ZE071021
ZENIT
The World Seen From Rome
Daily dispatch - October 21, 2007
VATICAN DOSSIER
Pontiff Slams Organized Crime in Naples
Benedict XVI: Religion Is Not a Vehicle of Hate
Pope Prays for Frontline Missionaries
Vatican Joyful Over Liberation of Iraqi Priests
New Cardinals to Reflect Universality, Says Aide
ANALYSIS
Media Benefits and Dangers
WORLD FEATURES
European Bishops Praise Union's New Treaty
NEWS BRIEFS
3 Bishops Call for Arroyo's Resignation
ANGELUS
On Peace, Missions and Justice
DOCUMENTS
Pope's Address to Religious Leaders in Naples
Pontiff Slams Organized Crime in Naples
Calls for Initiatives to Curb "Mentality" of ViolenceNAPLES, Italy, OCT. 21, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI called for widespread initiatives in Naples to help curb the prevalent "mentality" of violence in the city, and slammed in particular the organized crime of the Camorra.
The Pope's words were heard today by more than 20,000 people who, despite the rain, gathered for Sunday Mass in the Piazza del Plebiscito in Naples. During the liturgical celebration he was flanked by the archbishop of Naples, Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, and 77 bishops and 700 priests.
The Holy Father made the one-day apostolic trip to the Italian city to open the 21st International Encounter of Peoples and Religions. The meeting, organized by the Community of Sant'Egidio in Naples until Oct. 23, has as its theme "Toward a World Without Violence: Religions and Cultures in Dialogue."
"Life is not easy" in Naples, the Pontiff said in his homily. He lamented the many "situations of poverty, homelessness, unemployment and underemployment, and the lack of prospects for the future," but saved his strongest words for the "sad phenomenon of violence" in the city.
He mentioned in particular the "horrendous number of crimes of the Camorra." The Camorra is an Italian crime clan that has a long history in the city of Naples.
It spreads
Benedict XVI said the violence of organized crime "unfortunately tends to become a widespread mentality, insinuating itself into the social fabric, in the historical areas and center of the city and in the new and anonymous outskirts, with the risk of attracting in particular the young who grow up in environments where illegality, black-market labor and the culture of survival thrive."
The Pope asked that there be an "intensification of efforts to develop a serious strategy of prevention" in the forms programs that help young people to succeed in school and to get jobs, and to manage their free time.
"What is needed is an intervention that involves everyone in the struggle against every form of violence, beginning with the formation of conscience and transforming everyday mentalities, attitudes and conduct," he added.
After reciting the Angelus, the Pope left the rainy Piazza del Pleblescito and headed to archdiocesan seminary to meet with 300 interreligious leaders who are participating in the meeting for peace.
Before returning to Rome, the Holy Father made a visit to the Chapel of San Gennaro in Naples' cathedral. He venerated the relics of the fourth-century saint, patron of Naples. He then returned to the Vatican by helicopter.
Benedict XVI: Religion Is Not a Vehicle of Hate
Urges Promotion of the "Spirit of Assisi"NAPLES, Italy, OCT. 21, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Violence in the name of God can never be justified, Benedict XVI told a gathering of interreligious leaders in Naples, urging them to promote peace and the "spirit of Assisi."
Pope's appeal today resounded in the archdiocesan seminary of Capodimonte on the first day of the 21st International Encounter of Peoples and Religions. The meeting, organized by the Community of Sant'Egidio in Naples until Oct. 23, has as its theme "Toward a World Without Violence: Religions and Cultures in Dialogue."
"Faced with a world lacerated by conflicts," the Holy Father said, "where at times violence is justified in the name of God, it is important to re-emphasize that religion can never be a vehicle of hate; never, in the name of God, can we justify evil and violence."
"On the contrary," he added, "because they speak of peace to the human heart, religions can offer precious resources for building a peaceful humanity."
Benedict XVI met with various participants in the meeting, including Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I; the Anglican archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams; one of Israel's chief rabbis, Yona Metzger; the rector of the Al-Azhar University in Egypt, Ahmad Al-Tayyeb; and the Imam of the United Arab Emirates, Ibrahim Ezzedin.Understanding
The Holy Father confirmed that the Catholic Church intends "to continue along the road of dialogue to promote understanding among different cultures, traditions and religious wisdom."
"I ardently desire that this spirit spread more and more, especially where the tensions are strongest, where freedom and respect for the other are denied and men and women suffer the consequences of intolerance and misunderstanding," the Pope added.
