POPE
Pope praises nuns, addresses abuse scandal, offers condolences for Muslim pilgrims
NEW YORK (AP) β Pope Francis has been welcomed in New York by thousands of people who lined the streets as he headed to St. Patrick’s Cathedral for an evening prayer service.
Francis waved from the pope mobile he boarded after riding in a modest Fiat from a heliport where he landed in lower Manhattan. He was ferried there by a Marine helicopter from JFK Airport.
His day began in the nation’s capital, where he urged Congress to operate by the Golden Rule as they consider immigration and other issues.
Francis used the gathering to thank U.S. nuns who had faced a yearslong Vatican crackdown after being accused of focusing too much on social activism. The pope was cheered when he thanked them for their courage, strength and spirit.
For the second time, he also addressed the clergy sexual-abuse scandal. He consoled priests for having to “bear the shame” of some of their brothers who abused the church’s most vulnerable members.
Francis offered his prayers and concern for the hundreds of Muslim pilgrims who died Thursday in Saudi Arabia in a stampede near Mecca.
Francis concluded the service with a blessing of the newly renovated cathedral.
Sound:
285-a-13-(Robert Hoatson (HOHT’-son), president, Road to Recovery, in AP interview)-“need to hear”-Robert Hoatson, who heads a sex abuse victims group, says victims were very discouraged when Pope Francis called American bishops’ handling of the church sex abuse scandal ‘courageous.’ (24 Sep 2015)
< 274-a-15-(The Reverend Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, at news conference)-“and the audience”-Vatican spokesman the Reverend Federico Lombardi says the Pope felt his speech to Congress was well-received. (24 Sep 2015) < 284-a-08-(Maria Carreno (kah-RAY’-noh), pope fan, in AP interview)-“bless our country”-Maria Carreno was among many who flocked to Fifth Avenue to see the pope. (24 Sep 2015) < 281-w-38-(Warren Levinson, AP correspondent, with Pope Francis)–Pope Francis singled out American nuns for praise in his first appearance in New York. AP correspondent Warren Levinson reports. (24 Sep 2015) < 283-a-10-(Pope Francis, in Vespers message)-“with your help”-Speaking in English, Pope Francis offered a blessing for the newly renovated St. Patrick’s Cathedral. (24 Sep 2015) < 282-r-15-(Pope Francis, in Vespers message)–Speaking in Spanish, Pope Francis got a standing ovation when he thanked the “sisters and mothers” of the church — the American nuns. (24 Sep 2015) < 275-a-12-(The Reverend Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, at news conference)-“before this event”-Vatican spokesman the Reverend Federico Lombardi says the Pope had the Chaplain of the House of Representatives bless him before his address to Congress Thursday morning. (24 Sep 2015) < 273-a-14-(The Reverend Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, at news conference)-“welcome, really welcome”-Vatican spokesman the Reverend Federico Lombardi says the Pope was encouraged by the friendly and positive greeting he received from congressional lawmakers Thursday. (24 Sep 2015) < 276-a-14-(The Reverend Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, at news conference)-“decision or choice”-Vatican spokesman the Reverend Federico Lombardi says an excerpt from the Declaration of Independence was not intentionally omitted from the Pope’s speech to Congress. Updated: 09/24/2015-09:32:18 PM ET (24 Sep 2015) < POPE-NEW YORK Pope to take in tourist highlights WASHINGTON (AP) β Pope Francis is no ordinary tourist, but he will be following the steps of millions of T-shirt-clad sightseers as he visits New York City and Philadelphia from Thursday evening through Sunday. Francis’ stops include the United Nations and Madison Square Gardens in New York, as well as a somber visit to the September 11 Memorial. And there’s a processional through the famed Central Park. In Philadelphia on Saturday, he will visit Independence Hall, the birthplace of American democracy. POPE-NUNS Francis praises work, spirit of U.S. nuns NEW YORK (AP) β Pope Francis has made a rousing show of gratitude for American nuns. The praise came during an evening prayer service at New York’s St. Patrick Cathedral. Francis called religious sisters “women of strength” and “fighters” who had a “spirit of courage” as they served at the forefront of the church. Six months ago, he abruptly ended a contentious Vatican overhaul of the leading umbrella group for U.S. nuns that had started under his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI. The Vatican had accused the Leadership