What happened?
Pope Francis hopes to open communications with the North Korean regime amid rising tensions between Pyongyang and the United States. According to Cardinal Peter Turkson, who leads the Vatican’s department for Integral Human Development, Rome is “exploring the possibilities of speaking to them directly”.
Cardinal Turkson made the remark at a Vatican conference on nuclear disarmament, at which the Pope condemned the possession of nuclear weapons as “illogical” and wrong.
What the media are saying
There was excitement in the tabloids. “Pope wades into North Korea crisis,” reported the Express – a turn of phrase also used by the Sun, which informed readers: “The Pope is gathering officials and peaceniks as he tries to save the world from nuclear disaster amid the West’s standoff with North Korea.”
However, Italian news agency Ansa reported that Vatican spokesman Greg Burke had poured cold water on these reports. “It is false to talk of mediation,” Burke said. “It is not mediation and it is not a summit either. It is a high-level conference on nuclear disarmament.” Still, the conference itself attracted headlines. Philip Pullella of Reuters observed that Francis “appeared to go further than previous popes” in speaking out against even stockpiling nuclear weapons.
What Catholics are saying
At Crux, John Allen said that the Pope’s diplomatic efforts would have to overcome major obstacles. Given North Korea’s “legendary suspiciousness of outsiders” and attachment to “the national ideology of Juche, or ‘self-reliance’, it may be the longest of shots that anyone close to Kim would even pick up the phone if the Vatican calls”.
Nevertheless, “it’s certainly worth making the effort”, given the tensions with the US and North Korea’s persecution of Christians. Lord Alton, co-chairman of the parliamentary group on North Korea, said: “Anything that Pope Francis can do to help avert a new and catastrophic war is to be welcomed.” As well as the arms race question, “we should simultaneously shine a light on the systematic and egregious violations of human rights.”
✣Cause of King Louis XVI’s sister is approved
What happened?
French bishops approved the re-opening of the Cause of Élisabeth of France, the youngest sister of Louis XVI, the last king before the Revolution. The princess chose to stay with her brother and Marie Antoinette rather than go into exile, and was executed aged 30. Her Cause was first opened in 1953; a group was recently set up in Paris to promote it.
Why was it under-reported?
“Madame Élisabeth”, as she is called, is not a widely known figure but her story is a remarkable one. She was admired for the courage she showed during her trials, reportedly turning aside a bayonet pointed at her with the words: “Take care, monsieur. You might wound someone, and I am sure you would be sorry.” Before her execution she did much to comfort some of the other condemned men and women, reciting psalm 130, De profundis. As others went to the guillotine before her, she told them: “Have courage! Courage and faith in God’s mercy.”
What will happen next?
Fr Xavier Snoëk, the newly appointed promoter of her Cause, has started to gather evidence to assess whether she lived a life of heroic virtue. If that is established she will be declared Venerable.
Fr Snoëk argues that her life has a modern relevance. She chose not to marry, instead dedicating her time to prayer and works of mercy. She is, therefore, a “beautiful model” for the many single people “who seek to make sense of their lives today”, he told the newspaper L’Homme Nouveau.
✣The week ahead
At least 10 cathedrals will be lit up in red to remember persecuted Christians on Wednesday. The charity Aid to the Church in Need is also asking people to wear an item of red and document it using the hashtag #RedWednesday. A bus will tour London with the slogan “Stand up for faith and freedom”, and music and speeches will be heard outside Westminster Cathedral.
Capuchin priest Fr Solanus Casey will be beatified at a Mass in Detroit on Sunday. He founded a soup kitchen and served as a monastery porter. He was also highly sought-after by the sick because of healings attributed to his intercession.
Sunday is the Church’s first World Day of the Poor. It was announced by Pope Francis at the end of the Year of Mercy. In a message released in June he urged people to help the poor not only “with words but with deeds”. After Mass in St Peter’s Basilica he will have lunch in the Paul VI audience hall with 500 poor and homeless people.
Areas of Catholic Herald business are still recovering post-pandemic.
However, we are reaching out to the Catholic community and readership, that has been so loyal to the Catholic Herald. Please join us on our 135 year mission by supporting us.
We are raising £250,000 to safeguard the Herald as a world-leading voice in Catholic journalism and teaching.
We have been a bold and influential voice in the church since 1888, standing up for traditional Catholic culture and values. Please consider donating.