POPE, WORLD RELIGIOUS LEADERS GATHER IN ST. PETER'S SQUARE

VATICAN CITY, OCT 29, 1999 (VIS) - Last evening in St. Peter's Square, on the fourth and final day of the Inter-religious assembly which has been meeting in the Vatican, Pope John Paul addressed the "many esteemed religious leaders who have travelled long distances to be present at this concluding ceremony," greeting them with "joy" and "in the peace which the world cannot give."

"I have always believed that religious leaders have a vital role to play in nurturing that hope of justice and peace without which there will be no future worthy of humanity," he told the participants in this meeting convened by the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue.

"As we survey the situation of humanity," the Holy Father observed, "is it too much to speak of 'a crisis of civilization'? We see great technological advances, but these are not always accompanied by great spiritual and moral progress. We see as well a growing gap between the rich and the poor. ... Many people make great sacrifices to show solidarity with those suffering want or hunger or disease, but there still is lacking the collective will to overcome scandalous inequalities. ... Then there are the many conflicts continually breaking out around the world."

"Surely," he underscored, "this is not the way humanity is supposed to live."

He remarked that "there are some who claim that religion is part of the problem, blocking humanity's way to true peace and prosperity. As religious people it is our duty to demonstrate that this is not the case. Any use of religion to support violence is an abuse of religion. Religion is not, and must not become, a pretext for conflict, particularly when religious, cultural and ethnic identity coincide."

John Paul II affirmed that "the task before us to promote a culture of dialogue," must not only be taught, but also "translated into action."

"It is a sign of hope," he said, "that in many parts of the world inter-religious associations have been established to promote joint reflection and action." And he cited efforts by such groups to mediate between warring parties, "to protect the unborn, to uphold the rights of women and children, and to defend the innocent."

Pope John Paul closed by recalling the journey to Assisi thirteen years ago by world religious leaders for the World Day of Prayer for Peace. "Since that time," he stressed, "the 'spirit of Assisi' has been kept alive through various initiatives in different parts of the world. ... Our gathering today in St. Peter's Square is another step on that journey."

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THE UNIVERSITY HAS AN ESSENTIALLY EDUCATIVE VOCATION

VATICAN CITY, OCT 29, 1999 (VIS) - This morning, John Paul II received the rector, professors and students of Rome's Free University of Mary Most Holy (LUMSA) on the occasion of the sixtieth anniversary of its foundation.

In his speech, the Pope said that "the path followed by LUMSA over these last sixty years has been characterized by a kind of intelligent and courageous 'cultural charity' which has always sought - with appropriate means and methods - to respond to the most pressing expectations of the young."

The Holy Father highlighted that the acquisition of knowledge is not university's only goal: "it has an essentially educative vocation which, through the impartial search for truth, seeks the harmonious edification of the character. ... The carrying out of this 'educative work' demands that the university be a true community, one in which teachers and students can establish constructive interpersonal relations."

In order to respond to the "crisis of meaning" which is the result of "the phenomenon of the fragmentation of knowledge," he indicated that it is necessary to "promote a culture of philosophy that 'recovers its sapiental dimension as a search for the ultimate and over-arching meaning of life' in harmony with the Word of God." He added: "I trust that your athenaeum, faithful to its original inspiration, may know how to take up this challenge."

Addressing the students, the Pope said: "The Church needs your youth, needs it committed to truth, peace and charity. At the threshold of the third millennium, this demands that you be fearless workers in the task of constructing 'a finer, purer and saintlier humanity, one that is pleasing to God whom men and women yearn for and need, especially today'."

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FINAL DECLARATION FROM INTER-RELIGIOUS ASSEMBLY

VATICAN CITY, OCT 29, 1999 (VIS) - Last evening, during a celebration in St. Peter's Square with the Holy Father to conclude the inter-religious assembly which had met throughout the week to discuss collaboration among the different religions, the participants in that meeting published a final Message.

The assembly was organized and promoted by the Central Committee for the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 and by the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue whose president, Cardinal Francis Arinze, made brief introductory remarks.

Following are excerpts from that Declaration, released in English:

"We are conscious of the urgent need:
- To confront together responsibly and courageously the problems and challenges of our modern world (poverty, racism, environmental pollution, materialism, war and the proliferation of arms, globalization, AIDS, lack of medical care, breakdown of family and community, marginalization of women and children etc.).
- To work together to affirm human dignity as the source of human rights and their corresponding duties, in the struggle for justice and peace for all.
- To create a new spiritual consciousness for all humanity in accordance with the religious traditions so that the principle of respect for freedom of religion and freedom of conscience may prevail.

"We are convinced that our religious traditions have the necessary resources to overcome the fragmentations which we observe in the world and to foster mutual friendship and respect between peoples.
"We are aware that many tragic conflicts around the world are the result of the pragmatic but often unjust association of religions with nationalistic, political, economic or other interests."

"We know that the problems in the world are so great that we cannot solve them alone. Therefore there is an urgent need for inter-religious collaboration."

"Collaboration among the different religions must be based on the rejection of fanaticism, extremism and mutual antagonisms which lead to violence."

"We appeal to all the leaders of the world whatever their field of influence:
- To refuse to allow religion to be used to incite hatred and violence.
- To refuse to allow religion to be used to justify discrimination.
- To respect the role of religion in society at international, national and local levels.
- To eradicate poverty and strive for social and economic justice."

CON-DIR;INTERRELIGIOUS; DECLARATION;...;ARINZE;VIS;19991029;Word: 370;

TELEGRAM FOR THE DEATH OF ARMENIA'S PRIME MINISTER

VATICAN CITY, OCT 29, 1999 (VIS) - Following is the telegram, made public yesterday afternoon, that the Holy Father sent to President Robert Kocharian of Armenia, upon the death a day earlier of that country's prime minister, Vazken Sarkissian:

"Having learned of the dramatic death of Vazken Sarkissian, prime minister of Armenia, and with him other politicians of your country, I join in Your Excellency's pain, as well as that of all Armenians, wounded in their identity and in their institutions. I ask the Lord to receive in His peace and light those who were killed in the shooting, asking all Armenians of good will to remain united so that the nation might preserve its institutional stability and so that everyone might commit themselves to promote more and more each day the spiritual and material well-being of the population. I pray to God for the families in mourning, for the wounded and those close to them, that they might find comfort in their trials. Entrusting the future of the Armenian nation to the intercession of her saints, I implore almighty God for the gift of peace and hope for all the Armenian people."

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DECLARATION ON CONSTRUCTION OF PARKING LOT

VATICAN CITY, OCT 29, 1999 (VIS) - Given below are excerpts from the declaration, made this afternoon by Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls, concerning the construction of an underground parking lot near Vatican City:

"I reiterate that, during excavation work for the parking lot on the Janiculum Hill, within Vatican territory, no archaeological finds were made.

"This fact has also been noted by experts from the administration of the Vatican's Classical Antiquities Section who, invited to visit the site during the initial phases (in which the strata most exposed to anthropic action were being excavated), found nothing of any archaeological interest during their investigations. As excavation continued no historical or archaeological material came to light.

"Although the site is situated in an extraterritorial zone, the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples entrusted the overseeing and supervision of works to a special surveillance commission made up of authoritative technical experts from both Italy and the Vatican."

"All phases of the work, therefore, were carried out under the close and assiduous supervision of these experts."

"It is simply ridiculous to affirm that the material excavated was dumped furtively and under cover of darkness."

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SIGNING OF JOINT DECLARATION ON JUSTIFICATION

VATICAN CITY, OCT 29, 1999 (VIS) - Today, in Augsburg, Germany, starts a three day gathering of Catholics and Lutherans, which will culminate Sunday, October 31, in the signing by both parties of the Joint Declaration of the Catholic Church and the Lutheran World Federation on the Doctrine of Justification.

The three-day meeting, announced last June 11, includes press conferences, ecumenical services and liturgies as well as musical programs. Cardinal Edward Idris Cassidy, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, is representing the Catholic Church and will sign the declaration.

A key sentence in the document, which summarizes the common understanding of justification by Catholics and Lutherans, can be found in paragraph 15: "Together we confess: By grace alone, in faith in Christ's saving work, and not because of any merit on our part, we are accepted by God, and receive the Holy Spirit, who renews our hearts while equipping and calling us to good works."

"This is indeed an historic day for the modern Ecumenical Movement," reads a comment by Cardinal Cassidy, which was published this afternoon. "The consensus reached with the Lutheran World Federation on basic truths of the doctrine of justification is of great significance, not only for the two parties directly involved, but also for the whole ecumenical movement, since the doctrine of justification is at the very heart of the Christian faith. It was the different understanding of this fundamental Christian teaching, particularly, that resulted in the disputes that led to the Reformation."
"This is not, of course," he added, "the end of the road with regard to our dialogue on this question and its consequences. As the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification itself points out, much work still has to be done. But this was a necessary step that had to be taken before further progress could be made."

CON-UC;JUSTIFICATION;...;GERMANY; CASSIDY;VIS;19991029;Word: 270;

POPE WELCOMES PRESIDENT OF SLOVAKIA

VATICAN CITY, OCT 29, 1999 (VIS) - Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls made the following declaration this afternoon:

"Today, Friday October 29, 1999, the Holy Father received Rudolf Schuster, president of the Republic of Slovakia, accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Eduard Kukan.

"Later, President Schuster visited Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano. Also present at the meeting was Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, secretary for Relations with States.

"During the talks, the existing relations between the Holy See and the Republic of Slovakia were examined, and commitments made for a harmonious cooperation between the parties, especially in view of a bilateral agreement to regulate several questions of common interest."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

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

- Appointed Bishop Juan Jose Omella Omella, auxiliary of Zaragoza, Spain, as bishop of Barbastro-Monzon (area 6,714, population 68,454, Catholics 67,800, priests 101, religious 168), Spain. He succeeds Bishop Ambrosio Echebarria Arroita whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.

- Appointed Bishop Francisco Ciuraneta Aymi of Menorca, Spain, as bishop of Lleida (area 4,494, population 220,915, Catholics 217,886, priests 153, permanent deacons 2, religious 305), Spain. He succeeds Bishop Ramon Malla Call whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, OCT 29, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Rudolf Schuster, president of the Republic of Slovakia, accompanied by his wife and an entourage.
- Two prelates from the western region of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, on their "ad limina" visit:
- Bishop Vincent Cadieux O.M.I., of Moosonee.
- Bishop Gerald Wiesner O.M.I., of Prince George.