He continued: "This meeting turns our minds back to 1986, when my venerable predecessor, John Paul II, invited major religious representatives to pray for peace on the hill of St. Francis, highlighting in those circumstances the intrinsic link that unites an authentic religious attitude with a living sensibility for this basic good of humanity.
"In 2002, after the dramatic events of Sept. 11 of the previous year, the same John Paul II again called religious leaders to Assisi to ask God to stop the grave threats to humanity that were looming, especially because of terrorism.
"In respect of the differences of the various religions, we are all called to work for peace and to an active commitment to promote reconciliation between peoples. It is this authentic 'spirit of Assisi' which is opposed to every form of violence and abuse of religion as a pretext for violence."
Pope Prays for Frontline Missionaries
Says They Risk Persecution in Their WorkNAPLES, Italy, OCT. 21, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI urged Christians to pray for those on the frontlines of missionary work, who often encounter difficulties and risk persecution to carry out their apostolates.
The Pope said this today before delivering his Angelus address in Naples' Piazza del Plebiscito, and after celebrating the opening Mass of the 21st International Encounter of Peoples and Religions.
"Today," the Holy Father said, "we celebrate World Mission Sunday, which has a very significant motto: 'All the Churches For All the World.'"
He continued: "Let us not fail to give our spiritual and material support to those who work on the frontlines of the missions: priests, religious and lay people, who often encounter grave difficulties in their work, and even persecutions."
The Pontiff also mentioned the 45th Social Week of Italian Catholics, which ended today in Pistoia and Pisa. "May the Holy Virgin also protect those who in various ways commit themselves to the common good and the just order of society," he said.
Bendict XVI continued: "There are many problems and challenges that we face today. A strong effort is required by all, especially lay faithful working in social and political spheres, to assure that every person, in particular the youth, be assured the indispensable conditions for developing their natural talents and cultivating the generous choices of service to their families and the entire community."
Vatican Joyful Over Liberation of Iraqi Priests
VATICAN CITY, OCT. 21, 2007 (Zenit.org).- The Holy See received with joy the news that the two priests kidnapped in Iraq over a week ago, have been set free.Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican press office, confirmed today that the priests have been liberated. The Vatican spokesman expressed the hope that kidnappings like this one would not happen again.
The two priests, Father Mazen Ishoa, 35, and Father Pius Afas, 60, were kidnapped on their way to celebrate Mass on Oct. 13 at Our Lady of Fatima Parish Church in the al-Faisaliya neighborhood.
According to Catholic sources in Mosul, they were released on a street in the city this morning. It has not been confirmed whether a ransom was paid for the two priests. The kidnappers, who did not make any claims about political allegiance, had asked for a $1 million ransom, and had set a payment deadline for Saturday.
New Cardinals to Reflect Universality, Says Aide
Father Lombardi Analyzes Pope's ChoicesROME, OCT. 21, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI's choices for the 23 new cardinals to be installed in November reflect the universality of the Church and its readiness for martyrdom, said the director for the Vatican press office.
Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi analyzed the significance of the Holy Father's decisions in the most recent edition of the weekly Vatican Television show "Octava Dies."
The Vatican spokesman said: "His very balanced choices are always in line with a college of cardinals that responds well to the reality of the universal Church, with representatives of the Roman curia and of the great episcopal sees in the various parts of the world.
"This too is one of the forms of that 'collegiality' in leading the Church to which Benedict XVI declared he wanted to be particularly attentive."
"Apart from the calculation of percentages of distribution of the cardinals per nation and continent, aimed at satisfying one's curiosity, it is always well to prepare for a consistory by remembering the true significance of the college of cardinals," continued Father Lombardi. "It is a group responsible for advising and helping the Pope in his universal service besides the eventual election of the Successor of Peter."
"The color red," he added, "has a meaning connected with the witness of the faith. It is the color of the blood of the martyrs."
The Vatican spokesman said that the inclusion in the list of Patriarch Emmanuel III Delly of Babylon of the Chaldeans, archbishop of Baghdad, "evoking the difficult conditions of the Church and the people of his country, is an indication in that sense."
For believers, Father Lombardi added, "the external sign is always and only in service to a profound meaning that must continually be brought to mind, lived, and witnessed to in the world."
Canadian Study Calls for Greater Responsibility in Use
By Father John Flynn, LC
ROME, OCT. 21, 2007 (Zenit.org).- An explosion in media technology means both parents and society need to be more alert to the dangers children face. This was the warning contained in the Oct. 15 report entitled "Good Servant, Bad Master: Electronic Media and the Family," published by the Ottawa-based Vanier Institute of the Family.
