people of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Lexington. They have invested their personal resources of time, talent and treasure. They animate the congregation and work together as a team to build up the small parish community. Sam serves as coordinator and oversees the temporal affairs of the church, such as, making sure that both the parish church and the parish hall (former rectory) are in good shape and are safe for the people. Jamie serves as music minister and is diligent in selecting, practicing and executing the music that is selected (she plays the guitar). They undertake this work with great love and care. – Father Joachim Studwell, OFM
Marilyn Scott – St. Therese, Kosciusko Marilyn is a person committed to living her faith. A true example to her family and to the community. She has inspired our small community to live out our faith and welcome the migrant community. – Father Marco A. Sánchez, S.T.
Frank John and Rayetta Serio – St. Joseph, Greenville Without their leadership, Saint Vincent would not be where it is today. At our parish school, they serve on the school board, drive kids to games, provide meals to players and cheerleaders. When our church needs anything, whether it be our youth or anyone, they are hands on and helping. They take in every new priest and seminarian like he is their own. – Father Jose Sánchez
Louis and Carolyn Shipp – St. Mary, Yazoo City Louis and Carolyn are a model couple for Catholic life in Yazoo City. On the religious side, they serve as greeters, altar servers, lectors, religious instructors for children and adults RCIA Coordinators. On the charity side, both are very generous to help anybody in need. They volunteer to work in the Manna house to provide free meals for the needy. Their lives are exemplary as people see them involved in church activities regularly. – Father Panneer Selvam Arockiam
Andy and Gail Spinnato – St. Alphonsus, McComb Andy and Gail are very devoted in their faith, word and deed. They are truly charitable in giving of their time, talent and treasure to the church. They are an inspiration to all – young and old. – Father Suresh Thirumalareddy
Irene Stark – St. Peter, Grenada Irene is such a hard worker for our church and community. At our parish, she is a lector and Extraordinary Minister of Communion. Irene also takes care of liturgical preparations and our food pantry. Over the past 25 years she has been a vital part of our community. – Father Arokia Savio
Maria Tackett – Immaculate Heart of Mary, Houston Maria is an advocate for all people in need, especially Hispanics, connecting them with different resources. She is the first Hispanic person who came to the church in Houston, in 1976. Her service at the parish and to the community are exemplary. She truly lives out one of St. Francis of Assi’s quotes: “In all time, preach the Gospel, and if it is necessary, use words.” – Danna Johnson, LEM
Olinsser and Nadya Villafranca – St. Jude, Pearl Olinsser and Nadya are very active in service to the Hispanic community at St. Jude. Without their language skills and willingness to work as interpreters, as leaders at parents meetings, and as sacristans and community leaders at Mass, we would not be able to adequately communicate and minister to the that community. Their time and talents are freely given for the good of the Hispanic community without any renumeration. – Deacon John McGregor
Frank W. Washington – St. Joseph, Meridian Mr. Washington is the ‘go to person’ in any circumstances. Willing to do anything for the people of God and church. He is very generous with his time and talent, serving as a link between St. Joseph and St. Patrick parishes. – Father Augustine Palimattam Poulose
By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) – For a decade, even when discussing the internal workings of the Vatican, Pope Francis has insisted the church is not the church of Christ if it does not reach out, sharing the “joy of the Gospel” and placing the poor at the center of its attention.
Signals that his papacy would be different started the moment he stepped out on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica the evening of March 13, 2013: He was not wearing a red, ermine-trimmed cape, and he bowed as he asked the crowd to pray that God would bless him.
His decision not to live in the Apostolic Palace, his invitations to Vatican trash collectors and gardeners and other employees to join him for his daily morning Mass, his insistence on going to the Italian island of Lampedusa to celebrate Mass and pray for migrants who had drowned in the Mediterranean captivated the attention of the media.
Pope Francis was elected March 13, 2013. In the past 10 years, he has made 40 trips abroad, visiting 60 countries; in eight consistories he created 95 cardinals under the age of 80 and eligible to vote in a conclave and paid tribute to 26 churchmen over the age of 80; and he has presided over the canonizations of 911 new saints, including a group of more than 800 martyrs, but also Sts. John Paul II, John XXIII and Paul VI. (CNS graphic/Frida Larios)
But not everyone was pleased with the seeming ease with which he set aside pomp and protocol. And tensions within the Catholic community grew as he expressed openness to LGBTQ Catholics and to those living in what the church considers irregular marriage situations and when he said in an interview in 2013 that the church cannot talk only about abortion, gay marriage and contraception.
