Cardinals

"Because there are cardinals who plead for the blessing of homosexual relationships, I referred to this paragraph of the Catechism [number 675] as a warning. It states that shortly before Apocalypse, voices will rise within the Church itself, and even among the highest authorities of the Church who will express divergent opinions in relation to Catholic doctrine. I did this as a warning: let us be careful not to find in this situation. I must say that, to my surprise, Cardinal Müller took up this idea: on February 9 of this year, he published a statement of the fundamental elements of the Catholic faith, in which he also referred to number 675 (2). It is also remarkable that my interview and the full quotations were also taken up by bishop Gänswein during the presentation of a book by Rod Dreher, The Benedict Option."

"The revision of the Concordat in 1984 was a necessity.... I think on certain points I would have done differently today. In a democratic society the legitimate interests of the various components, including the Catholic Church, can be regulated through the law."

"The State is making more and more decisions about fundamental rights. It is now the State that replaces God, e.g. in the legalization and widespread use of abortion."

"It seems that public and private are not separable in human life, in the life of societies, because decisions, even private ones, can have repercussions for society and vice versa. And then the public space, the streets, the squares, never remain empty. That is, it is not possible for there to be no symbols that express some vision of the world. Even during communism, there were so many statues that expressed the communist world view. And I remember that in Albania, where they banned all the religions, Enver Hoxha, the communist dictator, had a pyramid built in the centre of Tirana for himself so the public space does not remain completely empty. And the Christian symbols, for example the Churches, indicate that many generations have recognised that everyday life is not the supreme horizon, but there is a higher horizon that gives meaning and value to the small things in our lives. Therefore, it is important to think about this reality every now and then, at least at the big festivals."

"Interviewer: Have you made any Lenten vows this year? Cardinal Erdő: I do not usually make vows, as a vow is a deeply solemn religious act. I would rather use the term “resolution”. Lent is a time of penance and there are three acts of the penitent: fasting, praying and charity. We need all these three very badly."

"Cardinal Aveline: Identity, the core and physiognomy of what constitutes us, what we are, can only be built within a living relationship with otherness, with the other; a closed, impermeable identity is sterile. Interviewer: Is that why you are so committed to interreligious dialogue? Cardinal Aveline: No, the opposite happened. On this front, which was assigned to me by surprise by my bishop at the time, Mgr. Robert Coffy, I was able to verify the truth I had experienced in my life: through dialogue, familiarity, openness and sharing, we are able to make our identity flourish and encounter others more closely, and also to be missionaries, which does not mean proselytising. We need to de-centre ourselves in order to live the mission."

"the encyclical Mit Brennender Sorge, which Pope Pius XI published before the Second World War in 1937, remains fundamental, in which it is made clear that nations as cultural communities with their own language, their own memory, their own structure, their own culture, represent a true value, they belong to the richness of creation, and are therefore dear to the Creator. In several places in the Bible we find that even at the last judgement, the Lord will judge the nations. Peoples too, not just individual persons. Thus, peoples have a certain role in God's grand design. Yet nations do not represent the supreme value. Looking at nations in this way would be idolatry. Therefore, we always seek this balance indicated by papal teaching. And this teaching seems to be current, even in our day."

"Canon law was my own free choice. While studying at the theological faculty in Budapest, I wrote my doctoral dissertation on the philosophical and theological foundations of canon law in the writings of Nicholas of Cusa. At the end of the 1940s, my father was among the last students at the faculty of civil law to also study canon law. As a seminarian in the first half of the 1970s, I saw first-hand, on the one hand, the discussions on the legitimacy of canon law in the Church and, on the other, the need to clearly consider the legislation in force after the conciliar reforms but before the new Code. I therefore saw the great need for this discipline in the life of the Church."

"I believe that our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has made tremendous progress in the Church, and has changed in many ways the mentality of so many, both clerics and non-clerics. I think the laity feel much more comfortable within the structures of the Church nowadays than they did ten years ago when Pope Francis came into office. I believe that Pope Francis saw as his mission to continue the Second Vatican Council, the Council that called the laity to be an active, not only 'participant,' but 'member,' with all the rights due to baptism, that every person in the Church has. That was not so well known. [...] Certainly in this Dicastery [Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life], and in several other Dicasteries, the laity are very prominent. In this Dicastery, the ordained ministers are the least noticeable. [...] There are three priests in this dicastery out of 35. I happen to be Prefect, and, I don't know, but can imagine I may have the distinct honor of being the last cleric to be the Prefect of this Dicastery."

