Washington D.C. (CNA/EWTN News) — Pope Francis' defense of religious freedom at the White House on Wednesday was "hugely significant," said the chair of the U.S. Bishops' Ad Hoc Committee on Religious Liberty.
"He said that we should not be forced to give up or compromise our beliefs," Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore said of Pope Francis' remarks at the official welcoming ceremony for his U.S. visit at the White House. The Pope also "supported, really, the efforts of the U.S. Bishops and their efforts to defend religious freedom," he added.
Philadelphia (CNA/EWTN News) — Pope Francis told bishops Sunday that a widespread consumerism and desire to follow new fads has rendered youth fearful of commitments, and said that as pastors they must encourage youth to be brave in going against the tide.
He began his speech, however, with an impromptu reflection on the clergy sex abuse crisis, mentioning that he had met earlier with victims and their families. He said the victims "have become true heralds of hope and mercy. In humility, we owe each of them and their families an immense debt of gratitude … they made the light of christ shine on something so awful: the sexual abuse of minors."