One kind of summary of his first 10 years as pope can be found in numbers: He has made 40 trips abroad, visiting 60 countries; in eight consistories he created 95 cardinals under the age of 80 and eligible to vote in a conclave and paid tribute to 26 churchmen over the age of 80; and he has presided over the canonizations of 911 new saints, including a group of more than 800 martyrs, but also Sts. John Paul II, John XXIII and Paul VI.
In his first major document, the apostolic exhortation “The Joy of the Gospel,” he laid out a program for his papacy, looking inside the church and outside at the world to see what needed to be done to “encourage and guide the whole church in a new phase of evangelization, one marked by enthusiasm and vitality.”
The document included a discussion of the need to reform church institutions to highlight their missionary role; to encourage pastoral workers to listen to and stand with the people they were ministering to – his famous line about having “the smell of the sheep”; to deepen an understanding of the church as “the entire people of God” and not as an institution or, worse, a club of the elect; to integrate the poor into the church and society, rather than simply see them as objects of assistance; and to promote peace and dialogue.
For Canadian Cardinal Michael Czerny, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, the agenda of Pope Francis is the original agenda of the Second Vatican Council. Unlike St. John Paul II and the late Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis did not attend any of the council sessions. And, in fact, because he was ordained to the priesthood Dec. 13, 1969, he is the first pope to be ordained a priest after Vatican II.
“After Scripture and tradition, the council is the significant foundation, and I would say, characteristic orientation of this papacy,” the cardinal told Catholic News Service. “He has taken the council not from a collection of decrees, but from the lived experience of the council as implemented, as lived, as tested, as developed, you might say, in the church of Latin America.”
St. John XXIII launched the council with a pastoral focus on what it means to be the church in the modern world, he said. The papacies of St. John Paul and Pope Benedict, he said, “reverted to a more doctrinal understanding of the council” with “some very good results and with some massive, unfinished business.”
While the work of Pope Francis’ predecessors was important, he said, “I don’t think it picked up the primary agenda (of the council), which was implementing a new understanding of church in the modern world, a new way of evangelizing because the world is so different from how it was, let’s say, at the end of World War II.”
Emilce Cuda, an Argentine theologian and secretary of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, agreed that a key to understanding Pope Francis’ pontificate is knowing how Vatican II was lived in Latin America with respect for popular piety and culture, and trust in the “sensus fidei,” the notion that the baptized together have a “sense of faith” and an ability “to understand what God says to us, to his people, in every moment.”
“There in the popular culture, in the peripheries, and in all the people of God, we can hear what God wants from us, or what God tells us to do in response to social problems and in the church in each moment,” she said. “We are in history and history is a movement, and the situation is not the same (as) in the 20th century or in the 21st century.”
As for disagreements with or even controversies about the papacy of Pope Francis, Cardinal Czerny warned against confusing “loud with representative or loud with majority. Loud doesn’t mean any of those things; it means loud.”
But, he said, “the patience of Pope Francis” leads him and encourages others to recognize that the pope’s critics “are not 100% off beam,” or off track; there usually is a grain of truth in what they say or an important value they hold dear that is being overlooked.
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin of Newark, New Jersey, told CNS he believes the first 10 years of Pope Francis’ pontificate have been preparation for “what’s happening right now, and that’s the synodal conversation.” The Second Vatican Council called Catholics to read the “signs of the times” and respond. And, the cardinal said, “this notion that we don’t have automatically prepared prescriptions for every challenge that faces us leads us to a fundamental tenet of our belief,” which is belief “in the Holy Spirit, the lord and giver of life.” The synod process, which began with listening to people around the globe and will move toward two assemblies mainly of bishops, is about listening to the Holy Spirit.
While the synod involves meetings, Cardinal Tobin said, “synodality is a way of being church. It’s an ancient way of being church that is being recovered and lived in the circumstances in which we face ourselves today. And so, to my mind, that’s sort of the capstone of what Pope Francis has been working for over the last decade.”
