Pope To Deacons: ‘Be apostles of forgiveness and selfless servants’
Celebrating Holy Mass for the Jubilee of Deacons, Archbishop Rino Fisichella reads Pope Francis's homily in which he encourages deacons to be apostles of forgiveness, selfless servants and builders of communion. He also asks for prayers for the Pope who is receiving treatment for double pneumonia in Rome's Gemelli Hospital. By Lisa Zengarini
At Mass for the Jubilee of Deacons, on Sunday, Pope Francis focused his reflection on the theme of gratuity which, he said, is particularly relevant to the diaconate but is also vital for all Christians in their journey of faith.
The Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, the Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization as the Pope continues to be treated at Gemelli Hospital for his bilateral pneumonia.
"Brothers and sisters, and especially you, dear deacons, and you who will soon enter the sacred order of the diaconate through the laying on of hands," said the Archbishop, "it is a particular joy for me to read the Homily that Pope Francis himself would have delivered to all of you on this special Sunday."
"In the Eucharistic celebration, where communion takes on its fullest and most meaningful dimension, we feel Pope Francis—though in a hospital bed—close to us, present among us. This compels us to make our prayer even stronger and more fervent, so that the Lord may assist him in this time of trial and illness," he said.
“[Let's] make our prayer even stronger and more fervent, so that the Lord may assist Pope Francis in this time of trial and illness.”
Forgiveness
Drawing from today’s readings, Pope Francis reflected on three declinations of gratuity, the first of which is forgiveness, summarized by Jesus' command to love our enemies (Luke 6:27).
With this call, the Pope explained, Jesus reminds us that “we need to be able to forgive and to ask forgiveness, to rebuild relationships and even to choose not to withhold our love from those who hurt or betray us” because ”a world that feels nothing but hatred towards its adversaries is a world without hope and without a future, doomed to endless war, divisions and vendettas”, as we sadly see today.
“Forgiveness means preparing a welcoming and safe future for us and our communities.”
Forgiveness is therefore an essential part of the Christian vocation, and of the deacons’ ministry, in particular, that “carries them to the peripheries of our world.”
As models’ of forgiveness the Pope referenced David’s loyalty and restraint towards King Saul who persecuted him from today’s first reading; Saint Stephen, and Jesus Himself, who prays for those who crucify Him and offers salvation to the good thief (Luke 23:34, 43).
Selfless Service
The Pope then highlighted selfless service, emphasizing Jesus’ words, "Do good and lend, expecting nothing in return" (Luke 6:35).
Recalling that selfless service is “not a secondary aspect” of their activity but “an essential dimension” of their identity Pope Francis encouraged deacons to serve joyfully and with humility without seeking recognition, thus heeding the example of Jesus who teaches us that greatness comes through serving others (Mark 10:45).
“Through your cooperation and generosity, said the Pope, “you will be a bridge linking the altar to the street and the Eucharist to people’s daily lives.”
“Charity will be your most beautiful liturgy and the liturgy your humblest service.”
Communion
The third aspect of gratuity the Pope mentioned was communion, which is “nurtured” by giving freely without expecting anything in return.
Communion, he remarked , is built by extending their mission and embracing the poor, the “treasures of the Church”, as Saint Lawrence, their patron saint said. Deacons express communion by making others feel valued and included, not just with words but through their actions. “Your mission sets you apart from society only to be re-immersed in it in order to enable it to be an ever more open and welcoming place for everyone,” the Pope said.
Humility
Finally Pope Francis turned to those preparing for priesthood, urging them them not to consider their priestly ordination not as a "promotion" to a higher status but rather as a “descent” into humility, because ordination is about lowering oneself to serve others.
Pope On Ukraine: 'Painful And Shameful' Anniversary 'For All Humanity'
During his Angelus address, which Pope Francis asked the Holy See Press Office to release while he recovers in the hospital, the Holy Father remembers the imminent three-year anniversary of the War in Ukraine on 24 February 2025, calling it "a painful and shameful occasion for all humanity," and saying he renews his solidarity with suffering Ukrainians and for all victims of armed conflicts as he prays for peace. By Deborah Castellano Lubov
"Tomorrow marks the third anniversary of the full-scale war against Ukraine: a painful and shameful occasion for all of humanity!"
Pope Francis expressed this during the Angelus address he chose to have published on Sunday, one day before the three-year anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion in Ukraine.
The Holy Father has been being treated at Rome's Gemelli Hospital since February 14, diagnosed with double pneumonia.
In his Angelus remarks, the Holy Father remembered "martyred Ukraine."
"As I renew my solidarity with the martyred Ukrainian people," the Pope reminded, "I invite you to remember the victims of all armed conflicts and to pray for the gift of peace in Palestine, Israel, and throughout the Middle East, in Myanmar, in Kivu, and in Sudan."
