“Any act of war aimed indiscriminately at the destruction of entire cities of extensive areas along with their population is a crime against God and man himself. It merits unequivocal and unhesitating condemnation.”
#CatholicTwitter
https://t.co/HnY6bPXeE2
Today, Russian strikes across Ukraine damaged homes and civilian infrastructure, killed at least seven people, and injured dozens more. WCK teams were on the ground in several impacted communities to provide immediate support to families and first responders.
📍 Kyiv: Drone strikes hit the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, a medical center, and the city’s main food market. We served hot meals and drinks to residents and emergency teams, and also distributed gas stoves to people whose homes were damaged.
📍 Kharkiv: An attacks on a residential high-rise damaged several floors and injured dozens of people, including children. Our teams were on site with hot meals, sandwiches, and warm drinks as soon as search and rescue efforts were underway.
📍 Odesa: After strikes in residential areas, we provided meals, snacks, and water to support emergency response teams leading recovery efforts as well as impacted residents.
#ChefsForUkraine
We seek the help of the Archangels: Michael, protect us against all evil; Gabriel, assist us in communicating the Gospel by our words and example and; Raphael, ask the Lord to bless us with his healing love and to keep us strong spiritually, physically, and emotionally.
Europe as we know it, with its spiritual and moral heritage, is rooted in the lives and work of men and women who lived, preached, and shared the teachings of the Gospel. From this heritage, the moral foundations of the world in which we live have been handed down to us: principles such as the primacy of the person and the sacred and inviolable nature of human life; the protection of freedom; the primary importance of the family; care for the poor and those most in need; welcoming the stranger; and respect for the elderly. #ApostolicJourney #France
The world tells us that “more” power, popularity, prestige, and possessions will make us “great.” But, Jesus says: “The one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.” Live selflessly and sacrificially for God and others and you will have a “great”day!
We cannot speak of #Europe without mentioning Christianity. Robert Schuman was well aware of this when he stated: “Christianity has taught that all people are equal by nature, children of the same God, redeemed by the same Christ, without distinction of race, colour, class, or profession. The universal law of love and charity has made every person our neighbour, and it is on this law that social relations in the Christian world have been based ever since.” #ApostolicJourney #France https://t.co/IkDJ3VwNGB
Invoking the name of God to legitimize violence or oppression constitutes a profanation of His name. Nothing that violates human dignity can claim authentic divine inspiration. Religious discourse must constantly call for hearts and words to be disarmed. #ApostolicJourney#France https://t.co/f5Q6CnXQZS
From today’s Gospel: "Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest."<Luke 9:48>
Serenity and joy can be found even amidst suffering, because God grants us the grace to look beyond our earthly horizon towards a more distant future of immeasurable happiness in God, which we are assured of attaining if we remain steadfast in faith and charity. The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed in us (Rm 8:18). #ApostolicJourney #France https://t.co/2IzYe8OTyE
Here in Lourdes, the city of the sick and of hope, I appeal to the entire healthcare community to remember the profound meaning of your vocation, which is to care for a suffering person, not to eliminate that person. Be passionate servants of life! No one ever has the right to decide the life of any person. Medicine must never become the servant of programmed death! #ApostolicJourney #France https://t.co/gMbrY7eA6G
Addressing authorities, civil society, and the diplomatic corps in France, Pope Leo XIV upheld the Catholic Church’s contribution to French society and stressed that “a truly free society does not impose uniformity but protects the diversity of consciences.”
One simple question: what does food mean to you? We asked five members of WCK’s team in Lebanon to share their answers. Hear what food means to them, in their own words. #ChefsForMidEast
Before meeting with French bishops, Pope Leo stopped at a plaque featuring a quotation from a survivor of abuse. The pope was scheduled to meet privately in Lourdes with a group of victims of abuse by members of the church later in the day. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
The faithful attending Pope Leo XIV’s Mass in Lourdes share what the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes means to them and reflect on the significance of the Pope’s visit.
https://t.co/4vNumsSVkV
Jesus tells us to let our ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and our ‘No’ mean ‘No.” Keep your promises to the Lord. Living in such a way leads to spiritual growth and keeps us on the right path. Be who you say you are. Pray for the grace to live today and always with such integrity.
Mary comes to remind us of the greatness and richness of our calling to life, to eternal life. In the face of current trends that seek to redefine the value of human life in illness, suffering, and old age, the grotto of Massabielle stands as a place of Christian hope. Here, no one is turned away due to their frailty. #Lourdes #ApostolicJourney #France https://t.co/1xK4DO9AlN
The #GospelOfTheDay is a call to conversion, both tender and urgent. God wants us to live, to open our eyes, and return to Him. To repent is to leave the paths on which we lost our way, and to follow the Way of Life, opening our hearts to the sole joy that never fades.
Deepening and strengthening the life of faith within families is key to resolving many of the crises facing the Church and society. It is within families that we learn how to live together, respect others, accept diversity, support one another, be generous, give of ourselves freely, and embrace the spirit of sacrifice. Perhaps this is our main challenge: that Jesus may live fully in the families of French Catholics and illumine them with His presence. #ApostolicJourney #France
From today’s 2nd reading: “Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also for those of others.” <Philippians 2:3-4>
Our Lady of Lourdes, the Immaculate Conception, Mother full of love, we entrust to you our most urgent personal intentions, especially those of the sick and suffering. We entrust to you our living and deceased loved ones. We pray that you will remove all the obstacles that still separate us from your beloved Son. May He may reign in all hearts. Amen. #ApostolicJourney #France