Author Arlene Moscovitch reviewed Canadian and international research on the media, and in her report she acknowledged the positive side of the media, which is a useful source of education and entertainment. As well, new technologies also help families stay in contact with greater ease.
At the same time the report warned of some more negative consequences.
-- Heavy users of electronic media in all age groups spend less time interacting with partners, children and friends.
-- Researchers fear that excessive exposure to media among very young children may lead to problems of attention control, aggressive behavior and poor cognitive development.
-- With growing problems of obesity and diabetes among children, it is a concern that the vast majority of food advertisements during children's programs are for foods high in sugar, salt and fat.
-- Many parents worry about children being online for long periods and the kinds of things to which they are exposed.
Technology overflow
Moscovitch noted that according to the Consumers Electronics Association of America, the average U.S. home now boasts 26 different electronic devices for communication and media. In Canada only 1% of the population owned a DVD player in 1998, now they are present in 80% of households.
Also in Canada, 94% of young people have Internet access at home. Half of grade 11 students, and surprisingly even 20% of those in Grade 4, have their own Internet-connected computer, separate and apart from the family.
Mobile phones are used by 44% of young Canadians to surf the Internet, and 22% have webcams.
Citing data from a time use survey carried out in 1995 by the government body Statistics Canada, the report noted that Canadians aged 15 and over spent just over 2 hours each day watching television, compared to more than 3 hours in 1998.
Radio use remained relatively stable between 1998 and 2003, at about 3 hours a day, but 30-45 more minutes a day is going to telephone usage, and time spent on the Internet has risen.
A study of 5,000 youth carried out in 2005 by the Media Awareness Network found that on an average weekday, Canadian students spend -- sometimes simultaneously -- 54 minutes instant messaging; 50 minutes downloading and listening to music; 44 minutes playing online games; and only 30 minutes doing school work.
Overall, in Canada and the United States many young people are spending less time with print and television media, and more time plugged into interactive media like mobile phones, video games and Internet-connected computers. Moreover, this media activity is increasingly done in their own bedrooms, rather than in communal family spaces.
Infants at risk
One of the main forebodings in the Vanier Institute's report is how very young children are exposed to the media. Moscovitch cited a recent study that showed 50% of U.S. infants and preschoolers live in homes with three or more TVs, 97% have clothes or toys based on media characters and three-quarters share their living space with a computer.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time at all for children under the age of two years, yet a 2003 study of the media habits of U.S. children from birth to six years of age found that almost 70% of children under two years spend on average two hours every day watching either television shows or videos. In fact, 26% of toddlers under the age of two had a TV set in their bedroom.
Other recent reports confirm the deleterious effect of television for the very young. On May 27, the Boston Globe reported that a study by pediatric researchers found that about 40% of 3-month-olds watch television or videos for an average of 45 minutes a day, or more than five hours a week.
The study was based on 1,009 random telephone interviews with families in Minnesota and Washington, and published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine journal.
This early exposure can have a negative impact on an infant's developing brain and put children at a higher risk for attention problems and diminished reading comprehension, according to the researchers.
Social sites
Turning to older ages, the Vanier Institute reported that media usage evolves to become more active and socially oriented. A 2005 study of young Canadians carried out by the Media Awareness Network found that among young people, 28% have their own Web site, 15% have online diaries and blogs, and that by grade nine, 80% of all teens are listening to music online and instant messaging daily.
By late 2006, 55% of all U.S. online teens were using social networks such as MySpace and Facebook, and 55% had created online profiles.
The dangers of social networking sites was confirmed by a report dated Oct. 14, published by the Pew Internet and American Life Project.
The study entitled "Teens and Online Stranger Contact" reported that 32% of online teens had been contacted by someone with no connection to them or any of their friends, and 7% of online teens say they have felt scared or uncomfortable as a result of contact by an online stranger.
Those who have posted photos of themselves and created profiles on social networking sites are more likely to have been contacted online by people they do not know, according to the study.
Among teens who have been contacted by someone they do not know, girls are significantly more likely to report feeling scared or uncomfortable as a result of the contact compared with boys.
Parental concerns
Many parents, the Vanier Institute report observed, are uneasy about the media's impact on their children. Apprehensions include not knowing who their children are in contact with, what sort of songs they listen to, and if they are falling prey to temptations such as online gambling and pornography. Moreover, many parents are unskilled in the technologies being employed by their children.
Parents can, however, influence their children's media habits. The report recommends a number of steps.
-- Limit the number of individually owned devices and move them out of bedrooms and into public spaces.
