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Today I would like to talk about the virtue of faith. Together with charity and hope, this virtue is described as theologal. There are three theologal virtues: faith, hope and charity. Why are they theologal? Because they can be lived – this virtue, the three theologal virtues – only thanks to the gift of God. The three theologal virtues are the great gifts that God gives to our moral capacity. Without them, we could be prudent, just, strong and temperate, but we would not have eyes that see even in the dark, we would not have a heart that loves even when it is not loved, we would not have a hope that dares against all hope.

What is faith? This question: what is faith? The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, it explains that faith is the act by which the human being freely commits himself to God (1814). In this faith, Abraham was the great father. When he agreed to leave the land of his ancestors to head for the land that God would show him, he would probably have been judged insane: why leave the known for the unknown, the certain for the uncertain? But why do this? It is insane, isn’t it? But Abraham sets off, as if he could see the invisible: this is what the Bible says about Abraham. “He went, not knowing where he was to go”. This is beautiful. And it will again be the invisible that makes him go up the mountain with his son Isaac, the only son of the promise, who only at the last moment will be spared from sacrifice. In this faith, Abraham becomes the father of a long line of descendants. Faith made him fruitful.

Moses was be a man of faith when, welcoming God’s voice even more than one doubt could have shaken him, he continued to stand firm and trust in the Lord, and even defend the people who were so often lacking in faith.

The Virgin Mary was a woman of faith when, receiving the annunciation of the Angel, which many would have dismissed as too demanding and risky, answered, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38). And, with her heart full of faith, with her heart full of trust in God, Mary set out on a path of which she knew neither the route nor the dangers.

Faith is the virtue that makes the Christian. Because to be Christians is not first and foremost about accepting a culture, with the values that accompany it, but being Christian is welcoming and cherishing a bond, a bond with God: God and I, myself and the amiable face of Jesus. This bond is what makes us Christians.

With regard to faith, an episode of the Gospel comes to mind. Jesus’ disciples were crossing the lake, and are surprised by the storm. They think they can get by with the strength of their arms, with the resources of their experience, but the boat starts to fill up with water and they are seized by panic (cf. Mk 4: 35-41). They do not realize that they have the solution before their very eyes: Jesus is there with them on the boat, in the midst of the storm, and Jesus “was asleep”, says the Gospel. When they finally awaken Him, fearful and even angry that He would let them die, Jesus rebukes them: “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?” (Mk 4:40).

Here, then, is the great enemy of faith: it is not intelligence, nor is it reason, as, alas, some continue obsessively to repeat; but the great enemy of fear. For this reason, faith is the first gift to welcome in Christian life: a gift that must be welcomed and asked for daily, so that it may be renewed in us. It is seemingly a small gift, yet it is the essential one. When we were brought to the baptismal font, our parents, after announcing the name they had chosen for us, were asked by the priest – this happened in our baptism: “What do you ask of the Church of God?” And the parents answered: “Faith, baptism!”

For Christian parents, aware of the grace that has been given them, that is the gift to ask for their child too: faith. With it, parents know that, even in the midst of the trials of life, their child will not drown in fear. See, the enemy is fear. They also know that, when the child ceases to have a parent on this earth, he will continue to have a God the Father in heaven, who will never abandon him. Our love is so fragile, and only God’s love conquers death.

Certainly, as the Apostle says, faith is not for all (cf. 2 Thess 3:2), and we too, who are believers, often realize that we have only a short supply. Often Jesus can rebuke us, as He did with His disciples, for being “men of little faith”. But it is the happiest gift, the only virtue we are permitted to envy. Because those who have faith are inhabited by a force that is not only human; indeed, faith “triggers” grace in us and opens the mind to the mystery of God. As Jesus once said, “If you had faith as a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this sycamine tree, ‘Be rooted up, and be planted in the sea’, and it would obey you” (Lk 17:6). Therefore, let us too, like the disciples, repeat to Him: Lord, increase our faith! (Lk 17:5). It is a beautiful prayer! Shall we say it all together? “Lord, increase our faith”. Let us say it together [everyone] “Lord, increase our faith”. Too quiet… a bit louder: [everyone] “Lord, increase our faith”! Thank you.

