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."

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