Pope Francis greets refugees at a Mass for migrants in 2018. Joe Duffy said “some columnists” accuse the Church of silence on the issue, a contested claim. Photo: Vatican Media Pope advances new decrees for Causes of Saints
Pope Francis has advanced the causes for canonisation of 12 holy men and women by authorising the publication of decrees recognising various miracles. The Holy Father also extended this action last week to the martyrdom of a missionary in El Salvador and a group of Cistercian monks.
The Congregation for the Causes of the Saints recognised miracles attributed to the intercession of Venerable Fr Michael McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus, and Venerable Pauline-Marie Jaricot, foundress of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith and the Living Rosary Association.
Miracles were also attributed to three Blesseds: Charles de Foucauld, Cesare de Bus and Maria Domenica Mantovani.
The Congregation also determined that Franciscan priest Fr Cosma Spessotto was killed in odium fidei, that is, out of hatred of the Faith. Fr Cosma was a missionary in El Salvador who was martyred in 1980.
Finally, the Congregation recognised the martyrdom of six Cistercian monks who were killed as they tried to safeguard the Eucharist when their abbey was attacked by French soldiers during the Napoleonic wars.
The decrees on martyrdom will allow the causes of Fr Cosma and the Cistercian monks to proceed.
Vatican warns of rising intolerance and religious crime
The Holy See has warned that religiously-motivated hate crimes are on the rise, as the Covid-19 pandemic increases intolerance and inequality.
Msgr Janusz Urbańczyk, the Holy See’s Permanent Representative to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), was speaking at a conference last week aimed at raising awareness about intolerance and discrimination.
“Hate crimes against Christians and members of other religions,” he said, “have negatively impacted the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
“These include threats, violent attacks, murders and profanation of churches and places of worship, cemeteries and other religious properties.”
The Vatican representative expressed “great concern” about a divide between religious belief and religious practice. “The false idea that religions could have a negative impact or represent a threat to the well-being of our societies is growing,” he added.
“Rights and fundamental freedoms,” continued Msgr Urbańczyk, “have been limited or derogated.”
The Holy See’s representative urged OSCE member states to promote tolerance and fundamental freedoms, including religious liberty.
Francis thanks Astalli Center for helping migrants
Pope Francis has sent a message of thanks to the Jesuit-run Astalli Center in Rome for assisting migrants and refugees.
“May your example ignite in society a renewed desire to promote an authentic culture of welcome and solidarity,” he wrote in a letter last week.
The Holy Father’s letter was addressed to Fr Camillo Ripamonti SJ, Director of the Center which is the Italian headquarters of the Jesuit Refugee Service.
The Pope thanked him, along with all volunteers and employees, for their “courage in facing the migration ‘challenge’, especially in this delicate moment for the right of asylum, since thousands of people are fleeing from war, persecution, and serious humanitarian crises”.
“I am spiritually near to you all in prayer and affection,” wrote Pope Francis, “and I urge you to have trust and hope in a world of peace, justice, and fraternity among peoples.”