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The meeting, known as the gathering of Primates, is being held from April 29 to May 3, and foresees a meeting with Pope Francis. This historic appointment was announced by the Anglican Church in Canterbury, highlighting the interest of both Christian communities to strengthen their ties and promote mutual understanding.

Among the programmed events is a conversation with Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the global Catholic Synod. The main theme of the discussion is synodality, namely, the common participation and coexistence within the Church, exploring its meaning and possibilities for all the Christian community.

The Anglican leaders intend to address topics related to the structure and decision-making within the Anglican Communion. This dialogue seeks to strengthen and improve the internal functioning of the Anglican Communion, as well as to explore areas of collaboration and understanding with the Catholic Church.

In addition to the formal meetings, the gathering of Primates was conceived as a spiritual pilgrimage, with moments of shared prayer and biblical study. The program includes visits to sacred places, such as Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside-the-Walls, and Saint Mary’s Church in Trastevere. Planned as well is a meeting with representatives of the Sant’Egidio lay Catholic organization, emphasizing ecumenical commitment and inter-religious dialogue.

This gathering in Rome follows a previous meeting held in January 2024, where Anglican and Catholic Bishops from all over the world debated and visited places of historical and spiritual importance for both traditions. The symbolic gesture carried out at the tomb of the Apostle Paul, where Catholic and Anglican Bishops were charged to be witnesses of unity, highlights the commitment of both communities to ecumenism and the quest for Christian unity.

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Prime Minister Meloni stated that the Italian government aims to enhance the contribution of the Holy See to the topic of artificial intelligence, particularly with the “Rome Call for AI Ethics in 2020,” on a path “that leads to concrete application of the concept of ‘algoraethics,’ that is, to give ethics to algorithms.”

“I am convinced,” she added, “that the presence of the Pope will decisively contribute to the definition of a normative, ethical, and cultural framework for artificial intelligence, because on this ground, on the present and future of this technology, our capacity, the capacity of the international community, will once again be measured, as another Pope, Saint John Paul II, reminded us in his famous speech to the United Nations on October 2, 1979.” “Political activity, both national and international, comes from man, is exercised through man, and is for man,” Meloni further explained.

The issue of artificial intelligence, she added, “will be the greatest anthropological challenge of this era,” “a technology that can generate great opportunities but also entails enormous risks, in addition to inevitably affecting global balances.” “Our commitment,” she emphasized, “is to develop governance mechanisms to ensure that artificial intelligence is centered on and controlled by humans, that is, to keep the person at the center and have the person as the ultimate goal.”

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Integral formation for all of life

In the Apostolic Constitution Veritatis Gaudium, on Ecclesiastical Universities and Faculties, the Pope emphasizes that the integral formation of priestly and religious vocations must include the human, spiritual, pastoral and communitarian dimensions. It must also take into account cultural and social diversity. In the same vein, Pope Francis picks this requirement up in the video, and insists that formation should “lead them to be credible witnesses of the Gospel.” In this sense, formation is not only about acquiring knowledge, but is an experience of a profound encounter with Jesus.

Formation to community life

Life in community is a central aspect of men and women religious, or priests. According to the Pope, this is one of the key points in the formation and preparation of anyone who responds to this vocation. Regarding this, he reflects that, although this experience can be “enriching,” at times, “it can be difficult.” He then comments that, “living together is not the same as living in community.”

Pope Francis shares that living and relating with others is not easy at times, but that community life is always a school of holiness where one grows in the different human virtues and learns to go beyond oneself.

Most important years

It is precisely community life that plays a central role in the images of The Pope Video this month, which accompany Pope Francis’s words: from a basketball game to meals together, passing to moments together in prayer and study, and, of course, the Eucharist and service to the poorest. Every young seminarian, man or woman religious, strengthens their vocation in the sharing of experiences and in continual interaction with others. Their years in formation are very important in the preparation of the entire consecrated person. The scenes of life filmed in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles – who participated in the production of this video – portray its beauty, underlining several aspects of the Pope’s message: above all, the concept that formation is an ongoing journey, and that, as the Holy Father repeats, “A good priest, sister or nun, must above all else be a man, a woman who is formed, shaped by the Lord’s grace.”

