Un pequeño rebaño en Asia
Nov 11, 2007
El cardenal católico japonés Stephen Fumio Hamao ha fallecido en el Cancer Institute Hospital de la Fundación Japonesa para la Investigación del Cáncer en Tokio, a los 77 años, víctima de un cáncer de pulmón, según ha informado la Conferencia de Obispos católicos de Japón.
(ABC, 11 de noviembre de 2007) En su homilia del XLVIII Congreso Eucarístico Internacional en Guadalajara, México, en octubre de 2004, el cardenal Hamao manifestó: «La mayoría de quienes estamos aquí reunidos, procedemos de Asia y Oceanía. En estas regiones viven casi dos terceras partes de la población mundial. Entre ellos los cristianos formamos un pequeño rebaño, pero contamos con la fuerza del Espíritu Santo». Sus funerales tendrán lugar mañana lunes en Yokohama, ciudad de la que fue obispo antes de que Juan Pablo II le llamara a colaborar con él en el Vaticano.
Su Santidad Benedicto XVI ha expresado en dos mensajes su dolor al recibir la noticia del fallecimiento del cardenal, presidente del Consejo Pontificio para la Pastoral de los Emigrantes e Itinerantes.
En los mensajes enviados a la hermana del cardenal, Teresa Tereku Uematsu, y al actual obispo de Yokohama, Rafael Masahiro Umemura, el Pontífice recuerda al cardenal Stephen Fumio Hamao como «testigo del Evangelio». En particular, el Santo Padre ha subrayado «su viva preocupación por los pobres y su generoso servicio a la Iglesia universal».
Nacido en Tokio, el 9 de marzo de 1930, estudió en la Universidad Estatal de Tokio. Luego, en el Seminario Interdiocesano Mayor de Tokio y, posteriormente, el cardenal Hamao se licenció en Derecho Canónico en la Universidad Pontificia Gregoriana de Roma.
Ordenado sacerdote a los 27 años, fue nombrado obispo auxiliar de Tokio y luego obispo de Yokohama. Se dedicó en particular a los jóvenes, a los inmigrantes, a los refugiados y a los pobres, en particular como presidente de Cáritas de Asia y Oceanía.
En 1995, fue elegido presidente de la Conferencia Episcopal de Japón. En 1998 Juan Pablo II le nombró presidente del Consejo Pontificio para la Pastoral de los Emigrantes e Itinerantes.
Creado cardenal diácono recibió la birreta roja y el diaconado de S. Giovanni Bosco el 21 de octubre de 2003.
A los 76 años, en marzo de 2006, el Papa Benedicto XVI le aceptó su renuncia a la presidencia del Consejo Pontificio para la Pastoral de los Emigrantes e Itinerantes. Hamao era el hermano menor de Minoru Hamao, camarlengo del Príncipe Heredero de Japón Naruhito, que murió el pasado mes de octubre.
Con el fallecimiento del cardenal Stephen Fumio Hamao el colegio cardenalicio se compone ahora de 178 cardenales, de los cuales 103 serían electores en un posible cónclave, mientras que 75 ya han cumplido los 80 años.
Décès du cardinal japonais Fumio Hamao
Nov 11, 2007
Le cardinal japonais Fumio Hamao est décédé le 8 novembre à Tokyo à l’âge de 77 ans. Benoît XVI a qualifié celui qui fut président du Conseil pontifical pour les migrants et les personnes en déplacement de 1998 à 2006 de "témoin dévoué de l’Evangile", dans un télégramme à l'archevêque de Yokohama. Le pape a souligné le "vif soucis des pauvres" de Fumio Hamao, archevêque de Yokohama de 1980 à 1998.
(Apic, 11 novembre 2007) Né à Tokyo le 9 mars 1930, Stephen Fumio Hamao avait étudié au Collège de l’Urbanianum à Rome de 1951 à 1958, et à l’Université grégorienne, où il fut diplômé en droit canon en 1962. Ordonné prêtre le 21 décembre 1957, il fut ordonné évêque en avril 1970. En 1980, il fut nommé évêque de Yokohama.
"Trop de diplomates en poste à la curie"
Après son départ du Vatican, en avril 2006, le cardinal japonais avait regretté que la curie romaine ait peu de considération pour les Eglises d’Asie. "Nombreux sont les gens au Vatican qui pensent que les Asiatiques et les Africains sont peut-être un peu trop jeunes dans la foi chrétienne et doivent parfaire leur formation", avait lancé le cardinal. “Je pense qu’ils nous perçoivent un peu comme des personnes de deuxième ou troisième classe", avait-il aussi déclaré, regrettant aussi le nombre trop important de diplomates en poste à la curie.
Après le consistoire du 24 novembre prochain, le collège cardinalice devrait compter 201 membres, dont 120 électeurs de moins de 80 ans.
Japanese cardinal, retired president of migrants' council, dies at 77
Nov 09, 2007
Japanese Cardinal Stephen Fumio Hamao, retired president of the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travelers, died Nov. 8 in Tokyo at the age of 77.
By Cindy Wooden
Catholic News Service
(Friday, November 9, 2007)
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Japanese Cardinal Stephen Fumio Hamao, retired president of the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travelers, died Nov. 8 in Tokyo at the age of 77.
In a telegram of condolence to the Diocese of Yokohama, where he had served as bishop for almost 20 years, Pope Benedict XVI praised the cardinal for his "devoted witness to the Gospel, his lively concern for the poor and his generous service to the universal church."
Vatican Radio reported Nov. 9 that the funeral Mass for the cardinal, who had been battling cancer, would take place Nov. 12 in Yokohama.
His death leaves the College of Cardinals with 178 members, 103 of whom are under age 80 and therefore eligible to vote in a conclave to elect a new pope. After Pope Benedict creates new cardinals Nov. 24, there will be a total of 201 cardinals with 120 of them being potential papal electors.
Cardinal Hamao retired from his Vatican post in 2006, a year after submitting his resignation as required on his 75th birthday. But he said he was saddened by the fact that when he left the council that defends the rights and promotes the pastoral care of migrants and others was placed under the leadership of the president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.
The cardinal told reporters he had read about the changes in the newspaper and that the Vatican had not consulted him or offered any advance notice of the changes to his office.
When he was named a cardinal in 2003, he said the council was an important reminder to the rest of the church.
"In general, the Catholic Church in the world is interested only in pastoral care through parishes," he said. "But there are millions of people in the world without a fixed domicile, therefore no parish, and they deserve pastoral care, too."
He converted to Catholicism at age 16. He said, "God grabbed me and put me in the seminary" just three years later, although some priests said "it was too soon."
Born in Tokyo March 9, 1930, the cardinal began his studies at a state university before entering the seminary in Tokyo in 1949.
In 1951, he was sent to Rome, where he completed his seminary education, earning degrees in philosophy and theology from the Pontifical Urbanian University and a degree in canon law from the Pontifical Gregorian University.
Ordained to the priesthood in Rome in 1957, he returned to Japan, where he worked in the Tokyo chancery and ministered in the cathedral, in addition to serving as director of a Catholic students' residence.
He was named an auxiliary bishop of Tokyo in 1970 and bishop of Yokohama in 1979. He was named head of the migrants and travelers council in 1998.
Japanese Cardinal Hamao dead at 77
Nov 09, 2007
Cardinal Stephen Fumio Hamao, the former president of the Pontifical Council for Migrants, died in Tokyo on November 8 at the age of 77.
Tokyo, Nov. 9, 2007 (CWNews.com) - Cardinal Stephen Fumio Hamao, the former president of the Pontifical Council for Migrants, died in Tokyo on November 8 at the age of 77.
Cardinal Hamao, who had resigned his Vatican post in March 2006, was a cancer victim. Appointed an auxiliary bishop of Tokyo in 1970, he had been named Bishop of Yokohama in 1979. After serving as president of the Japanese bishops' conference he was called to Rome in 1998 to become president of the Pontifical Council for Migrants. He was elevated to the College of Cardinals by Pope John Paul II (bio - news) in 2003.
In a message of condolence, Pope Benedict XVI (bio - news) praised the Japanese prelate for his "devoted witness to the Gospel, his lively concern for the poor, and his generous service to the universal Church."
Cardinal Hamao had been one of two cardinals from Japan; he is survived by Cardinal Peter Shirayanagi, the former Archbishop of Tokyo, who will be 80 on November 26. Shortly after resigning his Vatican post, Cardinal Hamao had said that the Vatican has "great difficulties understanding" the Christians of Asia, and should make a greater effort to adapt Church teachings to the Asian cultural context.
With the death of Cardinal Hamao there are now 178 living cardinals, of whom 103 are under the age of 80 and thus eligible to participate in a papal election. At a consistory scheduled for November 23, Pope Benedict will elevate 23 new cardinals, of whom 18 will be cardinal-electors.