“I’ve called synodality his long game,” the cardinal said. “He’s convinced that the changed circumstances of our world and our world going forward demand a new appreciation for the role of the Holy Spirit and a way to access that gift that is given to all of us by virtue of our baptism.”
Pope Francis has been laying the foundation for the new synod process since the beginning of his pontificate, said Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago. “There’s an organic whole to all of this.”
“I just wonder if, from the very beginning, he had in his mind that this would be the trajectory of his pontificate, and the synod on synodality I think is, in some way, the opportunity for him to pull everything together,” he said. “There are people who want him to go faster, but he wants things to be held together and the church to be held together.”
Asked what he thought was the most significant aspect of Pope Francis’ pontificate, the cardinal cited his predecessor, the late Cardinal Francis E. George, who participated in the 2013 conclave, and said the best description of Pope Francis was “He’s free.”
“He’s free in the sense of wanting to listen to different voices in the life of the church,” Cardinal Cupich said. “He’s free in being imaginative, but also he has the kind of freedom that really allows him to be joyful in this ministry.”
“John Paul II told us what we should do. Benedict told us why we should do it. And Francis is saying, ‘Do it,’” the cardinal said. Pope Francis is leading by example in how he cares for the poor, sees God at work in people’s real lives and reaches out to people often overlooked by the church.
“I think history will look back on this pontificate as historic, as pivotal in the life of the church,” Cardinal Cupich said.
PEARL – Rhonda Bowden and members of the “kitchen crew” at St. Jude Pearl worked to cook up a feast for priests, deacons and lems present for their continuing ed gathering on Feb. 28 and March 1. (Photo by Deacon Denzil Lobo)
PARISH, FAMILY & SCHOOL EVENTS COLUMBUS Annunciation, Blood Drive, Sunday, March 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Bank First parking lot. Sign-ups available soon.
GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph, KC Ladies Auxiliary Charity Tea, Saturday, March 25 at 2 p.m. in the parish hall. Tickets on sale after Masses on March 12. Details: church office (601) 856-2054.
GREENVILLE St. Joseph School, Muffuletta Sale, Pick up on April 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tickets available at school or church office. Details: church office (662) 335-5251.
JACKSON St. Richard, Men’s Prayer Breakfast with Bishop Kopacz, Monday, April 3 at 7 a.m. in Foley Hall following Mass at 6:30 a.m. Details: contact Anthony at (601) 573-8574 or eanthonythomas@gmail.com. St. Richard, Special Kids Art Show, Thursday, March 23 from 5-7 p.m. at the Special Kids House on Lynwood. Unique artworks (ceramics, platters, “peeps,” icons, religious items, wine glasses and more) for sale. Kendra Scott will also be there with 20% of proceeds to Special Kids. Details: church office (601) 366-2335.
MADISON St. Joseph School, 17th annual Bruin Classic Golf Tournament, Monday, March 27. Register or sponsor a hole by visiting https://bit.ly/17thStJoeGolfTournament. Details: email danacaskey15@gmail.com.
St. Joseph School, Egg My Yard Fundraiser, for Madison County residents only. Order your pre-filled eggs to be hidden in your yard the night before Easter. Book your spot today. Orders due by March 24. Cost: 30 eggs $30; 50 eggs $45; 70 eggs $60. Proceeds benefit St. Joe cheer programs. Order at https://bit.ly/StJoeEggMyYard2023. Details: email sjcheer@stjoebruins.com with questions.
MADISON St. Catherine’s Village, Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group, meets fourth Wednesday of each month from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Campbell Cove building. Lunch provided. All are welcome. Details: call to RSVP (601) 856-0123 or email cynthia.armstrong@fmolhs.org.
RIDGELAND Catholic Charities, Sleep Safe Event, Friday, March 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Event for expectant women, couples, fathers and caregivers on awareness of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Free giveaways and resources with guest speaker. Event at 731 S. Pear Orchard Rd, Ste. 51, Ridgeland. Details: Register at https://bit.ly/March17SleepSafeEvent or call (601) 355-8634.
