CLERGY, RELIGIOUS AND LAY LEADERS ARE "PILLARS" OF THE DIOCESE

VATICAN CITY, MAY 30, 1999 (VIS) - Calling them the "pillars" of the diocesan community, the Pope met at 5 p.m. in Ancona's St. Cyriacus Cathedral with the clergy, religious and representatives of the laity involved in diocesan pastoral ministries. He exhorted them to be "deeply united to your bishop," to respond with joy to their particular charisms and ministries and to support inter-parish collaboration.

The Pope, noting that St. Cyriacus Cathedral is currently celebrating its millennium anniversary, said that "as a temple of stone which has defied the centuries, it is also the mother Church who welcomes the entire community composed of 'living stones for the building of a spiritual edifice'." He then pointed out "several paths for fulfilling this exalted undertaking."

"Above all," he went on, "I exhort you to be ever more deeply united to your bishop. Communion in thought, beliefs and initiatives is the greatest gift to the Lord from His Church, the substance of the life of the Christian community and the goal of her entire mission." He said that every member of the faithful is called to communion with the bishop, who is "Christ's vicar and delegate."

"I also invite you," the Pope added, "to respond with joy to the particular vocation which God has given each of you. With the multiplicity of your ministries and charisms, you are the sign of God's unforeseeable love," of the one Spirit "who, according to his own richness and the needs of the ministries, gives his different gifts for the welfare of the Church." The Pope asked all "to respond with generosity, creativity and responsibility to the vocation received in order to become efficacious instruments of communion and to offer a joyous witness of faith to non-believers."

Lastly, John Paul II suggested that "another path to the growth and building of unity in the diocesan community consists of inter-parish collaboration. ... Generous and systematic collaboration among parishes, beyond favoring ecclesial communion, represents a strong element of growth for the life of the parish community itself."

PV-ANCONA;PRIESTS; RELIGIOUS; LAITY;...;CATHEDRAL;VIS;19990531;Word: 350;

MAY HUMANITY HAVE THE COURAGE FOR RECONCILIATION

VATICAN CITY, MAY 30, 1999 (VIS) - Early this morning the Pope travelled by helicopter to Ancona, in the Marche region of Italy, where he paid a pastoral visit, his 135th within Italy, to mark the 1000th anniversary of the Cathedral of Saint Cyriacus.

At 10 a.m. the Pope presided at a eucharistic concelebration in the stadium of Conero with prelates from the Marche. Having recalled in his homily today's Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, he said: "Seen from the outside, with its position high over the city, (the cathedral) symbolizes the consoling presence of the triune God who, from on high, guides and protects the life of man. At the same time, the cathedral calls us to raise our eyes to heaven."

Addressing the faithful who had gathered to hear him, the Holy Father said: "Mindful of the past, alert to the present yet also projected towards the future you, Christians of the archdiocese of Ancona-Osimo, know that the spiritual progress of your ecclesial communities and the very promotion of the common good of civil communities requires strenuous commitment. ... May the road thus far travelled and the faith that inspires you give you the courage and incentive to continue."

The Holy Father said: "Emulating your forebears, be a living Church in the service of the Gospel! A hospitable and generous Church which, with its enduring testimony, knows how to render present God's love for all human beings, especially for those suffering and in need. I know that this is your commitment." Evidence of this may be seen in the initiative to reconstruct a building "to be dedicated to services of solidarity and the pastoral ministry of youth."

Following the Mass and before praying the Angelus, the Holy Father mentioned a number of shrines within the archdiocese of Ancona that are dedicated to the Virgin and made a fresh call for peace.

He said: "From this city, linked by tradition to the East, I cannot help but look beyond the Adriatic which, for many refugees, constitutes a difficult path of hope. Alas, in Kosovo and in the Republic of Yugoslavia violence and oppression continue unchecked, with numerous human victims and enormous environmental damage. I renew today my heartfelt call for peace. I ask for prayers so that Mary may secure us this essential and irreplaceable gift."

"In the face of continuing violence, may our confident invocation not die away, an invocation for the people of Kosovo and Yugoslavia who have for too long been victims of a situation which represents a terrible defeat for humanity, one that comes immediately after the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. May we also mention other peoples who, especially in the continent of Africa, pay an unacceptable price in human lives, hunger, misery and humiliation because of prolonged fratricidal conflict, frequently ignored by public opinion."

The Pope also requested that "humanity find the courage for reconciliation. That dialogue, solidarity and love prevail over the multiple forms of pride and falsehood. May God illuminate the consciences of those responsible so that they place the protection of fundamental human rights above all else. In fact, each time that hatred and violence triumph, it is man who is defeated. May God help and console the thousands of children, women, old and sick people; the innocent victims of war."

PV-ANCONA;MASS; ANGELUS;...;...;VIS;19990531;Word: 570;

TRUTH WITH INTELLECTUAL HONESTY, RESPECT FOR REVELATION

VATICAN CITY, MAY 29, 1999 (VIS) - The students, faculty and administrators of the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, entrusted to the Prelature of the Holy Cross and Opus Dei, were received today by the Holy Father, who highlighted the university's objective of "seeking and promoting the truth with intellectual honesty and respect for Revelation."

In his address, the Pope highlighted the school's Faculty of Institutional Social Communications, "whose duty it is to form in a specific way people who are able to collaborate with bishops, episcopal conferences and other ecclesial institutions in transmitting correct information about the Church through the media."

He also underscored "the insertion into your university of the Superior Institute of Religious Sciences" which "offers the opportunity of an academic and ecclesial formation for those entrusted with teaching religion in schools, catecheses in parishes and other types of apostolate."

The Holy Father noted that the university's crest "features a Greek cross whose arms end in arrowheads" next to which "one reads the words 'Iesus Christus, Deus Homo'. What a meaningful synthesis of the orientation of teaching activity and research! The Cross is the supreme revelation of the mystery of the Word Incarnate, 'perfectus Deus, perfectus homo'."

John Paul II affirmed that, "in these times ... of a widespread mistrust in the capacity of reason to reach the truth, I thought it timely to publish the recent Encyclical 'Fides et Ratio'" which, "like 'Veritatis Splendor', ... represents an efficacious orientation for the work of all who devote themselves to the study of theology, religious sciences and philosophy. It is in Christ, God and Man, that the perfect harmony between nature and grace shines."

AC;HOLY CROSS UNIVERSITY;...;...;VIS;19990531;Word: 290;

TO THE SICK: OFFER SUFFERING FOR OTHERS WHO SUFFER IN THE WORLD

VATICAN CITY, MAY 30, 1999 (VIS) - Concluding his one-day pastoral trip to Ancona, Pope John Paul visited the regional hospital where he had words of comfort for the patients, telling them that they have "a special place in my daily prayer," and asking them to offer their sufferings for others who suffer in the world, especially victims of war.

"Dear ones," he said, "if we allow ourselves to be enlightened by faith, the hospital, which is a place of suffering, can become a temple of mercy for everyone: for patients, who those who work there, for everyone who comes to visit sick people, and for the entire Christian community."

"At this time," the Holy Father observed, "how can we not think of those people who are caught up in the middle of a war and who need care? Hospitals themselves have not been spared the consequences of the conflict! And here is the most serious evil: man's hatred and violence towards his own brother, fratricidal hatred; this is the first illness of the spirit which we must fight! And the only therapy for this evil is conversion, pardon and reconciliation.

"From this hospital where you are constrained to live, bedridden, sometimes for more than just a few days, you can be close to all your brothers and sisters who are suffering in various parts of the world, where the right to life and to health is violated on a daily basis. Your condition as sick people can become a bridge of human and Christian solidarity: The Cross of Christ is a source of peace."

PV-ANCONA;HOSPITAL;...;...;VIS;19990531;Word: 270;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, MAY 29, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Accepted the resignation of Bishop Raimundo Revoredo Ruiz C.M., from the pastoral care of the territorial prelature of Juli, Peru, in conformity with canon 401, para. 2 of the C.I.C.

- Appointed Frs. Michel Christian Cartateguy S.M.A., vicar general of the diocese of Niamey, Niger and Ambroise Ouedraogo of the clergy of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, "fidei donum" missionary in Niger, as auxiliaries of the diocese of Niamey (area 1,200,000, population 10,000,000, Catholics 17,310, priests 41, religious 136), Niger. Bishop-elect Cartateguy was born in Hasparren, France in 1951 and was ordained a priest in 1979. Bishop-elect Ouedraogo was born in Kossodo, Burkina Faso in 1948 and ordained a priest in 1979.

- Appointed as members of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of Sacraments: Cardinals Michael Michai Kitbunchu, archbishop of Bangkok, Thailand; Miguel Obando Bravo S.D.B., archbishop of Managua, Nicaragua; Alexandre Jose Maria dos Santos O.F.M, archbishop of Maputo, Mozambique; John Baptist Wu Cheng-chung, bishop of Hong Kong, China and Aloysius Matthew Ambrozic, archbishop of Toronto, Canada; Archbishops Franco Brambilla, apostolic nuncio; Francois Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace; Ivan Dias of Bombay, India; Justin Francis Rigali of St. Louis, U.S.A.; Jose Saraiva Martins C.M.F., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints; Agustin Garcia-Gasco Vicente of Valencia, Spain; Ramon Ovidio Perez Morales of Maracaibo, Venezuela; Juan Luis Cipriani Thorne of Lima, Peru; Claudio Hummes O.F.M., of Sao Paulo, Brazil; Franc Rode C.M., of Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jorge Mario Bergoglio S.J., of Buenos Aires and Josip Bozanic of Zagreb, Croatia; Bishops Albert-Marie de Monleon O.P., of Pamiers, France; Terence John Brain of Salford, Great Britain; Kevin Michael Manning of Parramatta, Australia and Philip Boyce O.C.D., of Raphoe, Ireland.

- Appointed as members of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications: Archbishops Romeo Panciroli M.C.C.I., apostolic nuncio; Fernand Frank of Luxembourg; Roland Aboujaoude, auxiliary of Antioch of the Maronites, Lebanon; George Yod Phimphisan C.SS.R., of Udon Thani, Thailand; Jose Sanchez Gonzalez of Siguenza-Guadalajara, Spain and Alfred Kipkoech Arap Rotich, military ordinary, Kenya.

RE; NEA;...;...;...;VIS;19990531;Word: 360;

SPECIAL ENVOY TO THE EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS IN PORTUGAL

VATICAN CITY, MAY 29, 1999 (VIS) - Made public today was a letter from the Holy Father, written in Latin and dated May 20, addressed to Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, president of the Central Committee for the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000, naming him special envoy to the National Eucharistic Congress of Portugal which will take place in Braga June 3-6.
The pontifical mission that will accompany Cardinal Etchegaray is composed of Msgr. Antonio Ferreira de Costa, official of the Secretariat of State and Fr. Jose Paulo Leite de Abreu of the diocese of Braga.