The joy of the Gospel

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles was instrumental in the production of this video, putting several professionals at the service of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, so as to prepare Pope Francis’s intention for May in the best way possible. “We are grateful to support Pope Francis in inviting people all over the world to pray for seminarians and women religious as they seek to discern God’s beautiful plan for their lives,” said Archbishop José H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles. “Our digital team set out to personify the joy radiating from young men and women who dedicate their lives in service of God and His people,” said Sarah Yaklic, Chief Digital Officer for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. “We hope the joy of the Gospel seen in this month’s Pope Video will strengthen those in formation and encourage other young people to consider a religious vocation.”

A renewed commitment

The Pope Video for this month received the support of Hallow, a prayer App developed in the United States. Its co-founder, Alessandro DiSanto, comments, “It is truly an honor and a blessing to be able to support the Holy Father and The Pope Video initiative. As an app focused on helping people around the world to find peace and purpose in their personal relationship with God, we are particularly excited to sponsor this video on the formation of men and women religious, as well as seminarians. We are incredibly indebted to these men and women who have heroically accepted their religious vocations, from the priests who reach the faithful with the sacraments to the religious women who serve our Church in so many sacrificial ways. Our sincere hope is that this video enkindles a renewed commitment to the support of those discerning or living out in a religious vocation, who in a unique way, serve as Christ’s hands on earth.”

The mission with other envoys

Father Frédéric Fornos S.J., International Director of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, analyzing the content of the Pope’s message, reflects: “It is positive that Pope Francis reminds us once more, and in the light of Veritatis Gaudium, of the importance of the integral formation for young people who undertake a journey in religious life or as seminarians. Such formation must embrace every dimension of human life: affective, spiritual, pastoral, and communitarian. In an ecclesial context marked by the abuse of power and  conscience, and sexual abuse, which have structural and ideological roots, it is crucial that formation promote an openness to the human and affective dimension, facilitating self-awareness; that it foster an authentic experience with Christ in such a way that the witness of life can communicate the Good News to others; that it foster living together in community, so as to learn to accept and value differences and how to work in teams; that it include the intercultural and interreligious context; and that it assure a quality academic formation, with the goal of serving the mission of Christ better. The need for integral formation is imperative. The acquisition of knowledge is not enough. In addition, such integral formation prepares young people not only to face today’s challenges, but to act as bridges of dialogue in a world characterized by plurality and diversity. The ability to establish constructive dialogue and to remain open to the other is essential for the Church’s mission of presenting a compassionate, understanding, and close presence to all people.”

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(ZENIT News – BitterWinter / Brasilia, 04.30.2024).- The Brazilian government should allow “the use of clothing or accessories related to belief or religion in photos of official documents.. as long as they do not prevent proper individual identification and the face remains visible.”

This is the unanimous decision of the Supreme Court (Supremo Tribunal Federal, STF) that ruled on April 17 on the case of a Paraná Catholic nun from the Sisters of Santa Marcelina who was refused renewal of her driver’s license since she insisted on providing her picture dressed in religious clothing and wearing a veil.

The nun sued the Traffic Department in a case that had implications for other official documents and for Muslims and members of other religions. The decision of the Supreme Court was somewhat expected. The government itself and the Traffic Department had decided at the beginning of April, shortly before the Court’s decision, to amend their policies and allow the use of religious clothing in pictures used for official documents, including driver’s licenses.

The decision of the Supreme Court will now prevent future governments from altering the regulations again in a more restrictive sense.

The Brazilian Supreme Court’s verdict comes one week after French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal created controversies in Canada by publicly expressing his support to the controversial Quebec secularism law that prohibits many public sector employees from wearing religious symbol at work. While Attal used a visit to Canada to support the law, Canada’s federal government is considering joining the religious and educational organizations that have challenged the Quebec law at the Supreme Court.