This evening he is scheduled to receive Cardinal Jozef Tomko, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.

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NOTICE

VATICAN CITY, OCT 29, 1999 (VIS) - We would like to remind our subscribers that there will be no VIS service on Monday, November 1 and Tuesday, November 2, respectively All Saints Day and All Souls Day. Service will resume on Wednesday, November 3.


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AUDIENCES

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

- Franjo Tudjman, president of the Republic of Croatia, accompanied by his entourage.
- Two prelates from the western region of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, on their "ad limina" visit:
- Bishop Frederick Bernard Henry of Calgary.
- Bishop Thomas Joseph Lobsinger O.M.I., of Whitehorse.
- The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity.
- Cardinal Camillo Ruini, vicar general for the diocese of Rome; Bishop Enzo Dieci, auxiliary of Rome for the northern pastoral sector; Fr. Francesco Troiani, pastor of the parish of St. Benedict Joseph Labre, and a parish assistant.

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CARDINAL RUINI TO PRESIDE AT ALL SAINTS' DAY MASS

VATICAN CITY, OCT 28, 1999 (VIS) - Cardinal Camillo Ruini, vicar general for the diocese of Rome, will preside at a concelebrated Mass, in the Holy Father's name, for the repose of the souls of the deceased faithful of the diocese of Rome on Monday, November 1, feast of All Saints, at 4 p.m. at Rome's Verano cemetery, according to a communique published today by the vicariate.

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DECLARATION ON VISIT OF CROATIAN PRESIDENT TO POPE

VATICAN CITY, OCT 28, 1999 (VIS) - This afternoon, Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls made the following declaration:

"Today, Thursday October 28, 1999, the Holy Father received Franjo Tudjman, president of the Republic of Croatia, accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Mate Granic and an entourage.

"Later, President Tudjman visited Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano. Also present at the meeting was Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, secretary for Relations with States.

"The question of Croatia's present situation was raised during the course of the talks, as was its position in the European and international context. The relationship between Church and State was examined in the light of the four recently signed accords and of the cordial collaboration that has been established between the two parties."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, OCT 28, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Msgr. Giovanni Santucci, pastor and vicar forane of the archdiocese of Pisa, Italy, as bishop of Massa Marittima-Piombino (area 1,200, population 127,000, Catholics 126,000, priests 73, religious 89), Italy. The bishop-elect was born in Pietrasanta, Italy, in 1949 and ordained a priest in 1974.

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AUDIENCE

VATICAN CITY, OCT 27, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received Archbishop Bruno Musaro, apostolic nuncio in Madagascar, Mauritius and the Seychelles.

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LETTER TO CLOISTERED ORDERS

VATICAN CITY, OCT 27, 1999 (VIS) - Made public yesterday afternoon was a letter from the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life and from the Central Committee for the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000, addressed to cloistered orders of religious. The letter invites them to pray "in order that all Christians and men and women of good will may participate in the spiritual fruits" of the Jubilee.

Taking into account the fact that cloistered religious orders, due to their internal rules, will not participate in the Jubilee pilgrimages, Cardinal Eduardo Martinez Somalo, Archbishop Piergiorgio Silvano Nesti, Cardinal Roger Etchegaray and Archbishop Crescenzio Sepe, who signed the letter, write to tell them "we feel your commitment to the Jubilee mission."
"The result of the Holy Year," they continue, "is also and above all linked to your prayer and the spiritual communion of your lives with all those who, in this Holy Year, wish to convert and return to the house of the Father. In Rome, in the Holy Land, in the cathedrals and shrines, the pilgrims who seek to obtain the great gift of indulgence will feel themselves united to and supported by you in their itinerary of conversion."

...;CLOISTERED ORDERS;...;MARTINEZ; ETCHEGARAY;VIS;19991027;Word: 210;

HUMANITY MUST BE FREED FROM THE SCOURGE OF POVERTY

VATICAN CITY, OCT 27, 1999 (VIS) - In this morning's general audience, held in St. Peter's Square, the Pope spoke of "The preferential love of the poor."

The Old Testament prophets, he said, denounced the oppression and exploitation of the poor and of those who are "socially weaker." He highlighted that "to defend the poor is to honor God, Father of the poor."

He went on to say that "for this reason, in the New Testament, the cheering message of liberation is announced to the poor. ... It is necessary to adopt the interior attitude of the poor in order to participate in the 'kingdom of heaven'."

"'Evangelical' poverty," John Paul II affirmed, "always implies great love for the poorest of this world. In this third year of preparation for the Great Jubilee it is necessary to rediscover God as provident Father, who watches over human sufferings to raise therefrom all those who are afflicted."

He added: "At this point I cannot but mention once again that the poor represent a challenge for today, especially for the wealthy peoples of this planet of ours, where millions live in inhuman conditions and many literally die of hunger. Announcing God the Father to these brothers and sisters is not possible without a commitment to collaboration in the name of Christ for the construction of a more just society."

The Holy Father emphasized that the Jubilee must be an occasion for "the solid conversion of hearts so that the Spirit may rouse new witnesses (to confront the question of poverty). Christians, together with all men and women of good will, must contribute, through suitable economic and political programs, to those structural changes that are so necessary in order that humanity be freed from the scourge of poverty."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, OCT 27, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Sete Lagoas, Brazil, presented by Bishop Jose Lima, upon having reached the age limit. He is succeeded by Coadjutor Bishop Guilherme Porto.

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THE POPE LIVES HIS OLD AGE WITH GREAT NATURALNESS

VATICAN CITY, OCT 26, 1999 (VIS) - This morning in the Holy See Press Office, Cardinal James Francis Stafford and Bishop Stanislaw Rylko, respectively president and secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, presented "The Letter of His Holiness John Paul II to the Elderly."

Cardinal Stafford indicated that with this letter the Pope "proffers his own loving and authoritative 'first hand' contribution in order to give, in this Year of the Elderly and with a view of the Jubilee, the true meaning of old age."

For his part, Bishop Rylko underlined that the Holy Father, "following his Letters to the young in 1985, to families in 1994, to children in 1994, to women in 1995 and to artists this year - and not counting those Letters that, since the beginning of his pontificate, he writes every year on Holy Thursday to priests - this time wishes to write to the elderly. This is a further sign of how much John Paul II, considered by everyone as being a great 'communicator', values this form of personal and direct dialogue with the various categories of faithful."

"The Pope," he went on, "lives his old age with great naturalness. He has no fear in placing before the eyes of the world the limits and frailties that the years have placed upon him. He does nothing to disguise them. In speaking to young people, he has no difficulty in saying of himself: 'I am an old priest'." John Paul II "continues to fulfill his mission as the Successor of Peter, looking far ahead with the enthusiasm of the only youth that does not deteriorate, that of the spirit, which this Pope maintains intact."

The secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Laity concluded by affirming that the Letter "has a very personal, almost confidential, tone. It is certainly not an analysis of old age. Rather, it is a very intimate dialogue between people of the same generation."

OP;PAPAL LETTER ELDERLY;...;STAFFORD; RYLKO;VIS;19991026;Word: 330;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

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

- Msgr. Joseph E. Kurtz of the diocese of Allentown, director of Catholic Charities and pastor of the parish of Notre Dame of Bethlehem, as bishop of Knoxville (area 36,872, population 2,012,885, Catholics 45,482, priests 64, permanent deacons 24, religious 80), U.S.A. The bishop-elect was born in Shenandoah, U.S.A., in 1946 and ordained a priest in 1972.

- Bishop Gerald Michael Barbarito, auxiliary of the diocese of Brooklyn, U.S.A., as bishop of Ogdensburg (area 31,161, population 420,111 Catholics 139,447, priests 172, permanent deacons 54, religious 234), U.S.A.

NER;...;...;KURTZ; BARBARITO ;VIS;19991026;Word: 100;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, OCT 26, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Seven prelates from the western region of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, on their "ad limina" visit:
- Archbishop Peter Alfred Sutton O.M.I., of Keewatin-Le Pas. - Archbishop Leonard James Wall of Winnipeg.
- Archbishop Peter Joseph Mallon of Regina.
- Archbishop Thomas C. Collins of Edmonton.
- Bishop Blaise-Ernest Morand of Prince Albert
- Bishop Denis Croteau O.M.I., of MacKenzie-Fort Smith.
- Bishop Raymond Roussin S.M. of Victoria.
- Archbishop Domenico de Luca, apostolic nuncio in Morocco.
- His Beatitude Michel Sabbah, patriarch of Jerusalem of the Latins.
- Cardinal Camillo Ruini, vicar general of the diocese of Rome, accompanied by Archbishop Cesare Nosiglia, vicegerent, and Auxiliary Bishops Enzo Dieci, Armando Brambilla, Vincenzo Apicella, Salvatore Fisichella and Luigi Moretti, prelate secretary

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LETTER OF POPE JOHN PAUL II TO THE ELDERLY

VATICAN CITY, OCT 26, 1999 (VIS) - Made public today was Pope John Paul's Letter to the Elderly, on the occasion of the International Year of the Elderly, promoted by the United Nations to, as the Pope notes, "direct the attention of society as a whole to the situation of those who, because of the burden of their years, often have to face a variety of difficult problems."

"As an older person myself," writes the Holy Father at the start of the Letter, dated October 1 and published in seven languages, "I have felt the desire to engage in a conversation with you. I do so first by thanking God for the gifts and the opportunities which he has abundantly bestowed upon me up to now. ... In this Letter I wish simply to express my spiritual closeness to you as someone who, with the passing of the years, has come to a deeper personal understanding of this phase of life and consequently feels a need for closer contact with other people of his own age, so that we can reflect together on the things we have in common."

"The passage of time," says the Pope," helps us to see our experiences in a clearer light and softens their painful side." Moreover, he says, the daily difficulties can be eased with God's help. In addition, "we are consoled by the thought that, by virtue of our spiritual souls, we will survive beyond death."

In the second part of the Letter, entitled "A complex century towards a future of hope," Pope John Paul points out that "our life, brothers and sisters, has been situated by Providence in this twentieth century, which arrived with a complex inheritance from the past and has witnessed many extraordinary events." He looks at the many "lights and shadows" of this century about to end.

