Insisting that “each and every young person should be able to... grow and learn... free from all violence and discord... in a family environment, in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding”, the Holy See took the floor of the General Assembly Hall on the final day of the United Nations High-level Meeting on Youth. 

Archbishop Francis Chullikatt, The Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, reminded delegates that a family is “founded on the marriage between one man and one woman” and that the General Assembly declares that it is “the natural and fundamental group unit of society and must be guaranteed protection by society and the State” (Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Art. 16,3). He commended to their attention the deep desire of many youth for “personal relationships marked by truth and solidarity” and for a “family that will remain united”. 

MUNICH, Germany, JULY 19, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Ten years after the attack on New York's World Trade Center, a lay Catholic group is teaming with the cardinal of Munich for an event to promote religious and cultural dialogue.

On Sept. 11, the Community of Sant'Egidio and Cardinal Reinhard Marx will host "Bound to Live Together: Religions and Cultures in Dialogue," in Munich.

The three-day event will bring together leaders of world religions, and government and civil representatives, and will lead up to the Assisi day of prayer for peace, called by Benedict XVI for October.

On Saturday the Holy See issued a statement regarding the illegitimate Episcopal ordination that took place in Shantou mainland China on Thursday. In the statement the Vatican states the priest in question, Reverend Joseph Huang Bingzhang, has incurred the sanction of excommunication, having been ordained without papal mandate. Furthermore, the Holy See expresses its appreciation to all the priests, religious and lay faithful “who have defended their pastors, accompanying them by their prayers at this difficult time and sharing in their deep suffering”

An event that is being followed “with sorrow and concern” because it is contrary to “the unity of the Universal Church”: this is how the Director of the Vatican Press Office, Father Federico Lombardi, commented on the news that Father Joseph Huang Bingzhang had been illicitly ordained bishop in Shantou, China. A number of bishops, who are in communion with the Pope, were obliged to participate in the ceremony.

Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People

Message for the World Tourism Day 2011
(27 September)

Theme: Tourism linking cultures

(July 04, 2011) The Holy See has condemned as illegitimate the ordination of a bishop of Leshan diocese in mainland China, saying it is goes against papal authority. In a statement on Monday, the Holy See said that Rev. Paul Lei Shiyin, ordained bishop on June 29, and those who consecrated him have incurred automatic excommunication with their act, according to article 1382 of the Canon Law. 

Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday will be launching a new Vatican portal, offering an exclusive, multimedia presentation of all the other communications websites of the Holy See.

The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Father Federico Lombardi has issued clarification on the churches position on receiving the sacrament of penance. His remarks come after the launch of an iPhone application that helps Catholics prepare for Confession.

At the end of the General Audience, Benedict XVI recalled that the Church celebrates World Communications Day on Sunday, May 24th.

The new technologies have brought about fundamental shifts in the ways in which news and information are disseminated and in how people communicate and relate to each other. I wish to encourage all those who access cyberspace to be careful to maintain and promote a culture of respect, dialogue and authentic friendship where the values of truth, harmony and understanding can flourish.

"Young people in particular, I appeal to you: bear witness to your faith through the digital world! Employ these new technologies to make the Gospel known, so that the Good News of Gods inf ...