JPII-LETTER;SPECIAL ENVOY;...;ETCHEGARAY;VIS;19990531;Word: 100;

THE EUCHARIST: SIGN OF UNITY AND SOURCE OF CHARITY

VATICAN CITY, MAY 29, 1999 (VIS) - The Pope sent a message to Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela, archbishop of Madrid and president of the Spanish Episcopal Conference, on the occasion of the National Eucharistic Congress at Santiago de Compostela, which opened on May 26 and closes today.

In his message, which is in Spanish, the Holy Father writes that the memory of James the Apostle (Santiago) "reminds us that he was a witness to the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper, just as he was to the glory of Christ in the Transfiguration and to His anguish in the Garden of Olives."

"The celebration of this National Eucharistic Congress is a clarion call to unity and communion for the whole Church in Spain, a call for a return to the roots of the Christian faith that has made your communities thrive. This is recognized by many other sister Churches worldwide. It is demonstrated by the testimony of your martyrs, the rich spirituality of your saints and the dynamic enterprise of your missionaries, who carried the message of the Gospel from the 'finis terrae' of Compostela to other regions of the globe."

John Paul II adds that "the Eucharist, being a sign of unity and source of charity, ... stimulates us to promote fraternity in a divided world, testifying to God's loving paternity towards everyone."

After highlighting that the Eucharist has been "the secret of the vitality of the Church in your motherland," the Pope makes a call to "trust in the future, in order that Christ, present in the Eucharist, may fortify your resolve and revitalize in all, especially in the young, the commitment to evangelization and the desire for a public and social testimony of Christian life at the end of this century and this millennium."

MESS;EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS;...;SPAIN; ROUCO;VIS;19990531;Word: 310;

POPE TO PRESIDE AT CORPUS CHRISTI MASS AND PROCESSION

VATICAN CITY, MAY 31, 1999 (VIS) - At 7 p.m. on Thursday June 3, feast of Corpus Christi, Pope John Paul II will celebrate Mass on the square in front of St. John Lateran Basilica. Afterwards he will lead the traditional Eucharistic procession on Via Merulana, the broad street which links the patriarchal basilica of St. John's to that of St. Mary Major.

The note published today by the Office for the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff recalls that, during the May 22 Pentecost vigil Mass in St. Peter's Square, the Holy Father had said: "For the forthcoming feast of 'Corpus Domini' I would like a single choral invocation for peace to arise from the Church of Rome. I invite everyone - clergy, religious and lay faithful - to join me the evening of June 3 at St. John Lateran to participate in Mass and in the 'Corpus Domini' procession, where together we will implore the gift of peace in the Balkans. This year, may the day of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ be marked by intense prayer for peace."

OCL;CORPUS CHRISTI; PEACE;...;...;VIS;19990531;Word: 190;

"HEALTH FOR ALL" SHOULD NOT BE AN UNATTAINABLE UTOPIA

VATICAN CITY, MAY 31, 1999 (VIS) - On May 19, Archbishop Javier Lozano Barragan, president of the Pontifical Council for Pastoral Assistance to Health Workers, participated in the 52nd session of the World Assembly of the World Health Organization (WHO) which took place in Geneva, Switzerland from May 17 to 26.

In his speech, which was published today, the head of the Holy See delegation said: "For the ideal of 'health for all' - including a minimum universal health assistance - not to remain an unattainable utopia, inspiring concepts and the practical operational criteria of solidarity, which may effectively ensure that profit and market forces not be absolute parameters, must be incorporated into the ideas and action of the world economy. Only in this way can health, especially of the poorest and most defenseless, take its rightful place."

He went on: "The Holy See would like to use this occasion to reiterate its constant appeal to the international community not to allow the opportunity offered by the close of the second millennium to pass without resolving the grave problem of the external debt of the poorest countries. ... This urgent requirement cannot but concern all those responsible for world economy and politics."

DELSS;HEALTH;...;GENEVA; LOZANO;VIS;19990531;Word: 220;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, MAY 31, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Archbishop Beniamino Stella, apostolic nuncio in Colombia.
- Archbishop Ernesto Gallina, apostolic nuncio.
- Archbishop Giovanni Ceirano, apostolic nuncio.
- Bishop Ruben T. Profugo of Lucena, the Philippines, on his "ad limina" visit.
- Bishop Francis Teke Lysinge of Mamfe, Cameroon, on his "ad limina" visit. - Fr. Joseph Atanga, S.J., apostolic administrator "ad nutum Sanctae Sedis" of Yaounde, Cameroon, on his "ad limina" visit.

Tonight at 9 the Holy Father is scheduled to speak to the faithful gathered at the Grotto of Lourdes in the Vatican Gardens for the traditional ceremony closing the month of May.

On Saturday, May 29, he received in separate audiences:


- Cuthbert Montraville Sebastian, governor of St. Kitts-Nevis, Lesser Antilles.
- Five prelates from the Cameroon Episcopal Conference on their "ad limina" visit:
- Bishop Jean-Bosco Ntep of Eseka.
- Bishop Roger Pirenne C.I.C.M., of Batouri.
- Bishop Philippe Albert Joseph Stevens, of the Little Brothers of the Gospel, of Maroua-Mokolo.
- Bishop Dieudonne Watio of Nkongsamba.
- Bishop Jan Ozga of Doume-Abong' Mbang.
- Cardinal Lucas Moreira Neves O.P., prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.

AP; AL;...;...;...;VIS;19990531;Word: 160;

ESTABLISHING A COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK IN THE SERVICE OF GOOD

VATICAN CITY, MAY 28, 1999 (VIS) - This morning, John Paul II received the participants of a meeting organized by the Italian Consortium of Free Local Radio and Television, gathering to discuss the subject "Identity and Globalization."

The Pope highlighted the great "service that the media can offer in order that the message of salvation reach all."

He went on: "At times the communication (media) run the risk of obscuring - through the intensity of their images and sounds - the void, the poverty of the message and the absence of valid ethical references. Faced with communication of this type, which prefers a passive audience to active protagonists, and to stupefy rather than to aid refection, it is more than ever urgent to offer, with competence and creativity, supplementary motivation and content in order to create a communications network in the service of good."

The Holy Father indicated that "the rapid technological development of the modern age may give rise to the idea that the local dimension has been by-passed. However, this is not so. ... When the instruments of social communication disassociate themselves from a clear social and human context, the models they propose result in a depersonalized and individualistic (society), often antithetical to the true good of the person, the family and the local community."

The Pope made clear his desire that all the Christian communication media, both national and local, might intensify their collaboration and he asked communication professionals to be interpreters of "the answers that the Gospel offers to the worries and questions of the men and women of today."

AC;COMMUNICATION MEDIA;...;...;VIS;19990528;Word: 280;

TWO PRESS CONFERENCES SCHEDULED FOR NEXT WEEK

VATICAN CITY, MAY 28, 1999 (VIS) - On Tuesday, June 1 at 11:30 a.m. in the Holy See Press Office, Cardinal Paul Poupard, president of the Pontifical Council for Culture, will preside at a press conference to present his dicastery's document, "A Pastoral Ministry for Culture."

The following day, June 2, at 12:30 p.m. in the press office, Cardinal Roger Etchegaray and Archbishop Crescenzio Sepe, respectively president and secretary general of the Central Committee for the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000, will present the audio-visual series, "The Great Jubilee of the Year 2000," produced by the Vatican Television Center and Editalia S.p.A.

OP;CULTURE; JUBILEE;...;POUPARD; ETCHEGARAY;VIS;19990528;Word: 110;

VATICAN RADIO INAUGURATES A SPECIAL PROGRAM FOR THE BALKANS

VATICAN CITY, MAY 28, 1999 (VIS) - On May 24 Vatican Radio inaugurated a special, one-hour long program for the Balkans, which is transmitted from 9 to 10 each evening in Albanian and Italian. The program includes news in Albanian and linkups and interviews from refugee camps, local dioceses, Caritas Albania and coordination centers for humanitarian aid.

News clippings from Italian papers, such as the Catholic dailies Avvenire and L'Osservatore Romano, are read in Albanian. There is also news useful to refugees, including messages aimed at reuniting family members.

In an interview on Vatican radio, Fr. Federico Lombardi, program director, said that they hope the broadcast will be of assistance in the humanitarian emergency, and an answer to the many demands made by humanitarian and religious organizations for "better information and for an exchange of information." It is hoped as well that the program will serve as "a moral support" for those involved in relief efforts.

For the Balkans this program is broadcast on 1611 KHz (MW), using a 120kW transmitter and Intelsat Atlantic satellite (325.5 degrees East, C band). For Rome and Italy, it is broadcast on 1611 MHz (MW).

RV;PROGRAM BALKANS;...;LOMBARDI;VIS;19990528;Word: 200;

THE FAMILY AND THE CHALLENGES OF THE THIRD MILLENNIUM

VATICAN CITY, MAY 28, 1999 (VIS) - The Pontifical Council for the Family will hold its 14th plenary assembly in the Vatican from May 31 through June 2 on the theme "The Family in the Face of the Challenges of the Third Millennium."

Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo, Bishop Francisco Gil Hellin and Msgr. Francesco Di Felice, respectively president, secretary and under-secretary of the council, and other council officials will present reports on this theme as well as on past activities and future projects of the pontifical council. Those scheduled to attend include the cardinals and bishops on the Committee of the Presidency, council officials and members and consultors, some of whom have been recently named.

On June 2 leaders from pro-family and pro-life associations and movements who are assisting in the preparation of the Third World Encounter of Families with the Holy Father, to take place in Rome on October 14-15, 2000, will also participate in the plenary.
At the end of the plenary assembly there will be a three-day meeting to study the theme "The Paternity of God and Paternity in the Family," in view of the fact that 1999, the third and final year of preparation for the Jubilee Year 2000, is dedicated to God the Father. Additional guests will join the members of the plenary assembly.

CON-F;FAMILY;...;LOPEZ TRUJILLO;VIS;19990528;Word: 220;

STATISTICS FOR THE CHURCH IN POLAND

VATICAN CITY, MAY 28, 1999 (VIS) - Statistics for the Church in Poland have been published on the occasion of the Pope's eighth apostolic trip to his native country - his 87th trip outside of Italy - from June 5 to 17. The statistics are drawn from the latest Statistical Yearbook of the Church, updated to December 31, 1997.

Poland has a population of 38.6 million inhabitants of whom 36.8 million - 95.4 percent - are Catholic. There are 43 ecclesiastical circumscriptions, 9,723 parishes and 800 pastoral centers of other types. Bishops number 120 (on April 30, 1999), priests 26,435 and religious 26,963. There are 925 lay members of secular institutes, 11,413 catechists, 670 minor seminarians and 6,762 major seminarians.