Among the shadows are the "unprecedented sufferings (that) have afflicted the lives of millions and millions of people": two world wars, the many conflicts which have erupted on various continents, inter-ethnic hatred, the extreme poverty in many parts of the world, the "shameful phenomenon of racial discrimination," the "systematic violation of human rights," "the nightmare of the cold war .... accompanied by an insane arms race and the constant threat of atomic war."

Among the positive signs, writes the Pope, are "a growing consciousness .... of universal human rights" and of the right of peoples to self-government; a greater awareness of the value of democracy and free markets; the striving of the world's religions "to carry on a dialogue which would make them a fundamental factor of peace and unity in the world"; increasing recognition of the dignity of women"; a new ecological awareness; advances in medicine and "the contribution of science to human well-being."

"The autumn of life" is the title of part three of the Holy Father's Letter to the Elderly. Reminding us that Cicero called old age "the autumn of life, ... following the analogy suggested by the seasons and the successive phases of nature," the Pope adds: "At the same time, however, man is set apart from the other realities around him, precisely because he is a person. Made in the image and likeness of God, he is conscious and responsible." He remarks that old age, like youth, has its benefits: "As St. Jerome observes, with the quieting of passions, 'it increases wisdom, and brings more mature counsels'."

The Holy Father dedicates part four to the elderly in Sacred Scripture, pointing out that "Scriptures maintain a very positive vision of the value of life," and "each stage of life has its own beauty and its own tasks." He highlights the stories of Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Tobit, Eleazar and, in the New Testament, Elizabeth and Zechariah, Simeon, Anna, Nicodemus and St. Peter, "called to bear witness to his faith by martyrdom."

"Guardians of shared memory" is the title of the next part of the Pope's Letter. Pointing out that "in the past, great respect was shown to the elderly," the Pope remarks that this is still true in many cultures today, "while among others, this is much less the case, due to a mentality which gives priority to immediate human usefulness and productivity."

He writes: "It has come to the point where euthanasia is increasingly put forward as a solution for difficult situations. Unfortunately, in recent years the idea of euthanasia has lost for many people the sense of horror which it naturally awakens in those who have a sense of respect for life."

The Pope adds: "Here it should be kept in mind that the moral law allows the rejection of 'aggressive medical treatment' and makes obligatory only those forms of treatment which fall within the normal requirements of medical care, which in the case of terminal illness seeks primarily to alleviate pain. But euthanasia, understood as directly causing death, is another thing entirely. Regardless of intentions and circumstances, euthanasia is always an intrinsically evil act, a violation of God's law and an offense against the dignity of the human person."

The elderly, the Pope concludes this section, "are the guardians of our collective memory. ... To exclude the elderly is in a sense to deny the past, in which the present is firmly rooted. ... Precisely because of their mature experience, the elderly are able to offer young people precious advice and guidance." Human frailty "becomes a summons to the mutual dependence and indispensable solidarity which link the generations."

The Holy Father dedicates part six of this Letter to the commandment "Honor thy father and mother." He writes that "where this commandment is accepted and faithfully observed, there is
little danger that older people will be regarded as a useless and troublesome burden."

He observes that while honoring parents and older people is a time-honored tradition in many nations and societies, "elsewhere, and especially in the more economically advanced nations, there needs to be a reversal of the current trend (in order) to ensure that elderly people can grow old with dignity, without having to fear that they will end up no longer counting for anything."

"We are all familiar," affirms the Holy Father, "with examples of elderly people who remain amazingly youthful and vigorous in spirit. ... May society use (them) to their full potential." And here he urges young people to be close to the elderly as they "can give you much more than you can imagine."

As the number of older people increase, states John Paul, it will be more important than ever "not to relegate them to the fringes," but to keep them in the family. He acknowledged, however, the need on occasion for the elderly to be admitted to homes with specialized care.

The Pope went on to express special affection to widows and widowers, "who find yourselves alone in the final part of your lives," and to elderly priests and bishops and men and women religious.

In the next section, "You show me the path of life, in Your presence there is fullness of life," the Pope reminds us that life on earth is a journey, a pilgrimage towards our heavenly home, and that death is the start of a new life. "And yet, we elderly people find it hard to resign ourselves to the prospect of making this passage. ... Man has been made for life, whereas death ... was not a part of God's original plan but came about as a consequence of sin."

"However rationally comprehensible death may be from a biological standpoint, it is not possible to experience it as something 'natural'." We ask ourselves, he says here, "What is on the other side of the shadowy wall of death?" The answer comes from faith "which illuminates the mystery of death and brings serenity to old age, now no longer lived passively as the expectation of a calamity, but rather as a promise-filled approach to the goal of full maturity."

Pope John Paul's Letter to the Elderly closes with a section entitled "An encouragement to live life to the full." He writes: "I feel a spontaneous desire to share fully with you my own feelings at this point of my life, after more than twenty years of ministry on the throne of Peter. ... Despite the limitations brought on by age I continue to enjoy life. For this I thank the Lord. It is wonderful to be able to give oneself to the very end for the sake of the Kingdom of God!

"At the same time," he concludes, "I find great peace in thinking about the time when the Lord will call me: from life to life! ... 'Bid me to come to you': this is the deepest yearning of the human heart, even in those who are not conscious of it."

JPII-LETTER;ELDERLY;...;...;VIS;19991026;Word: 1410;

NINETEENTH GENERAL CONGREGATION

VATICAN CITY, OCT 22, 1999 - The nineteenth and final general congregation of the Second Special Assembly for Europe of the Synod of Bishops began at 5 p.m. today, and lasted just under one hour. The president delegate on duty was Cardinal Franciszek Macharski, archbishop of Krakow, Poland. Pope John Paul and 165 synod fathers were in attendance.

During the assembly the names of the members of the post-synodal council were announced, the synod fathers voted on the Final List of Propositions, Cardinal Jan Schotte disclosed the gifts that the participants would receive and there was a final salutation by Cardinal Joachim Meisner, archbishop of Cologne, Germany, and one of the three presidents delegate for this synod.

Those elected to the post-synodal council or appointed to it by the Holy Father are:

- Cardinal Miloslav Vlk, archbishop of Prague (CZECH REPUBLIC). - Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela, archbishop of Madrid (SPAIN).
- Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, Archbishop of Genoa (ITALY).
- Cardinal Christoph Schonborn, O.P., Archbishop of Vienna (AUSTRIA).
- Archbishop Nikolaos Foscolos of Athens (GREECE).
- Archbishop Jose Saraiva Martins C.M.F., Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints (VATICAN).
- Archbishop Audrys Juozas Backis of Vilnius (LITHUANIA).
- Archbishop Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz, Apostolic Administrator for European Russia for the Latin Rite (RUSSIA).
- Archbishop Jozef Miroslaw Zycinski of Lublin (POLAND).
- Archbishop Josip Bozanic of Zagreb (CROATIA).
- Archbishop Joseph Dore of Strasbourg (FRANCE).
- Bishop Karl Lehmann of Mainz (GERMANY).
- Bishop Lubomyr Husar M.S.U., Auxiliary Bishop by Special Appointment of the Major Archbishop of Lviv in the Ukraine (UKRAINE).
- Bishop Vincent Nichols, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster (GREAT BRITAIN).

Following the announcement of these names, there was a vote on the Final List of Propositions. the result of which will be announced tomorrow during the meal with the Holy Father.

Cardinal Jan Schotte, secretary general of the Synod of Bishops, then told the assembly that the presidents delegate wished to consult the synod fathers regarding a possible site for the celebratory phase of the synod, where the post-synodal apostolic exhortation would be promulgated.

He also revealed that the synod fathers and other participants in the special assembly for Europe will receive gifts from the Holy Father as a memento of their work these past weeks. The synod fathers who are bishops will receive a silver Latin pectoral cross and chain in commemoration of the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000. Other participants will receive the official medal, in bronze or silver, which has been issued on the occasion of the 21st anniversary of Pope John Paul's pontificate.

All synod participants will receive a second gift: a volume containing 669 speeches given by the Holy Father on Europe from the start of his pontificate in October 1978 to August 31, 1999. The speeches were assembled by Msgr. Mario Spezzibottiani, an expert at the synod. Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, archbishop of Genoa, wrote the presentation.

Cardinal Joachim Meisner closed the nineteenth congregation with words of gratitude to Pope John Paul II.

"With great attention and patience you have followed the debate during the Second Special Assembly for Europe of the Synod of Bishops. We bishops, dedicated to the Magisterium and immersed in the mandate of preaching, almost tend to lose the attitude of listening. Therefore, on the occasion of this synod, we feel the weight of listening."

The cardinal then recalled that Pope John Paul has brought to term 14 synods - five general, one extraordinary and eight special assemblies.

"You invited," he added, "the participants of each assembly and the prelates on 'ad limina' visit to share at the table of the pontifical house. We admire Your Holiness. We thank you with all our hearts for the participation in our different solicitudes."

"Following the example of Your Holiness," the archbishop of Cologne added, "we bishops must visit and invite the parishes and the communities of our dioceses. And thus, even the parish priests in our territories should visit and invite the associations, families and faithful to common prayer and preaching.

"To you, most Holy Father," Cardinal Meisner concluded, "we give our greatest thanks for your example and authority. With feelings of piety, admiration, and mutual trust we are united to the head of the College of Bishops. ... 'Ad multos annos' (Many more years)."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, OCT 23, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed:

- Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano as pontifical legate at the ceremony for the reopening to worship of the Upper Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, and the consecration of its new papal altar, due to take place on November 28, 1999.

- Archbishop Eugenio Sbarbaro, pontifical representative in the Antilles, as apostolic nuncio in Saint Kitts and Nevis.

NA; NN;...;...;SODANO; SBARBARO;VIS;19991025;Word: 70;

DECLARATION ON VERDICT IN ANDREOTTI TRIAL

VATICAN CITY, OCT 23, 1999 (VIS) - Responding to journalists who asked about the acquittal this morning, in Palermo, Italy, of seven-time Italian prime minister Giulio Andreotti, who had been on trial accused of consorting with the mafia, Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls said he "repeats the Holy See's satisfaction, expressed one month ago in Perugia, when Senator Andreotti was acquitted at another trial."

