POPE FRANCIS' MOTU PROPRIO ON THE F.I.A.

Vatican City, 18 November 2013 (VIS) – The Holy See Press Office has issued the following communique regarding Pope Francis' Motu Proprio on the new Statute of the Financial Information Authority (F.I.A.):

“The Apostolic Letter issued Motu Proprio of 15 November 2013, by which Pope Francis has approved the attached new Statutes of the Financial Intelligence Authority (F.I.A.), is published today. This pontifical document will enter into force on 21 November 2013.

“As is known, with his Motu Proprio of 8 August 2013 and with the Law N. XVIII of 8 October 2013 on norms on transparency, supervision and financial intelligence, Pope Francis had strengthened further the institutional framework of the Holy See and the Vatican City State to prevent and combat potential illicit activities in the financial sector and had accorded to the F.I.A., in addition to the functions that it already had on the basis of the Motu Proprio of Benedict XVI of 30 December 2010, the function of prudential supervision of those entities that carry out financial activities professionally. The present Statutes adapt F.I.A.’s internal structure to the functions it is now called to perform.

“In particular, the Statutes distinguish the role and functions of the President, the Board of Directors and the Directorate, so as to ensure that the F.I.A. may fulfil even more adequately its institutional functions in full autonomy and independence and in a manner consistent with the institutional and legal framework of the Holy See and the Vatican City State. In addition, the new Statutes establish a specific office for prudential supervision, providing it with the necessary professional resources.”

The full text of the Motu Proprio may be consulted in English and Italian at:

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/francesco/motu_proprio/index_it.htm

INTERNATIONAL TEAM OF ASSESSORS ON ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITIES

Vatican City, 18 November 2013 (VIS) – We publish below the communique issued this morning by the Governorate of Vatican City State:

“On 15 November the Governorate of Vatican City State, by agreement with the Pontifical Commission for Reference on the Organisation of the Economic and Administrative Structure of the Holy See, following a selection process, has mandated an international team from Ernst & Young to carry out the task of auditing and consultation in relation to the economic activities and administrative management procedures of the Entity.

“The documentation containing the outcome of this consultation will be available to the Commission and will be used to propose eventual recommendations intended to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Governorate's economic and administrative procedures”.

AUDIENCE WITH THE PRIME MINISTER OF THE BAHAMAS

Vatican City, 18 November 2013 (VIS) – This morning in the Vatican Apostolic Palace Pope Francis received in audience the prime minister of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, Perry Gladstone Christie, who subsequently went on to meet with the Secretary of State Archbishop Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for Relations with States.

During the colloquial discussions, mention was made of the theme of emigration and the contribution the Catholic Church may offer to the population, especially in the sectors of welfare and education, and the Parties expressed their hope for closer collaboration in these fields.

MORE CHRISTIANS PERSECUTED THAN IN THE FIRST CENTURIES

Vatican City, 17 November 2013 (VIS) – At midday today the Holy Father appeared at the window of his study to pray the Angelus with the faithful gathered below in St. Peter's Square. Before the Marian prayer, the Pope commented on Jesus' discourse in Jerusalem about the end of time. Jesus exhorted the apostles not to be deceived by false messiahs and not to be paralysed by fear, but rather to live this moment of waiting in hope, as a time of witness and perseverance.

The Holy Father emphasised the relevance of these words even to us now in the twenty-first century. “It is a call to discernment”, he said. “Even nowadays, in fact, there are false 'saviours' who seek to take Jesus' place: leaders of this world, gurus, holy men, people who want to attract hearts and minds, especially of young people. Jesus warns us: 'do not follow them'. And the Lord also helps us not to be afraid when faced with wars and revolutions, natural disasters and epidemics: Jesus liberates us from fatalism and false apocalyptic visions. … He reminds us that we are entirely in God's hands! The adversity we encounter on account of our faith and our adhesion to the Gospel are opportunities for witness; they should not turn us away from the Lord but rather encourage us to abandon ourselves more fully to Him, to the strength of His Spirit and His grace”.

“In this moment”, he continued, unscripted, “let us think of the many Christian brothers and sisters who suffer persecution for their faith. There are many of them. Perhaps more than in the first centuries. Jesus is with them. Let us also be united with them by our prayer and our affection. Let us admire their courage and their witness. They are our brothers and sisters, who in many parts of the world suffer for being faithful to Jesus Christ. Let us extend our heartfelt and affectionate greetings to them”.

Francis highlighted Jesus' promise to us as a guarantee of victory: “'Stand firm, and you will win life'. … This is a call to hope and patience, to know how to await the certain fruits of salvation, trusting in the deep meaning of life and history; the trials and difficulties form part of a greater design, and the Lord, the master of history, guides all to its fulfilment. Despite the disorder and catastrophes that afflict the world, God's plan of goodness and mercy will prevail”.

“MISERICORDINA”: THE BEST SPIRITUAL MEDICINE

Vatican City, 17 November 2013 (VIS) – After the Angelus prayer, the Pope greeted the faithful and, mentioning that this Sunday was “World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims”, encouraged prudence on the roads and respect for traffic regulations.

Francis proposed to those present in the square a way of consolidating the effects of the Year of Faith, which is now drawing to a close. “It is a spiritual medicine called 'Misericordina'”, he explained. “It is kept in a box which some volunteers will distribute as you leave the square. It is a Rosary, with which you can pray the 'Chaplet of Divine Mercy' … a spiritual help for spreading love, forgiveness and brotherhood”.