A total of 242,309 pupils attend the 668 Catholic study centers from kindergarten to university. There are also other centers owned by the Church and run by ecclesiastics or religious: 60 hospitals, 51 clinics, 165 homes for the elderly or the handicapped, 222 orphanages and nurseries, 1,650 family consultancies and other centers for the protection of life as well as 82 special education centers.

OP;POLAND STATISTICS;...;...;VIS;19990528;Word: 160;

CATHOLIC-LUTHERAN PRESS CONFERENCE ON DOCTRINE OF JUSTIFICATION

VATICAN CITY, MAY 28, 1999 (VIS) - A press conference will be held at the Ecumenical Center in Geneva, Switzerland on June 11, "to announce the positive conclusion of the process of examination undertaken by the Catholic Church and the Lutheran World Federation relative to the Joint Declaration of the Catholic Church and the Lutheran World Federation on the Doctrine of Justification."

The communique announcing this conference, published yesterday afternoon, stated that it will be presided over by Cardinal Edward I. Cassidy, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, and Rev. Ismael Noko, secretary general of the Lutheran World Federation.

OP;JUSTIFICATION;...;GENEVA; CASSIDY;VIS;19990528;Word: 100;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, MAY 28, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Six prelates from the Cameroon Episcopal Conference on their "ad limina" visit:
- Bishop Adalbert Ndzana of Mbalmayo.
- Bishop Simon-Victor Tonye Bakot of Edea.
- Bishop Jerome Owono-Mimboe of Obala.
- Bishop Eugeniusz Juretzko O.S.I., of Yokadouma.
- Bishop Raphael Marie Ze of Sangmelima.
- Bishop Emmanuel Bushu of Yagoua.

This evening he is scheduled to receive Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

AL; AP;...;...;... ;VIS;19990528;Word: 80;

LOCAL CHURCHES PREPARE FOR THE JUBILEE

VATICAN CITY, MAY 27, 1999 (VIS) - A series of initiatives from local Churches for the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 were presented this morning in the Holy See Press Office.

The participants at the press conference were: Cardinal Roger Etchegaray and Archbishop Crescenzio Sepe, respectively president and secretary of the Central Committee for the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000, Angelo Scelzo, editor of "Tertium Millennium" magazine and Luca de Mata, head of the central committee's Internet services.

Archbishop Sepe reviewed the abundant informatory material produced worldwide and dedicated to the Jubilee, including more than 1,000 publications comprising manuals, pamphlets, videos etc., more than 200 messages sent by national episcopal conferences and more than 100 pastoral programs.

Referring to Jubilee initiatives by continent, the secretary of the Central Committee indicated that in Latin America, CELAM (the Latin American Episcopal Council) is coordinating various activities with the support of a group of countries including Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica and Ecuador.

Archbishop Sepe went on to say that, as regards Africa, one of the most interesting initiatives is the national pilgrimage on Sunday, May 30 to the Basilica of Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, which "will be a kind of synthesis for the whole continent of the three years of preparation" for the Jubilee.

There are also many activities promoted by the European Churches. The archbishop said: "In Italy more than 90 percent of the dioceses are experiencing a special moment of grace through peoples' missions, meetings etc." In Spain, the national committee has produced a large quantity of pastoral material and liturgical texts.

In Asia, "the Korean bishops have promoted a national movement called 'New Day, New Life'" which aims to achieve "a positive transformation within the national community, starting with the family, the work environment and the city."

In Australia, from June 2 to 11, an ecumenical pilgrimage will take place whose goal is "spiritual renewal and reconciliation, especially with Australian aborigines."

Thereafter, referring to charitable aspects of the Jubilee, the archbishop indicated that needy pilgrims coming from all over the world "will make up part of the diocesan or national group and assistance for them will be assured by the group itself." He added that, in Italy, "374 houses have already been made available by ecclesiastical bodies, and these will offer accommodation at reduced charges, while another 41 will offer free hospitality, giving a total of more than 26,000 beds."

Luca de Mata announced that, starting next week, Jubilee initiatives promoted by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops in the U.S.A. may be studied at the web site www.jubil2000.org and, within three weeks, pages concerning Uruguay, Mexico and Venezuela will also be ready.

OP;JUBILEE;...;ETCHEGARAY; SEPE;VIS;19990527;Word: 440;

CENTER'S MISSION IS TO PROMOTE FAITH-CULTURE DIALOGUE

VATICAN CITY, MAY 27, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father this morning received 130 friends and supporters of the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington, D.C., and expressed his "gratitude to all who have supported its mission of advancing dialogue and mutual enrichment between the worlds of faith and culture."

In May 1996 the Pope received a group of people who had proposed and planned this center, and he blessed the cornerstone of the future building which, he said at the time, "contained a part from the area of the tomb of St. Peter in the Vatican Basilica." He received a group again in 1998, recalling that the ground-breaking ceremony had taken place the previous September.

"The planning of the Center," John Paul II said today, "was inspired by the Church's firm conviction that only the mystery of Jesus Christ sheds full light on the mystery of man and can therefore provide a sure foundation for the authentic progress of the human family in justice, peace and solidarity."

"Today," he remarked, "as the Church approaches the Third Millennium of the Incarnation, I pray that the Center, with its intellectual, artistic and cultural activity, will help to bring the Church's rich tradition and experience to bear on the great human and ethical issues which are shaping the future of your society."

AC;CULTURAL CENTER;...;...;VIS;19990527;Word: 230;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, MAY 27, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Bishop Domenico Umberto D'Ambrosio of Termoli-Larino as archbishop of Foggia-Rovino (area 1,326, population 197,656, Catholics 195,500, priests 175, religious 345), Italy. The archbishop-elect was born in Peschici, Italy in 1941, was ordained a priest in 1965 and a bishop in 1990. He succeeds Archbishop Giuseppe Casale, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the archdiocese was accepted by the Holy Father, on having reached the age limit.

NER; RE;...;...;D'AMBROSIO; CASALE;VIS;19990527;Word: 80;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, MAY 27, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Seven prelates from the Cameroon Episcopal Conference on their "ad limina" visit:
- Bishop Jean Pasquier O.M.I., of Ngaoundere.
- Bishop Pius Suh Awa of Buea.
- Bishop Jean-Baptiste Ama of Ebolowa-Kribi.
- Bishop Athanase Bala C.S.Sp., of Bafia.
- Bishop Andre Wouking of Bafoussam, accompanied by his auxiliary, Bishop Gabriel Simo.
- Bishop Cornelius Fontem Esua of Kumbo.

AL;...;...;...;VIS;19990527;Word: 70;

GENERAL AUDIENCE: UNIVERSAL ESCHATOLOGY

VATICAN CITY, MAY 26, 1999 VIS) - "Universal eschatology: Humanity on the Journey to the Father" was the theme of John Paul II's catechism during this morning's general audience in St. Peter's Square.

The Pope said that, in order to reflect on human destiny, "it is essential to refer to Exodus with its orientation towards entry into the promised land," and its revelation of God's salvific action.

The Holy Father recalled that "during the exile, the prophets foretold a new Exodus," that "God will not only bring together His scattered people, but will transform the heart of each one," and create a new alliance.

"The resurrection of Christ, His ascension and the announcement of His return have shed a new light on our final end. ... Jesus says: 'I go to prepare a place for you. And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am, you may be also.'"

The Pope recalled that we do not know when the end of time will occur. For this reason, "we must patiently await the coming of the resurrected Jesus. ... Anticipation of the final event must be lived in serene hope, committing oneself in the present moment to building the kingdom which Christ will hand over to the Father at the end of time."

He concluded: "Consequently we must remain convinced that our 'commonwealth is in heaven and from it we await a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.' For here we have no lasting city."

Among his greetings at the end of the audience, John Paul II particularly addressed the pilgrims from the Apostolic Vicariate of Meki, Ethiopia: "The conflict between your country and Eritrea is a cause of great sadness to me. Let us pray that peace will be promptly and permanently restored."

AG;UNIVERSAL ESCHATOLOGY;...;...;VIS;19990526;Word: 310;

MEETING AND CONCERT TO HONOR ITALIAN MUSICIAN LUCA MARENZIO

VATICAN CITY, MAY 26, 1999 (VIS) - The Santa Cecilia National Academy, the Pontifical Council for Culture and the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music have organized a meeting and a concert on May 29 to honor Italian musician Luca Marenzio on the occasion of the fourth centenary of his death.

The liturgical and devotional music of Marenzio will be highlighted in the afternoon meeting, according to a communique published today by the Santa Cecilia Academy. A concert of rare spiritual madrigals will be performed that evening in the basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina, where the composer is buried. Cardinal Paul Poupard, president of the pontifical council, will unveil a commemorative plaque.

...;CENTENARY MARENZIO;...;POUPARD;VIS;19990526;Word: 120;

PRESENTATION OF JUBILEE INITIATIVES AT CONFERENCE TOMORROW

VATICAN CITY, MAY 26, 1999 (VIS) - Tomorrow, May 27, at 11:30 a.m. in the Holy See Press Office, there will be a conference to present a number of initiatives for the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000, including several from local Churches. Emphasis will be placed on the organization for welcoming the needy during the year 2000.

Scheduled to participate are Cardinal Roger Etchegaray and Archbishop Crescenzio Sepe, respectively president and secretary general of the Central Committee of the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000, Angelo Scelzo, editor of "Tertium Millennium" magazine and Luca De Mata, head of the central committee's Internet office.

OP;JUBILEE;...;ETCHEGARAY; SEPE;VIS;19990526;Word: 110;

PAPAL MESSAGE FOR DEATH OF ARCHBISHOP MARIO TAGLIAFERRI

VATICAN CITY, MAY 26, 1999 (VIS) - The funeral Mass for Archbishop Mario Tagliaferri, apostolic nuncio in France who died on May 21, was held yesterday morning in the church of Saint-Pierre de Chaillot in Paris. Cardinal Jean-Marie Lustiger, archbishop of Paris officiated, and Archbishop Giovanni Battista Re, substitute for General Affairs, delivered a eulogy and read a message from Pope John Paul.

Following is the text of that message, written in French and published today:

"Having learned with great emotion of the death of Archbishop Tagliaferri, apostolic nuncio in France, I join in prayer all those who are grieving. I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the members of the Conference of Bishops of France, with whom the deceased had deep ties, sharing the joys and difficulties of their pastoral ministry, as well as to all persons touched by this mourning. With ardor and generosity, Msgr. Tagliaferri worked selflessly for the mission, also showing his great love for Christ and for the Church, whose humble and devoted servant he was. I ask Our Father in heaven to welcome into eternal joy the soul of this zealous pastor. As a sign of spiritual comfort, I send my heartfelt apostolic blessing to the cardinals, bishops, priests, civil authorities and all the faithful who have joined in prayer for the farewell ceremony."