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The document aims to foster a shared sense of responsibility for human dignity amid rapid  technological advancements. To ensure that every individual – regardless of their background – can benefit from these advances, then religions, international organisations, Governments,  institutions and the private sector must work together.

It calls for the ethical development of Artificial Intelligence that serves humanity rather than  profit and resists the gradual replacement of people in the workplace, as well as a respect for  our common home.

“We are very pleased that, with the inclusion of our Anglican brothers and sisters, the Rome  Call may experience a further step of growth. When reflection and dialogue on issues of  technological development meet in a spirit of fraternity, it is possible to find shared paths and  effective solutions to build peace and the common good.” said Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia,  President of the Pontifical Academy for Life and the RenAIssance Foundation.

Commenting on the signing, Archbishop Justin Welby, signing on behalf of the Church of  England, said: “I am delighted to support the Rome AI Call, which emphasises the dignity of  every human being amid technological change. While we can’t predict the future, we do know  that there will continue to be rapid developments in science and technology and we need to be  prepared. AI offers enormous potential in improving human capability. It must also seek to  protect, preserve and cherish the dignity of the human person. The huge advances offered by  AI cannot be the sole property of its developers, or any single part of the human race. They must  be for all people everywhere. They must serve the common good, they must serve the climate,  they must serve sustainable development. So much of how we understand Artificial Intelligence  comes down to how we understand the nature of being human. Let us all work to ensure that  the dignity of every human being, created by God, not for profit or productivity, is central to all  we do.”

Father Paolo Benanti, Extraordinary Professor of Ethics of Technology at the Pontifical  Gregorian University and scientific director of the RenAIssance Foundation, also  enthusiastically welcomed this event, stating, “With this new growth of the Rome Call we can

look with renewed confidence to algorethics, that is, to the positive contribution of the ethical  approach to artificial intelligence. It is never merely a matter of innovation. Rather, it is about  transforming the latter into human development. It is also very important that the heritage of  human wisdom represented by religions speaks to the whole of humanity, enhancing what is  shared in order to address contemporary challenges.”

The ceremony took place at the headquarters of the Pontifical Academy for Life.

Since the launch of the Rome Call in February 2020, many stakeholders have signed it including  representatives from the Abrahamic religions and the Italian government, and players such as  Microsoft, IBM, and Cisco.

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Speaking as chairman of the Committee for Religious Liberty for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), he added:

“The human right to health care flows from the sanctity of human life and the dignity that belongs to all human persons, who are made in the image of God. The same core beliefs about human dignity and the wisdom of God’s design that motivate Catholics to care for the sick also shape our convictions about care for preborn children and the immutable nature of the human person. These commitments are inseparable.

“We appreciate that the final rule does not attempt to impose a mandate with regard to abortion. These regulations, however, advance an ideological view of sex that, as the Holy See has noted, denies the most beautiful and most powerful difference that exists between living beings: sexual difference. I pray that health care workers will embrace the truth about the human person, a truth reflected in Catholic teaching, and that HHS will not substitute its judgment for their own.”

The USSCB submitted comments on the proposed regulations issued by HHS in 2022, and the USCCB Committee for Religious Liberty highlighted the regulations as a major threat to religious liberty in its annual report issued in January.

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Hence, the Museums confirm and consolidate a cultural initiative that for several years has regarded the visual and musical arts as protagonists and sisters. As in previous editions, the young excellences of the Italian Conservatories and of the International Academies of Higher Learning (IAHL), in collaboration with the Italian National Music Committee  (INMC), will have the opportunity to measure themselves in a unique setting for its visibility and beauty.

Musical and choral excellences of the whole Peninsula will perform live, among some of the principal master works of classical statuary of Modena, Imola, Terni, Pinerolo, Sassari, Naples, Castelfranco Veneto and Sienna.