Benedikt XVI. würdigt Kardinal Hamao, einen „stolzen Sohn des japanischen Volkes“
Nov 09, 2007
Beileidstelegramme an den Bischof von Yokohama und die Schwester des Verstorbenen.
ROM, 9. November 2007 (ZENIT.org).- Gestern, Donnerstag, ist der frühere Präsident des Päpstlichen Rates der Seelsorge für die Migranten und Menschen unterwegs, Kardinal Stephen Fumio Hamao, in Tokio gestorben. Der 77 Jahre alte Kardinal litt an Lungenkrebs.
Papst Benedikt XVI. hat dem Bischof von Yokohama, Rafael Mashairo Umemura, und der Schwester des Verstorbenen, Teresa Teruko Uematsu, ein Beileidstelegramm zukommen lassen, die heute vom Heiligen Stuhl veröffentlicht wurden.
In seinem Schreiben an den Hirten würdigt der Bischof von Rom das „hingebungsvolle Zeugnis“ des Kardinals für das Evangelium, „seine lebendige Sorge für die Armen und seinen großzügigen Dienst für die Weltkirche“. Benedikt XVI. versichert, für den „stolzen Sohn des japanischen Volkes“ zu beten. Allen, die in der Hoffnung der Auferstehung über den Tod des Kardinals trauern, übersendet der Heilige Vater seinen Apostolischen Segen „als Unterpfand des Trostes und der Stärkung in Jesus Christus, unserem Herrn“.
An die Schwester des Verstorbenen schreibt Benedikt XVI.: „Tief betrübt über die Nachricht des Todes Ihres lieben Bruders, bekunde ich Ihnen und Ihrer Familie meine tiefe Sympathie. Ich versichere Ihnen meiner Gebete für seine ewige Ruhe, und bitte unseren Herrn Jesus Christus darum, dass er Ihnen den Trost und den Frieden gewähren möge, die aus unserer festen Hoffnung an seine Versprechen kommen.“
Nach dem Tod von Kardinal Hamao besteht das Kardinalskollegium aus 178 Mitgliedern. 103 davon haben die Altersgrenze von 80 Jahren noch nicht überschritten und wären somit befugt, an einem Konklave teilzunehmen.
È morto a 77 anni il cardinale giapponese Hamao
Nov 09, 2007
Con concistoro di 24 novembre diventeranno 120 cardinali elettori.
Città del Vaticano, 9 nov. (Apcom) - E' morto ieri sera a Tokyo il cardinale giapponese Stephen Fumio Hamao, presidente emerito del Pontificio Consiglio della Pastorale per i Migranti e gli Itineranti: lo rende noto 'Radio vaticana'. Aveva 77 anni e da tempo combatteva contro un tumore.
Nel 1995 Hamao è stato eletto presidente della Conferenza episcopale del Giappone. Nel 1998 Giovanni Paolo II lo ha nominato presidente del dicastero vaticano che si occupa di immigrati e nel 2003 lo creava cardinale, diacono di San Giovanni Bosco in via Tuscolana. Il porporato era andato in pensione nel 2005. I funerali si svolgeranno lunedì 12 novembre a Yokohama alle 12.00.
I cardinali di Santa romana Chiesa diventano così 178. Di essi 103 hanno meno di 80 anni, e sono dunque elettori di diritto in conclave, e 75 sono ultraottantenni. Con il concistoro del 24 novembre (quando, nel frattempo, il cardinal Angelo Sodano avrà compiuto ottant'anni) arriveranno altri 18 cardinali elettori - che porteranno così il numero totale del collegio chiamato ad eleggere il futuro Papa a 120 - e 5 ultraottantenni.
UCAN Interview - FABC Human Development Pioneer Cites Cardinals' Work, Interfaith Partnerships Among Federation's Gains
Jul 21, 2007
Retired Bishop Julio Xavier Labayen, former head of the FABC Office of Human Development, names Japanese Cardinals Peter Seiichi Shirayanagi and Stephen Fumio Hamao among Asians working zealously for human development.
QUEZON CITY, Philippines (UCAN, 20/07/2007) -- Retired Bishop Julio Xavier Labayen, former head of the FABC Office of Human Development, names Japanese Cardinals Peter Seiichi Shirayanagi and Stephen Fumio Hamao among Asians working zealously for human development.
On July 12 Bishop Labayen spoke with UCA News from his residence in Antipolo City, east of Manila, after Jesuit-run Ateneo de Manila University announced its award for Maryknoll Father Edward Malone, first assistant secretary general of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC).
In electing the American missioner to receive the Bukas Palad (open hands) award, the university cited his "significant contributions" to the development of the federation.
FABC Secretary General Archbishop Orlando Quevedo of Cotabato is scheduled to accept the award for Father Malone on July 25 at a Special Academic Convocation at the university's Quezon City campus, northeast of Manila.
Father Malone, 81, returned to the United States in 2004 after serving more than three decades as FABC assistant secretary general, based in Hong Kong.
Bishop Labayen speaks in the interview about the award, the work of Japanese Cardinals Shirayanagi, 79, and Hamao, 77, in human development, and the FABC's Office of Human Development (OHD), which he served 1972-78 as its first chairman. The FABC was formed in 1972.
In the interview, the bishop recalls his experiences with Cardinal Shirayanagi, retired archbishop of Tokyo, who was president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Japan 1983-1992. The cardinal established the Japanese bishops' Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace.
He also chaired the Japanese bishops' Episcopal Commission for Social Activities, which dealt with issues such as the plight of refugees, basic policy for foreign aid and Church opposition to discriminatory legislation.
Bishop Labayen said he was impressed also by Cardinal Hamao, the former auxiliary bishop of Tokyo and later bishop of Yokohama, who also served as bishops' conference president. After eight years heading the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant Peoples, the cardinal now serves as board member of the Vatican's Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.
During his years with the OHD, Bishop Labayen co-founded the Asian Cultural Forum on Development (ACFOD) to work with people of various religious in Asia and Australia on the challenges of poverty, war and other social issues.
In 1973, the Carmelite bishop helped organize various Catholic Church development agencies into the Asia Partnership for Human Development (APHD).
As retired prelate of Infanta, Quezon province, 70 kilometers east of Manila, Bishop Labayen addressed a 2003 gathering of bishops in Europe about what Churches in Europe can learn from Asia and other younger and poorer Churches.
At 81, the Filipino bishop offers spiritual advice and direction to members of Agri-Justice Manila farmers' NGO, the Movement for Nationalist Economy and other NGOs working for social development and reform.
The UCA News interview with Bishop Labayen follows:
UCA NEWS: What is the significance of Father Malone's award for the Church in Asia?
BISHOP JULIO XAVIER LABAYEN: The FABC, which Father Malone helped build, brought together bishops' conferences throughout Asia, and that's why it has become influential. The bishops realized Churches in Asia in countries with different cultures have to come together and discover how they can relate with one another. With FABC, bishops have learned to respect the cultures of fellow bishops and to practice ecumenism.
What is a concrete example of this "coming together"?
Let me give you a personal example. Through my involvement with FABC I got very close to (then) Archbishop Shirayanagi. Another bishop in the 1970s in Tokyo archdiocese told me FABC also made him feel "very challenged." Soon, this young bishop would be seen in pictures in the streets of Tokyo with a bullhorn to his mouth promoting justice and peace. The young Auxiliary Bishop Hamao of Tokyo was later made cardinal and assigned to social-justice work in Rome.
Were the two future cardinals involved in FABC social-justice work when you headed OHD?
Yes, I worked with them on justice and peace. But one thing I overlooked when I was head of the Office for Human Development was the importance of bishops' experience of poverty. Later, a priest from Holland, Father Bill Roetenberg, a sociologist, recommended that I ask the bishops to, as much as possible, have an experience of living with the poor. So I went around promoting this program among the bishops. I myself lived among squatters in southern Sri Lanka. And this was how Bishop Hamao was converted.
What do you mean by "converted"?
I am not sure what he was involved in before I met him, but after living with the poor, I think it was in Sri Lanka also, he returned to Tokyo zealous about justice and peace work, and promoting the mission of the Church.
What drew Asian bishops to unite?
All the bishops of Asia met for the first time here (Manila) in (University of) Santo Tomas in 1970. That was historical. What really highlighted it was Pope Paul VI's visit. That was the first time that the pope set foot on Philippine soil, and it really gave value to this meeting of the Asian bishops.
When we organized, we chose to call ourselves a federation because we respect the autonomy of each bishops' conference. We believe that bishops must contribute to the FABC accordingly, to share what they have. We come together as partners under this federation so we can act in unison, guided by one vision.
Earlier, in 1967, Pope Paul VI issued an encyclical, Populorum Progressio ("On the Development of Peoples"), that addressed the impact of globalization and liberal capitalism on Third World poverty.
Did this inspire the formation of OHD?