SOUTHAVEN Christ the King, Forgiveness Walk, Tuesday, March 21 from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Walk is a silent meditative prayer journey reflecting on our own need for forgiveness and need to forgive. Opportunity to stop at nine different stations each with its own theme to read a short scripture passage and reflect on questions. Details: church office (662) 342-1073.
Christ the King, Blood Drive, Sunday, March 26 from 12-3 p.m. Sign up sheets in gathering space. Details: church office (662) 342-1073.
Sacred Heart School, Trivia Night and Auction, Saturday, March 25. Doors open 6 p.m; Trivia at 7 p.m. Cost $25 per player or $160 per team. Groups under eight members will be assigned to a team. Eat, drink and tease your brain. Door prizes, giveaways, split the pot raffle and more. BYOB and snacks. Details: email Allison to register abaskin@shsm.org.
SAVE THE DATE COLUMBUS Annunciation School, Draw Down and Art Auction, Friday, April 14 at the Trotter Convention Center from 6:30-11 p.m. Adults only (21 and up). Event includes dinner and open bar.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, Yard Sale, Friday, May 19-20. Start saving item donations now. Donations accepted beginning May 8. Details: church office (662) 429-7851.
JACKSON 17th Annual Sister Thea Bowman School Draw Down, Saturday, April 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the school multi-purpose building. $5,000 Grand prize. Cost $100, second chance insurance extra $20 per ticket. Details: (601) 351-5197 or stbdrawdown@gmail.com.
MADISON St. Francis, Rocky Railway VBS express, June 19-22 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. All pre-K4 through fourth graders are invited. Details: mc.george@stfrancismadison.org.
MERIDIAN St. Patrick School, Countdown scheduled for April 21. Grand prize $5,000. Tickets on sale soon!
MERIDIAN Knights of Columbus State Convention, April 28-30 at the Threefoot Hotel. For more information visit: kofc-ms.org/convention/2023.
PEARL St. Jude, Easter Egg Hunt after Mass on April 9.
REMINDERS/NOTICES NATIONAL BLACK CATHOLIC CONGRESS GATHERING, July 20-23 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Join with other Black Catholics and those who minister to Black Catholics for a celebration of faith and culture. Details: nbccongress.org.
INDIANAPOLIS Eucharistic Congress, July 17-21, 2024. Registration is now open. See what Our Lord has in store for this next chapter for the Catholic Church in United States. Purchase tickets at https://bit.ly/3ydav9Q. Details: EucharisticCongress.org.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS Sunday, March 12 at 2 a.m. Remember to set your clock AHEAD one hour before you go to bed. Don’t miss church!
VOCATIONS RETREAT Come and See event for men ages 16-24 at St. Joseph Seminary College, March 31 through April 2. Details: for more information or to sign-up contact nick.adam@jacksondiocese.org or (601) 969-4020.
WORLD YOUTH DAY: LISBON 2023 Event for young Catholics ages 16-35, though all are welcomed to attend in Lisbon, Portugal. For more information visit: https://www.lisboa2023.org/en/
Through the kindness of Most Reverend Chinnabathini Bagyaiah, Bishop of Guntur; and the acceptance of Most Reverend Joseph R. Kopacz, Bishop of Jackson; Reverend Suresh Reddy Thirumalareddy, pastor of St. James the Greater Parish in Magnolia and St. Alphonsus Parish in McComb, has been incardinated into the Diocese of Jackson, effective Feb. 14, 2023.
Por Berta Mexidor FLOWOOD – Celebrando la victoria de la decisión de la Corte Suprema de revertir Roe v. Wade después de años de lucha y activismo incansable, simpatizantes y amigos de Pro-Life Mississippi (PLM) hubo un evento de recaudación de fondos de primavera, el jueves 23 de febrero, donde el obispo E.W. Jackson, orador invitado, ofreció felicitaciones y agradecimientos a todos los involucrados con la organización por “salvar el futuro de la nación,” según sus palabras.
Pro-Life Mississippi presentó el evento como “Una velada con el obispo E.W. Jackson”. El obispo Jackson es un orador y presentador de programas de radio conocido a nivel nacional por su podcast ”The Awakening”(El Despertar) en American Family Radio. Es autor de varios libros y fundador y presidente de STAND (Staying True to America’s National Destiny – manteniéndose Fiel al Destino Nacional) para defender los fundamentos morales y espirituales de la Constitución.