TGR;FUNERAL TAGLIAFERRI;...;PARIS; LUSTIGER; RE;VIS;19990526;Word: 230;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, MAY 26, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Appointed Bishop Angelo Domingos Salvador, O.F.M. Cap., of Cachoeira do Sul, Brazil, as Bishop of Uruguaiana (area 37,403, population 453,230, Catholics 370,000, priests 23, religious 92), Brazil.

- Erected the eparchy of Belthangady, India, with territory taken from the archieparchy of Tellicherry, making it a suffragan of the metropolitan church of Tellicherry, of the Syro-Malabar rite. He appointed Fr. Lawrence Mukkuzhy as first bishop of the new eparchy. The bishop-elect was born in Sullia, India, in 1951, was ordained a priest in 1978 and since 1997 has been episcopal vicar for the Karnataka "mission."

NER;...;...;SALVADOR; MUKKUZHY ;VIS;19990526;Word: 100;

THE SHRINE, A PLACE OF INTERIOR RENEWAL

VATICAN CITY, MAY 25, 1999 (VIS) - Archbishops Stephen Fumio Hamao, Francesco Gioia and Crescenzio Sepe, respectively president and secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant Peoples, and general secretary of the Central Committee for the Great Jubilee Year 2000, today presented the document: "The Shrine, Memorial, Presence and Prophecy of the Living God."

Archbishop Hamao spoke of the importance of shrines, both because of the large numbers of pilgrims who visit them, as well as for the "renewal of life that they are capable of generating. In shrines, the sacramental life of the faithful becomes more profound, especially in the celebration of the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist."

He went on to say that the document is, above all, directed to priests, religious and lay persons who greet and accompany the pilgrims who visit the shrines and is "an aid in their pastoral work and a mark of gratitude for their efforts."

Archbishop Gioia presented a list of the sites of the world's most famous shrine: Guadalupe, Mexico; San Giovanni Rotondo, Padua, Assisi, Pompeii, Loreto and San Gabriele (Teramo), all in Italy; Aparecida, Brazil; Montmartre and Lourdes, both in France; Czestochowa, Poland; Lujan, Argentina; Fatima, Portugal; Santiago de Compostela, Spain; the Holy Land; Mariatzell, Austria; Knock, Ireland; San Juan del Valle and Immaculate Conception, both in the U.S.A.; Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast; Walsingham, UK.

For his part, Archbishop Sepe highlighted that "those who work in the service of the shrines and those who spiritually accompany the pilgrims must zealously and attentively prepare for the spiritual and pastoral celebration of the Jubilee."

OP;SHRINE;...;HAMAO; GIOIA; SEPE;VIS;19990525;Word: 270;

MAYOR OF MOSCOW RECEIVED BY HOLY FATHER

VATICAN CITY, MAY 25, 1999 (VIS) - A communique published this afternoon states that "this morning, May 25, the Holy Father received in audience Yuri Mikhailovic Luzhkov, mayor of Moscow. The mayor then visited Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano. The conversations allowed for a useful exchange of information, with a view to a better collaboration for the material and spiritual progress of the city of Moscow."

AP;MOSCOW MAYOR;...;LUZHKOV; SODANO;VIS;19990525;Word: 80;

1999 WORLD MISSION DAY MESSAGE FOCUSSES ON THE "OUR FATHER"

VATICAN CITY, MAY 25, 1999 (VIS) - Pope John Paul's Message for the 73rd World Mission Day, which will fall on Sunday, October 24, 1999 was published today. It focusses on the "Our Father," and analyzes, line by line, how this prayer helps us "to understand more easily the source of the apostolic commitment of the Church and the basic motives which make it missionary 'unto the ends of the earth'."

World Mission Day is traditionally the third Sunday of October. The Pope's annual message is usually published in May, and dated Pentecost Sunday.

The Pope writes is his 1999 Message, dated May 23, that "World Mission Day offers each of us the opportunity to better underscore (the) common missionary vocation. ... The mission of salvation is universal; for each person and for all people. It is the duty of the entire people of God, of all the faithful. The missionary calling should thus be a passion for every Christian, a passion for the salvation of the world and an ardent commitment to bring about the kingdom of the Father."

For this to happen, writes the Holy Father, there must be "ceaseless prayer, ... the offering up of one's sufferings ... and a personal commitment to support those agencies which cooperate in missionary work."

In his analysis of the prayer, John Paul II says that the opening line, "Our Father who art in heaven," reveals that "every human being and all peoples seek ... the mysterious face of God ... 'who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth'."

"Hallowed be thy name," the Pope writes, tells us that God must be made known to peoples, cultures and nations. It is man's "awareness that his encounter with God promotes and exalts the dignity of man" that brings him to pray these words.

With the words, "'Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done', believers invoke the coming of the divine kingdom and the glorious return of Christ. ... The Church proclaims that this kingdom of justice, peace and love ... is mysteriously achieved ... thanks to individuals, families and communities who choose to live in a radical fashion the teachings of Christ."

In his examination of the words, "Give us this day our daily bread," Pope John Paul writes: "In our times there is a very strong awareness that all have a right to 'daily bread', that is, to what is necessary to live. What is equally felt is the need for rightful justice and a sharing marked by solidarity. ... Notwithstanding this, a great many people still live in a way not consonant with their human dignity."

The Pope underlines God's love and "merciful goodness" in the face of sin and sinners when he meditates on the lines, "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us."
With the words, "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil," says the Holy Father, "we are asking God to not allow us to take the path of sin and to free us from an evil which is often inspired by a personal being, Satan, who wishes to hinder God's plan and the work of salvation fulfilled by Him in Christ. ... In social contexts strongly dominated by the logic of power and violence, the Church's mission is to witness to God's love and the strength of the Gospel, which break up hatred and vendetta, egoism and indiffernce."

MESS;WORLD MISSION DAY;...;...;VIS;19990525;Word: 530;

PROCEEDS FROM VATICAN STAMP SALES TO GO TO VICTIMS OF BALKAN WAR

VATICAN CITY, MAY 25, 1999 (VIS) - The Vatican's Philatelic and Numismatic Office today is issuing a special stamp called "Kosovo 1999," which features a drawing of refugees fleeing their land and the words of Pope John Paul II: "The Pope is with the people who suffer, and cries out to everyone: It is always time for peace!" The entire proceeds from the sales will go to the populations which have been afflicted by the Balkan conflict.

A note from the Governorate of Vatican City, which oversees the philatelic office, states that "once again, at the end of this century, Europe is marked by a conflict," by a war which has given us tragic images of men, women and children, defenseless, terrorized, and forced to flee their homes. "These are images which trouble the consciences of all persons of good will, images which scream out and which enjoin us not to remain indifferent."

The note also explains that the stamp, which costs 3,600 lire, "will be an extraordinary issue with the face value of a special delivery letter, and is called 'a special delivery for Kosovo'." It added that the Swiss Printing House "Helio Courvoisier" printed the 450,000 stamps free of charge.

The Vatican Post Office is also issuing a special postmark. It will be valid from today through June 9 and may be used only on mail bearing the Kosovo stamp.

SCV;KOSOVO STAMP;...;...;VIS;19990525;Word: 230;

THE SHRINE: MEMORIAL, PRESENCE AND PROPHECY OF THE LIVING GOD

VATICAN CITY, MAY 25, 1999 (VIS) - In the Holy See Press Office today, Archbishops Stephen Fumio Hamao and Francesco Gioia, respectively president and secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant Peoples, presented the document: "The Shrine, Memorial, Presence and Prophecy of the Living God."

Published in Italian, French, English, German, Spanish and Portuguese, the document is dated May 8 and is composed of an introduction, three chapters and a conclusion. Its aim is "to echo the spiritual life that buds in shrines, the pastoral commitment of those who discharge their ministry there and their effect ... on local Churches."

Archbishops Hamao and Gioia, the authors of the document, write: "In relation to the unique and definitive past of the salvific event, the shrine is given as a memorial of our origin in the Lord of heaven and earth. In relation to the present of the community of the redeemed ... it appears as a sign of the divine Presence. ... In relation to the future fulfillment of the promise of God, ... the shrine is set as a prophecy of God's tomorrow in the world's today."

The first chapter, "The Shrine, Memorial of the Origin," indicates that "the significant meaning of every shrine is to be a reminder in the faith of the salvific work of the Lord. ... One enters a shrine first of all to give thanks, ... to express praise to the Lord for the wonders that He worked; to ask His forgiveness for the sins we have committed; to implore the gift of fidelity in our lives as believers and the help necessary for our pilgrimage in time."

Chapter two is entitled "The Shrine, Place of the Divine Presence." Here the authors write that "the shrine is the sign of the divine Presence, the place of an ever new actualization of the alliance of human persons with the Eternal and among themselves." It is also "the place of the Word (of God) par excellence, in which the Spirit calls to the faith and brings about the 'communion of the faithful'." Furthermore, shrines are "privileged sacramental places. This is especially true for the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist," the celebration of which "gives a particular dignity to the shrines."

The president and secretary of the dicastery then turn to the question of ecumenical commitment, saying that it "may find shrines (to be) places where (ecumenical) promotion is exceptional since, in them, the change of heart and holiness of life that are the 'soul of the whole ecumenical movement' are promoted, and the grace of unity granted by the Lord is experienced."

"At the same time, shrines (represent) a sign of contradiction with respect to pseudo-spiritualistic movements, like New Age for example," because they promote a strong sense of the primacy of God, thus contradicting a general religious sentiment based exclusively on human faculties.

In the third chapter, "The Shrine, Prophecy of the Heavenly Homeland," it is indicated that "the shrine assumes a prophetic importance, because it is a sign of a greater hope, that points to the ultimate and definitive goal."

The authors of the document highlight that it is "important to promote collaboration, and the formation of associations among shrines, especially those of the same geographical and cultural area, and the coordination of their pastoral action with the pastoral care of tourism and human mobility in general."

In the concluding section, "those who have the responsibility for the pastoral care of shrines" are called to "pay constant attention so that the various expressions of Marian piety be integrated into the liturgical life which is the center and the definition of the shrine."

...;SHRINE;...;CON-SM; HAMAO; GIOIA;VIS;19990525;Word: 630;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, MAY 25, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- His Royal Highness Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, crown prince and vice prime minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and his entourage. - Yuri Mikhailovic Luzhkov, mayor of Moscow, accompanied by his wife and entourage.
- William Porter and Bernard Margueritte, respectively president and vice president of the International Communications Forum.
- Archbishop Francois Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan, Bishop Diarmuid Martin and Msgr, Giampaolo Crepaldi, respectively president, secretary and under-secretary of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.

