Notations On Our World: On #UNGA70 , #HAJJStampede & Other Thoughts

As we went to press here, we have been on the "Virtual Road" as the 70th Session of the UN General Assembly is getting under way as well as the Sustainable Development Summit and of course, the visit of the Holy Father that we released a Notation earlier.     We will be discussing the #GlobalGoals in our Visions Channel over the ensuing weeks 

  

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The World is converging on Europe, including Iran's President who landed in New York a few hours ago accompanied by a delegation including the Foreign Minster, Dr. Zarif:

We have also been assessing the grim news out of Saudi Arabia in the aftermath of the death of over 700 Pilgrims during the Hajj Stampede.    Our team received reports of over 200 Iranians injured and the number of death are apparently around 12 (as reported by IRNA--According to China Daily, it is upward of 89).    We're also seeing reports that the intiial reports of 717 dead may rise.    There have also been Indian Injuries.    Saudi King Salman has promised a thorough inquiry as his Health Minister blamed the victims for "not following directions" as noted by the Guardian of London. 

The Iranian President issued out a message of condolence and directive to his First Vice President on steps to be taken to take care of the wounded and to transfer the bodies of the fallen back to Iran.   Ayatollah Khameini, the Supreme Guide (Leader), declared three days of national morning in honor of the fallen.    The Holy Father also remembered the fallen when he spoke at St. Paul's Catheral  in New York:

Notations On Our World: On the "Virtual Road" w/the Holy Father

Image Courtesy:  The Vatican 

It has been quite a morning in Washington as our team listened to the Holy Father as he spoke before a joint session of Congress.    It is of note how he is the 266th Successor to St. Peter and is the Vicar of Christ.

As the Holy Father began, it was of note how Brian Williams of MSNBC noted that he had  the audience when he noted how he was ever so happy to be in the Land of the Free and the Home of Brave.   He also noted how he was a son of Immigrants and how all were at one time Foreigners.  It was a powerful message to counter all who have somehow seem to have forgotten this message today. 

As we assessed the aftermath, it was so amazing to us that over 9 Million Hits were already visible on Google.     Here is a link to the full text of the Holy Father's Speech for all who wish to review it for reference courtesy of ABC News .   For our team, it was striking how he reminded the Congress and the American People on the legacy of Abraham Lincoln, Dr Martin Luther King Jr., Dorothy Day and Thomas Menton.  As the ABC News story noted, the later two may have to be "Googl'd".   It did underscore how the Catholic Church has played such a central role in the evolution of the United States.   What was also crucial was the  need to compromise, embrace a sense of inclusion and be hopeful.    To us, it was a pastoral message in keeping with what our team has come to realize about his Ministry as epitomized by his enyclical on climate change and to "protect our common home" which we have noted in this link for all to review. 

There were many poignant moments throughout the Holy Father's visit to the US Capitol.  As he walked through Statutory Hall and stood by the statue of St. Junipero Serra, it was his visit to the Speaker's Balcony and how he asked all to pray for him--even the non-believers.    It was also of great significance as he decided to spend lunch with the homeless at Catholic Charities in Washington.      He reminded all of how the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph were homeless and how the spirit of compassion and love has to be the order of the day.   

It was also quite a moment as a Catholic Vice President Of the United States and a Catholic Speaker of the House looked on as the Holy Father spoke.   We found it also poignant how the Speaker lost his composure on numerous occasions during the speech.   We could not wonder as we were witness to history as to what President Kennedy might have thought of this day.     

Our team was also amazed by the perceptive view that the Holy Father had yesterday as he worked his way through on his Popemobile to the Sainthood ceremony at The Catholic University of America in Washington.  A 5-Year Girl by the name of Sophie Cruz broke through the Security Barrier and the Holy Father noticed her and directed that the Security Team bring the girl to her for a blessing:

      

Image Source:  The Daily Mail (UK) 

She gave the Holy Father a letter asking his help in forestalling the deportation of her family since they are in limbo as the Immigration fight continues onward.  

After his visit with the homeless at Catholic Charities, he got in his Fiat 5000 with the license plates "SCV 1" (which stands for State City of Vatican) as he went back to the Apostolic Nunciature (Embassy) for a bit of rest before going on to New York as he addresses the General Assembly, leads an interfaith Service at the 9/11 Memorial and thereafter goes on to Philadelphia--the City of Brotherly Love.

It is ever so fun to be witness to history as we will be assessing the journey of this interesting man that with his soft voice is having such an impact on our World.

Notations On Our World: On the "Virtual Road" w/the Holy Father

Our team was on the "Virtual Road" as the Holy Father finished his first formal day here in the United States.   Tomorrow is also quite a day as he will be addressing a joint session of Congress.   Our team just received this from the Office of Speaker Boehner that is the most comprehensive guide to the proceedings including some very cool "facts" for all to enjoy:

Your Watch Guide for the Pope’s Visit to the Capitol September 23, 2015 | Read Online Tomorrow, Pope Francis will address a joint meeting of Congress.  This will be the first time in history that a Pope has addressed Congress, and here’s how you can tune in and take part: The Pope’s entire visit to the Capitol – beginning at approximately 9:15 am ET– will be livestreamed at speaker.gov/pope.  Whether on your computer or mobile device, you’ll be able to watch Pope Francis’ arrival, his address to Congress, and his anticipated appearance on the Speaker’s Balcony.   Speaker Boehner has posted a timeline of the morning’s events on Medium. Exclusive live streamed video will be available on Speaker Boehner’sFacebook page, featuring behind-the-scenes moments that will not be aired anywhere else. Real-time updates on the Pope’s movements inside the Capitol, as well as information about security and accessibility, will be available on Twitter. More photos, videos, and even GIFs will be available on Speaker Boehner’s many social networks, including Instagram, Vine, and Flipboard. You can also get exclusive content delivered to your inbox.  Make sure you’re on the list by signing up here. Leading up to the speech, visit speaker.gov/pope for behind-the-scenes coverage, including the Speaker’s thoughts on the Pope’s visit, and much more, including: The full story of how this all came together, going back to the first time Speaker Boehner asked a Pope to address Congress. The answers to frequently asked questions such as, “Will Pope Francis deliver his address in English?” The historical trivia behind the day, including the name of the first head of a church to address Congress. Get the perspective of inner-city Catholic school students who will be on hand for the Pope’s visit, and meet all of the Speaker’s guests. Check out the Pope's view when he walks out on to the Speaker’s balcony.  While you’re at it, see the audience’s perspective – and yours too. Take a look at our digital plan, which is all about ensuring you have the best seat in the house, and telling the story of this historic moment for the Capitol and the country. We hope you’ll join us tomorrow at speaker.gov/pope.