Su predica se asienta en el fundamento bíblico de la santidad de la vida. En este evento de PLM para recaudación de fondos de primavera, el obispo Jackson inspiró a la audiencia a defender con valentía la vida en una era posterior a Roe.
FLOWOOD – La predica del obispo E. W. Jackson se basó en el fundamento bíblico de la santidad de la vida. En este evento de Pro-Vida Mississippi, el obispo Jackson inspiró a la audiencia a defender con valentía la vida en una era posterior a Roe. “Ustedes están salvando el futuro de la Nación,” dijo el 23 de febrero en la Iglesia “Liberty”.
El obispo Jackson compartió con la audiencia el concepto de la vida sagrada creada por Dios antes de la concepción y el sacrilegio de matar a un ser humano basado en el falso concepto de no considerar a un bebé en el útero como un ser humano o una vida.
“Antes que yo te formara en el seno materno, te conocí, y antes que nacieras, te consagré.” (Jeremías 1:5) Según reza en su página web “Pro-Life Mississippi, anteriormente Right to Life of Jackson Educational Foundation, se incorporó el 26 de abril de 1984 En su Declaración de Creencia señalan “Pro-Life Mississippi cree que toda la Biblia es la Palabra de Dios inspirada e infalible. Creemos que Dios creó al hombre a su propia imagen. (Génesis 1:26) Debido a esto, creemos que toda vida humana es sagrada y de valor inestimable en todas sus dimensiones, incluidos los bebés no nacidos, los ancianos, los discapacitados físicos o mentales y cualquier otra etapa o condición desde la fertilización hasta la muerte natural. (Sal 139) Por lo tanto, estamos llamados a defender, proteger y valorar toda vida humana.” (Santiago 1:27)
En el evento, Laura Knight, presidenta de PLM explicó la nueva Misión y Visión de la organización para continuar con los esfuerzos en la creación de una cultura de Vida. Mencionó que además del cierre de la clínica abortiva, mujeres de Mississippi pueden ir a algunos estados que tienen leyes abiertas para abortar, las pastillas se venden por internet y, después de tomar la pastilla y al llegar al hospital, las pacientes pueden alegar haber tenido un aborto involuntario y recibir un tratamiento ginecológico legal. Las dos principales líneas de defensa para PLM serán promoción de la vida y la ayuda a las víctimas después de un aborto, mujeres y familiares afectados por la decisión.
Decenas de voluntarios del PLM estuvieron presentes, entre ellos Angel Middleton y Debbie Moran, líderes del PLM en Gulf Coast y Zach Boyd, de Jackson quienes repartian materiales educativos a los partcicipantes del evento, en mesas preparadas en la que habitualmente van de pueblo en pueblo explicando la mision de PLM, atraves de todo el estado.
El evento sirvió además para que (i-d) la hermana Amelia Breton, SBS, coordinadora de la oficina del Ministerio Intercultural de la Diócesis conociera a la hermana Dorothea Sondgeroth, OP de St. Dominic Health Services, reconocida por su actitud Provida.
El caso, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, se presentó ante el tribunal en 2021. El caso se centró en una apelación de Mississippi para mantener la prohibición de los abortos después de las 15 semanas de embarazo, que fue anulada por un tribunal federal de distrito en Mississippi en 2018 y confirmada un año después por la Corte de Apelaciones de EE. UU. con sede en Nueva Orleans.
Otros grupos católicos se hicieron eco del apoyo de la USCCB, a la declaración de las dos diócesis de Mississippi, en su apoyo a la prohibición estatal del aborto después de 15 semanas.
Durante el tiempo de espera de la decisión, el Concejo Municipal de Jackson aprobó una ordenanza el martes 1 de octubre de 2021 que impedía que las personas se congreguen, hagan piquetes o se manifiesten a menos de 15 pies de cualquier entrada de un centro de atención médica. El grupo de PLM se comprometió a permanecer en la acera cerca del centro para rezar y compartir otras opciones con futuras madres.