OP;ANDREOTTI ACQUITTAL;...;NAVARRO-VALLS;VIS;19991025;Word: 80;

CLOSING MASS FOR THE SPECIAL ASSEMBLY FOR EUROPE

VATICAN CITY, OCT 23, 1999 (VIS) - Today at 10:30 a.m. in St. Peter's Basilica, John Paul II presided at a solemn Eucharistic concelebration with the synod fathers, thus marking the close of the Second Special Assembly for Europe of the Synod of Bishops whose theme has been, "Jesus Christ, Alive in His Church, the Source of Hope for Europe."

In his homily, the Pope indicated that this synod "closes with the sign of the joyous witness that comes from the experience of Christ, living in His Church. The source of hope, for Europe and for the entire world is Christ, the Word made Flesh, the only mediator between God and man."
"With firm conviction," the Holy Father went on, "the Church reiterates to the men and women of the year 2000, especially those who live submerged in relativism and materialism: welcome Christ into your existence! ... Christ is the future of man."

The Holy Father affirmed that "this announcement of hope, this Good News, is the heart of evangelization." He underlined that the synod fathers' work has adopted "the call of the Spirit to the Churches in Europe to commit themselves to face the new challenges." To the fathers he said, "you have not been afraid to look, with a clear eye, upon the reality of the continent, noting the light as well as the shadow. Furthermore, faced with the problems of the present time, you have indicated useful orientations to make the face of Christ more visible, through more incisive annunciation corroborated by coherent witness.

"In this context, light and consolation shine forth from the saints that fill the history of the European continent." He went on to recall Saints Edith Stein, Bridget of Sweden and Catherine of Siena, whom he has proclaimed co-patronesses of Europe. He also recalled those who, "in the obscurity of family, professional and social life, lived a saintliness no less generous or authentic," as well as those "confessors of the faith and the many martyrs of this last century. All of them ... have built Europe as a spiritual and moral edifice, leaving the most precious of inheritances to future generations."

John Paul II concluded the synod by asking that Europe "guarantee, adhering creatively to its humanistic and Christian traditions, the primacy of ethical and spiritual values. This is a hope that 'comes from the firm conviction that there can be no true and fertile unity for Europe if it is not built on its spiritual foundations'."

Following the Eucharistic concelebration, the Holy Father invited the participants to a fraternal meal at the Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican.

SE;CLOSING MASS;...;...;VIS;19991025;Word: 450;

SEMINARY FORMATION, A CHARTER OF PRIESTLY LIFE

VATICAN CITY, OCT 25, 1999 (VIS) - Shortly after noon today, in the Clementine Hall, the Pope welcomed professors and seminarians from Paris, accompanied by their archbishop, Cardinal Jean-Marie Lustiger who, he recalled, will celebrate the 20th anniversary of his episcopal ordination on December 8.

John Paul II, addressing them in French, praised "the attention the diocese of Paris gives to priestly formation, the importance of which is capital. The elements acquired during formation ... are for each priest like a charter of his priestly life."

"Your formation in the seminary and your permanent formation," the Pope went on, "make you ready for your mission. What you have started to practice with regularity must remain the rule of your life: meeting the Lord in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, trusting love towards the Church, liturgical and personal prayer, the Liturgy of the Hours, fraternal behavior, which is like the soul of the priesthood, and solicitude towards the people of God, especially the poor."

"Through priestly ordination you will be configured to Christ, Head and Pastor," concluded the Pope. "Love the Church, just as the Lord loved it, devoting Himself to her."

AC;PRIESTLY FORMATION;...;PARIS; LUSTIGER;VIS;19991025;Word: 200;

CARDINAL ARINZE RECEIVES INTER-FAITH AWARD

VATICAN CITY, OCT 24, 1999 (VIS) - In Rome this afternoon, Cardinal Francis Arinze, president of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue will receive a gold medallion from the International Council of Christians and Jews for his "outstanding achievements in inter-faith relations."

The medallion will be presented in recognition of his devoted service as president of the pontifical council and for the work done under his direction by the Commission for Religious Relations with Muslims.

...;INTER-FAITH AWARD;...;ARINZE;VIS;19991025;Word: 90;

CHURCH CELEBRATES WORLD MISSION DAY

VATICAN CITY, OCT 24, 1999 (VIS) - Prior to reciting the angelus this morning, Pope John Paul recalled that the Second Special Assembly for Europe of the Synod of Bishops closed with a Mass yesterday in St. Peter's Basilica. "What frequently emerged from the synod's work," he stated, "was the call to believers to be courageous missionaries of the Gospel on our continent."

"The invitation to be missionaries," the Pope went on, "takes on a universal dimension today because, in fact, we are celebrating World Mission Day, the last of the Millennium. ... In this perspective, the October 22, 2000 celebration of a special missionary Jubilee day and of the World Mission Congress, organized by the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, will be of special interest."

The Holy Father then addressed "warm greetings and thanks to the missionaries 'ad gentes' who fulfill the work entrusted to them, without letting themselves be intimidated by the difficulties, and on occasion paying the price with their lives. May our spiritual and material support for them never be lacking."

After praying the angelus the Pope then pointed out that "today, in all of the cities of Colombia, there are marches for peace. Even Colombians present in Rome join such an initiative and they have come here this morning in a sign of solidarity and to participate in the common prayer. I ask everyone to join them in invoking God for the gift of peace, and I bless and encourage the efforts that are already being taken in this direction."

ANG;MISSIONS; PEACE; COLOMBIA;...;...;VIS;19991025;Word: 260;

INTER-RELIGIOUS ASSEMBLY OPENS IN THE VATICAN

VATICAN CITY, OCT 25, 1999 (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican, Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, president of the Central Committee for the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000, opened the Inter-religious Assembly entitled: "At the Threshold of the Third Millennium: Collaboration between different religions." Taking part in the assembly, which runs from October 25 to 28, are 230 representatives of 19 religions, including Catholicism.

In the first session, the opening speech was given by Theresa Ee-Chooi, president of the International Union of the Catholic Press. She described the religious panorama in today's world and recalled "there is no religious creed that can ever condone such actions as ... burning churches, mosques, synagogues and temples or killing people with machete blows."

She went on, making reference to the possibility of different religions acting together: "It seems as if we have accepted, often unconsciously, inequality as if it were a virtue and poverty as a symptom of indolence. Some years ago, large signs put up around China proclaimed that 'it is good to make money'. No religion teaches such values. Such teaching has nothing to do with us. ... Let us begin to collaborate ... in order to reawaken in all members of our religions our common values of compassion, altruism, sharing and the simple life."

The assembly received a message from Bartholomew I, ecumenical patriarch of Constantinople. He called upon religious leaders to leave behind the "tragic" times in history when killings occurred in the name of religion, and to turn away from religious fanaticism. He urged them "to collaborate so that the principles of tolerance, and respect for the dignity and freedom of conscience of human beings dominate."

Citing the proclamation of the Third Pan-orthodox Conference, held in Switzerland in 1986, the patriarch highlighted what should be the contributions of religion to the world: "the realization of peace, justice, freedom, fraternity and love among peoples, as well as the suppression of racial and other discriminations. ... We repeat this appeal to all religions, as the minimum that must be done for the peaceful coexistence of mankind."

We must, he wrote, "replace the confrontation of religions" with "dialectic and spiritual persuasion ... because our mixed societies - from the point of view of religion - and the great majority of simple people who aspire to universal peace, perceive that the fact of practicing principles of domination by force - formerly accepted by certain religions - would act against the shared peace of people and would make the great cities and multi-religious societies ... true volcanoes."

CON-DIR;ASSEMBLY;...;...;VIS;19991025;Word: 420;

DECLARATION ON VISIT BY RUSSIAN FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER

VATICAN CITY, OCT 25, 1999 (VIS) - The following declaration was made this afternoon by Joaquin Navarro-Valls, director of the Holy See Press Office, on the visit today to Pope John Paul and to Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of state, by Igor Sergheevich Ivanov, foreign affairs minister of the Russian Federation:

"In the course of the discussions points of view were exchanged on international current affairs, with particular reference to the situation in the Russian Federation. On this matter, the hope was also expressed that a rapid political solution would be found to the conflict in Chechnya.

"On the subject of relations between the State and the Catholic Church in Russia, a number of questions regarding the application of the law on religious liberty were examined, as was the improvement of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the Russian Federation."


OP;IVANOV;...;NAVARRO-VALLS; SODANO;VIS;19991025;Word: 150;

DECLARATION FROM HOLY SEE PRESS OFFICE DIRECTOR

VATICAN CITY, OCT 25, 1999 (VIS) - Today, Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls made the following declaration on information that has recently appeared in the media regarding negotiations on diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the People's Republic of China:

"We take note of this news that arises from various sources. It is well known that the Holy See wishes to have good relations with all countries. Consequently, this includes China where a Catholic community exists. However, I cannot be any more specific on news that we have not received through bilateral channels."

OP;RELATIONS;...;PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC CHINA;VIS;19991025;Word: 110;

AUDIENCES

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

- Igor Sergheevic Ivanov, foreign minister of the Russian Federation, accompanied by his wife and entourage.
- Joao Soares, mayor of Lisbon, Portugal, and president of the "Uniao Cidades Capitais Luso-Afro-Americo-Asiaticas" (UCCLA).
- Two prelates from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, on their "ad limina" visit:
- Archbishop Antoine Hacault of Saint-Boniface.
- Archbishop Adam Joseph Exner O.M.I., of Vancouver.

On Saturday, October 23, the Holy Father received Cardinal Lucas Moreira Neves O.P., prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.

AP; AL;...;...;... ;VIS;19991025;Word: 100;

FINAL MESSAGE OF THE SYNOD FOR EUROPE

VATICAN CITY, OCT 22, 1999 (VIS) - In a press conference held at midday today, the Message of the Second Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops was presented. Entitled "We joyfully witness the 'Gospel of Hope' in Europe," it was published in Italian, English, French, Spanish and German.

Some extracts of the message are given below:

"HOPE IS POSSIBLE. Man cannot live without hope: life would become meaningless and unbearable. But every day this hope is weakened, attacked and destroyed by many forms of suffering, anxiety and death which cut through the heart of many Europeans and throughout our whole Continent. We cannot ignore this challenge."

