Pope Francis simply prayed for a sick person he did not conduct exorcism, says the Vatican’s spokesman.

“It is absolutely false that this has been done. He simply prayed for the sick person,” Said Vatican press office director Father Federico Lombardi.

An online video posted by a channel under the Italian bishops’ conference has fueled rumors that Pope Francis performed an exorcism.

In the video, a young man is presented to the Pope by Legionary Father Juan Rivas.

What Fr Rivas said to the pontiff is unknown, but the Pope seemed to become serious and began praying over the young man in a wheelchair, placing his hands on the young man’s head.

What sounds like a growl can be heard coming from the young man as the Pope prayers. The young man then opens his mouth and recoils downward in his chair.

The Pope’s security detail can be seen hovering in the background, and one of them comes in to quickly take a letter from the Fr. Rivas, before the Pope moves on to the next person.

According to Fr Lombardi it is usual for the Pope to have many patients and people in difficulty presented to him, who he always prays for intensely.

CNA

Pope Francis has sent a telegram to the victims of Oklahoma Tornado.

A tornado hit Oklahoma US on Monday, May 20 killing several people and injuring many.

The Pope in his telegram through Archbishop Paul S. Coakley consoled and assured the victims that they are in his prayers.

“The Holy Father has followed with deep concern the aftermath of the devastating tornado which has struck Oklahoma and he asks you convey to the entire community the assurance of his solidarity and closeness in prayer. Conscious of the tragic loss of life and the immensity of the work of rebuilding that lies ahead, he asks Almighty God to grant eternal rest to the departed, comfort to the afflicted, and strength and hope to the homeless and the injured. In a particular way he commends to the Father of mercies the many young children among the victims and their grieving families. Upon the local civil and religious leaders, and upon all involved in the relief efforts, His Holiness invokes the Risen Lord’s gifts of consolation, strength and perseverance in every good,” read the telegram

Zenit

While celebrating the Solemnity of Pentecost mass on Sunday May 18, Pope Francis called on pilgrims to be part of the riches of the Church.

According to the Pope the Year of Faith celebrations with the movements and communities manifested a renewed Pentecost that transformed St. Peter’s Square into a cenacle opened to heaven.

“We relived the experience of the nascent Church, united in prayer with Mary, the Mother of Jesus. We too, in the variety of charisms, have experienced the beauty of unity, of being one. And this is the work of the Holy Spirit, who continually creates the unity of the Church.” The Pope told them.

While addressing members of the movements, associations, communities and ecclesial groups attending the Mass, Pope thanked them, saying that they are “a gift and part of the riches of the Church.” Pope Francis exhorted them to never tire in spreading the Good News to the world.

“Do not be afraid! Always rejoice and be passionate about the communion of the Church! May the risen Lord always be with you and Our Lady protect you!” Said the pope

Pope Francis also offered a prayer for the people of the Emilia Romagna region of Italy who experienced an earthquake one year ago during the mass.

Zenit

On the night of May 17, a Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception in Benghazi, Libya was bombed.

According to His Exc. Mgr. Giovanni Innocenzo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Tripol, a bomb was put at the entrance of the corridor leading to the courtyard where there is the door of the church.

Pointing out the difficult situation in which the small Christian community in the capital of Cyrenaica lives because of Islamic extremism, Mgr Martinelli said although the church was not touched directly the attack was not a positive sign.

In Cyrenaica different religious women institutes have been forced to close their doors ,forcing nuns to leave.

Fides