AP;...;...;... ;VIS;19990525;Word: 70;

"TO BE A MISSIONARY CHURCH": A CHALLENGE FOR THE WHOLE WORLD

VATICAN CITY, MAY 22, 1999 (VIS) - This evening, the vigil of Pentecost, the Pope presided at a Eucharistic celebration in St. Peter's Square to mark the closing of the Citizens' Mission of Rome.

John Paul II thanked all the "missionaries, priests, religious and, above all, lay people who have been the first beneficiaries of the grace of the Mission. The generous commitment with which you have prepared yourselves and carried the Gospel into homes and into the urban environment has opened new paths for evangelization."

The Holy Father exhorted priests to be "judicious guides and attentive teachers of faith in the community," asked religious to continue to support the Mission through prayer and entreated lay people to "give life to a great and permanent missionary movement in the city and in all its environments." He also recalled the contribution made to the Citizens' Mission by the sick with the offer of their suffering and by cloistered nuns through their constant prayer.

The Pope proposed that a meeting take place that may serve to draw "the guide lines for a permanent commitment to missionary evangelization," in order that the seed sown in the three years of the Mission "not be lost" but produce fruit. "To be a missionary Church: This is the great challenge in the coming years for Rome and for the whole world."

He exclaimed: "The Gospel that Jesus entrusted to us is the Gospel of peace. How can we keep it to ourselves, especially at this moment when oppression and war are sowing destruction and death in the neighboring region of the Balkans? The Spirit urges us to proclaim and to work for peace in justice and reconciliation. It is in this sense that I would like, in the forthcoming feast of Corpus Christi, a single choral invocation for peace to arise from the Church of Rome. I invite everyone ... to join me" in the Mass and Eucharistic procession of June 3 "to entreat together the gift of peace in the Balkans."

AC;CITIZENS MISSION;...;...;VIS;19990524;Word: 350;

POPE THANKS MACEDONIA FOR AID GIVEN TO REFUGEES

VATICAN CITY, MAY 22, 1999 (VIS) - Pope John Paul this morning welcomed a delegation from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and thanked the country and its people for offering "a haven of safety" to the refugees from the war in Yugoslavia. The delegation was led by Prime Minister Ljubco Georgievski.

In greeting them, he recalled that they were in Rome because "every year the feast of the Apostles of the Slavs, Cyril and Methodius, brings a delegation ... to Rome to honor the relics of Saint Cyril in the Church of St. Clement."

"For many weeks now," the Pope added, speaking English, "you and your people have been caught up in the terrible crisis which day after day is bringing untold suffering, death and destruction to the Balkans, leaving hundreds of thousands of human beings mourning the loss of their family members, their property, and their basic human rights. Despite the enormous difficulties involved, your own country has become a haven of safety for many refugees and you are bravely and generously trying to alleviate their immediate distress and misery.

"In expressing to you and your fellow citizens my own and the Church's appreciation of all that you are doing," the Holy Father continued, "I again appeal with all my heart to those responsible to bring an end to the violence and to engage in an open and sincere dialogue aimed at creating a just and lasting basis for agreement and peace.

"My earnest prayer," he concluded, "is that, through the intercession of the two holy Brothers, the entire region will rediscover the brotherly communion of all its peoples, so that when the present violence and distrust have been overcome it may be for the rest of Europe and the world a clear example of just and peaceful coexistence in mutual respect and liberty."

AC;BALKANS;...;MACEDONIA;VIS;19990524;Word: 300;

THREE PRIESTS ARE ORDAINED IN RUSSIA, FIRST TIME IN 82 YEARS

VATICAN CITY, MAY 23, 1999 (VIS) - Today, Solemnity of Pentecost, three seminarians from Queen of the Apostles Major Seminary in St. Petersburg, Russia were ordained as priests, the first Catholic priests to have prepared and been ordained in Russia since 1917. Two of the new priests were born in Russia and the third was born in Estonia.

Archbishop Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz, apostolic administrator of European Russia, presided at the ordination Mass, which took place in the seminary's Dormition of the Virgin Church. Though the newly ordained priests are of the Latin rite, Cardinal Achille Silvestrini, prefect of the Congregation for Oriental Churches, attended the ceremony.

The original seminary was opened in 1877. It was confiscated by authorities at the start of the communist revolution and used as a military hospital. Only the top floor of the seminary's building complex has since been returned to the Church. It was re-inaugurated as a seminary on September 1, 1993 and in 1996 was recognized by the ministry of education as an institute of higher education.

The seminary's Church of the Dormition was closed in June 1930, returned to the Catholic Church several years ago and was re-consecrated on May 24, 1998. It is one of only four buildings of the original 50 Church structures which existed before the revolution to have been returned to the Church.

When the seminary re-opened in 1993, there were 12 students. Today there are 48.

...;ORDINATIONS RUSSIA;...;KONDRUSIEWICZ;VIS;19990524;Word: 220;

PENTECOST TRANSFORMED THE DISCIPLES INTO FEARLESS WITNESSES

VATICAN CITY, MAY 23, 1999 (VIS) - Speaking from his study window to the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square to pray the Regina Coeli, the Pope said that today's solemnity of Pentecost, "makes us relive the extraordinary experience that the Apostles had fifty days after Christ's Resurrection," when they were "transformed from fearful followers into fearless witnesses, courageously announcing the Good News to all peoples."

"Gathered in unified prayer in the Cenacle, with Mary," he went on, "they are sent by the Spirit of truth to transform the entire world into a cenacle of love and truth. Both dimensions - prayer and apostolate, communion and mission - are indispensable for the life of the Church in every time and place."

"We prepared for this great feast last evening, here in St. Peter's Square, with a solemn vigil which concluded the Citizens' Mission of Rome," the Holy Father stated. "What an extraordinary experience! It reminded us of last year's great meeting with ecclesial movements and new communities, which are a true gift of the Spirit of the Church at the end of the millennium and one of the new signs which came from Vatican Council II." He remarked that "last year's meeting produced a precious harvest. In fact, what has multiplied are the initiatives aimed at nourishing a sense of communion among movements and communities, whose scope is to increase mutual collaboration."

"Let us thank the Lord for this promising springtime of the Church," the Pope said in conclusion. "The secularized world asks each Christian to reinvigorate his own missionary impulse, basing it on a radical experience of faith in Christ, an experience made of prayer, unity and proclamation."

ANG;PENTECOST;...;...;VIS;19990524;Word: 280;

STS. CYRIL AND METHODIUS, PRECURSORS OF A UNIFIED EUROPE

VATICAN CITY, MAY 24, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father this morning received a delegation from Bulgaria, as he does each year when they come to Rome to pay tribute to the Saints and brothers, Cyril and Methodius. The delegation was led by Bulgaria's Prime Minister Ivan Kostov.

"With the presence here today of Catholic and Orthodox pastors," noted John Paul II, quoting "Slavorum Apostoli," "'we clearly see that the legacy of the brothers of Salonika is and remains ... deeper and stronger that any divisions', showing that both traditions, western and eastern, were born within the one Church of Christ. In fact, Saints Cyril and Methodius contributed to establishing and spreading the faith and Christian culture in the Slavic world."

The Pope remarked that "the brother saints, in proclaiming the Gospel, knew how to be respectful of authentic moral and human values, and of cultural diversity, allowing all peoples their unique characteristics and opening the way for unity among different cultures." He said they were thus, in a way, precursors of a unified Europe, built on peace and reconciliation, having created "the foundations for a new way of coexistence, respecting differences, which are in no way obstacles to unity."

AC;CYRIL; METHODIUS;...;BULGARIA; KOSTOV;VIS;19990524;Word: 210;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, MAY 24, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed:

- Cardinal Edmund C. Szoka, president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State, as his special envoy at the closing celebrations for the 450th anniversary of the first evangelization of Japan which will take place at Kagoshima on 11th October.

- Fr. Stanislaw Wielgus, former rector of the Catholic University of Lublin, as bishop of Plock (area 9,108, population 1,137,694 Catholics 1,076,094, priests 1,087, religious 1,066), Poland. The bishop-elect was born in Wieszchowiska, Poland in 1939 and was ordained a priest in 1962.

On Saturday, May 22 it was made public that he appointed:

- Bishop Edmundo M. Abaya of Laoag as metropolitan archbishop of Nueva Segovia (area 2,570, population 591,197, Catholics 502,046, priests 61, religious 128), Philippines. The archbishop-elect was born in Candon, Philippines in 1929, was ordained a priest in 1953 and a bishop in 1979.

- Msgr. Nikola Eterovic, nunciature councilor in the Section for Relations with States, as apostolic nuncio in Ukraine. The archbishop-elect was born in Pucisca, Croatia, in 1951, was ordained a priest in 1977 and made a councilor in 1993.

- Archbishop Luigi Pezzuto, apostolic nuncio in the Congo and Gabon, as apostolic nuncio in Tanzania.

- Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, president of the Committee for the Great Jubilee Year of 2000, as his special envoy to the National Eucharistic Conference of Portugal which will take place at Braga from June 3 to 6.

- Msgr. Konrad Krajewski, of the clergy of the diocese of Lodz, Poland, as assistant master of liturgical ceremonies.

NER; NA; NN;...;...;... ;VIS;19990524;Word: 230;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, MAY 24, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Bishop Jaume Camprodon Rovira of Gerona, Spain on his "ad limina" visit.
- Five prelates from the Cameroon Episcopal Conference on their "ad limina" visit:
- Cardinal Christian Wiyghan Tumi, archbishop of Doula, accompanied by his auxiliary, Bishop Dieudonne Bogmis.
- Archbishop Lambertus Johannes van Heygen C.S.Sp., of Bertoua.
- Archbishop Paul Verdzekov of Bamenda.
- Archbishop Antoine Ntalou of Garoua.
- Arcbishop Paul Josef Cordes and Msgrs. Karel Kasteel and Francisco Azcona San Martin, respectively president, secretary and under-secretary of the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum."

On Saturday May 22, he also received:

- Manzi Bakuramutsa, ambassador of Rwanda on his farewell visit.
- Ambassador Jean-Bernard Raimond.

AP;...;...;...;VIS;19990524;Word: 120;

SPAIN'S NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS STARTS MAY 26

VATICAN CITY, MAY 24, 1999 (VIS) - Made public today was the Letter from Pope John Paul to Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela, archbishop of Madrid, Spain, in which he named him as his special envoy to the celebrations of the National Eucharistic Congress in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, from May 26 to 29. The Letter was dated March 26 and is written in Latin.