OHD was formed to help the bishops promote human development in Asia. Human development meant we had to focus on the poor and work for justice and peace.
What are signs of growth of the Church through OHD?
Well, you know that Office for Human Development was able to move into ecumenism, and that is how we were able to bring together different groups who were not part of bishops' conferences but were essential to human development. We later formed the separate group Asian Cultural Forum on Development, whose office was in Hong Kong. I was the head of it, and I am still honorary chairman. It was to promote the culture of Asia. It came out of FABC, and Father Malone helped make such initiatives possible. This way OHD and FABC opened up to a real ecumenical dimension.
The Asia Partnership on Human Development is another development that came out of FABC initiatives on human development.
Later, Australian bishops also began a bond with Asian bishops. I received feedback from Australia saying some organizations got involved in the FABC movement through OHD, believing in what FABC is promoting, mainly dialogue with culture, religions and the poor.
What was Father Malone's role in this development?
You know, Father Malone is known to have really promoted this orientation and the vision of FABC. It was part of the mission spirit of Maryknoll. That's where he stood out. It was his vocation as a missionary. He was very zealous and faithful. He was effective.
What is the challenge to the FABC today?
FABC head Archbishop Quevedo is an Oblate missionary. He has also this mission spirit. How the FABC will fare today depends on how widespread his contacts will be, and whether FABC can make the best out of social communications and media.
Curia, College of Cardinals too European, needs more internationalization
Apr 29, 2007
According to Japanese Cardinal Stephen Fumio Hamao, Pope Benedict XVI should appoint more Asians and Africans to the Roman Curia and the College of Cardinals, so as to further internationalize both bodies.
VATICAN CITY (UCAN, 4/12/2007) – The Tokyo-born cardinal, now 77, made this assertion to UCA News in Rome on March 28, repeating what he had said a year earlier, soon after retiring from the presidency of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerants. He served in that capacity from June 15, 1998, until the pope accepted his resignation on March 11, 2006.
When he met privately with Pope Benedict last April 29, the pontiff thanked the cardinal for his eight years of service to the universal church. He also asked him to complete his five-year mandate as a board member of three Roman Curia offices: the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples (CEP), the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints and the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. Cardinal Hamao's mandate will end next year.
During their conversation, the cardinal reminded the pope that with his resignation, there was no Asian heading any office of the Roman Curia. He urged the pontiff to appoint Asians to Vatican positions and the pope replied, "I am thinking about that." Three weeks later, he named Cardinal Ivan Dias of India as prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.
Cardinal Hamao said he still believes more Asians and Africans should join the Roman Curia. By reason of one of his papal mandates, he attends monthly meetings of the CEP, during which recommendations are made to the Holy Father on candidates for bishop in mission countries, mainly in Asia and Africa. This experience, the cardinal said, has convinced him that change is needed.
He noted that 21 of the 25 cardinals and bishops attending those meetings now are from Europe and the Americas, but only two come from Africa (Cardinal Francis Arinze and Archbishop Robert Sarah) and just two from Asia (Cardinal Ivan Dias and himself). Moreover, Cardinal Hamao continued, he has noticed that the European-American "mentality" is very different from that of Asia.
For this reason, he said, he would like to meet again with Pope Benedict and encourage him "to call more Asians and Africans to work in the Roman curia, not only cardinals but also bishops and priests."
"It would be better to have more people from these parts of the world, so as to understand their mentality," he explained. "Most people in the Roman curia are European- and American-minded. They cannot understand the mentality of East Asia and the Far East. Africa is nearer to them because it was colonized, and the Middle East is all right, it is Asia. Perhaps they can understand India, but the Far East is completely different. They cannot understand it."
Vatican people, he also observed, "are very, very concerned about Europe, the European Union and the Christian roots of European culture. They want to expand this Christianity from Rome, from Europe, to Asia and Africa."
Cardinal Hamao has concluded that "many people in the Vatican think people of Asia and Africa are perhaps still too young and need to be instructed better. I think they see us a little bit as second- or third-class."
This inability to understand Asia and the Far East, he said, is somewhat reflected in Sacramentum Caritatis (Sacrament of Love), the new apostolic exhortation on the Eucharist. In that document, the pope speaks about Latin and suggests that Catholics learn some Latin prayers and Gregorian chants.
This is not a good idea, according to Cardinal Hamao, who taught Latin to the Emperor of Japan when he was crown prince. "It is impossible for Asians," he asserted. "Nobody knows Latin. Most priests don't study it, and they don't know it. That is European-centered. It is too much!"
The cardinal also noted that many people in the Roman curia are from the Holy See's diplomatic service, but "it is better to have more people with pastoral experience from different countries, not just diplomatic experience."
At the next consistory, which many in Rome expect to take place in June, Cardinal Hamao hopes Pope Benedict will create more cardinals from Asia and Africa. Particularly for Asia, he said, "I would like to see him name cardinals, perhaps from Pakistan and from countries that have never had a cardinal, such as Bangladesh, Malaysia and Myanmar."
He also would welcome more cardinals from Africa to make the mainly European College of Cardinals more international. Today, 53 of the 108 cardinal-electors (younger than 80 with the right to elect a new pope) are Europeans.
Le cardinal Hamao souhaite une curie romaine plus ouverte
Apr 23, 2007
Avec plus de visages venus d’Afrique et d’Asie.
Tokyo, 22 avril 2007 (Apic) Un an après son départ de la tête du Conseil pontifical pour la pastorale des migrants, le cardinal japonais Stephen Fumio Hamao, 77 ans, a réitéré l’appel qu’il avait alors lancé, demandant une ouverture plus grande de la curie romaine à des visages venus d’Afrique et d’Asie, indique Eglises d'Asie.
« La plupart des gens à la curie sont tournés vers l’Europe ou les Amériques. Ils ne peuvent pas comprendre la mentalité des habitants de l’Asie de l’Est et de l’Extrême-Orient. L’Afrique leur est plus proche car ce continent a été colonisé, et le Moyen-Orient n’est pas loin. Le problème est l’Asie. Peut-être peuvent-ils comprendre l’Inde, mais l’Extrême-Orient est totalement autre. Ils ne peuvent le comprendre », explique le cardinal, notant qu’au Vatican, les gens « sont très, très occupés par l’Union européenne et les racines chrétiennes de l’Europe. Ils souhaitent répandre ce christianisme de Rome vers l’Afrique et l’Asie ».
Reprenant des propos tenus un an auparavant, le cardinal conclut en disant que « nombreux sont les gens au Vatican à penser que les Asiatiques et les Africains sont peut-être un peu trop jeunes (dans la foi chrétienne) et doivent parfaire leur formation. Je pense qu’ils nous perçoivent un peu comme des personnes de deuxième ou troisième classe ».
Pour illustrer cette incapacité à comprendre l’Asie et l’Extrême-Orient, le cardinal renvoie à l’exhortation apostolique Sacramentum Caritatis, publiée en mars dernier à l’issue du synode sur l’Eucharistie. Le pape Benoît XVI y évoque la place du latin dans l’Eglise et suggère que les catholiques connaissent les principales prières en latin ainsi que le chant grégorien. Pour le cardinal japonais, qui, naguère, a enseigné le latin à l’actuel empereur du Japon, lorsque celui-ci était prince héritier, cette suggestion n’est pas une bonne idée. « C’est impossible pour les Asiatiques. Personne ne connaît le latin. La plupart des prêtres ne l’étudient pas et ils ne le connaissent pas », précise-t-il, s’exclamant : « C’est typiquement européo-centré ! »
Quant au fonctionnement de la curie, le cardinal remarque que trop nombreux sont ses membres à être issus du service diplomatique. « Il serait mieux d’avoir davantage de personnes dotées d’une expérience pastorale et pas uniquement diplomatique », suggère-t-il. Lors du prochain consistoire, qui pourrait avoir lieu en juin prochain, le cardinal Hamao espère que le pape élèvera au cardinalat des évêques venus d’Afrique et d’Asie. Concernant ce dernier continent, il aimerait voir des cardinaux venir « du Pakistan, par exemple, et de pays qui n’ont jamais eu de cardinaux, tels le Bangladesh, la Malaisie et la Birmanie ». Pareillement, des nominations de cardinaux africains permettraient d’internationaliser le collège cardinalice, dont, à ce jour, 53 des 108 cardinaux électeurs (âgés de moins de 80 ans) sont Européens.
Après avoir quitté la présidence du Conseil pontifical pour la pastorale des migrants, le cardinal Hamao est resté, à la demande du pape Benoît XVI, membre de trois sections importantes de la curie : la Congrégation pour l’Evangélisation des Peuples, la Congrégation pour les Causes des Saints et le Conseil pontifical ‘Justice et Paix’. Ces mandats de cinq ans arrivent à échéance l’année prochaine.
