On this day in 1798 Pope Pius VI was removed from Rome by French troops and stripped of all temporal powers. This followed a coup d’etat in France in 1797 that established a French government firmly opposed to the Catholic church. Hundreds of priests were arrested and sent to the French colony of Guiana. Pope Pius VI condemned the action of the French which fed the desire of the government there to overthrow the papacy. They found their opportunity to do this after a French office was killed in Rome.
Loving God,
the history of the papacy is a mixed one that included times of persecution.
We ask that you bless the ministry of Pope Francis who seeks to be a voice of compassion in an often cruel world.
We ask that his work with the leaders of other churches and religions will help to build understanding and trust.
Amen
By Fr Pat O'Shea - Lower Hutt
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