-- Limit the times at which they can be used. For example, don't have the television on all the time, particularly during meals.
-- Limit also the total amount of time kids spend with their devices on a daily basis.
-- Make rules about giving out personal information or visiting certain sites on the Internet.
-- Help children, particularly those who are younger, to distinguish between fantasy and reality by talking with them about the content they encounter in the media.
-- Discuss with children their experiences on the Internet and ask them about the games they play, the sites they create and the way they interact socially.
Forming consciences
The report also recommended that parents help instruct their children in the values they need, and not just leave it to chance through the values that the media communicates. By doing this young people will be more prepared to critically judge the information and goals coming from the media.
"Users should practice moderation and discipline in their approach to the mass media," recommends No. 2496 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. "They will want to form enlightened and correct consciences the more easily to resist unwholesome influences."
A responsibility that becomes more indispensable than ever in this age of rapidly developing media technologies.
European Bishops Praise Union's New Treaty
Says Debate Over Christian Roots Is Not OverBRUSSELS, Belgium, OCT. 21, 2007 (Zenit.org).- The new reform treaty for the European Union will allow for more active participation of Christians, said European bishops, while adding that the debate about the Christian roots of the continent is not over.
The 27 heads of states and governments at the European Council of Lisbon agreed on the final text of the Treaty of Lisbon in the early morning hours Friday. The document replaces the Constitutional Treaty that was rejected by France and the Netherlands in 2005, a move that plunged the union into four years of institutional crisis.
Monsignor Noel Treanor, secretary-general of the Commission of Bishops' Conferences of the European Community (COMECE), welcomed the agreement reached by the heads of state to approve the lengthy treaty, numbering more than 250 pages, saying it shows concern for the European common good and the interests of its citizens.
He noted, however, that the preamble to the treaty recognizes the cultural, religious and humanistic inheritance of Europe, but doesn't mention Christianity. "The debate about the Christian roots of Europe is inseparable from the reflection on the European identity; thus, it needs to be continued."
COMECE particularly welcomed the introduction of article 15b in the Lisbon treaty, which stipulates: "The Union respects and does not prejudice the status under national law of churches and religious associations or communities in the member states.
"Recognizing their identity and their specific contribution, the Union shall maintain an open, transparent and regular dialogue with these churches and organizations."
In a press statement, the commission of bishops said: "On the basis of this article, which introduces a new provision into the treaties, the European Union institutions will engage in a deeper dialogue with the Churches, thus allowing Christians to accompany more effectively the process of European construction. This should lead to a union characterized by more justice and solidarity and an enhanced responsibility for major global challenges."
The Reform Treaty will be officially signed by the 27 heads of states and governments Dec. 13 in Lisbon. If each of the member states ratifies the treaty within the next 12 months, the text will come into force in January 2009.
3 Bishops Call for Arroyo's Resignation
Philippine Leader Embroiled in Corruption AllegationsMANILA, Philippines, OCT. 21, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Three Catholic bishops in the Philippines called for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who they say has brought shame to the nation amid a string of corruption allegations.
Bishop Antonio Tobias of Novaliches, Deogracias Iñiguez of Kalookan and retired Bishop Julio Labayen of Infanta said in a joint statement Friday that Arroyo has shown culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust.
"It is time for the sovereign Filipino people whom she has betrayed to now speak up as one voice and resoundingly ask her to step down," the statement read.
They said Arroyo must be held liable for her crimes, "Her acts, or omissions, of bribery, graft and corrupt practices are punishable by law." The government has been beset by the controversy of the alleged distribution of hefty cash gifts to congressmen and local public officials.
The bishops said that if a regime is "morally bankrupt," then there is "no other alternative for the people but to demand that the leader, the chief executive, commander in chief, the president, steps down and resigns."
The prelates also called on the people to join the bishops' conference of the Philippines in the call it made Tuesday for transparency and honesty in the government.
In the text signed by Archbishop Angel Lagdameo of Jaro, the president of the country's episcopal conference, the bishops said, "Our country is not only suffering from economic bankruptcy but also moral bankruptcy, disappointingly being shown by our leaders."
Meanwhile, Archbishop Lagdameo denounced the explosion at the Glorietta Mall in Makati that claimed at least 8 lives Friday: "That explosion diverts our concentration and adds to our common national problems that are crying for a satisfactory solution.
"We invite everybody to join us in praying for the solution of the many crises that our country is facing today."
On Peace, Missions and Justice
"A Strong Effort Is Required By All"NAPLES, Italy, OCT. 21, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI delivered today after celebrating Mass in Naples, and before leading the recitation of the midday Angelus. The Pope was in Naples to open the 21st International Encounter of Peoples and Religions.