Continents européen et américain trop représentés
Dans l’entretien accordé au correspondant romain de l’agence Ucanews, cité par Eglises d'Asie, le cardinal Hamao rappelle que, lorsqu’il avait eu une audience avec Benoît XVI, le 29 avril 2006, à la suite de son départ du Conseil pontifical pour la pastorale des migrants, il avait souligné le fait qu’avec lui partait le dernier Asiatique dirigeant une section de la curie. Le cardinal Hamao avait demandé au pape de nommer des Asiatiques à des postes de responsabilité et Benoît XVI avait répondu qu’il « y pens[ait] ». Trois semaines plus tard, le cardinal indien Ivan Dias était nommé préfet de la Congrégation pour l’Evangélisation des Peuples.
Un an plus tard, le cardinal Hamao estime que le manque de visages venus d’Afrique ou d’Asie aux plus hautes fonctions de la curie est toujours réel. Membre de la Congrégation pour l’Evangélisation des Peuples, il souligne qu’il participe tous les mois aux réunions durant lesquelles les recommandations faites au pape concernant les futures nominations épiscopales dans les pays de mission – principalement l’Afrique et l’Asie – sont préparées. Cette expérience a renforcé sa conviction que des changements doivent avoir lieu. Il note ainsi que 21 des 25 cardinaux et évêques qui siègent à ces réunions sont aujourd’hui originaires d’Europe ou des Amériques ; deux seulement sont Africains (le cardinal Francis Arinze et Mgr Robert Sarah) et deux sont Asiatiques (le cardinal Ivan Dias et lui-même).
Le cardinal Hamao souhaiterait également voir davantage de prêtres ou d’évêques africains ou asiatiques à Rome, et pas seulement des cardinaux.
Pope to approve beatification decree for Japanese martyrs
Apr 11, 2007
Japan's cardinal in Rome anticipates Pope Benedict XVI will soon approve a decree for the beatification of 188 Japanese martyrs, and he expects the ceremony will take place in Japan, probably in November.
VATICAN CITY (UCAN, 4/11/2007) – Cardinal Stephen Fumio Hamao, who headed the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerants from 1998 to 2006 and still resides in Rome, expressed this hope while speaking with UCA News on March 28 in Rome.
On Feb. 6, Cardinal Hamao, 77, played a central role at a decisive meeting of 20 cardinals and archbishops at the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints to discuss the cause (official process) for the 188 Japanese martyrs.
The cardinal, the only Asian in attendance, presented a compelling case for their beatification. Reading from a prepared text, he explained to his fellow prelates that "they were put to death not for political reasons, not because they were political opponents, but by reason of their Christian faith."
His discourse stressed that "though many were samurai and knew how to fight, they nevertheless chose the path of non-violent resistance, and that is also very significant for people today." The cardinal said the Vatican officials responded favorably, and "voted unanimously in favor of their beatification."
The Tokyo-born prelate is particularly pleased that the 188 martyrs will soon be beatified because it marks "the first time the Japanese bishops have promoted a cause." He noted that Religious orders, not bishops, presented the several beatified and canonized martyrs that the Church in Japan already has.
The expected beatification "is a direct consequence of John Paul II's visit to Japan in 1981," he said. The cardinal, then bishop of Yokohama, recalled that "when John Paul II heard about the martyrs, he encouraged us to propose more causes for beatification, so we started the process after his visit."
According to Cardinal Hamao, it is "highly significant" that all 188 are Japanese and all but four are laypeople – mostly women but also many children. The other four are priests, he said, and a Jesuit among them, Peter Kibe, heads the list. "Kibe was ordained in Rome but chose to return to Japan, though he knew the persecution had begun," he said. "He worked in the Nagasaki and Edo (now Tokyo) areas for some years before he was arrested and killed."
In his view, the beatification will be important for all Japanese, not just Catholics, because it highlights the fact that "the right to believe in a religion is a fundamental human right." At the time of the martyrs in the 17th century, "it was not so, and the government persecuted people for this."
Today in Japan, he continued, "we have complete freedom to believe" and this fundamental human right is guaranteed by law. "But this right is not so much recognized by the people. They do not think it is a fundamental human right because religion belongs to the family."
"Religion in Japan is seen as a question of family tradition, not personal conviction," Cardinal Hamao further explained, "but to be Christian is a matter of personal conviction, and this causes a certain tension in society."
"In Japan, many people have two religions, Buddhism and Shintoism," he also explained, and this leads to a certain "indifference" to religion. Cardinal Hamao said he understands this quite well because "my own family belonged to Shintoism ... at home, we had a small temple of Shintoism and a small temple of Buddhism, the former for the national feasts and the first day of the year, the latter for fasts (undertaken on behalf of) the ancestors."
His mother was the first in his family to become Christian, he said. As a young girl, she had attended a Catholic girls' school. Later on, during the war, as a widow with four children, she went to the Catholic Church to be instructed and was baptized in 1942. His sister was baptized in 1945, while his brother and he were baptized in 1946, when the cardinal was 16.
His brother went on to become chamberlain to Japan's emperor and "was tutor of the emperor when he was crown prince." When the future cardinal decided to enter the seminary, "my uncles, aunts, almost everyone was against my mother," he said. "They did not understand what being a priest means and thought I was becoming a bonze, to retire from the world to live in a convent because I lost my girl or lover, so they were against my mother. She suffered a lot."
However, people later accepted his decision, he said. When John Paul II made him a cardinal, Cardinal Hamao added with a laugh, many people thought "becoming a cardinal means to become rich, materialistic!"
The beatification could also help Japanese understand a little more about Christianity, Cardinal Hamao added. "If it is given publicity by the media in Japan, perhaps it could help people to think Christianity is very good. Today, many people in Japan think Christianity is very good, but also very strict."
For example, he pointed out, Catholics are expected to go to Church every Sunday, but Buddhists only go to the temple once a year. Even so, he said, "Christians are respected in Japan, and many people, even if they do not believe in anything, want to send their children to Catholic schools."
After 8 years as Vatican official, Japanese cardinal calls for changes
Apr 27, 2006
Cardinal Stephen Fumio Hamao, who headed a Vatican office for eight years, is advocating a review of criteria for the appointment of bishops in Asia and Africa, as well as a change in church approaches to dialogue with other religions, and greater internationalization of the College of Cardinals.
ROME (UCAN, 4/7/2006) – The Tokyo-born prelate spoke frankly with UCA News about several issues of interest to the whole church, particularly the church in Asia, on March 15, four days after the Vatican announced that the pope had accepted Cardinal Hamao's resignation as president of the Pontifical Council for Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant Peoples.
"I feel free now," he remarked upon learning he no longer had to bear the heavy responsibility of the office he was assigned to head on June 15, 1998.
Even so, he admitted that he dearly loved the work that brought him "into daily touch with human suffering around the world," and he hopes somehow to continue working in this area in the future.
In February 2005, shortly before the cardinal turned 75 on March 9, 2005, he handed in his resignation to Pope John Paul II, since the official age for retirement in the Vatican is 75. But the ailing pontiff died less than a month later, and his successor, Pope Benedict XVI, asked Cardinal Hamao and other Vatican officials to remain in their posts "until further notice."
Cardinal Hamao used to report on his work twice a year to Pope John Paul, so in September 2005 he requested and was given a private audience with Pope Benedict XVI at Castel Gandolfo, a small town about 30 kilometers (about 20 miles) southeast of Rome that has been used for centuries as the summer residence of the pope.
Though Cardinal Hamao "never imagined" last year's conclave would elect Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, he gained a "very good impression" of Benedict XVI when he went to congratulate him. The new pope told him, "Let us work together for the good of the migrants." The cardinal found this "very encouraging" – "he knew me and knew my office; it was very good and very human."
Last September, during a half-hour private audience, he again found the new pope "very interested in our work, and very understanding," but "he gave no indication then about what would happen to our office – no indication!"
Instead, Cardinal Hamao read in newspapers about the pontiff's intention to reform the Roman Curia and that his own council temporarily would be led by Italy's Cardinal Renato Martino, 73, head of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. However, the Japanese cardinal officially was told nothing.
Cardinal Hamao began to wonder if the press reports were true when his council started to lose staff. Last August, his council's under-secretary, Divine Word Father Michael Blume of the United States, 59, was named nuncio to Togo and Benin in Africa, and India's Father Anthony Chivatyath, 64, in charge of gypsies and aviation, was appointed this past February as bishop of the Syro-Malabar Diocese of Sagar in his native country. Neither was replaced.
In late February, therefore, he asked to meet Archbishop Leonardo Sandri, "sostituto" (substitute) in the Vatican's secretariat of state, to request new staff. But when they met, Archbishop Sandri informed the cardinal that the new pope had indeed accepted his resignation. The archbishop also suggested that he talk with Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of state. When Cardinal Hamao did so that same day, Cardinal Sodano confirmed what the archbishop had said.