"For this reason, with the joy and the authority of those who speak in the name of Christ the Lord who has sent us, we make ourselves ambassadors and witnesses of the 'Gospel of Hope' for the whole of Europe.'
"WE BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST, THE ONE TRUE HOPE FOR MANKIND AND FOR HISTORY. ... In the communion between ourselves as bishops, with the Holy Father and with all those who have taken part in this synodal gathering, we have lived a deep experience of faith and love."

"WE THANK GOD FOR THE SIGNS OF HOPE PRESENT IN THE CHURCH. ... Hope is real, because Jesus is Emmanuel, God-with-us. He is Risen and is forever alive in His Church, working for the salvation of mankind and society. Our hope is sure: its signs are concrete, visible and in some way tangible, because the Creator Spirit, which the Crucified and Risen Lord left as his first gift to believers, is always present."

"One 'sign of hope' is the many martyrs of all Christian confessions, both from the West and from the East, who have lived in this century and even down to our present day. Their hope was stronger than death! We cannot, nor would we wish to, forget their witness. It is the most precious of gifts and absolutely necessary for us all, for it reminds us that without the Cross there is no salvation, and without sharing in the love of the crucified Christ, who forgives, there is no true Christian life.

"Another 'sign of hope' is the sheer holiness of so many men and women of our time, not only of those who have been officially recognized by the Church, but also those who, in the simplicity of their daily lives, have lived out their fidelity to the Gospel with generous dedication.

"Other 'signs of hope' are:

- "The rediscovered freedom of the Churches of Eastern Europe, due to the prophetic and decisive contribution of the Holy Father. ..."
- "The Church's increased focus on its spiritual mission and its commitment to making evangelization the priority, also in the dealings with social and political realities.
- "The presence and the flowering of new movements and communities. ..."
- "The awakening of renewed dedication to the Gospel and of generous readiness to serve, motivated by the Spirit in the most traditional realities of the Church, such as parishes, among those in consecrated life, in associations of lay faithful, in apostolate and prayer groups and in the various youth communities."
- "The growing presence and activity of women in the structures and life of the Christian community."

"We recognize as a 'sign of hope', the advances made on the ecumenical journey in truth, love and reconciliation, even in the face of great difficulties. With particular satisfaction we welcome the 'Common Declaration on Justification', which will be signed in Augsburg on 31 October 1999 by representatives of our Church and the World Lutheran Federation."

"Another 'sign of hope' is the 'exchange of gifts' between the Churches of the West and of the East."
"LET US BE CONVERTED BY THE LORD AND RESPOND TO OUR VOCATION. ... The serious indifference to religion of so many Europeans; the presence of many even on our Continent who do not yet know Jesus Christ and His Church and who are not baptized; the secularism which poisons a large section of Christians who habitually think, make decisions and live 'as if Christ did not exist'; all this, far from extinguishing our hope, render it more humble and more able to trust in God alone. It is from His mercy that we receive the grace and call to conversion."

"We confidently dare to say: Turn again to the Lord and respond with renewed fervor to the apostolic and missionary vocation received in Baptism! Let us all - bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated and lay faithful, men and women - each according to their gifts and responsibilities, dedicate our hearts and lives to the great and wonderful task of working with Christ for the salvation, freedom, and happiness of everyone, and in particular of our brothers and sisters in Europe!"

"May we rediscover those bonds which unite us with our 'elder brothers' of the Jewish faith; let us be open to a respectful and mature dialogue with those of other religions, intensifying our missionary impulse as we go out into the whole world."

"CALLED AND SENT TO PROCLAIM, CELEBRATE AND SERVE THE 'GOSPEL OF HOPE. ... Let us proclaim the 'Gospel of Hope'! In a world deafened by so many words and often incapable of trusting or believing in anyone, let us renew Peter's profession of faith: 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life'. We, above all, entrust ourselves to this Word, read, meditated upon and prayed in the Holy Scriptures. In our Churches, let us commit ourselves to giving a new impetus to proclamation through the witness of our lives, to preaching, to catechesis, to theological research, to religious culture, and to the dialogue between science and faith."

"Let us serve the 'Gospel of Hope'! In a Europe beset by new varieties of exclusion and by various forms of egoism, the only way to restore hope to the hopeless is by personal and communal works of active charity. Let us, then, dedicate ourselves to love through a life which mirrors and witnesses to the God who is Love. Let us open our hearts to welcome and care for all our brothers and sisters who are suffering or in fear, to the preferential love for the poor, and to the sharing of goods through a more simple way of life."

"LET US RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS OF HOPE PRESENT IN EUROPE TODAY. ... We are all faced by dramatic and disquieting situations which demonstrate the work of the spirit of evil and those who follow it. How can we forget all the violations to the fundamental rights of individuals, minorities and peoples - especially 'ethnic cleansing' and the prevention of refugees returning to their homes - or the enormous burden of injustice, violence, and death, which threatens our century in its closing years?

"And yet, in this Europe of ours, events occur and reasons exist that give us cause for hope.
"We joyfully recognize the growing openness of peoples to one another, the reconciliation between nations which have long been hostile and at odds, the progressive opening of the unifying process to the countries of Eastern Europe."

"We note as a positive factor the fact that the whole of this process is developing according to democratic procedures, in a peaceful way and in a spirit of freedom, which respects and values legitimate diversity, encouraging and sustaining the move towards the growing unity of Europe.

"We welcome with satisfaction all that has been done to clarify the conditions and methods for respecting human rights.

"Finally, in the context of legitimate and necessary economic and political unity in Europe, while recognizing the signs of hope which are apparent in the consideration given to rights and to the quality of life, we sincerely hope that, creatively keeping to the humanist and Christian traditions of our Continent, the primacy of ethical and spiritual values will be guaranteed."

"As Christians, we wish to be, and we invite you to be, committed Europeans, ready to make our contribution to the Europe of today and tomorrow, treasuring the precious heritage left us by the 'founding fathers' of the united Europe.

"The sincere love which we, as pastors, have for Europe moves us to address some appeals to those ... who have a specific responsibility for the future of our Continent:

- "Do not be silent but raise your voices when the rights of individuals, minorities and peoples are violated, beginning with the right to religious freedom.
- "Give the greatest attention to everything that concerns human life, from conception to natural death, as well as to the family based on marriage. ..."
- "Pursue the process of European integration with courage and urgency, widening the circle of member countries of the Union. ..."
- "Respond to the growing phenomenon of migration with justice and equity and with a great sense of solidarity. See in it a new resource for the future of Europe.
- "Make every effort to guarantee young people a truly human future, with work, culture, and education in moral and spiritual values.
- "Keep Europe open to all countries of the world, continuing in the present context of globalization, to practice various forms of cooperation, not only economic, but also social and cultural. Welcome the appeal, which together with the Holy Father we renew, to wipe out or at least reduce - as some countries have already done - the international debt of developing nations."

"LET US PRAY TOGETHER FOR EUROPE AND THE WORLD." The synod fathers conclude their Message with a brief prayer in which they urge the Church of Europe: "do not be afraid! ... Hope in your Lord and you will never be confounded!"

SE;FINAL MESSAGE;...;... ;VIS;19991022;Word: 1600;

EIGHTEENTH GENERAL CONGREGATION

VATICAN CITY, 22 OCT, 1999 (VIS) - At 9:05 a.m. today Friday, October 22, 1999, in the presence of the Holy Father and on the 21st anniversary of the beginning of his ministry as universal Pastor of the Church, the eighteenth general congregation began. It comprised the second vote for the election of the Post-Synodal Council and the presentation of the final List of propositions. The president delegate on duty was Cardinal Franciszek Macharski, Archbishop of Krakow. One hundred and sixty-seven synod fathers were present and the congregation ended at 12:05.

As a first order of business, Cardinal Jan Pieter Schotte C.I.C.M., secretary general of the Synod of Bishops, disclosed the results of the first vote for the Post-Synodal Council. Then, voting cards for the second vote were distributed.

Afterwards, Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela, relator general, presented the final list of propositions which the synod fathers will study in private in order to prepare the final vote. A second voting card was distributed for the vote on the propositions which will be expressed using the formula of 'placet' (it pleases) or 'non placet' (it pleases not). This vote will be held during the nineteenth and final general congregation this afternoon.

Following this, the second vote was held for the Post-Synodal Council. The names of those elected will be disclosed after the nomination of the members by the Holy Father.

With this afternoon's general congregation, the Second Special Assembly for Europe of the Synod of Bishops comes to an close.

SE;EIGHTEENTH CONGREGATION;...;...;VIS;19991022;Word: 250;

ORIENTAL CHURCH BISHOPS, MAJOR SUPERIORS TO MEET IN BOSTON

VATICAN CITY, OCT 21, 1999 (VIS) - From November 7 to 12, the archdiocese of Boston, U.S.A., will host a meeting of bishops and major superiors of the Oriental Churches in North America, South America and Australia, it was announced today.
Joining them will be Cardinal Bernard Law, archbishop of Boston, Cardinal Achille Silvestrini, prefect of the Vatican's Congregation for Oriental Churches, the congregation's secretary and under-secretary, and Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, apostolic nuncio in the United States.

This is the fourth in a series of similar meetings held since 1996, according to a communique on this encounter. "It completes a first examination of the life of the Catholic Oriental Churches in diverse parts of the world."

In addition to speeches, workshops and testimonials from the various regions, there will daily liturgies, each celebrated according to a different rite. The Churches that will be represented include the Armenian, Chaldean, Coptic, Ethiopian, Maronite, Melkite, Romanian, Ruthenian, Syrian, Syro-Malabar, Syro-Malankar, Slovakian and Ukrainian.

"The point of departure," says the communique, "will be an examination of the consequences of the massive diaspora on the life of the Oriental Churches in their traditional territories." Participants will also address the question of what links should bind the mother Churches to the ecclesial communities of the diaspora.

CEO;MEETING;...;BOSTON; LAW; SILVESTRNI ;VIS;19991021;Word: 220;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, OCT 22, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Archbishop Luigi Dossena, apostolic nuncio in Slovakia.
- Archbishop Ambrose B. De Paoli, apostolic nuncio in Japan.
- Bishop Joseph Anthony Fiorenza of Galveston-Houston, U.S.A. and president of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, accompanied by Bishop Wilton Daniel Gregory of Belleville and Msgr. Dennis M. Schnurr, respectively vice-president and secretary general of the conference.