* * *
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
At the end of this solemn celebration, I would like to renew, my dear friends of Naples, my greeting to you and my thanks for the cordial reception that you gave me. I address a particular greeting to the delegations that have come from various parts of the world to participate in the International Meeting for Peace sponsored by the Community of Sant'Egidio. The theme of this meeting is "Toward a World Without Violence: Religions and Cultures in Dialogue." May this important cultural and religious initiative contribute to consolidating peace in the world.
Let us pray for this. But let us also pray today in a special way for missionaries. Today, in fact, we celebrate World Mission Sunday, which has a very significant motto: "All the Churches For All the World." Every particular Church is responsible for the evangelization of all of humanity, and this cooperation among the Churches was augmented by Pope Paul VI 50 years ago with the encyclical "Fidei Donum." Let us not fail to give our spiritual and material support to those who work on the frontlines of the missions: priests, religious and lay people, who often encounter grave difficulties in their work, and even persecutions.
Let us give these prayer intentions to Mary Most Holy, who, in the month of October we love to invoke with the title with which she is venerated at the shrine of Pompeii, not far from here: Queen of the Rosary. To her we entrust the many pilgrims who have traveled from Caserta.
May the Holy Virgin also protect those who in various ways commit themselves to the common good and the just order of society, as has been highlighted rather well during the 45th Social Week of Italian Catholics. The event is being held in these days in Pistoia and Pisa, 100 years after the first such Week, promoted above all by Giuseppe Toniolo, an illustrious figure among Christian economists.
There are many problems and challenges that we face today. A strong effort is required by all, especially lay faithful working in social and political spheres, to assure that every person, in particular the youth, be assured the indispensable conditions for developing their natural talents and cultivating the generous choices of service to their families and the entire community.
[Translation by ZENIT]
© Copyright 2007 -- Libreria Editrice Vaticana
Pope's Address to Religious Leaders in Naples
"Religion Can Never Be a Vehicle of Hate"NAPLES, Italy, OCT. 21, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI delivered today to the 21st International Encounter of Peoples and Religions. The meeting, organized by the Community of Sant'Egidio, has as its theme "Toward a World Without Violence: Religions and Cultures in Dialogue."
* * *
Holinesses, Beatitudes, Illustrious Leaders
Representatives of Churches and Ecclesial Communities
Kind Members of the Major World Religions
I gladly welcome this occasion to greet those convoked here in Naples for the XXI Meeting for Peace on the theme "Toward a World without Violence: Religions and Cultures in Dialogue." You representatives who are gathered here express in a certain sense the different religious worlds and patrimonies of humanity to which the Catholic looks with cordial attention. A word of appreciation must be directed to his eminence Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe and the Archdiocese of Naples who are hosting this meeting, and to the Community of Sant'Egidio which works with dedication to promote dialogue among religions and cultures in "the spirit of Assisi."
This meeting turns our minds back to 1986, when my venerable predecessor, John Paul II, invited major religious representatives to pray for peace on the hill of St. Francis, highlighting in those circumstances the intrinsic link that unites an authentic religious attitude with a living sensibility for this basic good of humanity. In 2002, after the dramatic events of Sept. 11 of the previous year, the same John Paul II again called religious leaders to Assisi to ask God to stop the grave threats to humanity that were looming, especially because of terrorism.
In respect of the differences of the various religions, we are all called to work for peace and to an active commitment to promote reconciliation between peoples. It is this authentic "spirit of Assisi" which is opposed to every form of violence and abuse of religion as a pretext for violence.
Faced with a world lacerated by conflicts, where at times violence is justified in the name of God, it is important to re-emphasize that religion can never be a vehicle of hate; never, in the name of God, can we justify evil and violence. On the contrary, because they speak of peace to the human heart, religions can offer precious resources for building a peaceful humanity.
The Catholic Church intends to continue along the road of dialogue to promote understanding among various cultures, traditions and religious wisdom. I ardently desire that this spirit spread more and more, especially where the tensions are strongest, where freedom and respect for the other are denied and men and women suffer the consequences of intolerance and misunderstanding.
Dear friends, may these days of work and prayerful listening be fruitful for all. For this I lift up my prayer to the Eternal God, may he pour out his benediction, his wisdom, and his love in abundance upon all of the participants in this meeting. May he liberate the hearts of men from all hatred and from the root of violence and make us builders of the civilization of love.
[Translation by ZENIT]
© Copyright 2007 -- Libreria Editrice Vaticana
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