"Perhaps, with regard to the reality of spiritual movements in the Church and the world of institutes of consecrated life, with their very broad exemption from the jurisdiction of bishops, there seems to be a certain tension with the great emphasis that the Council placed on particular Churches and on the ministry of bishops. In general, we are witnessing a certain technical change. Many changes are being introduced into the text of the codes and, unlike the legislation of contemporary states, there is still no official website where all the universal legal norms can be found in their updated form. Moreover, even in countries that are not too large or too rich, there is an official bulletin that is published in paper and digital form. With regard to the universal legal norms of the Holy See, the texts are available in real time on the Vatican's homepage, but official promulgation takes place either in L'Osservatore Romano, which is not a specialised organ for legal texts, or in the Acta Apostolicae Sedis, which publishes the texts with considerable delay."

"Faith is the most important thing in life, and therefore, serving the faith of others, passing on the faith, teaching the faith, and especially ministering at the liturgy, are the greatest things in life. [...] Certainly faith came first; this was not experienced in a tragic way by my parents, but in a natural way, knowing that God is supreme."

"Interviewer: You are very involved in dialogue with Islam and Judaism. Is it possible to combine mission and interreligious dialogue? Cardinal Aveline: The Church's mission begins with the creation of this climate of dialogue. Again in Ecclesiam suam, Paul VI states that "the climate of dialogue is friendship. Indeed, service." This is what Charles de Foucauld, Pierre Claverie and many others understood: the need for a climate that unites us around the same fundamental existential questions. It is then that the Gospel can be proclaimed, but not as a mere slogan that does not take into account the existential questions of the other. If we consider mission without taking into account the concrete existence of the other, the concrete questions they ask themselves, we risk turning it into a mere word, but not a reality."

"Q: The meeting of SEC’s Permanent Commission took place last February 23-24. One of the topics addressed was the implementation of Pope Francis’ Letter for the institution of the laity — men and women — as lectors and acolytes. What does this approval imply, which recognizes the co-responsibility of all the baptized in the Church and, in particular, for the mission of the laity and of women? A: I believe that the Holy Father’s decision makes more active the participation of all the laity in the celebration of the Liturgy. I believe that it’s a question of normalization of a very concrete situation, given that over the last years women have already exercised this role in Liturgical celebrations. In fact, in no. 103 of Querida Amazonia, "Pope Francis affirmed: “In a Synodal Church women, who in fact play a central role in Amazonian communities, should be able to access functions including ecclesial services that don’t require Holy Orders, enabling them to express better their own place. It should be remembered that these services imply stability, public recognition, and the sending by the Bishop.""

"The theme of the Apostles’ unbelief recurs several times: they do not believe the testimony of Mary Magdalene who tells them that she saw Jesus alive; they also do not believe the testimony of two other disciples who met Jesus "as they were on their way into the country." Finally, Jesus himself, appearing to them "while they were at table," rebukes them "for their incredulity and obstinacy." The Apostles’ persistent and almost stubborn unbelief is an important aspect that the New Testament revelation has transmitted to us, without eliminating or 'softening' it. So many times in history attempts have been made to attack the Christian belief by saying that the resurrection of Jesus is a myth constructed by the community of his first disciples, the result of collective exaltation or posthumous glorification of the master, as happened in many other religious beliefs of the past. In fact, the very striking testimony of the Gospel accounts contradicts all these assumptions. Jesus’ group of disciples was not in a state of 'collective exaltation' at all. On the contrary, the Gospels tell us that they were fearful, distressed and dejected. Nor do we find an attitude of easy belief in them, or an inclination toward religious mysticism. Indeed, it is clear, as we have heard from today’s Gospel, that the very idea that Jesus was still alive seemed incredible to the Apostles. It was extremely difficult for them to convince themselves that Jesus had conquered death! Thus, the Apostles’ very unbelief is a strong sign of the credibility of the Gospel. At the heart of our faith is not a myth, not a collective illusion, not a legend created by the community for the purpose of consolation. No! The foundation of our faith is a fact: Christ is risen! Christ has truly conquered death!"

"Secularization began with increasing prosperity. Prosperity leads to individualization, and individualization to secularization. In the Netherlands, this happened when prosperity increased at an unprecedented rate, [starting in 1965]."

"While the Catholic Church cannot bless unions that are not sacramental marriages, the church will always welcome and accompany everyone, no matter their situation in life. [...] It is essential and very important that we always open our arms to receive and to accompany all people in their different stages of life and in their different life situations. [...] We accompany all people. There are situations where there are people who are divorced and remarried. The church will accompany them with the hope that one day they will live totally in accordance with the church’s teaching. But I do want to insist that nobody, nobody must ever be excluded from the pastoral care and love and concern of the church."