Also published today were the names of the two priests who will accompany the cardinal: Fathers Andres Pardo Rodriguez, canon of Almudena Cathedral in Madrid, and Salvador Domato Bua, personal secretary of Cardinal Rouco.

JPII-LETTER;EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS;...;SPAIN; ROUCO;VIS;19990524;Word: 100;

PONTIFICAL COUNCIL PUBLISHES DOCUMENT ON SHRINES

VATICAN CITY, MAY 21, 1999 (VIS) - On Tuesday May 25 at 11:30 a.m. in the Holy See Press Office, there will be a conference to present the document, "The Shrine. Memorial, Presence and Prophecy of the Living God," which was prepared by the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerary Peoples.

Those scheduled to participate include Archbishops Stephen Fumio Hamao and Francesco Gioia, respectively president and secretary of the pontifical council, and Crescenzio Sepe, secretary general of the Central Committee for the Great Jubilee.

CON-SM;SHRINE;...;HAMAO; GIOIA; SEPE;VIS;19990521;Word: 100;

CHILDREN, THE CENTRAL THEME OF THE JUBILEE OF FAMILIES

VATICAN CITY, MAY 21, 1999 (VIS) - The Pontifical Council for the Family is preparing the Jubilee of Families which will take place in Rome on October 14-15, 2000 within the framework of the Third World Meeting of the Holy Father with Families.

A note from the Central Committee for the Great Jubilee indicates that, in keeping with the theme chosen by the Pope, "Children, The Springtime of the Family and of Society," this event will be the occasion to deal with the relationship of children with parents and with the social environment, as well as to analyze the problems of abuse, exploitation and violence against minors.

On Saturday, October 14, prayer meetings will be held for families on pilgrimage, both in the jubilee basilicas and in a number of national churches in Rome. In St. Peter's Square on the same afternoon, there will be a meeting of testimony and celebration of the families with the Pope. On Sunday morning, also in St. Peter's Square, John Paul II will preside at a celebration of the Eucharist during which he will administer the sacrament of marriage to 12 couples from different countries in representation of all the continents.

On October 12, 13 and 14, in the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas an international theological-pastoral congress will take place on the theme chosen for the Jubilee of Families. About 1,200 people are expected to attend, including family representatives, delegates and experts.

...;FAMILY JUBILEE;...;CON-F;VIS;19990521;Word: 250;

BANNING NUCLEAR WEAPONS, A MORAL, LEGAL AND POLITICAL CHALLENGE

VATICAN CITY, MAY 21, 1999 (VIS) - Yesterday in New York, Archbishop Renato Martino, permanent representative of the Holy See to the United Nations, addressed the Forum of Spiritual Leaders on the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which he called "the preeminent instrument to bring about the complete elimination of nuclear weapons."

Speaking at U.N. headquarters about the preparations for the 2000 Review of the NPT, he said that "despite all the difficulties, ... the Holy See never wavers from what it has said on several occasions: 'Nuclear weapons are incompatible with the peace we seek for the 21st century. They cannot be justified. They deserve condemnation. The preservation of the Non-Proliferation Treaty demands an unequivocal commitment to their abolition. ... This is a moral challenge, a legal challenge, and a political challenge. That multiple-based challenge must be met by the application of our humanity'."

The archbishop pointed out that the 1995 extension of the NPT was accompanied by a Program of Action "which called for a Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). ... Since then the CTBT has been signed by 152 States, but its ratification by the requisite number of States and hence entry into force is far from certain."

The Holy See observer went on to list some of the signs of lack of progress in the NPT process: delayed negotiations for a fissile ban; barely discernible "'systematic' progress in nuclear disarmament"; "START II (Strategic Arms Reduction Talks) is not yet in force"; "nuclear testing by new States"; "continued high military spending in virtually every region of the world"; "resurgence of militarism in the resolution of the dispute over Kosovo and the continued intransigencies in Iraq"; and "the many conflicts ravaging Africa."

"Enormous human suffering, atrocities and forced deportations of peoples are an unacceptable scourge," affirmed Archbishop Martino. "The gross violations of human rights and human dignity are intolerable and must be stopped. There can never be peace in the world while such injustices abound."

He added that "while militarism of all kinds must be checked, the abolition of nuclear weapons is the prerequisite for peace in the 21st century. ... Therefore, the present difficulties must be overcome.

"In order for the 'road map' to be clearer," the archbishop remarked, "the Holy See favors a new set of 'Principles and Objectives for Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament' to be adopted by the 2000 Review," suggesting that these "should reinforce the political accountability that is critical to the vitality and viability of the NPT process."

In concluding remarks, he stressed that "the activities of believers in the field of disarmament are a blessing and a service to humanity."

DELSS;NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT;...;U.N.; MARTINO;VIS;19990521;Word: 440;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, MAY 21, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Archbishop Antonio Franco, apostolic nuncio in the Philippines.
- Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams, apostolic nuncio in Bangladesh. - Six prelates from the Kenya Episcopal Conference on their "ad Limina" visit:
- Bishop Boniface Lele of Kitui.
- Bishop Philip Anyolo of Kericho.
- Bishop Alfred Kipkoech Arap Rotich, military ordinary.
- Bishop Maurice Anthony Crowley, S.P.S. of Kitale.
- Bishop Norman King'oo Wambua of Bungoma.
- Bishop Luigi Locati, vicar apostolic of Isiolo.

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HOLY FATHER GIVES THANKS FOR CHURCH'S GROWTH IN KENYA

VATICAN CITY, MAY 20, 1999 (VIS) - The members of the Kenya Episcopal Conference, in Rome for their quinquennial "ad limina" visit, were welcomed by the Pope this morning who, in his talk to them, expressed "gratitude to the Lord of the harvest" for "the vigor and vitality of the Church in Kenya as she continues to increase."

He noted that, since their last such visit, "two new dioceses have been erected and an apostolic vicariate established." Kenya's 6.6 million Catholics comprise 20 percent of the total population.

The Holy Father highlighted the bishops' "praiseworthy concern for the spiritual and religious welfare of your people in the context of the overall political, social and economic situation of your country." He said "this has immediate repercussions in the lives of the faithful, indeed of all Kenyans."

He then spoke of the diocesan- and parish-level initiatives "which provide effective forums for presenting the Church's social teaching. In fact, the healthy social order to which the citizens of Kenya aspire calls for a renewed moral and political culture of responsibility. ... Without a solid moral foundation no citizenry would be capable of properly exercising its political functions. Only in prudence, justice, temperance and courage can the choices be made ... which are truly conducive to the well-being of the nation."

John Paul II pointed to today's changing societies which "present Catholics with challenges for the living out of their Christian commitment, especially in the area of family life." He urged the prelates to "place a high priority on the pastoral care of families," encouraging the faithful "to be steadfast in embracing the ideals of Christian marriage and family life."

Turning to "the Church as God's family," and quoting the final document from the African synod, the Pope stated: "The new evangelization ... will aim at 'building up the Church as Family, avoiding all ethnocentrism and excessive particularism, trying instead to encourage reconciliation between different ethnic groups, favoring solidarity and the sharing of personnel and resources among the particular Churches, without undue ethnic consideration."

He said "this concept must be an integral part of all formation within the Church," that of the laity, especially youth and catechists, of seminarians and those committed to the consecrated life, and the continuing formation of priests. When the laity understand that "they belong to the Church and the Church belongs to them," and are committed to this," it "will help Catholics to avoid being lured away from the practice of their faith by other religious traditions and by the sects which are becoming ever more numerous in Kenya."

John Paul II spoke of the formation of seminarians, saying: "Care must be taken to avoid imparting models of the priesthood which are too clerical or authoritarian in nature, with the result that future priests find it difficult to work closely with lay people and to acknowledge their role and talents. ... The parish priest remains the leader, but he cannot - and should not - do everything himself."

The Holy Father exhorted the bishops to be close to their priests, particularly those "who may be faltering in fidelity to their vocation, and you must never tire of insisting that ministerial priesthood is not a profession or a means of social advancement. Rather, it is a sacred ministry. The Gospel demands that bishops should deal promptly, frankly and resolutely with any situation which scandalizes the flock or weakens the credibility of the Church's witness."

He dedicated closing remarks to praising both the work of members of institutes of religious and apostolic life, and the generosity of missionaries and catechists.

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THE POPE RENEWS HIS CALL FOR PEACE IN THE BALKANS

VATICAN CITY, MAY 20, 1999 (VIS) - This morning the Pope held a meeting in the synod hall with members of the Italian Episcopal Conference, who are participating in their 46th general assembly and who have just completed their "ad limina" visits that began some months ago.

John Paul II began by referring to the dangers of modern society, dangers also present in Italy, such as the "tendency to reject God" or to put Him "so to say, between parentheses," or moral subjectivism which "leaves the way open to egotism and consumerist fashions. ... However, precisely in the face of these difficulties, the Church in Italy is becoming ever more clearly aware of the mission and the new evangelization to which it is called."

The Holy Father recalled that the theme of vocations to the priesthood and to the consecrated life is being dealt with in the general assembly. He said: "Truly Christian families and enthusiastic parish and youth communities are still today the natural environment in which genuine vocations may be born and develop. ... Also ever more necessary is an organic, diocesan pastoral ministry for vocations."

After mentioning "the tragic state of war and ethnic cleansing which the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia has been experiencing over the last few years," he said: "I wish to express my great appreciation for the numerous testimonies and initiatives of concrete solidarity that are being practiced by religious institutions, Caritas and voluntary organizations, especially in refugee reception areas as well as in so many other parts of Italy. With you, I renew the call I made in Bucharest together with the Orthodox Patriarch Teoctist ... to definitively lay down arms."

Thereafter the Pope spoke of "the great themes of the family and of life" to which "the Italian Church is committed with prophetic courage, above all in promoting a family pastoral ministry. ... You rightly encourage the shouldering of social responsibility, both by the families themselves and by family associations, with the aim that in legislation, in social policy and in administrative norms and decisions the rights of the family are protected; a family based on matrimony, in harmony with constitutional dictates, without confusing it with other forms of cohabitation."
He praised the commitment of those who "fight for legislation that protects the legitimate family and the human embryo. Everyone knows that decisions are involved here that could gravely compromise the humanistic character of our civilization."

John Paul II concluded by referring to the Italian school (system) and, specifically, to difficulties in "finding the way to effective equality for all schools." On this subject, he indicated that "the great national assembly on Catholic schools, which is being organized and will take place in Rome at the end of October, is more than ever relevant. I am happy to be able to confirm, from this moment, my participation."

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POPE WELCOMES EIGHT NEW AMBASSADORS TO THE HOLY SEE

VATICAN CITY, MAY 20, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father this morning received eight new ambassadors accredited to the Holy See, including the first ever envoy from the Republic of Yemen, in a ceremony for the collective presentation of their Letters of Credence.

