Credit: Reuters

Over the last week or two, the conflict gripping Libya has been in the forefront of most American and international news agencies. In the United States, the debate has surrounded whether or not President Barack Obama had the constitutional authority to commit U.S. armed forces personnel to the international response approved by the United Nations. However, I raised a more important question: is the use of military force in Libya moral?

Until this afternoon, the Holy See has been rather neutral on the conflict in Libya. The only public statements released from the Pope have been those offering prayers and solidarity with the people of the region. The Holy Father has also asked those in positions of military and political responsibilities to ensure the safety of civilians and the accessibility of humanitarian aid. However, today we see a different tone from the Vatican, one that is calling the current use of force into question.

Following the middy Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Benedict XVI released the following statement regarding the situation in Libya:

Okay, this is making some news in the Catholic blogosphere tonight. At this morning’s General Audience in Rome, a group of acrobats performed for Pope Benedict XVI and those in attendance in Paul VI Hall. As one very popular Catholic blogger noted, “it didn’t take long for at least one member of the Rome crowd to wonder aloud which ‘bright light in the papal household arranged this?’”

Well, here you have it.

Source: Russia Today, YouTube | via Whispers in the Loggia

Thoughts??

Credit: Washington Post | AP Photo/Andrew Medichini

Pope Benedict XVI today named Washington’s Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl, 69, to the College of Cardinals. As a Cardinal, Cardinal-designate Wuerl will serve as an advisor to the Pope and will be eligible to vote in a Papal election until his 80th birthday. A consistory to formally elevate the new Cardinals will be held at the Vatican on November 20. A Mass with the Pope will be held the following day.

Cardinal-designate Wuerl said,

This truly is an honor for the Archdiocese of Washington, the Church in the nation’s capital, and for all of the clergy, religious and parishioners of this local Church who every day live out their faith in commitment and deep love for Christ. I am humbled by our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI’s trust in me as shepherd of this flock and pledge to him my renewed fidelity, affection and loyalty.

Cardinal-designate Wuerl will celebrate Mass today, October 20, 2010, 8:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, 1725 Rhode Island Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. He will be available to speak with the media immediately following Mass.

Credit: CNA

I am deeply humbled and honored by the announcement that His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI intends to name me to the College of Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church at the Consistory which he has convoked for this coming November 20th. Having received the news of the Holy Father’s intention, I express my deepest gratitude to His Holiness for the great confidence which he has placed in me, and I renew my commitment to serve Him, as Shepherd of the universal Church, in total fidelity and with all my being.

Considering the weighty responsibilities of the members of the College of Cardinals in assisting the Holy Father as his closest co-workers, even “to the shedding of blood,” I am more than ever conscious of my own weakness and of my total dependence upon the help of divine grace, in order that I may fulfill worthily and generously the responsibilities which will be mine, God willing, as a Cardinal of the Church.

Credit: New York Times

This morning, the Holy Father announced the addition of 24 members to the College of Cardinals. As expected, Archbishop Raymond Burke and Archbishop Donald Wuerl were among those announced. Below, you will find a complete list of the new Cardinals-designate.

• Archbishop Angelo Amato (Italy), prefect of the Congregation for Saints Causes, 72.
• Coptic Patriarch Antonios Naguib (Egypt), 75.
• Archbishop Robert Sarah (Guinea), president of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, 65.
• Archbishop Francesco Monterisi (Italy), archpriest of Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, 76.
• Archbishop Fortunato Baldelli (Italy), head of the Apostolic Penitentiary, 75.
• Archbishop Raymond L. Burke (United States), head of Apostolic Signature, 62.