"The Church still has with-in her hierarchy men of the stamp of Chrysostom, Basil, and Gregory Nazienzen, men who strained every nerve to avoid honors as much as men of the world strive for them."

"Lorenzana's government of the archdiocese, though a brief one, was marked by acts that justly entitled him to a high place among the most distinguished members of the Mexican episcopacy."

"The work of collation is necessarily long and tedious. It requires great care and minute observation since nothing is too small to be passed over for the most insignificant thing may be found to throw light on a problem or help to identify a manuscript."

"Marriage is love and affection between two parties but it is not just a generous openness to marriage in front of new categories of citizens but rather a transformation in marriage that will affect everyone It will not be a marriage for everyone but rather a marriage of a few people imposed on everyone but some people apply this opinion and some do not."

"They dress themselves in masks and place them in the trappings of religion to hide their murderous project and those who want to announce to us the god of death Moloch who rejoices in the death of man and promises paradise to those who kill with his help cannot hope to Humanity surrenders to their illusion The hope that God has inscribed in the human heart has a name which is life Hope has a face the face of Christ who gave his life in sacrifice so that people could have life in abundance Hope has a project a project to unite humanity into one people not through extermination but through condemnation and the call for freedom and love among people."

"Anxiety is the threat of terror the blind attacks Where will we find the strength to face dangers if we do not rely on hope We who believe in the God of Jesus Christ our hope is trusting in the word of God as received and transmitted by the Prophet: They will fight against you but they will not prevail against you for I am with you to save you and to deliver you I will rescue you from the hand of the wicked and I will deliver you from the grip of the powerful My fortress is God the God of my love Cardinal s homily at the Mass for the souls of the victims of Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray."

"For some people recognizing sexual difference in marriage and family where equality is necessary and foundational would be a deception that would shake one of the foundations of our society and establish discrimination especially among children."

"This providential coincidence in its own way makes us feel like the Lord takes care of His Church. In that moment, the prayers for the election of the new Pope and the beginning of the ministry of the new Coptic Catholic Patriarch will merge and will stand together towards the Lord Almighty, who will make us all feel in union with Jesus, in universal communion that embraces the universal Church and is reflected in the Cardinals who have come to Rome from all over the world to take part in the Conclave in prayer, faith, hope and in the courage of the Holy Spirit. During the Mass in Cairo there will be some prayer intentions for the election of the new Pope. While I, at St. Peter's, will also pray for the Church in Egypt and the beginning of the patriarchal office of His Beatitude Ibrahim Sidrak. Now I will be united with all of them in prayer."

"To his great love of study he added a prodigious memory."

"Worship, pastoral, charity, ecclesiastic personnel: are the four constitutive ends of the possession and use of ecclesial resources as such. The Church may possess resources only for these reasons. She may not legitimately possess resources for any other ends which do not stem from these four fundamental fields."

"We would like to conclude with a plea to the producers of weapons to cease to furnish weapons to Africa and in paraphrasing the Prophet Isaiah (Is 2,4), that they transform their factories of weaponry into factories of agricultural instruments or modem technologies for the good of humanity."

"It is hardly necessary to add that the use of earlier documents by an inspired writer is quite intelligible. Grace does not dispense with nature nor, as a rule, inspiration with ordinary, natural means."

"A culture of impunity has, indeed, grown through the years. Elections have not and will not change this situation... We need to change from the bottom-up, from individuals to families, from families to communities. We need to learn new values that will transform our cultures from within."

"In its essence Hermes' theological system, or "Hermesianism", was rationalism; and, though in many respects opposed to the doctrines of Kant and Fichte, it was strongly influenced by them."

"Providence spared me beyond my expectations. In regard to the dignities conferred on me personally, to which you so kindly allude, I can safely say that not one of these honors was ever sought by me. The progress of the Church referred to in the addresses is true, and so true that it is clearly the work of God and not of man."

"In the soul of Cardinal McCloskey, where Christian virtue had solid roots, they coexisted in a wonderful manner. In him were coupled the majesty of a prince, which inspired no fear, but exacted the reverence of all, with the simplicity and amiableness of a child. Well may we say of him that he was "Beloved of God and men.""

"There is need for creativity and boldness. Photography is also a means to communicate the existence and the presence of God who gave us wonderful places to contemplate his work. If properly used, technology is a great tool. My intent is to put the work in the service of evangelization that the Church has entrusted to me in Concepcion."