The new ambassadors are: Nina Kovalska, Ukraine; Robert George Halverson, Australia; Mohy Al-Dhabbi, Yemen; James Farrugia, Malta; Peter Patrick Kenneth Simmons, Barbados; Jean-Claude Michel, Monaco; Hjalmar W. Hannesson, Iceland, and Ronarong Nopakun, Thailand.

In his speech to them in French, the Pope said that he wished to "appeal once again, through you, to all nations so that, on all continents, the civil authorities and all people of good will might pursue and intensify their efforts in favor of peace, cooperation, solidarity and understanding among peoples. You know the Holy See's commitment in these areas, in order to silence arms and to make room for negotiations so that each country, in respect for the law, might be assisted in setting up their institutions and aided in the integration of the diverse cultures and ethnic groups which compose them.

"In fact, one cannot think of a State as a reality which refuses a part of its population, according to criteria which lead to segregation. The leaders of society are called to be attentive to the conditions of 'a good coexistence' so that fraternity prevails over hatred and violence.

"It is up to us," said John Paul II in concluding remarks, "to prepare a livable earth for future generations, giving young people reasons to hope and to commit themselves to running cities, in basing their action on the basic principles of justice, probity and respect for persons. Likewise, it would be suitable to proclaim to the men and women of our time, especially the youth, the moral and spiritual values which allow them to see the meaning of both their own existence and of history, and what the driving forces are of interior and social life."

Following his talk, the Pope met individually with the new ambassadors, consigning to each one a written speech in which he accentuated the particular situation in their country and also assured them that the Holy See would be at their complete disposal to assist them in their work.

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, MAY 20, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Bishop Miguel Mykycej, F.D.P., apostolic administrator "sede vacante et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis" of the eparchy of Santa Maria del Patrocinio en Buenos Aires of the Ukrainians, as bishop of the same eparchy (Catholics 125,000, priests 17, religious 105), in Argentina.

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, MAY 20, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Bishop Karl Lehmann of Mainz, Federal Republic of Germany.
- Professor Mario Luzi.

At 1 p.m. he had lunch with Italian bishops emeritus.

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POPE TALKS ON PEACE IN BALKANS, THE BATTLE OF MONTECASSINO

VATICAN CITY, MAY 19, 1999 (VIS) - During remarks to English-speaking visitors following the summary in their language of today's general audience catechesis, the Pope greeted the NATO Defense College, saying he was "always pleased to do so, ... recognizing your Organization's role in the service of peace.

"Today, unfortunately," he added, "the Balkans are without peace and we are daily witnesses of the great suffering of so many of our brothers and sisters. I urge you to keep clearly before your eyes the need for everyone to work to ensure that dialogue and negotiation will succeed in bringing an end to violence in the area."

Thereafter in Polish, he addressed a group of his compatriots, who had come from the Polish diaspora as well as from Poland itself, to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the "memorable battle of Montecassino," where the Allies, including a group from Poland, had combatted German forces.

John Paul II indicated that "the battle of Montecassino remains permanently etched in the history of Poland and Europe. It demonstrated how great is the value of love for the motherland and the desire to regain independence lost."

"In offering their lives and paying the price in blood, our countrymen laid the roots of a new Europe, one faithful to Christian tradition, aware of its spiritual roots and more united. They also laid the foundations of a new Poland. May the recollection of this battle endure incessantly, both for today's generations and those of the future. For us, this battle represents a great challenge in the formation of social life in the new reality."

AG;BALKANS; MONTECASSINO;...;...;VIS;19990519;Word: 280;

GENERAL AUDIENCE: DIALOGUE WITH THE GREAT WORLD RELIGIONS

VATICAN CITY, MAY 19, 1999 (VIS) - In today's general audience, held in St. Peter's Square, the Pope spoke on "dialogue with the great world religions."

John Paul II indicated that "the universal paternity of God, made manifest in Jesus Christ, is the stimulus to dialogue with other religions. ... At the basis of the Church's encounter with world religions lies the recognition of their specific character, in other words, the manner in which they approach the mystery of God, the Saviour." This dialogue presupposes that man, "created in God's image, is also the privileged 'place' of his salvational presence."

"The dialogue between Christianity and other religions has a number of forms and levels, starting with the dialogue of life," which is an opening to and an acceptance for all people. The dialogue of actions takes place through "the teaching of peace and of respect for the environment, solidarity with a suffering world, the promotion of social justice and the full development of peoples."

The Holy Father added that theological dialogue permits a deepening of "understanding of the different religious heritages and an appreciation of spiritual values. However, the meeting of specialists in the various religions must not be limited to the search for a lowest common denominator." Rather, they must "render a courageous service to the truth."

The dialogue of religious experience, he said, calls believers to contemplation in order to "penetrate more deeply into the mystery of God."

The Pope concluded the catechism by affirming that "mysticism must never be evoked in order to favor religious relativism or in name of an experience that reduces the value of God's revelation in history."

AG;DIALOGUE OF WORLD RELIGIONS;...;...;VIS;19990519;Word: 280;

JOHN PAUL II TO MAKE PASTORAL VISITS TO ARMENIA AND ANCONA

VATICAN CITY, MAY 19, 1999 (VIS) - John Paul II will undertake a pastoral visit to Armenia from July 2 to 4. He will leave from Fiumicino Airport, Rome on July 2 at 10 a.m. and return to the Italian capital on July 4 at 10:15 p.m.

During his first apostolic trip to Armenia he will visit the cities of Yerevan, Etchmiadzin, Khor Virab, Ashotsk and Gyumri.

Among other things, the Pope will make a courtesy visit to the president of the republic, pray at the monument to the Armenian genocide and participate in an ecumenical encounter in the apostolic cathedral of Etchmiadzin. Furthermore, he will celebrate Mass in the Armenian rite on the esplanade of the "Redemptoris Mater" Hospital of Ashotsk.

Before saying farewell to His Holiness Catholicos Karekin I of all Armenians, the Holy Father will hold an ecumenical prayer service in memory of the victims of the 1988 earthquake, in the apostolic cathedral of the Holy Virgin of the Seven Wounds (Yota Verk) of Gyumri.

Also made public today was the itinerary for the Pope's pastoral visit to Ancona, Italy on Sunday, May 30. The Holy Father will celebrate Mass at 10 a.m. in Conero Stadium, where he will also recite the angelus. In the afternoon he is scheduled to have a meeting with the clergy, religious and representatives of the laity involved in diocesan pastoral ministries. Before returning to the Vatican by helicopter, he will greet the patients at the city's regional hospital.

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, MAY 19, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father:
- Accepted the resignation of Bishop Urbano Jose Allgayer from the pastoral care of the diocese of Passo Fundo, Brazil, upon his having reached the age limit. He is succeeded by Coadjutor Bishop Pedro Ercilio Simon.

- Appointed Fr. Guilherme Antonio Werlang, M.S.F. as bishop of Ipameri (area 22,947, population 251,492, Catholics 206,350, priests, 14, religious 58), Brazil. The bishop-elect was born in Sao Carlos, Brazil in 1950, was ordained a priest in 1979 and since 1991 has been pastor of "Nossa Senhora do Rosario."

- Appointed as members of the Committee of the Presidency of the Pontifical Council for the Family: Cardinals Ricardo J. Vidal, archbishop of Cebu, Philippines and Bernard Francis Law, archbishop of Boston, USA; Archbishops Marian Jaworski of Lviv of the Latins, Ukraine; Carlo Caffarra of Ferrara-Comacchio, Italy; Nicholas Cheong Jin-Suk of Seoul, Korea; Bishops Bechara Rai of Jbeil Byblos of the Maronites, Lebanon and Youssef Ibrahim Sarraf of Cairo of the Chaldeans, Egypt.

- Appointed as members of the Pontifical Council for the Family: Aurelio and Gloria Cadavid, Colombia; Leonardo and Martha Lorena Casco of the Pro-Life Committee of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras; Jerry and Gwen Coniker of the Apostolate for Family Consacration, Bloomingdale, USA; Giovanni and Annamaria Stirati of the Neo-Catechumen Communities, Rome, Italy.

- Appointed as consultors of the Pontifical Council for the Family: Bishop Angelo Scola, emeritus of Grosseto and rector of the Pontifical Lateran University; Fr. Abelardo Lobato O.P., dean of the Faculty of Theology of Lugano, Switzerland; Maria Teresa Da Costa Macedo, Lisbon, Portugal; Prof. Francesco D'Agostino, Rome, Italy; Marina Fara, director of the "Bunavestire" center, Bucharest, Romania; Dr. David F. Forte, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, USA; Alberto and Anna Friso of the New Families section of the Focolare Movement, Grottaferrata, Italy; Prof. Mary Ann Glendon, Harvard Law School, Cambridge, USA; Lydia Jimenez, Director of the Institute for the Family, Madrid, Spain; Dr. Janne Haaland Matlary, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Oslo, Norway; Prof. Alicia Romo Roman, rector of Gabriela Mistral University, Santiago, Chile; Prof. Ina Siviglia, lecturer in theological anthropology, Palermo, Italy.

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AUDIENCE

VATICAN CITY, MAY 19, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Archbishop Francisco-Javier Lozano, apostolic nuncio in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

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VATICAN NEWSPAPER ON "RWANDAN GENOCIDE: THE FINAL ACT"

VATICAN CITY, MAY 19, 1999 (VIS) - Made public yesterday afternoon by the Holy See Press Office was an article which appears in today's edition of the Vatican newspaper, "L'Osservatore Romano," and which is entitled "Rwandan Genocide: The Final Act."

The article highlights the April 14 arrest of Bishop Augustin Misago of Gikongoro, as well as of other prelates, priests and religious, and defends them from the accusations that they took part in the 1994 massacre in Rwanda or, at least did nothing to help the victims.

"In Rwanda," starts the article, "a real and true defamatory campaign is underway against the Catholic Church to make it appear responsible for the genocide of the ethnic Tutsis, which so devastated the country in 1994. The first public victim of this campaign was Bishop Augustin Misago, bishop of Gikongoro since 1992. ... He has been accused of having participated in the killing of 150,000 Tutsis in his diocese and, in particular, has been charged with the killing of 30 female students who allegedly asked for his protection."

The article goes on to point out that Bishop Misago's arrest, and those of other prelates, followed a "harsh" and "denigratory" campaign by the "pro-government media." "And yet," it adds, "among the victims of this genocide were 3 bishops, 123 priests and more than 300 Sisters."

"What is clear," states the article, "is the intention of linking, in the minds of Rwandan citizens, the two words 'genocide-Church'. The Holy See has already expressed its opposition to this pretext, noting that churches are places of worship and reconciliation for all communities (Tutsi and Hutu) and may not be controlled as tombs by one part of the populace."

