According to Pope Francis, the “tragedy of the war” taking place in eastern Europe “leaves us astonished,” and it is threatening humanity, all because of a “perverse abuse of power” that is condemning innocent people to endless suffering.
Slovakia
Pope Says Pro-Abortion Politicians Are ‘Outside Community’ of Church, But Urges Pastoral Response
Pope Francis on Wednesday said that Communion is for those who are “in the community” and politicians who support abortion are “outside of the community.”
Pope Calls For Integration of Roma People; Condemns Prejudice, Exclusion
Speaking at the largest Roma impoverished community in Europe, Pope Francis said they are not in the margins of the Catholic Church, but at its center, and that they should be at the center of society too, integrated and not hidden from view.
Pope Francis Condemns Political Use of Religious Symbols During Slovakia Liturgy
Pope Francis said on Tuesday, Sept. 14, that the cross is not a flag to be waved, nor a political symbol. The pontiff’’s remarks were seen as a rebuke of populist politicians such as Matteo Salvini in Italy and Viktor Orban in Hungary using religious symbols as political tools.
Diaspora and Disease: Pope Francis Will Face Pressing Issues on Next Trip Abroad
Pope Francis’ upcoming trip to Hungary and Slovakia, while seemingly standard as papal visits go, could prove to be among his most challenging visits at a time when distrust in government authorities and the looming threat of the delta variant are leading the headlines.
Organizers Hope Papal Trip Will Strengthen Faith In Secularized Slovakia
Catholics and non-believers alike are waiting for Pope Francis’ September 12-15 visit to Slovakia, the spokesman for the bishops’ conference told journalists on Wednesday, saying that, if given the chance, he’d ask the pontiff to focus on boosting locals in their faith.