“To allow people to visit the works of the Vatican Museums, to admire their beauty and singularity, and to listen to a concert of classical music, at the end of the course, is the formula that we repeat again this year, thanks to the consolidated synergy that we have found and reinforced over time with the INMC since 2015. The success and the public’s appreciation, not only Italian but also foreign, has given us the strength and conviction to organize the event for the seventh time with great enthusiasm,” said Barbara Jatta, the Museums’ Directress.

“It’s an honour for the INMC to be able to continue this collaboration given the peculiarity and exceptionality of the place where our musicians will perform and because it enables us to offer our artists — who this year will all be Italians –, the opportunity to perform before a reduced but select public in an absolutely exclusive enclosure,” added the INMC’s Vice-President and IAHL’s President, Francescantonio Pollice.

The musical proposal of the opening and closing days of the season will be double and very suggestive: in them will perform jointly inside the “Braccio Nuovo,” the “Musical Band of the Gendarmerie’s Corps” with the “Musical Band of the Air Force “ (Friday, May 3) and with the “Musical Band of the Navy” (Friday, October 25).

The musicians of the Vatican Band will be protagonists again in the Polo Museale of Castel Gandolfo, of the concert for brass ensemble, which will be held exceptionally in the Papal Palace on Sunday, September 29 at 5:00 pm, on the occasion of the Feast of the Archangels.

Not only art and history, but also amusement and, why not, a toast in the “Pine Cone Courtyard” Website www.museivaticani.va.

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The bishops observed the emergence of new language and notions around gender such as “transgender,” “gender identity theory,” and “gender fluidity.” They critiqued these ideas as typically adopting a dualistic understanding that entirely separates psychological and spiritual aspects from the material. The CBCEW sees this perspective as pervading many areas of society and posing challenges for fields such as law, medicine, education, and religious freedom.

The bishops argued that any medical interventions aimed at “reassigning” gender that destructs the body’s fertility or sexual function also dishonor the body. They asserted that sexual identity isn’t subject to manipulation; it’s a fact inherent in each person. Reportedly, the church officials were careful during the press conference to stress that this document is meant for pastoral, not doctrinal, guidance.

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Fr Romanelli is parish priest of the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza City. He was in Bethlehem buying medicine when Hamas attacked Israel on 7th October, and has not been able to return to Gaza since the war broke out.

The Archbishop and Fr Romanelli, with Canon Mark Madden from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Liverpool, met privately before joining the Archbishop at Evening Prayer in the Lambeth Palace Crypt Chapel. During the service, the Archbishop anointed Fr Romanelli with Chrism oil, and Fr Romanelli gave the blessing at the end of the service.

Archbishop Justin Welby said: “It was a privilege to welcome Father Gabriel Romanelli to Lambeth Palace, and to pray with him for peace and justice in the Holy Land. Since Hamas’ attack on 7th October, Fr Romanelli has been unable to return to his parish and parishioners at the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza. In that time, they have endured more than six months of Israeli bombardment, with up to 600 displaced people currently sheltering in the parish.

“In following Jesus Christ’s teaching to serve and feed all people without distinction, the church is a beacon in the region. Its ministry looks after the poor, the sick, young people with special needs and elderly people in need of care. This work has been made immeasurably harder by a war that has decimated infrastructure essential to human survival. Meanwhile the scarcity of humanitarian access to and within the Strip continues to prevent aid workers from distributing life-saving supplies.

“As I have said before and repeat again: international humanitarian law is resolutely clear that all parties to a conflict must allow and facilitate the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in need. This is especially true for Israel as the Occupying Power.

“I continue to pray and call for an immediate ceasefire, for the release of hostages, and for unimpeded aid to reach the people of Gaza. I pray that God watches over all those in Gaza, that Christians living there in unimaginable circumstances are kept safe, and that Fr Romanelli is allowed to return to continue his church’s important work.”

The Church of the Holy Family is the only Catholic church in the Gaza Strip. It runs three schools for children of all faiths as part of its ecumenical ministry, and has more than ten ambulances, as well as two care homes for disabled children and adults.

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