"During the time of his administration the Archdiocese of St. Louis has advanced with rapid strides, both in temporal and spiritual matters. Many churches and institutions have been established and built, and Church legislation has been amplified and perfected by the Fifth and the Sixth Diocesan Synods called and presided over by him."

"The very identity of an institution is bound up irrevocably with the story of its origin, its development, and its traditions, all of which must be familiar to the workers of today, if the movements of yesterday are to be perpetuated and continuity of life and effort maintained. The past must impart its wisdom to the present that the future may justify both and fulfil their aspirations."

"Few communities emerge from the by-paths of history often enough to be met with on the high-ways; and general works, even of Church history, are in consequence practically useless except at the cross roads, where they serve only to point the way."

"If the canal brings benefits to all, then everyone should be well informed."

"His works, apart from some minor controversial treatises, are highly valued for accuracy and thoroughness of research."

"While Gropper no doubt accomplished much good by his opposition to the innovations of the reformers, it is but too evident that his zeal for union sometimes led him to sacrifice Catholic principles."

"Cardinal Taschereau was of a silent disposition, but his speech was always pointed and effective. He was venerated by his clergy and people, who admired his Christian piety and dignified bearing."

"Cardinal McCabe had a distrust of popular movements. Brought up in the city, he was unacquainted with agrarian conditions and unable to appreciate the wrongs which the Irish tenants suffered."

"Marriage, a lasting and personal union of a man and a woman, is a solid institution which offers a frame for a relationship of fidelity and the founding of a family. Instead of trying to invent alternatives to marriage we should ask ourselves: what can we do as Church and as politicians to promote successful marriages? If the Catholic Church is in favour of marriage it is because she is convinced that marriage is the life-form which corresponds best to human nature and it represents a splendid opportunity for the personal growth of husband and wife."

"The missionary mandate to evangelise brings with it profound social implications of the charity of proclamation and solidarity. The soul of this ecclesial charity is the Eucharistic Body of the Lord which makes the Church and unites the earthly people with the heavenly Church of the saints. In the liturgy, her action among peoples, the Church has always exercised a special mission, that of accessibility of liturgical forms for disciples of the innumerable human cultures."

"The most efficient testimonial of Christians in the next millennium will not be the critical attitude, rather it will be the attitude of joyous thankfulness for the gift of Divine life. Christians who are joyful in the Church and say "yes" to the Church, will also be able to promote enthusiasm for the Church in other people. Love for the Church, our love for the Church must always be clear and perceptible, even when we are critical of it."

"The lack of ideals is what leads to emptiness and boredom. That is why, dear young people, I encourage you not to postpone life's fundamental decisions. When the Lord calls us, He also gives us the strength and the grace necessary for responding to the responsibilities that will be placed on our path."

"Deprived for some time of the outward and, so to speak, "commercial" aspects, it is a time of special grace. Indeed, sins need God's forgiveness above all, but then also a purification, to be carried out here below, or, after death, in purgatory. Sacramental absolution in confession removes guilt and restores friendship with God, but there remains the duty of purification of the negative imprint left by the evil done and of reparation. This is the indulgence, through which we draw from the treasure of the Church, that is, from the merits acquired from Christ, Our Lady and the Saints. The indulgence can only be obtained once a day and can also be applied to our deceased loved ones by helping them in their purification process."

"He quickly saw that the question must be considered not merely in relation to present politics but also in relation to the past history of Ireland, and he delayed his final report in order to consider the question in this broader aspect. Meanwhile the Holy See issued its condemnation of the Plan of Campaign. Persico returned to Rome much disappointed."

"(Regarding the resignation of Benedict XVI) We must agree that the gesture made by the Holy Father is to be appreciated without but and without if. I say this by reminding everyone of the courage, the serenity shown towards such an important choice. A choice certainly matured in all conscience in silence and meditation. Only in this way, in a continuous and intense dialogue with God in prayer, did the Pope choose. And it must be appreciated for the high sense of responsibility shown, even in a circumstance such as this, which is undoubtedly extraordinary."

"Cardinal Re: I had been in the Secretariat of State for eight years. With us was a Polish priest, Monsignor Jozef Kowalczyk. Four days after he was elected, he brought me the first homily written in Polish by John Paul II and translated into Italian by Poles, asking me to review it. I read and reread that text'."

"Only by following Christ and accepting his teaching can we find adequate ways and criteria for building a future of unity and justice, the civilisation of love and peace."