The following participants in the Synod for Europe were invited to lunch by the Holy Father:

- Fr. Gerard Joseph Conroy, professor of sacred scriptures at the Glasgow National Seminary, Scotland.
- Fr. Giorgio Costantino, moderator of the regional office for social communications and spokesperson of the Episcopal Conference of Calabria, archdiocese of Reggio Calabria-Bova, Italy.
- Mary A. Curtin, senior producer of the Irish Radio and Television Service, Ireland.
- Ysabel de Andia O.C.V., director of research for ancient philosophy at the 'Centre National de Recherches Scientifiques,' France.
- Fr. Jesus de las Heras Muela, moderator of the information office of the Spanish Episcopal Conference, Spain.
- Fr. Bernard Grogan S.D.B., secretary to the counsellor general for formation in the Society of Salesians of St. John Bosco, Great Britain.
- Stanislaw and Ludmila Grygiel from Poland, of the "John Paul II" Institute, Pontifical Lateran University, Rome.
- Sr. Marie Noelle Hausman S.C.M., superior general of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Mary, Belgium.
- Fr. Stanislas Lalanne, moderator of the 'Centre de Presse des journees Mondiales de la Jeunesse,' French Episcopal Conference, France.
- Bro. Luc de Taize, member of the Taize Community, France. - Bro. Roger de Taize of the Taize Community, France.
- William Stainsby, president of the Newman Institute of Ireland and director of the Center for Faith and Culture, Ireland.
- Helmut Steindl, member of the 'Comite Episcopal Europeen pour les Medias,' Switzerland.
- Denis Vienot, president of 'Caritas Europeenne,' France.

AP;...;...;... ;VIS;19991022;Word: 310;

PRESENTATION OF HOLY FATHER'S LETTER TO THE ELDERLY

VATICAN CITY, OCT 22, 1999 (VIS) - On Tuesday, October 26 at 11:30 a.m. in the Holy See Press Office, Cardinal James Francis Stafford, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, will present the Letter of the Holy Father John Paul II to the Elderly.

Joining Cardinal Stafford for the presentation will be Bishop Stanislaw Rylko, council secretary, and PierUgo Carbonin, director of the Institute of Internal Medicine and Gerontology at Sacred Heart Catholic University in Rome.

The letter will be published in Italian, French, English, German, Spanish, Portuguese and Polish.

OP;LETTER ELDERLY;...;STAFFORD;VIS;19991022;Word: 100;

THE JUBILEE 2000 AND THE EASTERN CATHOLIC CHURCHES

VATICAN CITY, OCT 21, 1999 (VIS) - A document from the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, entitled "The Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 and the Eastern Catholic Churches," was presented this morning in the Holy See Press Office.

Cardinal Achille Silvestrini and Msgr. Claudio Gugerotti, respectively prefect and under-secretary of the congregation, participated in the press conference, as did Msgr. Michel Berger, bureau chief of the Pontifical Commission for the Cultural Patrimony of the Church.

Cardinal Silvestrini recalled that "the Eastern Catholic Churches - that is, those Churches that belong to the Christian east and have their spiritual treasures in common with their brothers of the Orthodox Churches, but at the same time live full communion with the Pope - do not have an easy life. Recovering from severe persecution by the atheist regime of central and eastern Europe or weakened by social and political instability in the Middle East, they also find themselves the subject of a heated debate within the Orthodox Churches."

In reference to the document being presented today, he affirmed that its aim is to "make it known that the (Christian) east has something to say on the values of the upcoming Holy Year and on the way it should be lived. This will also help the Latin Church to integrate the general considerations and the sensibility that the (Christian) east helps to illuminate, into its own way of celebrating the Jubilee."

Msgr. Gugerotti spoke of the first part of the document, "The Jubilee in the Eastern Catholic Churches," whose central point, he said, is constituted by the affirmation that the "fundamental way for a Church to celebrate the Jubilee is through the liturgy."

The under-secretary said that the document highlights the necessity of living the Jubilee as "an occasion for ecumenical encounter, ever more urgent in order to recreate a fraternal atmosphere within the Christian east, both Catholic and Orthodox."

"For Eastern Catholics, who have spilt their blood in order to preserve union with the Bishop of Rome, coming to Rome means demonstrating and celebrating this bond of full communion with the Successor of Peter."

On the subject of spiritual guidelines, he highlighted "the eastern manner of living penitence and reconciliation, that gives particular emphasis to fasting and asceticism."

In closing, Msgr. Gugerotti mentioned some pastoral suggestions, such as the summons to "renovate Churches, abandoning pure nostalgia and making their structures more transparent, up-to-date and efficient," and the call to "take special care with liturgical homilies."

"These are merely suggestions, it is up to the synods and the individual eastern bishops to adopt them and enrich them with other specific contributions."

Msgr. Michel Berger spoke about the Oriental Church's splendid spiritual, artistic and cultural legacy in Rome. He said that "the Eastern Christian heritage which enriches the patrimony of Rome is so immense as to make one think that there is a fragment of the East on the banks of the Tiber."

He then gave an historical overview of the contributions to Roman civilization by the Eastern Churches, highlighting "the saints and men of Eastern culture who came to Rome," and naming in particular the Slav brothers and saints, Cyril and Methodius.

He also underscored the presence of monks and the spread of monasticism in the West, recalling that "one of the most famous monasteries in Rome, St. Saba, was founded on the Aventine Hill, towards the end of the sixth or beginning of the seventh century, by Eastern monks who came from the monastery of the same name in Palestine." In particular he pointed to the contributions of the first generations of Eastern monks in Rome in the fields of hagiography, hymnography and Byzantine music.

Msgr. Berger remarked that other Oriental treasures, such as Byzantine art, frescoes, mosaics and icons, can be found today in countless churches and monasteries of Rome. And, he said, if the Oriental influence in art and culture was notable in the early centuries, it became even more so between the end of the sixth and eighth centuries when there were a number of Greek Popes. This was a time when the Greek population in Rome grew, as did monasteries and artwork in churches such as Santa Maria in Cosmedin.

OP;EASTERN CHURCHES;...;SILVESTRINI;VIS;19991021;Word: 720;

SEVENTEENTH GENERAL CONGREGATION

VATICAN CITY, OCT 21, 1999 (VIS) - The seventeenth general congregation of the Second Special Assembly for Europe began today at 9 a.m. in the Synod Hall. The first vote took place for the election of a post-synodal council and for presenting and voting on the second draft of the Message. The president delegate on duty was Cardinal Paul Poupard. The congregation, which was attended by 161 synod fathers, closed at 10:15 a.m.

This afternoon there will be no general congregation. The relator general, together with the special secretaries and the relators of the work groups, will study the collective amendments to the propositions.

SE;SEVENTEENTH CONGREGATION;...;...;VIS;19991021;Word: 110;

GENERAL AUDIENCE: THE VIRTUE OF CHARITY, LOVE OF NEIGHBOR

VATICAN CITY, OCT 20, 1999 (VIS) - "The theological virtue of charity, love of neighbor," was the subject of John Paul II's catechesis during the general audience, held this morning in St. Peter's Square.

The Holy Father pointed out "the great novelty of Christianity: you cannot love God if you do not love your neighbors, creating with them an intimate and lasting communion of love."

"Love for neighbor is meant to be an imitation and continuation of the merciful goodness of the heavenly Father, who provides for the needs of everyone without distinction. In any case, (this love) remains linked to the love for God; in fact, the two commandments of love represent the synthesis and the pinnacle of the Law of the Prophets."

St. Paul, the Holy Father continued, teaches us that divine charity, "the soul of all virtuous acts," is "the fruit, par excellence," of the Holy Spirit. In the First Letter to the Corinthians, the hymn to charity "celebrates this primacy of charity over all other gifts, even over faith and hope. ... Love for neighbor has a Christological connotation, because it must adapt to the gift that Christ made of His own life."

John Paul II concluded by affirming: "Only those who allow themselves to be involved with their neighbors and by their needs, clearly show their love for Jesus. To be closed or indifferent to the 'other' means to be closed to the Holy Spirit, to forget Christ and to negate the universal love of the Father."

AG;CHARITY;...;...;VIS;19991020;Word: 260;

PRESENTATION OF AMENDMENTS TO THE PROPOSITIONS

VATICAN CITY, OCT 20, 1999 (VIS) - This morning, the working or language groups of the Synod for Europe held their fifteenth session during which they prepared the collective amendments to the propositions. At 1 p.m., the amended proposals were handed over to the Synod secretary general.

There will be no general congregation this afternoon. The relator general, together with the special secretaries and the relators of the working groups will study the collective amendments to the propositions.

SE;PROPOSED AMENDMENTS;...;...;VIS;19991020;Word: 90;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, OCT 20, 1999 (VIS) - The following participants in the Synod for Europe were invited to lunch by the Holy Father:

- Fr. Josef Bisig, superior general of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, Wigratzbad, Germany.
- Msgr. Peter Erdo, rector of the Catholic University of Budapest, Hungary.
- Msgr. Karl Hillenbrand, vicar general of Wurzburg, Germany.
- Fr. Karoly Kerekes O.Cist., former president of the Hungarian Conference of Superiors Major, Hungary.
- Viktor M. Khroul, member of the Pontifical Council for the Laity and editor of the Catholic weekly, "Svet Evanghelia," Russia.
- Fr. Svyatoslav Kyyak O.S.B.M., professor of fundamental theology and ethics at the Theological-Catechetical Institute of Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine.
- Fr. Klemens Ladner F.S.C., provincial superior of the Brothers of Christian Schools in Austria, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary, from Austria.
- Nicholas Lobkowicz, director of the Central Institute for Studies on Central and Eastern Europe of the Catholic University of Eichstadt and former member of the permanent committee of the International Federation of Catholic Universities (FIUC), Germany.
- Maria Johanna Theodora Martens, member of the European Parliament, president of the European Forum of the Laity and president of the Dutch National Committee for the Great Jubilee, Holland.
- Fr. Gerhard Ludwig Muller, professor of dogmatic theology at the faculty of theology of the Catholic University of Munich and member of the International Theological Commission, Germany.
- Fr. Ludwig Schwarz S.D.B., national director for the Pontifical Missionary Works, Austria.
- Jan Zicha, member of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, Czech Republic.