The Holy Father also expressed his gratitude for all those who have been praying for him.
"In these days, I have received many messages of affection," he noted, saying, "I have been particularly moved by the letters and drawings from children.
"Thank you for this closeness and for the comforting prayers I have received from all over the world!" the Pope concluded, before reassuring, "I entrust everyone to the intercession of Mary and ask you to pray for me."
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Ukraine. Three years of unwavering Church relief efforts amid war While the ongoing war waged by Russia against Ukraine continues displace and endanger millions, the unwavering efforts of Church organizations like Caritas and Aid to the Church in Need continue to provide a lifeline to those in need. By Lisa Zengarini
Three years of war in Ukraine have left the country in a tragic humanitarian situation. Every day, millions of Ukrainian children, women, and men face immense difficulties in surviving: over 12.7 million people are in urgent need of assistance, while 6.8 million Ukrainian refugees have fled to neighbouring countries in search of a safe haven.
6.8 million Ukrainian refugees and 12.7 million in need of assistance Within Ukraine’s borders, more than 3.6 million people have been displaced, forced to abandon their homes and previous lives. One of the greatest challenges exacerbating this humanitarian disaster is the harsh winter, with temperatures plummeting below -20°C, while the loss of more than 60% of the national energy supply has left entire communities without heating, electricity, and access to clean drinking water.
Against this bleak backdrop the non-stop shelling and bombing from Russia have made it extremely difficult and dangerous for humanitarian organizations to reach out to those lacking basic needs such as food, clothes, shelter and health care.
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Caritas ongoing support to the most vulnerable in the war
Despite dangers and logistic difficulties, Church aid organizations, alongside the Holy See and humanitarian organizations, have continued to provide a lifeline to those in greatest need and giving hope for a better future in Ukraine.
Among them is Caritas, the global confederation of national Catholic relief and development agencies. Since the beginning of the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24 2022, the Ukrainian branches of Caritas (Caritas Spes and Caritas Ukraine) and its partner members have been at the forefront, offering medical, psychological, and social assistance, with a special focus on protecting the most vulnerable people, including children, disabled, elderly and women.
25 Million Euros From ACN In Three Years
Also, on the frontline is the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). According to a statement released this week, over the past three years Pontifical foundation has allocated over €25 million to various humanitarian and pastoral projects sustaining both the Greek Catholic and Latin Catholic Churches in the country.
Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, ACN has approved and funded nearly one thousand initiatives. A significant portion of this aid—approximately €3.5 million—has been used to support priests through Mass stipends, ensuring their ability to continue their pastoral work in times of extreme difficulty.
Addressing The Material, Pastoral And Spiritual Needs Of Ukrainians
The ongoing war has deeply impacted the daily lives of clergy and faithful alike and the focus of ACN's assistance has evolved over time. Initially, efforts were directed toward helping internally displaced persons (IDPs), who were forced to flee their homes due to conflict. However, as the situation progressed, feedback from local partners indicated a pressing need for pastoral and spiritual care. In response, ACN shifted its priorities to providing subsistence support for priests and nuns, seminarian training, trauma care, and transportation assistance.
In 2024 alone, ACN extended its support to 1,472 diocesan priests, 1,380 religious sisters, 60 religious brothers, and 19 deacons. Additionally, 768 seminarians received assistance for their formation, ensuring the continued education and preparation of future clergy. Pastoral outreach programmes, such as the “Holidays with God” camps, benefited 7,200 children and young people, offering them spiritual enrichment during school holidays.
Beyond spiritual support, ACN has also facilitated practical assistance. The organization helped establish four psycho-spiritual support centres and financed the purchase of 58 vehicles, which serve both pastoral and humanitarian purposes. Two of these vehicles have been repurposed as mobile chapels to bring religious services to people in contested regions, including the Diocese of Odessa-Simferopol and eastern Ukraine. Moreover, ACN has provided funds for reconstruction efforts, such as repairing a convent in Lviv and restoring a church tower damaged by missile strikes in Sudova Vyshnya.
Prayers And Support Of Global Christian Community Helping Ukrainians Survive
Bishop Maksym Ryabukha of the Donetsk Exarchate, currently residing in Zaporizhya due to the occupation of his region, spoke poignantly to ACN about the immense suffering and despair caused by years of conflict, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and faith in overcoming these hardships. He expresses deep gratitude to ACN and its donors, stating that without their aid, the Church in Ukraine might not have survived.