Los católicos han estado al frente del movimiento Provida. En marzo del 2021, algunos católicos fueron homenajeados, dentro de un grupo de 30 personas. Estos católicos fueron reconocidos como héroes Provida por el grupo Her Plan (Red de Asistencia para el Embarazo y la Vida), entre ellos la Dra. Beverly McMillan de St. Richard Jackson, Tanya Britton de St. James Tupelo, Monica Walton de St. Paul Flowood, la hermana Dorothea Sondgeroth, OP de St. Dominic Health Services y Charlene Bearden de Holy Family Jackson.
Al evento de primavera del PLM asistieron, además del obispo Kopacz, sacerdotes, la hermana Dorothea Sondgeroth, OP de St. Dominic Health Services, Debbie Tubertini, coordinadora diocesana de la oficina del Ministerio Familiar y la hermana Amelia Breton, coordinadora de la oficina de Ministerio Intercultural. Al final del acto el obispo Joseph Kopacz cerró el acto con un pasaje de Habacus: 3-17-9, que retoma la enseñanza de mantener la fe en el Señor.
En un pequeño maletin, llamado La Historia Humana, se muestran, en maquetas de platico, los diferentes tamaños que tiene un bebe en el seno de su madre, desde las cortas cinco semanas a las 26 semanas de gestación. (Fotos de Berta Mexidor)
Por Obispo Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D. La Transfiguración del Señor fue proclamada desde todos los púlpitos católicos del mundo el pasado fin de semana del segundo domingo de Cuaresma, evento que revela al Hijo amado de Dios como el cumplimiento de la Ley y los Profetas con las apariciones de Moisés y Elías.
Por un breve momento, Pedro, Santiago y Juan contemplaron la gloria eterna de Dios sobre el Señor que los llamaba de las tinieblas a su propia luz admirable. (Mateo 17:1-9) Anteriormente en el Evangelio de Mateo, Jesús hizo una declaración audaz durante su Sermón del Monte. “No crean ustedes que yo he venido a suprimir la ley o los profetas; no he venido a ponerles fin, sino a darles su pleno valor.” Mateo 5:17
Obispo Joseph R. Kopacz
Hubo un fuerte componente profético en el liderazgo de Moisés, pero generalmente él representa la Ley en el antiguo Israel. Tan pronto como Israel se estableció en la tierra prometida con un rey que los gobernara, surgió el ministerio profético para preservar y exigir la fidelidad a la Alianza establecida por Dios con Moisés en el Monte Sinaí. Jesús cargó con los hombros toda esta historia sagrada en la Cruz para establecer la nueva Alianza en su sangre. De la Ley, la iglesia por casi 2000 años ha preservado los Diez Mandamientos como modelo para la vida moral del cristiano. La sección tres del Catecismo dedica mucha tinta a esta tradición.
A partir de los profetas principalmente, la iglesia ha desarrollado su enseñanza social durante los últimos 150 años con el amanecer del mundo moderno. Su fundamento es la dignidad de la persona humana, hecha a imagen y semejanza de Dios.
Durante la temporada de Cuaresma, el Señor y la iglesia nos llaman a redoblar nuestra oración, ayuno y limosna como signos evidentes de nuestro arrepentimiento. Jesús nos ha enseñado cómo orar, ayunar y morir a uno mismo, lo suficientemente desafiante, pero a veces lo esencial oculto de nuestra misión en el mundo es el trabajo de alcance social y defensa de la vida, la justicia y la paz. Al final del Evangelio de Mateo, Jesús retrata el juicio final basado en dar de comer al hambriento, dar de beber al sediento, vestir al desnudo, cuidar a los enfermos y visitar a los encarcelados. Esta fue la visión de los profetas en Israel durante siglos.
