Practical atheism and testimony of faith

Cannot the man be happy apart from God? Cannot man be honest, work for the common good, raise a family, serve others, without faith? Could it be that you cannot respect human dignity and freedom without God?

These and other questions can be answered meditating on the words of Benedict XVI, during his general audience on November 14

From Peter to Francis and back

Giotto, Dream of Innocent III (c. 1290-1300),

Basilica of St. Francis, Assisi (Italy)

In 1209 Pope Innocent III had a dream: the Lateran basilica was bending, almost collapsing. A monk was holding it. Francis had submitted the first Franciscan rule and the Pope had been very surprised by its rigor. The Pope said, "Pray to God to manifest his will. When we know it, we'll certainly respond". The Pope understood by that dream, that he had to approve the rule. Francis holds the Church. This is a beautifully fresco painted by Giotto in the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (c. 1290 - 1300).

     The until now Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio has been elected pope, taking the name of Francis (I). We could see here an orientation towards charity and love to the needy that characterized the "Poverello".