The Vatican announced on March 11 that the pope accepted Cardinal Hamao's resignation and the presidency of his office would merge "for now" with that of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace under Cardinal Martino.
The Japanese cardinal is disappointed over how his exit took place. "Nobody consulted me," he said. "I felt a little bit – how do you say it – sad."
Thereafter, Cardinal Hamao learned much the same happened with Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald, 68, former president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. The British prelate, named nuncio to Egypt on Feb. 15, also was never consulted about curia reforms or the future of his council.
According to Cardinal Hamao, "it will take time" for the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Itinerants to be integrated fully with the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, if indeed such is the plan. "It will not be easy," the cardinal predicted, because the focus of his former council is "more pastoral" while the other has hitherto been "more theoretical."
Even so, he said the final result "can be good," but first there is need "for much consultation" between the two councils, which remain separate even if temporarily led by the same president. The cardinal expects the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum" to be merged eventually with these two, but not yet.
Like several other Vatican officials, Cardinal Hamao feels there is urgent need for better communication, coordination and cooperation between and among the Roman Curia's various offices. He said as much in a written statement submitted to the one-day meeting of the College of Cardinals on March 23.
From 2002 until he retired, Cardinal Hamao was the only Asian in charge of a Vatican office. The Synod of Bishops for Asia in 1998 asked Pope John Paul to bring more Asians to work in the curia. Before long, he not only assigned then-Bishop Hamao of Yokohama to the Vatican, but also named Vietnam's Archbishop Francis-Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan, then in exile in Rome, as president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace. The archbishop became a cardinal in February 2001, and Cardinal Hamao received his own red hat in October 2003.
Today, no one from Asia heads any curia office. "Cardinal Van Thuan has died (2002), and I am leaving," Cardinal Hamao stated. If, as he hopes, he soon gets an audience with Pope Benedict, he will ask the pontiff to "call an Asian bishop to head any Roman Curia office. I would suggest that he call someone from Korea, Indonesia, India, the Philippines or any other part of Asia."
When Cardinal Hamao, Japan's fifth cardinal in dhurch history, meets Pope Benedict, he said he also will suggest that the pope "listen to the voice of the Asian people – not judge beforehand, but listen to them, listen to us."
In his view, Rome "has difficulty in understanding" Asia's reality and the church in Asia, particularly as regards dialogue with people of other faiths.
"They cannot understand because they say interreligious dialogue is very important, yet we must proclaim only one savior, Jesus Christ," he said. "Of course, we know and believe this, but if we live in the midst of different religions, we must have some dialogue with others, especially the dialogue of life. In this dialogue, we can cooperate with other religions, such as Buddhism or Shintoism, for the education of youth, the education of people for peace, social assistance for handicapped people, to help the poor and so on."
The cardinal elaborated by pointing out, "St. Peter said in his First Letter (3:15-16), if they ask us what is the reason for our hope, for our joy, then we can explain this kindly, honestly, clearly. So that is our attitude."
Cardinal Hamao spoke on this very subject during the 1998 Synod of Bishops for Asia. At that time, he recalled, "I said we must proclaim the gospel and Jesus Christ as savior, gradually, not from the beginning; because if we say that Jesus Christ is the one and only savior from the beginning, then we cannot have dialogue with them."
"European cardinals and bishops cannot understand this well," the outspoken cardinal said. "They are not so happy with this 'gradually.'" By contrast, he added, "many Asian bishops and cardinals do say 'gradually.' They say we must show the pastoral care of Jesus Christ; not catechesis but gospel. Asians accept easily the pastoral care of Jesus Christ more than the catechism."
"The catechism is theology – European theology, not oriental theology," he asserted. "It is all too difficult, too intellectual, too logical. We Asians are not so intellectual, but we are intelligent. We are – how can one say it – more intuitive, more aesthetic. We need something to touch our heart. The catechism does not convert people."
As a cardinal, the Japanese prelate serves as a member of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, so he takes part in its monthly meeting where candidates are considered for appointment as bishops in Asia and Africa.
Around that table, he said, are "so many" cardinals and bishops from Europe, America and Latin America who are particularly concerned about whether or not the man to be appointed bishop in Asia or Africa has studied in Rome or elsewhere in Europe, and whether he has gained an academic degree there.
Cardinal Hamao believes this should not be a decisive criterion. In his view, a candidate could have studied in his home country, without gaining an academic degree, yet have such good pastoral experience he could be the right person to become bishop.
Based on his experience in that congregation, Cardinal Hamao advocates "a revision of the criteria for the appointment of bishops in Asia and Africa." This revision, he elaborated, should not only address the question of academic and theological preparation, but also face "the problem related to tribe or caste," a major issue in the appointment of bishops for countries such as Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka, as well as in Africa.
Reflecting on his own Vatican experience, the courteous cardinal thinks the reason so few Asians are in the Roman curia, and the Asian perspective is lacking and the Asian voice not really listened to, is because "Asia is too far from here, it's very far. I don't mean geographically, but morally."
In Rome, he said, "they consider the church in Asia and Africa as a baby, immature in terms of Christianity. Perhaps they think the Asian and African Church is a baby or infant church. They only consider Europe as mature, and maybe Latin America is considered an adult church now. That is my impression."
He pointed out that European predominance also is evident in the College of Cardinals, where today 100 of the 193 cardinals are from Europe, and 60 of the 120 cardinal-electors are Europeans.
For Cardinal Hamao, this composition does not accurately reflect the current spread of Catholics, most of whom are no longer Europeans. Most Catholics now live in Latin America, and the flourishing Asian and African churches have more Catholics than their European counterparts. He would like the membership of the College of Cardinals to reflect this new reality.
He added that though he was "very happy" three Asians were to get red hats on March 24, he found it "strange" that not even one new African elector was among them, and fully half of the 12 new cardinal-electors are Europeans.
Cardinal Hamao, who knows Latin well and taught it to Japan's Emperor Akihito when he was crown prince, also fails to understand the current push to restore Latin in parts of the Roman liturgy, and the insistence that Catholics be able to recite the Gloria, the Creed and the Lord's Prayer in Latin.
He noted that many cardinals and bishops, mainly Europeans, have tried to push this, such as during the Synod of Bishops on the Eucharist last October.
Cardinal Hamao knows Pope Benedict is pro-Latin, but he clearly stated his opposition to the drive for more Latin, and he did that in writing – the only Vatican office head to do so. He explained that it is just "unreal" to expect Catholics in India, Indonesia, Japan or elsewhere in Asia to learn Latin.
Gratitudine della Fondazione Migrantes per il Presidente uscente, il Cardinale Stephen Fumio Hamao
Mar 22, 2006
Migranti press riporta una nota apparsa sull’Osservatore Romano di domenica 12 marzo.
(mclink.it, 16 marzo 2006) CITTA’ DEL VATICANO - “Il Santo Padre ha accolto la rinuncia presentata, per limiti di età dall’Eminentissimo Signor Cardinale Stephen Fumio Hamao, Presidente del Pontificio consiglio della Pastorale per i Migranti e gli Itineranti, e per ora ha unito la presidenza di detto consiglio a quella del Pontificio Consiglio della giustizia e della Pace. Di conseguenza, Sua Santità ha nominato l’Eminentissimo Signor Cardinale Renato Raffaele Martino come nuovo Presidente del Pontificio Consiglio della Pastorale per i Migranti e gli Itineranti”.
La nota prosegue comunicando analoga disposizione per altro Pontificio Consiglio: “Inoltre, il Sommo Pontefice, al fine di favorire un dialogo più intenso fra gli uomini di cultura e gli esponenti delle varie religioni, ha unito per ora la presidenza del Pontificio Consiglio per il Dialogo Interreligioso a quella del Pontificio Consiglio della Cultura e, di conseguenza, ha nominato l’Eminentissimo Signor Cardinale Paul Poupard come Presidente del Pontificio Consiglio per il Dialogo Interreligioso”.
Stando al testo – osserva Migranti press - si tratta di una disposizione non definitiva (“per ora”) e non si tratta di accorpamento, bensì di attribuzione a due Pontifici Consigli di un'unica presidenza.
La Fondazione Migrantes “coglie l’occasione per esprimere gratitudine e stima per il Presidente uscente, il Cardinale Stephen Fumio Hamao, che in questi anni ha mostrato tanta simpatia e vicinanza a questo organismo della Chiesa Italiana. Veniva invitato ai vari Convegni generali o di settore della Migrantes e quasi sempre ha trovato modo di inserire la Sua partecipazione nell’agenda. Destava in tutti ammirazione il suo interesse e attenzione per i vari problemi della mobilità umana, presente puntualmente a relazioni e dibattiti talora dall’inizio alla conclusione degli incontri. Viva in tutti la consapevolezza di essere assieme a una eminente figura della Chiesa, ma forse prevaleva la sensazione che tra i convegnisti ci fosse un fratello o un amico in più”.