Conference of Women Religious of straying far from church teaching, which the nuns denied. The group was accused of overemphasizing social justice over abortion. The sisters received a wave of popular support in the U.S., including parish vigils, protests outside the Vatican embassy in Washington and a congressional resolution commending the sisters for their service to the country. POPE-CONGRESS Pope greets tens of thousands from Capitol balcony WASHINGTON (AP) β Pope Francis has delivered his message of compassion and unity at a moment of particular turmoil for Congress. The threat of a partial government shutdown looms next week unless lawmakers can resolve a dispute over funding for women’s health services at Planned Parenthood. Francis didn’t join that controversy, alluding only in passing to the Catholic Church’s opposition to abortion when he noted, to applause, “our responsibility to protect and defend human life at every stage of its development.” He was more direct in speaking out to the lawmakers about climate change, immigration and religious freedom. In the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling on gay marriage, and with Chief Justice John Roberts in the audience, Francis said the family today appears to be more threatened than ever. The pope noted that “fundamental relationships are being called into question, as is the very basis of marriage and family.” Sound: 274-a-15-(The Reverend Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, at news conference)-“and the audience”-Vatican spokesman the Reverend Federico Lombardi says the Pope felt his speech to Congress was well-received. (24 Sep 2015) < 275-a-12-(The Reverend Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, at news conference)-“before this event”-Vatican spokesman the Reverend Federico Lombardi says the Pope had the Chaplain of the House of Representatives bless him before his address to Congress Thursday morning. (24 Sep 2015) < 276-a-14-(The Reverend Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, at news conference)-“decision or choice”-Vatican spokesman the Reverend Federico Lombardi says an excerpt from the Declaration of Independence was not intentionally omitted from the Pope’s speech to Congress. Updated: 09/24/2015-09:32:18 PM ET (24 Sep 2015) < 214-a-15-(Rep. Tony Cardenas, D-Calif., during meeting with Sophie Cruz, 5-year-old immigration advocate who met Pope Francis on Wednesday)-“one of us”-Congressman Tony Cardenas, meeting with 5-year-old Sophie Cruz, says Pope Francis called upon Congress to approach immigration reform with compassion. (24 Sep 2015) < 198-c-26-(Jerry Bodlander, AP correspondent)-“out a handkerchief”-AP correspondent Jerry Bodlander reports the Pope’s less than two-hour visit to Capitol Hill was an emotional one for the top Republican in congress. (24 Sep 2015) < 203-a-16-(Leticia Carreon Michel (leh-TEE-see-uh kah REE’-ohn MEE’-shehl), naturalized citizen from Albuquerque, N.M., in AP interview)-“dignity and respect”-Leticia Carreon Michel says Pope Francis’ address to Congress was one of hope for immigrants. (24 Sep 2015) < 192-c-28-(Jerry Bodlander, AP correspondent)-“demands quick action”-AP correspondent Jerry Bodlander reports Pope Francis made dealing with climate change one of the focal points of his speech to Congress. (24 Sep 2015) < 193-c-27-(Jerry Bodlander, AP correspondent)-“within and without”-AP correspondent Jerry Bodlander reports the pope covered a lot of ground in his speech to Congress. (24 Sep 2015) < 174-w-37-(Jerry Bodlander, AP correspondent, with Pope Francis)–In his historic speech to Congress, Pope Francis touched on immigration and other hot-button issues. AP correspondent Jerry Bodlander reports. (24 Sep 2015) < 173-w-28-(Jerry Bodlander, AP correspondent, with Pope Francis)–Pope Francis has urged Congress to welcome immigrants to the U.S. AP correspondent Jerry Bodlander reports. (24 Sep 2015) < 163-a-11-(Pope Francis, in speech to Congress)-“culture of care”-Pope Francis says America — and its Congress — must play a key role in confronting a warming planet. (24 Sep 2015) < 149-a-13-(Pope Francis, in speech to Congress)-“honest day’s work”-Pope Francis says he’s grateful to be able to speak to members of Congress — and, through them, to average Americans. (24 Sep 2015) < POPE-CAPITOL Pope greets tens of thousands from Capitol balcony WASHINGTON (AP) β After his historic address to Congress, Pope Francis has blessed tens of thousands of people on the National Mall. From the balcony of the U.S. Capitol, Francis prayed for children and families in the massive crowd. He also asked the faithful to pray