 |
| Francis in Paraguay: Will the Pope Visit His Homeland in Argentina? |
(Rome) From the 12th to the 18th of February Pope Francis will visit Mexico. Currently, there is speculation about further destinations of the Pope. This is due to the publication of the calendar of papal celebrations for the first half of 2016. The publication was carried out by the Pontifical House. Of note is the "canceled" anniversary.
Popal travels serve to the "strengthen brothers." They are also opportunities to bring particular Churches on track and to garner support. The latter was the case in the trip to Africa that most defies the "new mercy" when it comes to marriage and morality.
Armenia - the oldest Christian state
On the flight back from Africa, Francis had expressed the wish last November to visit Armenia. The Angelus on Sunday, 22 May was "canceled" in the calendar. It is therefore believed that the pope would undertake a shorter trip in the period between May 18th and 25th. Armenia was described then as a possible destination in this regard. More "canceled" dates are the general audience of the 22nd of June and the Angelus of the 26th of June. Between the 18th and 29th of June no activities are planned. Therefore, it is speculated there will be an intercontinental trip overseas. Where will the trip go? World Religion News identified Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina, Chile and Uruguay as potential targets. According to past practice, the Pope has never visited more than three states during a pastoral visit. But first things first:
Pastoral Visits 2016: Argentina, Chile, Uruguay?
On December 27th, Infobae reported that the newly elected Argentine President Mauricio Macri will be first received on coming January 22nd in audience by the Pope. It can be assumed that Macri will invite the Catholic Church leader on this occasion, after nearly three years in office, to also visit his homeland. It is an open secret that Francis didn't support Macri, but his leftist challenger during the election campaign of 2015. The first encounter between the two is therefore awaited with excitement in Argentina.
In an interview with the broadcasting network RCN the President of the Colombian Bishops' Conference, Archbishop Luis Augusto Casto, said that Pope Francis had failed to grant an audience for 23 January. He added: "It is certain that he will come [to Colombia] and we will take this opportunity to agree on the appointment."
Yesterday La Tercera of Chile reported that of the Chilean Bishops' Conference requested an audience which will be granted shortly and scheduled for today. The President of the Bishops' Conference, Cardinal Ricardo Ezzati, and his deputy, Archbishop Alejandro Goic have hurried on to Rome. The topics to be discussed are numerous. Among other things considered, according to La Tercera, is a visit of the Pope to Chile.
The main issue is the case of the now 85 year old priest, Fernando Karadima. In 2010 cases of sexual abuse of minors had become known. In 2011 Karadima was suspended by the Church for life. He may no longer exercise his priesthood, and must lead a life of silence and penance. A victim consortium is now demanding through US Attorneys around half a billion dollars for pain and suffering. There is nothing to gain from Karadima, yet it is hoped to earn a fortune in the Catholic Church. The claim is justified by "negligence".
The case of Karadima is being used by the ruling left-wing coalition in Chile under President Michelle Bachelet to legalize the killing of unborn children. The resistance of the Catholic Church is the biggest obstacle against the legalization of abortion.
A visit in 2016 in Peru with Cardinal Cipriani Thorne, the only representative of Opus Dei with cardinal rank and one of the highest representatives of the rapidly shrinking group of Opus Dei bishops under Francis, was excluded last year by Msgr. Karcher, the Argentine master of ceremonies of the Pope.
Marian shrines 2017: 300 Aparecida - 100 Years of Fatima
There a trip to Argentina, Chile and Uruguay could take place in 2016. While 2017 could be followed by a visit to Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil. 2017 marks the 300th anniversary of the Marian apparition in the Brazilian State of Aparecida in Sao Paulo. Pope Francis has visited the Marian shrine already on July 24, 2013 when he came for to Brazil for World Youth Day. Back then he finished an impromptu speech at the Basilica de Nossa Senhora Aparecida with the words: "And goodbye till 2017 when I will come back ..."
In April and again in September 2015, Pope Francis expressed his desire to want to come in 2017 for the 100th anniversary celebration of the apparitions of Mary to Fatima.
As long as official confirmations is outstanding, all things are only speculation at this moment.
Text: Giuseppe Nardi
Image: Viarosario (Screenshot)
Trans: Tancred vekron99@hotmail.com
Link to Katholisches....
AMDG