El Vaticano presenta un documento en el que pide mayor solidaridad con el pueblo gitano
Mar 04, 2006
El Vaticano presentó hoy un documento denominado 'Orientaciones para la pastoral de los gitanos' en el que pide a la Iglesia y a los católicos que expresen una mayor solidaridad con estas poblaciones nómadas.
ROMA, 28 Feb. (EUROPA PRESS) - .El documento fue presentado esta mañana en una rueda de prensa por el presidente y el secretario del Pontificio Consejo para la Pastoral de los Emigrantes e Itinerantes, el cardenal Stephen Fumio Hamao y el arzobispo Agostino Marchetto, respectivamente.
El texto es fruto de un largo estudio en el que han contribuido diversos agentes pastorales, gitanos y expertos del tema. Los seis capítulos del texto están divididos en dos apartados: el primero presenta una visión de conjunto de la Iglesia y los gitanos, mientras el segundo se centra en cuestiones pastorales. "Sucede a menudo que los gitanos son rechazados o mirados con desprecio. El mundo, que en gran parte está caracterizado por la avidez y por el desprecio de los débiles tiene que cambiar y acoger a nuestros hermanos nómadas no sólo con la simple tolerancia sino con un espíritu fraterno", señala el documento.
Resalta también que la historia de los gitanos está caracterizada por rechazos y persecuciones que culminaron con el "holocausto olvidado", que también ellos sufrieron durante el nazismo. En esta línea, añade que aún ahora su supervivencia se ve amenazada por "la rápida transformación de la sociedad moderna que hace inútiles sus actividades tradicionales, así como la discriminación contra ellos, las condiciones precarias de su hábitat y el bajo nivel de instrucción".
En la pastoral, en el se dan instrucciones para acercarse a los gitanos, el Vaticano reconoce que aunque los gitanos siempre han demostrado "un vivo sentido de lo sagrado, como demuestran sus tradiciones religiosas, la escasez de sacerdotes y de los operadores pastorales dispuestos a seguirles impide que puedan recibir una formación religiosa. Por esto constituyen un terreno fértil para el proselitismo y las sectas".
"EVOLUCIÓN POSITIVA".
Durante la presentación del texto, el cardenal Stephen Fumio Hamao explicó que el origen de la pastoral específica para los gitanos se remonta a la primera mitad del siglo XX, gracias a la iniciativa de algunos sacerdotes en Francia, Alemania, España e Italia y que la Santa Sede la reconoció como misión especial en 1965 tras la primera peregrinación histórica de los gitanos a Roma.
El cardenal constató las numerosas señales de "evolución positiva" en el mundo gitano como "el deseo creciente de instrucción y formación, la sensibilización social y política que desemboca en la creación de asociaciones y partidos" o la incipiente participación en la administración nacional, y la presencia de mujeres en la vida civil. También recordó la nutrida asistencia de la comunidad a la beatificación, el 4 de mayo de 1997, del primer beato gitano, el español Ceferino Jiménez Malla.
Por su parte, el arzobispo Agostino Marchetto, se centró en la actividad pastoral, destacando, en primer lugar, que "por la naturaleza particular de la cultura gitana, la simple "evangelización" desde fuera no es eficaz", si bien "una encarnación genuina del Evangelio no puede legitimar indiscriminadamente todos los aspectos de su cultura".
El prelado elogió, además, el "fuerte sentido de la familia" de los gitanos, que, sin embargo "no tendría que degenerar en resentimientos entre personas y clanes". Asimismo, recordó la necesidad de "promover la igualdad de derechos entre hombres y mujeres gitanos" y recalcó que "la honradez laboral es una virtud civil y cristiana que no hay que olvidar".
Por otra parte, lamentó que los medios de comunicación "raramente dan a conocer al público aspectos positivos de la cultura gitana y hacen hincapié en los negativos, perjudicando aún más su imagen".
Il Cardinal Hamao arriva in Perù seguendo le orme degli antichi giapponesi
Jan 27, 2006
Il Cardinale giapponese Stephen Fumio Hamao, Presidente del Pontificio Consiglio della Pastorale per i Migranti e gli Itineranti, visiterà il Perù dal 21 al 28 gennaio seguendo le orme dei suoi antenati giapponesi.
CITTA’ DEL VATICANO, venerdì, 20 gennaio 2006 (ZENIT.org).- Il 21 novembre 1906, a bordo della nave giapponese “Itsukushima Maru”, sbarcava in Perù il primo contingente di immigrati provenienti dal Giappone, con un contratto di lavoro agricolo per la Hacienda Santa Clara. Dei 774 immigrati, 36 avevano lasciato l’isola giapponese di Okinawa per dare inizio alla corrente migratoria “Nikei” del Perù, come ricorda un comunicato stampa del Pontificio Consiglio.
Il 2006 segna cento anni da quella data storica. Nel frattempo i flussi migratori dal Giappone al Perù si sono intensificati, anche in virtù del processo delle riunificazioni familiari che permettono “la costituzione, in suolo peruviano, di raggruppamenti associativi, finalizzati soprattutto all’accoglienza dei nuovi arrivati, al sostegno nell’integrazione e alla valorizzazione delle tradizioni ancestrali”.
Nel 1952 ha assunto una configurazione definitiva l’“Asociación Okinawense del Perú”, con proprie strutture e programmi formativi e in stretta sintonia con le istituzioni locali.
E’ in questo contesto che si stanno avviando le celebrazioni del Centenario dell’immigrazione giapponese in Perù, con la partecipazione del Cardinale Hamao, Arcivescovo emerito di Yokohama.
Accompagnato dal reverendo Gabriele Bentoglio, Officiale dello stesso dicastero, il porporato interverrà martedì 24 gennaio a Lima all’Assemblea Generale della Conferenza Episcopale del Perù con la presentazione dell’Istruzione Erga migrantes caritas Christi, “applicata al contesto migratorio storico dei flussi dal Giappone al Perù, ma anche a quello attuale, che registra un’inversione di tendenza, per il fatto che oggi sono i Peruviani, anche discendenti degli immigrati giapponesi, a lasciare la terra andina per il Paese del Sol levante”.
In seguito, il Cardinale Hamao visiterà alcune counità di immigrati giapponesi a Lima e inaugurerà il Policlinico di Ventanilla, voluto dalla comunità Okinawense proprio per le celebrazioni del centenario.
La colonia giapponese in Perù è composta da circa 80.000 immigrati. I Peruviani in Giappone sono invece 70.000, anche se in crescente aumento.
La prostitution, outrage à la dignité humaine : congrès au Vatican
Jun 25, 2005
Le trafic des êtres humains et la prostitution constituent un « outrage à la dignité humaine » et l’Eglise est appelée à « défendre les droits des femmes avec force », déclare le cardinal japonais, Stephen Fumio Hamao, en ouvrant ce matin, en ce premier jour d’un congrès organisé par le dicastère qu’il préside, le conseil pontifical pour les Migrants et les personnes en déplacement.
Rome (Zenit.org, 20 Juin 2005) - C’est le premier congrès - de deux jours - organisé par le Vatican sur la « libération des femmes de la rue », qui se tient au siège du conseil pontifical, au palais Saint-Callixte de Rome .
Le cardinal Hamao a appelé à « dénoncer les injustices et les violences perpétrées contre les femmes, en quelque lieu ou circonstance qu’elles se vérifient ».
Il a encouragé ceux qui descendent dans la rue pour libérer les victimes de ce « jeu dégradant de l’exploitation ».
La pastorale pour la libération des femmes de la rue est un signe des temps, a-t-il souligné.
Après l’accueil du président du dicastère, les travaux ont été ouverts par le secrétaire du Conseil pontifical, l’archevêque Agostino Marchetto, avec une conférence intitulée : « Le trafic des personnes, en particulier des femmes destinées à la prostitution ».
Mgr Marchetto a rappelé les paroles de Jean-Paul II, reprises ensuite par Benoît XVI : "N’ayez pas peur !". IL soulignait : « Nous ne devons pas avoir peur d’affronter les drames de notre époque, même s’ils sont extrêmement graves, et nous devons "vaincre le mal par le bien" ».
Le congrès est, disait-il, « une occasion de penser ensemble, au niveau de l’Eglise universelle, et d’être attentifs - comme l’est le Saint-Père à l’égard de toutes les Eglises - à ce drame d’aujourd’hui, à ce nouvel esclavage », mais aussi d’« élaborer des orientations pastorales communes, qui se traduisent dans un apostolat d’accueil, avec des programmes adéquats pour ses différents aspects : humains, familiaux, sociaux, économiques et ecclésiaux ».
Il faisait remarquer : « Notre Congrès sera sans doute une goutte d’eau dans l’immense océan des souffrances humaines, mais - comme le disait Mère Teresa de Calcutta - si cette goutte n’existait pas, il manquerait quelque chose dans l’océan ».