AP;...;...;...;VIS;19991020;Word: 250;

HOLY SEE URGES U.N. TO CHANGE ITS SANCTIONS MECHANISM

VATICAN CITY, OCT 20, 1999 (VIS) - Archbishop Renato Martino, Holy See permanent observer to the United Nations, yesterday addressed the Second Committee of the General Assembly on Sustainable Development and International Economic Cooperation. He emphasized one question in sustainable development, namely, the negative effects of sanctions.

He urged the U.N. to consider changing, fine-tuning and making more just its existing mechanism for imposing economic sanctions in order to avoid some of the harsh consequences that sanctions impose on innocent populations. "The fact that the leadership of a country has imposed a threat to international peace and security and put obstacles to restoring peace, does not require that the entire population of that particular country should be brought to suffer." Citing Pope John Paul, he said: "The weak and innocent cannot pay for mistakes for which they are not responsible."

Archbishop Martino underscored that "the question of economic sanctions, in fact, constitutes one of the unfinished chapters of contemporary international law. ... Sanctions are not simply an easy way to placate an outraged public opinion. Their primary aim is not to punish, but rather to coerce the targeted government into a change of behavior." Sanctions must, he said, "observe the letter and the spirit of humanitarian law" and "should not have indiscriminate or disproportionate effects on the civilian population."

He recommended that, in the future, "the goals and objectives of sanctions be clearly defined, so that it will be possible to objectively evaluate the progress being made by the targeted nation." In addition, "detailed attention should be given ... to foresee and, where possible, avoid or mitigate possible humanitarian consequences."
"While holding fast to the principle that grave transgressions cannot be tolerated," Archbishop Martino stated in conclusion, "the Holy See appeals to the conscience of the international community and requests it to reconsider the negative consequences of the present mechanism of indiscriminate economic sanctions."

DELSS;SANCTIONS;...;UN; MARTINO;VIS;19991020;Word: 320;

GENERAL AUDIENCE: POPE'S MULTI-LINGUAL GREETINGS TO PILGRIMS

VATICAN CITY, OCT 20, 1999 (VIS) - In his multi-lingual greetings to pilgrims in attendance at today's general audience in St. Peter's Square, Pope John Paul had words for ecumenical groups, spoke of the just-celebrated 21st anniversary of his election and highlighted the recently restored facade of St. Peter's Basilica.

"I extend a special welcome to the members of the Syriac Commission of the Foundation 'Pro Oriente'," he said in English, "and I thank you for your dedication to the task of promoting relations with the ancient Churches of the East. I am happy today to greet the various ecumenical groups present."

Then, in Portuguese, he addressed the "beloved pilgrims from Brazil and other Portuguese-speaking countries. I welcome you, with a 'thank you' for all the times that you have remembered, through prayer, the intentions of my ministry as the Successor of Peter, which has now concluded 21 years. May God bless you and bestow upon you and your families an abundance of blessings from heaven!"

The Holy Father also greeted a group of Slovak pilgrims in their language: "Dear brothers and sisters, in the first letter of St. Peter, we read: 'Like living stones, be yourselves built into a spiritual house'. In front of you is the basilica of St. Peter's, with its restored facade. Our pleasure in front of this masterpiece cannot be only aesthetic in nature, but should open itself to the inner fascination of the spiritual reality that it signifies."

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IN MEMORIAM

VATICAN CITY, OCT 20, 1999 (VIS) - The following prelates died in recent weeks:

- Bishop Raphael Bayan, emeritus of Iskanderiya of the Armenians, Egypt, on September 21, at the age of 85.
- Bishop Geoffrey Burke, former auxiliary of Salford, England, on October 13, at the age of 86.
- Bishop Norbert Felix Gaughan, emeritus of Gary, U.S.A., on September 30, at the age of 78. - Bishop Dennis Walter Hickey, former auxiliary of Rochester, U.S.A., on October 8, at the age of 84.
- Archbishop Roger Meindre of Albi, France, on October 7, at the age of 68.
- Bishop Joseph Ngogi Nkongolo, emeritus of Mbujimayi, Congo, on October 12, at the age of 83.
- Archbishop Mario Peressin, emeritus of l'Aquila, Italy, on 11 September, at the age of 76.

...;DEATHS;...;... ;VIS;19991020;Word: 120;

THE JUBILEE 2000 AND THE EASTERN CATHOLIC CHURCHES

VATICAN CITY, OCT 19, 1999 (VIS) - In the Holy See Press Office on Thursday October 21, at 11.30 a.m., a document from the Congregation for the Oriental Churches will be presented, entitled "The Jubilee 2000 and the Eastern Catholic Churches."


OP;EASTERN CHURCHES;...;SILVESTRINI;VIS;19991019;Word: 90;

CATHOLIC AND JEWISH SCHOLARS TO STUDY VATICAN ARCHIVES

VATICAN CITY, OCT 19, 1999 (VIS) - Cardinal Edward Cassidy, President of the Holy See's Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews, announced today that this Commission and an international committee of Jewish leaders have agreed to appoint a joint team of Catholic and Jewish scholars to review published volumes of Church archival material covering the World War II period.

Joining the cardinal in making the announcement was Seymour D. Reich, chairman of the International Jewish Committee on Interreligious Consultations (IJCIC). The New York attorney welcomed it as a "useful first step in resolving the matter of the Vatican's role during World War II and resuming the Catholic-Jewish dialogue that has helped advance the evolving relationship between our two faiths in recent decades".

The agreement implements a proposal made by Cardinal Cassidy and accepted by the 1998 meeting in Rome of the International Catholic-Jewish Liaison Committee, comprised of the Holy See's Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews and IJCIC. It specifies that 11 volumes of Vatican archival material, published between 1965 and 1981 and which relate to the Church's role during World War II, will be examined by a joint team of three Jewish and three Catholic scholars.

The hope was expressed that any question and differences that now exist or may arise can be resolved through the joint review approach. During their review, the six scholars may also draw on the knowledge and assistance of other specialists, including colleagues and associates.

The names of the three Catholic and Jewish scholars who will serve on the review team will be announced in the very near future.

...;JEWS; VATICAN ARCHIVES;...;CASSIDY;VIS;19991019;Word: 280;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, OCT 19, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Msgr. George J. Lucas of the clergy of the archdiocese of St. Louis and rector of the Kenrick-Glennon major seminary, as bishop of Springfield in Illinois (area 39,195, population 1,129,814, Catholics 171,363, priests 188, permanent deacons 1, religious 696), U.S.A. The bishop-elect was born in St. Louis, U.S.A. in 1949 and ordained a priest in 1975. He succeeds Bishop Daniel L. Ryan, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese the Holy Father accepted, in accordance with canon 401, para. 2 of the Code of Canon Law.

NER; RE;...;...;LUCAS; RYAN ;VIS;19991019;Word: 100;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, OCT 19, 1999 (VIS) - The following participants in the Synod for Europe were invited to lunch by the Holy Father:

- Fr. Vaclovas Aliulis M.I.C., former vicar general of the Congregation of the Marian Clergy for the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M., Lithuania.
- Jesus Carrascosa, director of the International Center of Communion and Liberation, Spain.
- Juana Carrascosa, member of the International Center of Communion and Liberation, Spain.
- Msgr. Bruno Forte, member of the International Theological Commission and professor of dogmatic theology at the faculty of theology of southern Italy, Naples, Italy.
- Fr. Edmund Michael Garvey C.F.C., superior general of the Christian Brothers, Ireland.
- Francisco Jose Gomez Arguello Wirtz, co-founder of the Neo-Catechumenal Way, Spain.
- Fr. Jesus Maria Lecea Sainz S.P., president of the Spanish Conference of Superiors Major, Spain.
- Fr. Juan Antonio Martinez Camino S.J., professor of theology at the Pontifical University 'Comillas' in Madrid and director of the secretariat of the Spanish Episcopal Commission for the Doctrine of the Faith, Spain.
- Fr. Candido Pozo S.J., professor of dogmatic theology at the faculty of theology of the University of Granada, Spain.
- Fr. Jozef Rapacz, professor at the Pontifical Academy in Krakow, Poland.
- Msgr. Pedro Rodriguez Garcia of the Personal Prelature of Opus Dei, professor of theology at the faculty of theology of the University of Navarra, Spain.
- Fr. Mario Spezzibottiani, professor of special moral theology at the archiepiscopal seminary of Milan, Italy.

AP;...;...;...;VIS;19991019;Word: 250;

LANGUAGE GROUPS MEET ON AMENDMENTS TO PROPOSITIONS

VATICAN CITY, OCT 19, 1999 (VIS) - The small working, or language, groups of the synod for Europe met in their twelfth session last evening from 5 to 7 p.m. They will meet again today in morning and afternoon sessions, as well as tomorrow morning.

The synod fathers continue to discuss the individual amendments. Each working group will approve the collective amendments, voted by absolute majority, and these will be presented to the special secretary by the group relators. The collective amendments will then be examined by the working group relators under the guidance of the synod's general relator and with the assistance of the special secretaries and experts. The Final List of Propositions will be presented during the 17th general congregation on Thursday, October 21.

SE;PROPOSITION AMENDMENTS;...;...;VIS;19991019;Word: 130;

OFFICIAL VISIT OF ITALIAN PRESIDENT CIAMPI

VATICAN CITY, OCT 19, 1999 (VIS) - This morning the Holy Father received Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, president of the Italian Republic, on an official visit to the Vatican. President Ciampi took office on May 18 this year.

In his address, the Pope indicated that Italy "is well integrated among the sister nations of Europe." This continent "which has reached unexpected levels of well-being, is today faced with the task of re-thinking itself in order to adapt its structures to higher goals, perhaps goals hardly yet imagined. Progress cannot be merely economic."

The economic dimension, he continued, must be "crowned by a 'centrality of the soul.' ... In this sense, it becomes essential that the public authorities recognize those basic human values upon which the very foundations of society rest. Pluralist State does not mean agnostic State."

After referring to the Italian nation's vocation to peace, John Paul II highlighted that "it is important that this situation persist, because only in the context of peace can the complex problems challenging the nation be faced and appropriately solved. Life must be guarded from conception and guaranteed, with love and dignity, in its natural evolution. Life is born and grows in the family, the fundamental cell upon which the nation stands, and which deserves ever improved assistance."

"Then," he went on, "there is school, which must be free and open to the moral and intellectual growth of the young generations. ... Finally, there is work." On this subject, he made a call to the public authorities to, "with all means possible, assist individuals to express their creative potential. It would be a grave fault to remain indifferent and confine the young to corrupting idleness."