for him. It’s a plea he traditionally makes. But this time Francis, speaking in Spanish, added a line to acknowledge that not everyone in the crowd was Christian, much less a believer. Through a translator, the pontiff said: “If among you there are some who don’t believe or who cannot pray, I ask that you send good wishes my way.” He expressed gratitude and ended his remarks in English, saying: “Thank you very much and God bless America.” The crowd cheered boisterously. Sound: 196-w-30-(Steve Coleman, AP religion editor, with Pope Francis, translator and 15-year-old Gabby Baniqued)–After his historic address to Congress, Pope Francis blessed the tens of thousands of people who gathered on the National Mall to watch his speach on Jumbotrons. AP Religion Editor Steve Coleman reports. ((opens with sound)) (24 Sep 2015) < POPE-CATHOLIC CHARITIES Pope speaks to needy at Catholic Charities Center WASHINGTON (AP) β Pope Francis has spent time with the needy at his last official stop in Washington before flying to New York. Outside the Catholic Charities building in Washington, the pope walked among tables where homeless and needy people were eating and blessed their meal. Francis also spoke to about 400 people at St. Patrick Church, including the homeless, parishioners of the church and Catholic Charities staff. The pope reminded them that Jesus was born homeless and “identified with all those who suffer.” Ramona Service of Washington was among those served by Catholic Charities who were invited to hear the pope speak. She said Catholic Charities helped her with funeral expenses when her son died in April. Francis said that in today’s world, in the faces of the needy, “Jesus keeps knocking on our door.” Sound: 191-w-25-(Steve Coleman, AP religion editor, with Pope Francis and interpreters)–Pope Francis has spent time with the needy at his last official stop in Washington before flying to New York. AP Religion Editor Steve Coleman reports. (24 Sep 2015) < 177-a-06-(Pope Francis, speaking through interpreter, at Catholic Charities Center)-“hearts to charity”-Pope Francis, speaking through an interpreter, said God wants believers to respond to those in need. (24 Sep 2015) < 175-a-09-(Pope Francis, speaking through interpreter, at Catholic Charities Center)-“kind of injustice”-Pope Francis, speaking through an interpreter, pointed out that Jesus was born homeless, and then spent his life ministering to the needy. (24 Sep 2015) < 176-a-12-(Pope Francis, speaking through interpreter, at Catholic Charities Center)-“at our side”-Pope Francis, speaking through an interpreter, said Christians cannot turn away from the poor and needy. (24 Sep 2015) < 178-a-09-(Pope Francis, speaking through interpreter, at Catholic Charities Center)-“he knew first”-Pope Francis, speaking through an interpreter, said followers of Jesus should be advocates for those in need. (24 Sep 2015) < 179-a-07-(Pope Francis, in Spanish, followed by English interpreter, at Catholic Charities Center)-“enjoy your meal (applause fades)”-Pope Francis, in Spanish followed by English interpretation, blesses people being fed at the Catholic Charities Center in Washington D.C. (24 Sep 2015) < POPE-FAMILY ROAD TRIP Argentine family finishes 6-month papal pilgrimage in old VW PHILADELPHIA (AP) β A family from Argentina on a papal pilgrimage to Philadelphia has arrived after a 13,000-mile trip in an old Volkswagen van. Catire (cah-TEE’-ray) Walker and Noel Zemborain (zem-bor-YN’) and their four children finished their six-month journey this week. They are now attending the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. It’s a Vatican-sponsored conference that Pope Francis will close on Saturday. He’ll also celebrate a public Mass on Sunday. Zemborain says the family passed through 13 countries and stayed with dozens of host families. The 35-year-old van is named Francisca. Although it broke down a few times, they were always able to fix it. The family plans to continue their journey until November, when they will fly home from Miami. A relative will drive the van from Florida back to Argentina. Sound: 209-a-13-(Catire (kah-TEE’-ray) Walker, drove with husband and four kids from Buenos Aires to Philadelphia, in AP interview)-“as a family”-Catire Walker says when she and her husband heard the World Meeting of Families was happening in Philadelphia, it seemed like the perfect ending point for their six-month road trip through the Americas. (24 Sep 2015) < POPE-SCALPING TICKETS Scalpers turn papal tickets for profit, drawing church’s ire PHILADELPHIA (AP) β Ticket scalpers are getting creative to make sure their listings