Ce sont soixante représentants de Conférences épiscopales, de Congrégations religieuses, d’associations et institutions d’une vingtaine de pays, surtout européens, qui participent à cette première rencontre, mais avec aussi une présence de l’Amérique Latine, de l’Afrique et de l’Asie.
Selon les chiffres de l’Organisation Internationale des Migrations (OIM) selon laquelle un demi-million de femmes provenant d’Europe de l’Est sont réduites en esclavage et contraintes à se prostituer en Europe occidentale. En Italie, on estime que 50 % du marché du sexe exploite des femmes nigérianes.
A fianco dei migranti, nuova frontiera della missione in Asia
Apr 17, 2005
Il suo impegno pastorale è ispirato all’invito lanciato da Giovanni Paolo II di rendere la parrocchia “casa per tutti”.
Città del Vaticano (AsiaNews, 16 Aprile 2005) - Il cardinale Stephen Fumio Hamao, presidente del Pontificio Consiglio della pastorale per i migranti e gli itineranti, è nato a Tokyo (Giappone) il 9 marzo 1930.
È il primo vescovo proveniente dall’Estremo oriente a guidare un alto ufficio di curia in Vaticano. Ha studiato al Collegio Urbano a Roma (1951-1958) e si è laureato in Diritto Canonico alla Pontificia Università Gregoriana a Roma (1962).
Ordinato sacerdote il 21 dicembre 1957, il 5 febbraio 1970 viene nominato vescovo ausiliare di Tokyo. Il 30 ottobre 1979 è stato nominato vescovo di Yokohama. Durante l'episcopato a Yokohama ha ricoperto numerosi incarichi tra cui vice presidente della Caritas Internationalis e presidente della Caritas dell'Asia e dell'Oceania (1989-1996); responsabile dell’Apostolato della Gioventù (1980-1986) e presidente della Conferenza episcopale del Giappone (1995-1998).
Nel 1990 ha avviato un piano pastorale diocesano per venire incontro alle esigenze dei residenti stranieri. Il 15 giugno 1998 è nominato arcivescovo e presidente del Pontificio Consiglio della Pastorale per i Migranti e gli Itineranti. Nel frattempo rinuncia al governo pastorale di Yokohama. Viene creato cardinale da Giovanni Paolo II nel Concistoro del 21 ottobre 2003, diacono di S. Giovanni Bosco in via Tuscolana.
Subito dopo lo tsunami del 26 dicembre 2004 l’Apostolato del mare e della pesca, interno al Consiglio migranti, si è mobilitato per portare aiuto concreto alle comunità del sudest asiatico colpite dalla tragedia. In questa occasione il cardinale ha sottolineato l’urgenza di aiuti “mirati” ai pescatori e “sostegno psicologico” ai bambini.
Il suo impegno pastorale è ispirato all’invito lanciato da Giovanni Paolo II di rendere la parrocchia “casa per tutti”. In una recente intervista ad AsiaNews il card. Hamao ha spiegato che “l’emigrazione rappresenta un nuovo flusso missionario e la parrocchia deve diventare come una seconda casa per i migranti: un luogo dove essi vengono ammessi con spirito di accoglienza e apertura, quale che sia la loro religione”.
È membro delle Congregazioni: per l'Evangelizzazione dei Popoli, delle Cause dei Santi, dei Pontifici Consigli: della Giustizia e della Pace, «Cor Unum»; e del Pontificio Comitato per i Congressi eucaristici internazionali.
God Grabbed me and made me a Bishop
Apr 17, 2005
He confesses to a natural laziness, but says God does not let him get away with it. "I prefer standing in the back", he said of his nomination to the College, but "God grabbed me and made me a bishop.
(The Tablet, 23 April 2005) The Japanese Cardinal Stephen F. Hamao, 73, is president of the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travellers, a job which involves looking for ways to provide pastoral care for millions of people on the move or of no fixed abode or parish, whether refugees, sefarers, Gypsies or circus workers.
The former bishop of Yokohama is a humorous, modest man whose appointment surprised some. He confesses to a natural laziness, but says God does not let him get away with it. "I prefer standing in the back", he said of his nomination to the College, but "God grabbed me and made me a bishop.
I guess I was not good enough, so now I will be made a cardinal."
Neuer Kurienkardinal fordert neues Konzil
Nov 29, 2004
Der jüngst ernannte japanische Kurienkardial Stephen Fumio Hamao (73) hat ein neues Konzil für die katholische Kirche gefordert.
(KNA, 10.12.2003) Rom - In einem am Mittwoch vorab veröffentlichten Interview mit der italienischen Zeitschrift "Famiglia Cristiana" sagte Hamao: "Ich halte ein neues Konzil für notwendig, vor allem um über eine größere Eigenständigkeit der Ortskirchen zu diskutieren."
Hamao, der seit 1998 den "Päpstlichen Migrantenrat" leitet, meinte in dem Interview, die nach dem letzten Konzil eingesetzten Bischofssynoden reichten für die Klärung aktueller Fragen nicht aus. Die Ortskirchen beständen "nicht aus Kindern" und müssten mehr Eigenständigkeit bei der Verkündigung des Evangeliums unter den verschiedenen Völkern erhalten.
The Risk of Losing the Truth of the Minorities
Oct 18, 2004
A world accustomed to majority rule could run the "risk of losing with it the truth of the minorities," warns a cardinal. Cardinal Hamao delivers Homily Before 1 Million in Guadalajara.
(Zenit, Oct. 17 2004) GUADALAJARA, Mexico - Cardinal Stephen Hamao, president of the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travelers, delivered that message to an estimated 1 million people during a Mass celebrated Thursday at the La Minerva roundabout in Guadalajara, as part of the International Eucharistic Congress.
During his homily the cardinal said that "grace and the Holy Spirit are not governed by majority criteria."
Cardinal Hamao was accompanied on the altar by cardinals Jozef Tomko, Juan Sandoval Íñiguez, Francis Arinze and Juan Luis Cipriani.
The Japanese cardinal highlighted the fact that in "holy Communion we are united to Jesus' spirit, divine and human; he gave himself up for us with the real love that puts itself at the disposition of others."
On the eve of the Mass, Cardinal Hamao told ZENIT that his homily would focus on Eucharistic love, which "obliges us to do that which is good for others."
The Church's raison d'être is the spread of that love, fruit of Jesus' oblation, he said. "We must all regard our neighbors as real brothers and sisters, and share their joys and hopes, their sufferings and sadnesses, and help to make amends for the sins committed," the cardinal added.
The Catholic Church cannot remain -- because of its intimate union with the Eucharist that builds it -- removed from the problems that affect people today, he continued.
Quoting John Paul II, Cardinal Hamao said that it is a commitment of the Church "to contribute with the light of the Gospel to the building of a livable world in full conformity with the plan of God."
Among the poor, the weak and the humble whom the Church must serve in today's world, stemming from faith in the Eucharistic Jesus, are "masses of refugees, migrants, victims of the traffic of persons, especially women and children," he stressed.
Cardinal Hamao ended his homily by pointing out that two-thirds of the world's people live in Asia and Oceania.
"Among them," he said, "we Christians are a small flock, but we count on the strength of the Holy Spirit who, through the sacrament of the Eucharist, makes us go forward with courage in faith, gives us hope, and exhorts us to the charity of Jesus Christ to build and spread, also in these very continents, the Kingdom of God."
Catechism, Western Theology too Far Removed from Japanese Culture
Oct 04, 2004
Cardinal Stephen Fumio Hamao, the president of the Pontifical Council for Migrants, believes that the Church in Asia is "excessively Westernized," and argues that local bishops should be given greater freedom "to adapt to the country's culture."
Rome, Sep. 02 (CWNews.com, Sept. 02 2004) - Cardinal Stephen Fumio Hamao, the president of the Pontifical Council for Migrants, told the Italian monthly Jesus that while the story of the Gospel and the figure of Jesus are attractive to the people of his native country, "the catechism and Western theology are too far removed from Japanese culture; they do not touch the heart." Christianity has been presented to the people of Asia "in an overly intellectual fashion," and with "an excessively severe moral law," Cardinal Hamao argued.
Le prochain pape
Oct 04, 2004
Le nouveau cardinal japonais, Stephen Fumio Hamao, président du Conseil pontifical pour la pastorale des migrants et des itinérants, s’est exprimé dans Eglises d’Asie, l’agence des Missions étrangères de Paris, un entretien repris par Zenit, le 26 novembre.
(DICI, 6/12/2003) Le cardinal Hamao pense que le prochain pape "devrait ressembler à Jean-Paul II", un homme qui comprenne bien les autres cultures, les autres religions et les coutumes des différentes nations. "L’évangélisation est vraiment importante". C’est pourquoi il voudrait voir le nouveau pape ouvert à d’autres idées, parce que "dialoguer avec d’autres religions est essentiel".
