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WORLD/NATION I 7 DENVER CATHOLIC REGISTER I NOVEMBER 20, 2013 US bishops address 'pervasive' Pope Francis to release first challenges of pornography apostolic exhortation Nov. 24 exploitation and 'use' instead of a place of communion and love." Bishop Malone's proposal drew strong support and suggestions from the floor of the assembly. In other action, the U.S. bishops issued a message voicing their continued opposition to the federal contraception mandate and the threats that it poses to religious liberty. "We stand together as pastors charged with proclaiming the Gospel in its entirety. That Gospel calls us to feed the poor, heal the sick, and educate the young, and in so doing witness to our faith in its fullness," noted the Nov. 13 message from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. "Our great ministries of service … strive to answer this call every day, and the Constitution and the law protect our freedom to do so. Yet with its coercive HHS mandate, the government is refusing to uphold its obligation to respect the rights of religious believers." Passed unanimously, the message was the first statement issued by the general membership of the bishops' conference since the previous day's election of Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky., as the group's president and Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston as its vice president. Their terms officially begin at the conclusion of the bishops' meeting on Nov. 14. BY ELISE HARRIS VATICAN CITY (CNA/EWTN News)—The Vatican announced Nov. 18 that Pope Francis will officially deliver his first post-synodal apostolic exhortation to coincide with the end of the Year of Faith. During a press conference, the Holy See revealed that the title of the new document is "Evangelii Gaudium," or "The Joy of the Gospel," which will be publicly proclaimed by the pope during the closing Mass for the Year of Faith on Sunday, Nov. 24. The exhortation is a concluding document of last year's Synod of Bishops, which centered on the theme of "The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith." Although the pope will make the first announcement on Nov. 24, the official presentation will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 26 in the John Paul II Hall of the Vatican. Pope Francis will deliver the exhortation to "a bishop, a priest, a deacon, religious men and women, novices, a family, catechists, artists, journalists, young people, the elderly and the sick" noted Archbishop Rino Fisichella. Archbishop Fisichella, who will be present at the official presentation on Nov. 26, is the President of the Pontifical Council for the promotion of the New Evangelization. "Namely," he continued, "it will be delivered to all those in various PHOTO BY ELISE HARRIS/CATHOLIC NEWS AGENCY POPE Francis waves to pilgrims during the Wednesday, Nov. 13 general audience in St. Peter's Square. stages of life, who as Christians, creature," added the archbishop. are called to be evangelizers." Altogether, there will be 36 "The Year of Faith becomes a people present for the event repcommitment that the Church resenting 18 different countries assumes her duty once again and five continents, the Vatican to bring the Gospel to every said during the press release. LAST WEEK! FINAL CHANCE! After 7 Active Patents 15,000 Local Installations 2,000,000 Feet on Colorado Homes! Proven Protection, GUARANTEED for Life! Additional 5 OFF Catholic Register Readers ONLY! Limited Time! This offer not available anywhere else! Mention this ad! * Before Don't Pay 2014 Prices! SAVE up to * % *lus % P 50 OFF* For 2013 pricing and to get your gutter protection this year! * BALTIMORE, MD. (CNA/ EWTN News)—The U.S. bishops have overwhelmingly approved the creation of a statement on pornography to address the "serious pastoral challenges" and consequences that it poses on a spiritual, social and personal level. "Pornography comes in many forms but leaves its effects on all those exploited by or exposed to it. It is a great temptation that ravages men, women and children," Bishop Richard J. Malone, chairman-elect of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, told the bishops' fall assembly Nov. 12. "The number of men, women and children who have been harmed by pornography use is not negligible, and we have an opportunity to offer healing and hope to those who have been wounded." The growing awareness of pornography's "grave" impact means the bishops have "an opportunity to educate and to shine light on the mercy and freedom found in Christ," he said. Bishop Malone, who heads the Buffalo diocese, noted that the U.S. bishops have not issued a statement explicitly addressing pornography. He asked the assembled bishops to approve his committee's request to write a statement on the issue to encourage more pastoral attention to it. The U.S. bishops approved his request by a vote of 226 to 5. Bishop Malone said that pornography poses "serious pastoral challenges" for clergy and the faithful. Pornography is widespread and "more accessible than in the past," affecting people of younger and younger ages. Fewer people disapprove of it, and its use is increasing among both men and women. Pointing to statistics that pornography is "a significant factor" in nearly 60 percent of divorces, the bishop cautioned that it is "highly addictive" and capable of altering brain chemistry and causing harmful social consequences. The average age of first exposure to pornography is 10-11 years old, an alarming fact, he said. "Love resonates in the human heart, because we were made for it," Bishop Malone explained. "But we also know that there are many obstacles to true, lasting love. There are many counterfeit versions of love that promise much but deliver little." "There are many ways in which the body, created in the image of God as male and female, becomes a place of Serving Colorado for 12 Years FREE In-Home Estimate! OF GREATER DENVER AND NORTHERN COLORADO METRO 303-816-3555 NORTHERN 970-300-5103 Labor & Materials! Offer expires 11/30/13 The First. The Best. The #1 Gutter Protection System In the World. *ASK FOR SENIOR DISCOUNT & BUYER BONUS* Available at time of estimate only! *Maximum available discount 50% Off 3/1/13 rate card. Call for details. Offer expires 11/30/13.

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