Children Continue To Suffer In Haiti: 'The World Cannot Remain Silent'
The UN Children's Agency Representative in Haiti calls on the international community to take action against the growing attacks on children, calling them “an attack on humanity itself.” By Kielce Gussie
Violence and atrocities plague the people of Haiti as the influence of armed gangs continues to rise. UNICEF Representative in Haiti, Geeta Narayan, released a statement on X, bringing the ongoing situation for children in the country to the forefront.
An Attack On Humanity Itself
Rising levels of gang violence have marked the small Caribbean nation for the last several years. The United Nations’ International Organization for Migration stated the number of internally displaced people has tripled to more than one million. Gangs have taken control over the capital city of Port-au-Prince, which has led to the collapse of healthcare services and a food insecurity crisis.
Beyond that, children are now being targeted, and Narayan reported they “continue to suffer unimaginable horrors and face attacks from armed groups.”
On February 11, stray bullets killed a student sitting in class. The UNICEF representative also described reports that a two-month-old baby was burned alive in front of their mother – “a terrible atrocity that should deeply shake the world.”
Narayan stressed these actions are more than acts of violence but rather “an attack on humanity itself.” In response, UNICEF has called on national authorities and the international community to act and “protect the children of Haiti, defend their rights, ensure their safety.” “Every child deserves to live without fear,” she urged.
Child Recruitment
Some 1.2 million children are reported to live under constant threat of armed violence, and the number of children recruited to armed gangs has dramatically risen.
Last November, a report released by UNICEF showed that child recruitment in the country skyrocketed by 70%. Amnesty International reported that between 30% and 50% of gang members are children.
Many are forced to become informants, soldiers, cooks, and even used as “wives” for gang members. If they refuse, their lives and the lives of their families are threatened. Narayan warned that the “world cannot remain silent” as millions of innocent children suffer this violence and inhumane treatment in Haiti.
Holy See: Wars And Natural Disasters Making Africa More Fragile
The John Paul II Foundation for the Sahel meets in Dakar, Senegal, to discuss its ongoing development projects in the troubled African region in light of Pope Francis’ recent reform of the Roman Curia. By Lisa Zengarini
The Board of Directors of the John Paul II Foundation for the Sahel is meeting in Dakar, Senegal, this week for its 43rd session.
Supporting Drought-Stricken Populations In The Sahel
The pontifical foundation was established in 1984 by Pope St. John Paul II following his first Apostolic Journey to Africa in 1980, to provide the Holy See’s concrete support to the drought-stricken populations in the nine Sahel countries in collaboration with the local Church and communities. The Sahel which includes Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, Chad is one of the poorest regions in the world.
The Foundation, whose governance is entrusted to the local bishops and is currently part of the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, focuses on combating desertification, aiding drought victims, and promoting sustainable development by supporting projects in environmental protection, agriculture, water management, and renewable energy.
A significant aspect of its work involves training specialized technical personnel who can contribute effectively to their communities. It also fosters inter-religious dialogue, benefiting people of different faiths.
Armed Conflicts And Natural Disasters Making Africa Fragile
Echoing Pope Francis, she urged collective efforts to combat poverty, promote integral human development, and foster peaceful coexistence. Her remarks reinforced the idea that the foundation’s work should not be limited to providing immediate aid but should also seek sustainable solutions that uphold human dignity and social harmony.
Sister Smerilli also expressed gratitude for the continued commitment to building a better Africa—one where fraternity is not just an ideal but a lived reality.
Congregation of Holy Cross set for mission beyond borders The Superior General of the Congregation of Holy Cross has announced a “missionary year” for the religious order, calling on Holy Cross priests and brothers to step forward in faith to bring “Hope Beyond Borders” to the people of God. By Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
As the Church marks the 2025 Easter celebrations, the Congregation of the Holy Cross (CSC) will embark on a transformative journey ‘the Year of Mission’ under the theme Hope Beyond Borders.
According to Br. Paul Bednarczyk, the Superior General, the initiative is both a call to action and a profound invitation to witness Christ’s boundless love in a world yearning for renewal.
“On this anniversary of the birth of our holy Founder, Blessed Basile Moreau, I am pleased to declare publicly a Year of Mission, which will commence on 28 April,” he said in a letter announcing the year-long anniversary. “This opening date is the 185th anniversary of Father Basile Moreau's sending of the first Holy Cross missionaries outside of France to Algiers in 1840.”
Embrace The Unknown With Faith
Br. Bednarczyk quoted the congregation’s Constitutions, "our mission sends us across borders of every sort" (2:17).
He said the order’s guiding document reminds members that the anniversary is an encouragement “to reach out and cross not only the physical borders that separate nations and states, but all borders and walls we construct between ourselves and others, whoever those ‘others’ might be.”