Au sujet de l’insistance que montrent certains, dont la Congrégation pour l’évangélisation des peuples, à vouloir proclamer à temps et à contretemps que Jésus est l’unique Sauveur, le cardinal maintient qu’il s’agit là d’un obstacle au dialogue entre les religions. "Ils ne comprennent pas. Ils ne peuvent pas comprendre", dit-il. Les catholiques croient que Jésus-Christ "est le seul Sauveur" et ils savent que la religion chrétienne "est une religion révélée, ce qui est vrai", mais "il leur faut procéder graduellement", parce que "la proclamation ne peut se faire que par paliers".
A propos d’un nouveau pape, le cardinal voudrait qu’il soit "un homme ouvert, intelligent, accueillant à tous, quelqu’un qui nous écoute" et "qui veille à ce que la Curie romaine sache conforter les Eglises locales". "La Curie romaine est là pour servir les Eglises locales, affirme-t-il, non pour leur donner des ordres ou les critiquer. Il nous faut encourager les Eglises locales, les écouter, entendre leurs problèmes et les aider dans leurs difficultés. Ce devrait être l’attitude de la Curie romaine et celle du Saint-Père." Mgr Hamao pense également qu’il serait "très important" que le futur pape ait une expérience pastorale d’évêque diocésain comme celle qu’avait Jean-Paul II. "L’expérience pastorale est un facteur très important dans le choix d’un nouveau pape."
Il serait bon, affirme-t-il également, que le nouveau pape convoque un troisième Concile du Vatican. Les synodes des évêques "ne résolvent rien. Ils ne font juste que dire les mêmes choses. Rien que des répétitions. Dans les synodes, les évêques font des propositions et le Saint-Père publie une exhortation apostolique et puis, en fin de compte, rien n’est décidé". De cette absence de résultats concrets à l’issue des synodes, le cardinal dit encore : "Je ne pense pas que cela soit dû au Saint-Père. Mais le fait est que rien ne change dans les structures de l’Eglise. Ce qui ne renforce pas la foi."
Mgr Hamao déclare qu’il partage les vues du cardinal Carlo Maria Martini, archevêque émérite de Milan, qui pense que "beaucoup de questions" sont apparues depuis la fin du second Concile du Vatican, en 1965. Questions qui demandent d’être sérieusement débattues par l’ensemble des évêques de la planète réunis en concile, pour que des décisions appropriées soient prises. Le cardinal pense qu’un concile pourrait aborder le problème de la sensibilisation aux autres cultures, spécialement les cultures non chrétiennes d’Asie et d’Afrique. Le programme devrait inclure la question du dialogue avec les autres religions. "Bioéthique, clonage, respect de la vie, environnement et écologie" sont également des questions à aborder.
Quand il lui faudra voter au prochain conclave, le cardinal Hamao affirme vouloir d’abord tenir compte de l’état d’esprit et des visions d’avenir du candidat possible plus que de sa nationalité. Il souhaite aussi que le nouveau pape soit polyglotte afin d’être plus facilement compris de tous.
Japan´s Cardinal Hamao discusses pope´s health, conclave
Sept 15, 2004
Cardinal Hamao asserted, "The Roman Curia is there to serve the local Churches, not to instruct them or criticize them. We must encourage the local Churches, listen to them, listen to their problems, and help them in their difficulties. That should be the attitude of the Roman Curia, and that should be the attitude of the Holy Father."
VATICAN CITY (UCAN, November 7, 2003) - The Japanese prelate, president of the Vatican´s Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, talked to UCA News on the eve of the Oct. 16 celebrations for Pope John Paul´s 25th anniversary as pope. The 73-year-old cardinal received the red hat on Oct. 21 and a special ring Oct. 22, the insignia of his new status, from Pope John Paul at the Vatican.
The Cardinal said of the pope, "I admire very much his courageous activity, and his courageous work in spite of his not so good condition of health." He also praised the pope for his great service to the Church and for his "strong personality". But he said that, given the pope´s "very frail physical condition," he could resign.
Cardinal Hamao would have no objection to the pope resigning, saying: "He may retire, it is good. I hope he does so, because it is pitiful to see him like he is now." However, he added, "I don´t t´think he wants to retire."
The cardinal is one of four Asians working in the Roman Curia, and the only one heading a Vatican office. He made clear he wants to see more Asians in the Roman Curia, as requested by the Synod for Asia in 1998. He said: "The Far East is far from here, there has been very little contact, and even less is known about it. Here the don´t know much about that part of the world."
In June 1998, Pope John Paul named him, then bishop of Yokohama, to head the Vatican office for migrants. He led Yokohama diocese for 19 years, and was president of the Japanese bishops" conference for part of that time.
Cardinal Hamao is convinced that the pope made him a cardinal "not just for personal reasons," but as "a sign of his appreciation for the pastoral work we are doing in this office" for migrants, itinerant people, refugees, sea-farers, gypsies, nomads and other people on the move.
He regards the red hat as a "strong endorsement" by Pope John Paul of the work of his office. When he had his annual meeting with the pope in February, he told the pope, "Holy Father, we are grateful for your courageous interventions in defense of all minorities throughout the world, and so we follow you". The cardinal said the pope was happy to hear that.
Cardinal Hamao went on to tell the pontiff he laments that the ministry to migrants and itinerant people "is not considered so mainstream in the Catholic Church," but the pope assured him of his "full support," saying, "I and your office work together, that is enough!" The pope later confirmed the cardinal in his post as head of the council until the statutory retirement age of 75.
Gunkasu Kano, Japan´s ambassador to the Holy See, has visited Cardinal Hamao, only the fifth Japanese cardinal in Church history, to congratulate him on his elevation to the College of Cardinals.
Cardinal Hamao said he has not yet heard from the Emperor of Japan, though he knows him very well, having taught him Latin when he was crown prince. The cardinal expects to see him on the emperors´s birthday, Dec. 23, when the emperor invites former teachers to an annual reception at the Imperial Palace.
Japan now has two cardinal electors with a right to vote if a conclave were now held to elect a new pope: Cardinal Hamao and Cardinal Peter Shirayanagi Seiichi, 75, archbishop emeritus of Tokyo.
But Cardinal Hamao claims he is not "prepared" for a conclave and does not know many of the 134 cardinal electors, except Asians, Australians, "some" Africans and those in the Roman Curia. "So I must study," he said.
He said the next pope could "still" come from Europe or "probably" Latin America or Africa, but he does not see nationality as an issue. He has clear ideas on qualities he looks for in a candidate to be the next pope.
Cardinal Hamao thinks the next pope "should be like John Paul II" and a man who can "understand the position of the different cultures, religions and customs of the different countries," Evangelization "is very important," he added, but he wants the next pope to be sensitive to other faiths, because "it is very important to have dialogue with other the religions."
He also maintains that the current insistence by some, including the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, on proclaiming Jesus as the unique savior, is an obstacle to dialogue with other faiths. "They do not understand, they cannot understand," he said.
The cardinal said Catholics believe Jesus Christ "is the unique savior" and they know the Christian religion "is a revealed religion, and so is true," but they "must proceed gradually" because "proclamation must be done gradually."
A third quality that Cardinal Hamao looks for in a papal candidate is to "be open, intelligent and welcoming (to) everybody... a person who listens to us," and also ensures that the Roman Curia encourages local Churches.
Cardinal Hamao asserted, "The Roman Curia is there to serve the local Churches, not to instruct them or criticize them. We must encourage the local Churches, listen to them, listen to their problems, and help them in their difficulties. That should be the attitude of the Roman Curia, and that should be the attitude of the Holy Father."
He also considers it "very important" that the next pope have pastoral experience in a diocese, as Pope John Paul had. "Pastoral experience is a very important factor in choosing the next pope," the cardinal stated.
Cardinal Hamao also wants the next pope to call the "Third Vatican Council." Synods of bishops, he said, "resolve nothing; they just produce repetitions -always repetitions. The bishops make proposals at the synods, and the Holy Father gives an apostolic exhortation, but nothing is decided."
On synods of bishops not taking decisions, Cardinal Hamao said: "I don´t think this is due to the Holy Father. But the fact is there is no change in the structures of the Church. This does not strengthen the faith."
When he votes at the next conclave, Cardinal Hamao said he will above all else be looking closely at the mentality, outlook and vision of the candidate to be pope, rather than at his nationality. He also wants a pope who can communicate in various languages and be easily understood by people.
Un pequeño rebaño en Asia
Décès du cardinal japonais Fumio Hamao
Japanese cardinal, retired president of migrants' council, dies at 77
Benedikt XVI. würdigt Kardinal Hamao, einen „stolzen Sohn des japanischen Volkes“
È morto a 77 anni il cardinale giapponese Hamao