It is also notes that "the (Rwandan) population is polarized on the 1994 genocide. In reality, it must continually be pointed out that there was a double genocide in Rwanda: that of the Tutsis (and several moderate Hutus) ... and that of the Hutus."

The piece concludes with observations on "unilateral justice" in Rwanda: "The unilateral way in which (justice) works risks increasing not only the divisions, but also the country's destruction. If ethnic polarization grows, after decades of ideological polarization, not only Rwanda but all of Africa risks being destroyed. Rather, the Africans (risk being destroyed). Because the continent, its riches, its raw materials, are all exploited by others, while the African peoples lose time and lives making war with arms furnished by the big powers and by people whose interests are extremely far from those of Africa."

...;GENOCIDE; RWANDA;...;OR;VIS;19990519;Word: 420;

IN MEMORIAM

VATICAN CITY, MAY 19, 1999 (VIS) - The following prelates died in recent weeks:

- Bishop Joel Ivo Catapan S.V.D., on May 1 at the age of 71.
- Bishop Antanas Deksnys on May 5 at the age of 67.
- Bishop Joseph Gray, emeritus of Shrewsbury, on May 7 at the age of 79.
- Bishop Angelico Melotto Mazzardo O.F.M., emeritus of Solola, on May 11 at the age of 88.
- Archbishop Tarcisius Resto Phanrang S.D.B., of Shillong on May 5 at the age of 69. - Archbishop Jerzy Stroba, emeritus of Poznan, on May 12 at the age of 79.

...;DEATHS;...;... ;VIS;19990519;Word: 90;

HOLY FATHER RECEIVES GERMAN CHANCELLOR SCHROEDER

VATICAN CITY, MAY 18, 1999 (VIS) - Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls made the following declaration this afternoon:

"This morning the Holy Father received in audience Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder of the Federal Republic of Germany who, immediately afterwards, met with Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano and Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, secretary for Relations with States.

"During the course of the meetings the principal themes of the moment were reviewed, with particular emphasis on the dramatic situation in the Balkans and on the possibility of reaching as soon as possible a just and honorable solution to the problems in the region.

"In his meeting with the Pope, Chancellor Schroeder extended cordial wishes for his birthday today."

OP;VISIT SCHROEDER;...;NAVARRO-VALLS;VIS;19990518;Word: 130;

POPE JOHN PAUL II CELEBRATES 79TH BIRTHDAY

VATICAN CITY, MAY 18, 1999 (VIS) - Today, May 18, John Paul II celebrates his 79th birthday. As on previous occasions the Holy Father dedicated the morning to his normal schedule, receiving various people in audience, including Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder of the Federal Republic of Germany.

He began the day by celebrating Mass in his private chapel at 7 a.m. He was joined by 17 Italian prelates, including Cardinal Camillo Ruini, president of the Italian Episcopal Conference and the Pope's vicar general for Rome, and by the 16 presidents of the regional episcopal conferences of Italy.

Following this morning's audiences, the Holy Father had lunch with his closest collaborators in the Secretariat of State, with Cardinal Bernardin Gantin, dean of the College of Cardinals, and with Cardinal Ruini. According to Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls, the Pope received numerous telegrams from heads of state and of government around the world, from private individuals, and from all of the embassies in Rome accredited to the Holy See.

Karol Jozef Wojtyla, known as John Paul II since his October 1978 election to the papacy, was born in Wadowice, a small city 50 kilometers from Cracow, on May 18, 1920. He was the second of two sons born to Karol Wojtyla and Emilia Kaczorowka. His mother died giving birth to a third child - stillborn - in 1929. His eldest brother Edmund, a doctor, died in 1932 and his father, a non-commissioned army officer, died in 1941.

He made his First Holy Communion at age 9 and was confirmed at 17. Upon graduation from Martin Wadowita high school in Wadowice, he enrolled in Cracow's Jagiellonian University in 1938 and in a school for drama.

He experienced the upheaval of war under Nazi occupation. The Nazi forces closed the university in 1939 and young Karol had to work in a quarry and then in a chemical factory in Solvay to earn his living, thus learning first-hand about the reality of working life. Like many of his compatriots, he ran the constant risk of being deported to Germany.

In 1942, in the midst of the war, he felt the call to the priesthood, and studied in the clandestine seminary of Cracow, run by Cardinal Adam Stefan Sapieha, archbishop of Cracow. At the same time, Karol Wojtyla was one of the pioneers of the "Rhapsodic Theater," also clandestine.

His interest in art has been a constant in his life and pontificate. Proof of this is his recent Letter to Artists in which he demonstrates once again his desire to keep open the dialogue with the world of art.

After the Second World War, he continued his studies in the major seminary of Cracow, once it had re-opened, and in the faculty of theology of the Jagiellonian University, until his priestly ordination in Cracow on November 1, 1946.

Soon after, Cardinal Sapieha sent him to Rome where he worked under the guidance of the French Dominican, Garrigou-Lagrange. He finished his doctorate in theology in 1948 with a thesis on the topic of faith in the works of St. John of the Cross. At that time, during his vacations, he exercised his pastoral ministry among the Polish immigrants of France, Belgium and Holland.

In 1948 he returned to Poland and was vicar of various parishes in Cracow as well as chaplain for the university students until 1951, when he took up again his studies on philosophy and theology. In 1953 he defended a thesis on "evaluation of the possibility of founding a Catholic ethic on the ethical system of Max Scheler" at Lublin Catholic University. Later he became professor of moral theology and social ethics in the major seminary of Cracow and in the Faculty of Theology of Lublin.

On July 4, 1958, he was appointed auxiliary bishop of Cracow by Pope Pius XII, and was consecrated September 28, 1958 in Wawel Cathedral, Cracow, by Archbishop Baziak.

On January 13, 1964, he was appointed archbishop of Cracow by Pope Paul VI who, thee years later, on June 26, 1967, made him a cardinal.

Besides taking part in Vatican Council II with an important contribution to the drafting of the Constitution "Gaudium et Spes," he has participated in all the assemblies of the Synod of Bishops.

Upon his election to the papacy on October 16, 1978, he took the names John Paul in homage to his predecessors. Since then he has completed 86 pastoral visits outside of Italy (the most recent to Romania) and 134 within Italy. As bishop of Rome he has visited 285 of the diocese's 328 parishes.

His principal documents include 13 encyclicals, 11 apostolic exhortations, 10 apostolic constitutions and 37 apostolic letters, and 20 "motu proprio." The Pope has also published two books: "Crossing the Threshold of Hope" (October 1994) and "Gift and Mystery: On the 50th Anniversary of My Priestly Ordination" (November 1996).

John Paul II has presided at 115 beatification ceremonies in which he proclaimed 820 Blesseds, and 35 canonization ceremonies for a total of 283 Saints. He has held seven consistories in which he created 157 cardinals (not including the two "in pectore" cardinals, announced with the names of 20 other cardinals on Sunday, January 18, 1998). He has also convened five plenary meetings of the College of Cardinals.

From 1978 to today the Holy Father has presided at 14 synods: the Particular Synod of Bishops of the Netherlands in 1980; five ordinary synods (1980, 1983, 1987, 1990, 1994); one extraordinary (1985) and seven special (1980, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1997 and two in 1998).
The pontiff has had more than 1,100 meetings and audiences with political figures, including 37 official visits by heads of state, 565 audiences and meetings with heads of state and more than 190 audiences and encounters with prime ministers. He has also presided at 902 weekly general audiences, in which more than 14 million pilgrims have participated.

Next on the papal agenda are the May 30 pastoral visit to Ancona, Italy and the June 5-17 visit to his native Poland.

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, MAY 18, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Cardinal Jozef Tomko, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.
- Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder of the Federal Republic of Germany and his entourage.

AP;...;...;...;VIS;19990518;Word: 40;

RICH NATIONS HAVE MORAL DUTY TO HELP DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

VATICAN CITY, MAY 18, 1999 (VIS) - Archbishop Alois Wagner, head of the Holy See delegation to the annual meeting of the executive board of the World Food Program, being held in Rome May 17-29, addressed the assembly this morning. In his talk in English, he highlighted "some points of ethical responsibilities on the international level."

"Rich countries," he said, "can give their assistance to the poor ones in a more consistent way. I have often had an impression that they only give them alms, and do not really share their riches and economic potential capacities." He asked for "a new international social structure which would enable the poor countries to participate directly in the economic and social development."

The head of delegation also asked "the World Food Program to invite the governments of the developing countries to spend more money for development and less for arms. We all know that a lot of development aid has been destroyed by civil wars and the consequences are very serious for the poor. The most dangerous impediment against the sustainable development are the arms dealers."

AC;WORLD FOOD PROGRAM;...;ROME; WAGNER;VIS;19990518;Word: 190;

POPE TO CONCLUDE ROME'S CITIZENS' MISSION ON PENTECOST

VATICAN CITY, MAY 18, 1999 (VIS) - Pope John Paul II will celebrate Mass in St. Peter's Square at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 22, the vigil of Pentecost, for the conclusion of the Great Citizens' Mission of Rome, according to a communique published today.

It adds: "The Church of Rome, which is preparing to celebrate the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000, is called to gather in close communion of faith and prayer with her pastor to thank the Father for the gift of the Holy Spirit for a renewed missionary presence in the city."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, MAY 18, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father erected the Apostolic Administration of Eastern Siberia, with the see at Irkutsk, with territory taken from the Apostolic Administration of Siberia. He appointed Bishop Jerzy Mazur S.V.D., auxiliary of the Apostolic Administration of Siberia, as Apostolic Administrator of the new Administration.

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WORLD TOURISM ORGANIZATION TO STUDY CODE OF TOURISM ETHICS

VATICAN CITY, MAY 15, 1999 (VIS) - Msgr. Piero Monni, Holy See permanent observer to the World Tourism Organization, will address the 60th meeting of the WTO's executive council during its meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from May 18 to 21, according to a commnique released today by his office.

The note adds that one of the important projects of this meeting will be the preparation of a Global Code of Tourism Ethics. "The Holy See," it says, "from the day that the WTO was established, has always underlined the duty of supporting and defending the ethical, spiritual and religious values of various peoples." Msgr. Monni will address the issue of problems connected with religious freedom and religious worship in the foreign countries visited.

"The institutional scope of the Holy See," states the communique, "is to sustain this commitment of respecting the aforementioned values, so that they might become a motive of universal brotherhood and dialogue among peoples. And it is precisely to support these aspirations and rights that the Holy See is present in various international institutions, including the WTO, with a permanent observer."

...;TOURISM; ETHICS;...;MALAYSIA; MONNI;VIS;19990517;Word: 190;