Escuche a Isaías, primero entre ellos, “y, sin embargo, dicen: ‘¿Para qué ayunar, si Dios no lo ve?, ¿Para qué sacrificarnos, si él no se da cuenta?’ El día de ayuno lo dedican ustedes a hacer negocios y a explotar a sus trabajadores; el día de ayuno lo pasan en disputas y peleas y dando golpes criminales con los puños. Un día de ayuno así, no puede lograr que yo escuche sus oraciones. ¿Creen que el ayuno que me agrada consiste en afligirse, en agachar la cabeza como un junco y en acostarse con ásperas ropas sobre la ceniza? ¿Eso es lo que ustedes llaman “ayuno” y “día agradable al Señor”?. Pues no lo es. El ayuno que a mí me agrada consiste en esto: en que rompas las cadenas de la injusticia y desates los nudos que aprietan el yugo; en que dejes libres a los oprimidos y acabes, en fin, con toda tiranía; en que compartas tu pan con el hambriento y recibas en tu casa al pobre sin techo; en que vistas al que no tiene ropa y no dejes de socorrer a tus semejantes.” (Isaías 58:3-7)
Por ejemplo, “no dejes de socorrer a tus semejantes.” es el ímpetu de los esfuerzos de base para expandir el Medicaid posparto, para las mujeres y sus recién nacidos, más allá de los dos meses de cobertura hasta un año. Ignorar esta necesidad crítica después de Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization es inconcebible. Esto quiere decir que las enseñanzas sociales y Provida de la iglesia siempre están en acción, en Mississippi, en los Estados Unidos y en todo el mundo, porque las poderosas voces de los profetas son parte de nuestro ADN religioso.
“Pero que fluya como agua la justicia, y la honradez como un manantial inagotable”. Amós 5:24 “El Señor ya te ha dicho, oh hombre, en qué consiste lo bueno y qué es lo que él espera de ti: que hagas justicia, que seas fiel y leal y que obedezcas humildemente a tu Dios.” (Miqueas 6:8)
Esto es parte esencial del cumplimiento de la Ley y los Profetas de los que habló Jesús, y que Dios Padre reveló en el monte de la Transfiguración. “Este es mi Hijo amado, en quien tengo complacencia; Escúchalo a él.” Él es el Camino y la Verdad en quien hemos sido bautizados y buscamos seguir fielmente en pensamiento, palabra y obra.
In 10 años como papa, Papa Francisco ha realizado 40 viajes al extranjero, visitando 60 países; en ocho consistorios ha creado 95 cardenales menores de 80 años y con derecho a voto en cónclave y ha rendido homenaje a 26 eclesiásticos mayores de 80 años; y ha presidido las canonizaciones de 911 nuevos santos, entre ellos un grupo de más de 800 mártires, pero también los Santos Juan Pablo II, Juan XXIII y Pablo VI. (CNS graphic/Frida Larios)
Por Gina Christian OSV News – El Papa Francisco ha avanzado las relaciones entre judíos y católicos a través de la amistad, el compañerismo y el compromiso de combatir el antisemitismo, dijeron varios expertos interreligiosos a OSV News.
“Este papado nos ha hecho avanzar”, dijo Rebecca Cohen, especialista en programas e investigación de la Secretaría de Asuntos Ecuménicos e Interreligiosos de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de EE.UU. Varios de los entrevistados por OSV News señalaron que las relaciones duraderas del Papa Francisco con líderes judíos, incluidos el Rabino Abraham Skorka y el Rabino Sergio Bergman, quienes conocieron y trabajaron con el ex cardenal Jorge Bergoglio en Argentina, son esenciales para avanzar en las interacciones judeo-católicas.
En 2014, el Papa Francisco viajó a Israel, Jordania y Palestina con el Rabino Skorka y el Jeque Omar Abboud, co-presidente del Instituto para el Diálogo Interreligioso (IDI) en Buenos Aires y ex-secretario general del Centro Islámico de Argentina.
Momentos claves en las relaciones del Papa Francisco con la comunidad judía incluyeron una visita en 2016 a la Gran Sinagoga de Roma y la apertura en 2020 de los archivos del Vaticano sobre el pontificado del Papa Pío XII, cuyo papado abarcó la Segunda Guerra Mundial, durante la cual 6 millones de judíos europeos fueron asesinados sistemáticamente por la Alemania nazi en la Shoah, el término hebreo preferido para el Holocausto.
Durante la última década, el Papa Francisco se ha reunido habitualmente con líderes y organizaciones judías, incluido el Congreso Judío Mundial en noviembre de 2022. En 2017, dio la bienvenida a una delegación de rabinos europeos, estadounidenses e israelíes.
La exhortación apostólica del Papa Francisco de 2013 “Evangelii Gaudium” (“La alegría del Evangelio”) ha sido una contribución crucial al tema, dijeron los entrevistados por OSV News.