The Pope concluded by highlighting the "traditional and well-tested hospitality of the Italian people," which will welcome the pilgrims who come to Rome in the year 2000.

Later, as prescribed by protocol, President Ciampi visited Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano, with whom he had a private interview. He was then accompanied to the Sala Regia, where Cardinal Sodano presented him to the diplomatic corps. The official ceremony concluded with the visit of the president to St. Peter's Basilica.

This afternoon Cardinal Sodano, accompanied by Archbishop Giovanni Battista Re, substitute for General Affairs, will visit the Quirinale, official residence of the Italian President, to return the visit.

VE;CIAMPI;...;...;VIS;19991019;Word: 400;

TELEGRAM FOR DEATH OF TANZANIA'S FIRST PRESIDENT

VATICAN CITY, OCT 19, 1999 (VIS) - Following is the text of the telegram sent by Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano, in Pope John Paul's name, to Benjamin Mkapa, president of Tanzania, for the death of that country's first president:

"Having learned with sadness of the death of Julius K. Nyerere, first president of the United Republic of Tanzania, His Holiness Pope John Paul II sends condolences to you and the nation. He commends the former president's soul to the mercy and love of Almighty God and prays that those who mourn his passing will ever increase their commitment to serving the greater good of the country in true justice and with respect for the rights and dignity of all. Upon the Tanzanian people His Holiness cordially invokes God's blessings of peace."

TGR;DEATH NYERERE;...;TANZANIA; MKAPA;VIS;19991019;Word: 140;

PRESS OFFICE ON VISIT BY PRESIDENT CIAMPI

VATICAN CITY, OCT 19, 1999 (VIS) - The following declaration was made this afternoon by Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls on the visit earlier today by Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi to Pope John Paul II:

"Today, Tuesday October 19, 1999, His Holiness John Paul II received Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, president of the Italian Republic, accompanied by an official delegation.

"For the occasion the Holy Father addressed an important speech to the head of State. The speech is published separately together with the Italian President's reply.

"Also published is the speech with which Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano presented the illustrious guest to the diplomatic corps.

"In the course of discussions, the Pope and the cardinal secretary of state once again highlighted the need for collaboration between Church and State in promoting the moral values which form the basis of society, as the Pope said in his address: 'Pluralist State does not mean agnostic State.'
"In this context, the exchanges dwelt particularly on promoting the family and on the education of youth. Precisely in order to meet the rights of the family and of the young, the question was again raised of the need for effective educational liberty in keeping with the model already commonly accepted throughout the European Community."

OP;VISIT CIAMPI;...;NAVARRO-VALLS;VIS;19991019;Word: 220;

SIXTEENTH GENERAL CONGREGATION

VATICAN CITY, OCT 18, 1999 (VIS) - The sixteenth general congregation was held today from 9 a.m. to 12:30, and was presided over by Cardinal Paul Poupard, president delegate on duty. During the meeting, the unified list of propositions and the draft of the message were presented. The message itself was discussed. Pope John Paul II was present, as were 159 synod fathers.

It is expected that the working groups will meet this evening from 5 to 7 p.m. in order to prepare collective amendments to the propositions.

SE;SIXTEENTH CONGREGATION;...;...;VIS;19991018;Word: 70;

HOLY FATHER'S ANNUAL MESSAGE FOR WORLD FOOD DAY

VATICAN CITY, OCT 15, 1999 (VIS) - Made public this afternoon was the Holy Father's annual message for World Food Day. Dated October 11 and written in French, it was sent on the Pope's behalf by Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano to Jacques Diouf, director general of the United Nation's Rome-based Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO).

The message states that the 1999 theme of this world day, "'Young People Against Hunger', shows (FAO's) intention to call young people to commit themselves ever more resolutely in the fight against hunger, as well as for a greater justice in sharing the benefits of development and for a greater solidarity among nations, a perspective which constitutes one of FAO's primary objectives."

Saying that the Church has confidence in young people, it adds: "His Holiness thus invites youth who aspire to live in a world of fraternity and peace to act in all circumstances by love for one's neighbor, so as to create conditions of peace, a peace which young people must make their best friend, living with it in an invisible friendship."

MESS;WORLD FOOD DAY;...;FAO; SODANO; DIOUF;VIS;19991018;Word:

THE JUBILEE IS AN OCCASION TO GROW IN FAITH

VATICAN CITY, OCT 15, 1999 (VIS) - This evening, the Pope requested rectors, professors and students of the ecclesiastical universities of Rome, to make the Jubilee of the year 2000 an "occasion, not just to deepen theological knowledge, but above all to grow in faith in Jesus Christ."

John Paul II pronounced these words in his homily during the Mass celebrated in the Vatican basilica by Cardinal Pio Laghi, prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education. The Mass marked the beginning of the academic year in the ecclesiastical universities.

"The act of faith, considered in its entirety," affirmed the Holy Father, "must necessarily translate itself into concrete stances and decisions. In this way it is possible to overcome the apparent clash between faith and action. Faith understood in its full sense is not an abstract quality, separated from everyday life, rather it includes every dimension of the individual."

The Holy Father underlined that St. Teresa of Avila, whose feast day falls today, represents "an eloquent example of this synthesis of faith and action. ... Her mystical experience, like that of all saints, clearly shows that, in those who seek God, everything tends towards the only center: the integral response to God that is communicated to Him."

HML;ECCLESIASTICAL UNIVERSITIES;...;LAGHI;VIS;19991018;Word: 220;

BE PASSIONATE BELIEVERS IN CHRIST, JOHN PAUL II TELLS FAITHFUL

VATICAN CITY, OCT 17, 1999 (VIS) - This morning John Paul II visited the Roman parish of St. Francis of Assisi at Monte Mario and, in his homily, he called upon the faithful to be "passionate believers in Christ, capable of giving testimony to faith with their lives."

The Pope expressed his delight at the activities organized by the young people of the parish, and at the fact that adults participate in the pastoral ministry to youth. He said: "For young people, having by their side mature adults who know how to propose to them exalted goals and who are capable of listening to them and of giving them satisfactory answers to the basic existential questions, is a guarantee for their future and for enriching the Church and society."

After referring to World Youth Day, to be held in Rome in 2000, the Holy Father affirmed that "it is necessary to make preparations in order to offer a warm welcome to the young people who will come to Rome for that occasion. We entrust to the Lord, through the intercession of Mary, the success of this great event and the spiritual fruits which it will not fail to produce."

The Pope expressed his hope that the parishioners may soon have a church larger than the present one, and he encouraged them to "draw, from the smallness of the building, the incentive to be a living community, committed to taking the Gospel everywhere. Be a missionary parish!"

HML;...;...;ST FRANCIS ASSISI;VIS;19991018;Word: 260;

AUDIENCES

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

- Archbishop Antonio Lucibello, apostolic nuncio in Paraguay.
- Bishop Jose de Jesus Quintero Diaz of Tibu, Colombia.

The following participants in the Synod for Europe were invited to lunch by the Holy Father:

- Cardinal Jan Pieter Schotte C.I.C.M., secretary general of the Synod of Bishops.
- Mijo Beccaria, president of the "Bureau International Catholique de l'Enfance", France.
- Sr. Irina Ioana Bota O.S.B.M., provincial superior in Romania for the order of Basilian Sisters and president of the Romanian Conference of Superiors Major, Romania.
- Sr. Rita Burley A.C.I., superior general of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and president of the International Union of Superiors General, Great Britain.
- Sr. Tekla Famiglietti O.SS.S., abbess general of the Order of the Most Holy Savior of St. Bridget, Italy.
- Sr. Judith Frei O.S.B., abbess of the monastery of Benedictine Sisters at Rietberg, Germany.
- Sanja Horvat, health-care worker and student at the Theological Institute of Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina.
- Irina Ilovaisky Giorgi-Alberti, editor of "La Pensee Russe," France. - Chiara Lubich, foundress and president of the Focolare Movement, Italy.
- Sr. Jolanta Olech U.S.J.K., superior general of the Ursuline Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Agony and president of the Conference of Superiors Major of Women's Institutes in Poland.
- Sr. Enrica Rosanna F.M.A., professor at the Pontifical Faculty for Educational Sciences "Auxilium," Rome.
- Rosemary Ann Smith of the Secular Institute of "Caritas Christi," Great Britain.
- Sr. Kornelia Zoric S.F.I.C., superior general of the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, Dubrovnik, Croatia.

AP;...;...;...;VIS;19991018;Word: 280;

POPE: MY MINISTRY IS TO BE A MISSIONARY

VATICAN CITY, OCT 17, 1999 (VIS) - Today at noon, before reciting the angelus with the large crowd of faithful which had gathered in St. Peter's Square, Pope John Paul pointed out that next Sunday is World Mission Day, whose theme is "The Father: Source of the Church's Apostolic Commitment."

"As the Father sent the Son, so the Son sent the Church to the ends of the earth," he continued. "She has one mission, one message of salvation, which comes from God and is destined for all of mankind, so that, redeemed from sin, everyone might become a son of God."

The Pope then remarked that he was "thinking of the many missionaries, priests, religious and lay people who, in every corner of the earth, are witnesses to Christ in the midst of numerous difficulties, and who sometimes pay with their blood for fidelity to their mission. May these brothers and sisters of ours never lack the spiritual and material support of our communities."

"World Mission Day," the Holy Father concluded, "asks all believers to be missionaries in their own sphere of life. The duties of the Church are many, but the mission is one. It is with this spirit that I try to exercise the apostolic ministry that Divine Providence entrusted to me on October 16, 1978." He thanked everyone for their best wishes on the occasion of the 21st anniversary of his election to the papacy, and asked that they "continue to accompany me with prayer."

In remarks made following the angelus prayer, John Paul II noted that today is the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, and he expressed his "spiritual closeness to all who live in conditions of extreme poverty."

He closed his multi-lingual greetings with words of affection for a group of young Albanians, "ambassadors of peace." He then blessed a large bell they had transported to St. Peter's Square, noting that this "bell of peace was made with cartridges gathered in the Albania region of Zadrima, and it will be placed in Tirana's main square on the first day of 2000."

ANG;MISSION SUNDAY;...;...;VIS;19991018;Word: 350;