don’t get deleted or lost as Pope Francis’ U.S. tour heads to New York and Philadelphia. One lists $175 rosary beads that just happen to come with a pair of tickets to the pontiff’s outdoor Mass in Philadelphia. The same tickets that papal visit organizers handed out free of charge through parishes and online giveaways weeks ago are now available on the online gray market with hefty price tags. Want a chance to see Pope Francis roll through New York’s Central Park? That’ll be $100. Church and civic leaders have denounced the sales and asked websites to remove the listings. The auction site eBay has complied, saying the sales violate its terms of service. SHERIFFS-IN GOD WE TRUST Watchdog asks sheriffs to remove ‘In God We Trust’ decals SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) β The Freedom From Religion Foundation has asked sheriffs in Missouri to remove “In God We Trust” decals from their squad vehicles. The group argues that the motto is “exclusionary” of atheistic and agnostic citizens. Co-president Annie Laurie Gaylor of the Wisconsin-based organization has suggested that sheriffs could replace it with a different decal, “In Reason We Trust.” Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott tells the Springfield News-Leader that he doesn’t plan to remove or replace the decals anytime soon. He says “In God We Trust” is the national motto, appearing on U.S. currency, courthouses nationwide and Greene County’s seal. The Missouri Sheriff’s Association voted unanimously last month to place the decal on squad vehicles throughout the state. SHERIFF-IN GOD WE TRUST Sheriff refuses request to remove ‘In God We Trust’ motto LEXINGTON, Tenn. (AP) β A West Tennessee sheriff is refusing to remove the phrase “In God We Trust” from his patrol cars. Henderson County Sheriff Brian Duke told WBBJ-TV that he got a letter from the Freedom From Religion Foundation saying that the phrase doesn’t belong on government vehicles and asking him to remove it. Duke said he added the national motto to about 20 cruisers last month. Duke told the station that the U.S. Supreme Court has held that use of the phrase is legal, and he responded to the letter with a simple “no.” The foundation says letters have been sent to other law enforcement agencies including in Dyer and Gibson counties. MUSLIM SCHOOL HOLIDAY-NYC For 1st time, New York City schools close for Muslim holiday NEW YORK (AP) β New York City public schools have closed for a day to observe the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha (eed ahl-AHD’-hah). Thursday was the first time the schools serving 1.1 million pupils closed for a Muslim holiday. Mayor Bill de Blasio announced this year that the city’s public schools would observe the two Muslim holy days of Eid al-Fitr (eed ahl-FIH’-tur) and Eid al-Adha. Eid al-Adha is known as the Feast of the Sacrifice. It commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim β Abraham to Christians and Jews β to sacrifice his son. New York City schools were closed Wednesday for the Jewish holiday Yom Kippur. Schools Chancellor Carmen Farina (fah-REEN’-yah) attended a celebration of Eid-al-Adha on Thursday at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. An exhibit on Muslim cultures will open at the museum in February. SAUDI-HAJJ Hundreds killed during Muslim pilgrimage stampede MECCA, Saudi Arabia (AP) β Saudi Arabia’s civil defense directorate says more than 700 people were killed in a crush of Muslim pilgrims near the holy city of Mecca. Thursday’s disaster was the deadliest such incident on the annual hajj pilgrimage in more than two decades, and comes nearly two weeks after a crane collapsed in Mecca, killing 100 people. The crush happened in Mina, a large valley about three miles from Mecca that has been the site of past hajj stampedes. Mina is where pilgrims carry out a symbolic stoning of the devil by throwing pebbles against three stone columns. It also houses more than 160,000 tents where pilgrims spend the night during the pilgrimage. The civil defense directorate says more than 800 other pilgrims were injured. DALAI LAMA-MAYO CLINIC Dalai Lama at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota for evaluation ROCHESTER, Minn. (AP) β The Dalai Lama is visiting the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, for a medical evaluation. A Mayo spokeswoman confirmed the visit Thursday. No details were released. The 80-year-old Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader has made regular visits to the Mayo Clinic in past years. The Post-Bulletin newspaper in Rochester notes he has been spotted by some in town.