“A hope that goes beyond borders means being willing to venture out from our comfort zones, to leave behind the familiar, and to go forth into the unfamiliar to see whom and what we might encounter,” he said. “This can take the form of meeting new people and cultures, developing new capacities in ministry, and embracing new paradigms that require creative ways of thinking and planning.”
Pilgrims Of Hope- Hope Beyond Borders
The central theme of the Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year, Pilgrims of Hope, encourages the faithful to walk in hope, trusting in God’s providence as they navigate life’s uncertainties. Similarly, Hope Beyond Borders, the mission theme for the CSC, challenges individual members to expand their vision of faith and service, to recognize that hope is not confined by geography, culture, or circumstance.
Kenyan Bishops Emphasize Collective Responsibility To Transform Nation
The Catholic Bishops of Kenya have reminded Christians that building a just, peaceful, and united nation is a shared responsibility, calling everyone to work to transform the nation so that every citizen plays their part. By Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
Ahead of the 2025 Lenten season starting on March 5, Catholic Bishops in the East African nation have reminded Christians to journey together, bear one another’s burdens and be instruments that ignite transformation in society. The Church in Kenya has themed the 40-day journey of reflection: “The Kenya we desire.”
“As we reflect on The Kenya We Desire, we are called to consider not only what we want for ourselves but also what we want for others. We are called to desire the good of all people, regardless of their background or status,” said the statement signed by Bishop Simon Peter Kamomoe, Chairman for the Catholic Justice and Peace Department (CJPD) at the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB).
As Christians, the Bishop added, “we cannot be content with mere individual blessings while others suffer. The collective good is our responsibility, and we must desire a society that fosters equality, justice, and compassion.”
Agents Of Change
Christ’s call to transforming the world requires each individual to uphold moral values, and advocate for the dignity of all people, which requires courage to stand against corruption, injustice, and inequality while actively working for positive change in families, communities, and workplaces.
“The challenge is not just about a spiritual desire for transformation but a practical commitment to action,” said the bishops. “As Kenyan citizens, we have a role in creating the desired country. In the workplace, politics, community, and homes, we must embody the virtues of integrity, love, and justice.”
As a nation, the moral values including justice, peace, and unity need to be lived realities, and every citizen, regardless of background or status, has equal opportunities to grow.
“The Kenya we desire is not one of division, corruption, or despair but one where justice, peace, and unity reign; where all citizens, especially the marginalised, can thrive, where leadership is marked by integrity, and each person desires the welfare of others… and the desires align with the values of the Kingdom of God,” reads part of the Lenten booklet.
Our Desires Should Be Purified
Lent is a call for all Christians to examine self through prayer, repentance, giving alms and self-denial, said the bishops.
Synod: Coordinators And Secretaries Of The Ten Study Groups Hold Meeting
Representatives of the ten Synod Study Groups set up by the Pope meet and present an update on their work. By Vatican News
A meeting was held late on Tuesday morning with representatives of the groups set up by the Pope to address issues that emerged during the First Session of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. According to a statement following the meeting, each coordinator presented an update on their group’s work, focusing on the methodology used, those involved, the expected timeline for submitting reports, challenges encountered, and any outstanding questions. The meeting opened with a prayer for the Pope’s recovery.
Update From Each Coordinator
Each coordinator then took turns presenting their group’s progress, outlining the methodology used, the people and organisations involved, the expected timeframe for submitting their final report, the difficulties they had encountered, and any open questions still to be addressed. The statement notes that this was a "rich sharing time, particularly useful for those study groups dealing with ‘transversal’ issues".
After each coordinator had spoken, Fr Giacomo Costa, SJ, a consultant to the General Secretariat, provided "guidance to ensure consistency in the drafting and submission of reports."
Support From The Canonical Commission
The coordinators were informed that the Canonical Commission is available to assist them, particularly on issues with a legal or canonical dimension. Cardinal Mario Grech reminded participants of the importance of considering external contributions, which can still be submitted via email (synodus@synod.va) to the General Secretariat until 31 March 2025. As previously announced at the opening of the Second Session of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, any new contributions received will be promptly forwarded to the relevant Study Groups.
The Study Groups
The ten Study Groups were established following the First Session of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, during which significant issues concerning the life and mission of the Church from a synodal perspective were identified. The Assembly reached broad consensus on these matters, which, given their importance, require reflection at the level of the universal Church and a more in-depth study.
The Study Groups were set up in March 2024 in response to Pope Francis’ Chirograph on collaboration between the Dicasteries of the Roman Curia and the General Secretariat of the Synod, as well as his letter to Cardinal Mario Grech. In this letter, the Pope entrusted Cardinal Grech with overseeing the Study Groups’ work “in a truly synodal spirit” and asked the General Secretariat to “draw up a working outline defining the groups’ mandate in light of my instructions.”
