NEW CZECH AMBASSADOR PRESENTS HIS LETTERS OF CREDENCE

VATICAN CITY, JUN 28, 1999 (VIS) - The new ambassador of the Czech Republic, Martin Stropnicky, today presented his Letters of Credence to the Holy Father who remarked that, "your country is called to participate actively, as an important factor of unity, in the construction of the new Europe."

The Pope highlighted that "it is necessary to surmount any possible divisions - unfortunately an ever present possibility in a society extremely jealous of its own rights and its own autonomy - so that (the countries of Europe) may commit themselves to setting up the structures needed for constructing a Europe of the Nations, the urgent need for which is being ever more strongly felt. It is the duty of men and women of good will to promote reconciliation and understanding between individuals and peoples, thus contributing to the affirmation of peace."

"It is important," the Pope continued, "that those responsible for public administration found their political, economic and social decisions above all on the moral criteria that form part of the collective European memory. ... In this sense, effective recognition of religious freedom is an indispensable condition for the construction of the new Europe."

John Paul II especially insisted on the necessity for the creation of a "joint commission, including representatives of the Czech Republic and of the Holy See, in order to study still unresolved questions regarding the relationship between Church and State. In this way too, the question of the restitution of Church property can be dealt with, as can that of adequate support for ecclesial institutions, according to the norms of law and the requirements of justice and democracy."

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