CONSTRUCT AN ECONOMY FOUNDED ON THE HIERARCHY OF VALUES

VATICAN CITY, NOV 26, 1999 (VIS) - This morning the Holy Father received executives from the Bank of Italy who are celebrating thirty years service with that institution.

Making reference to the bank's initiative to promote an internal congress for those who complete thirty years service, John Paul II affirmed that this occasion constitutes "a powerful call to the ideals of ethics, of dignity and of solidarity, (ideals) that cause work to be considered not simply as a source of sustenance, but also as a means capable of ennobling the individual.

"May this initiative," he continued, "contribute to making your awareness of this fact grow, in order that your daily commitment may become a generous and meaningful contribution to the construction of an economy founded on a just hierarchy of values, the first of which must be the dignity of the individual."

The Holy Father underlined the problem of the debt of the less economically developed countries, and said: "The authoritative voice of central banks may give the appropriate indications for identifying and pursuing just solutions; solutions that give hope to peoples in need of a solidarity that is sometimes necessary for their very survival."

AC;...;...;BANK OF ITALY;VIS;19991126;Word: 210;

PAPAL MESSAGE FOR SOCIAL WEEKS OF FRANCE

VATICAN CITY, NOV 26, 1999 (VIS) - Made public today was a Message from Pope John Paul to Msgr. Jean Boissonnat, president of the Social Weeks of France, on the occasion of their 74th session, currently underway in Paris on the theme "From One Century to Another, The Gospel, Christians and the Stakes in Society."

He praises the Social Weeks for reflecting on "complex problems as well as the political, economic and social realities which our society poses" and for rooting their reflections in the Church's social doctrine. He adds that the Church has always invited mankind "to create relationships of charity, fraternity, solidarity and justice" in all of these domains of human society.

"Politics," the Pope says, "is the broadest field for charity and solidarity." He stresses that "the lay faithful are never to relinquish their participation in the 'public life', that is, in the many different economic, social, legislative, administrative and cultural areas, which are intended to promote organically and institutionally the common good."

With regard to collaborating ever more closer to promote the common good and the "basic rights of the human person," affirms the Holy Father, "how can we not recall the primordial value of the couple and the family, which is the basic cell of society? When basic principles are not observed, when the positive law no longer makes reference to the natural law, it is clear that 'the life of society itself is gradually jeopardized, threatened and doomed to decay'. Legitimate authorities must assure a good functioning of State structures, transparency in public administration, impartiality in public service, the just and honest use of public funds, the refusal of illicit means to obtain or preserve power, by virtue of the worth of the person and objective moral demands."

Lauding those who have been involved in Social Weeks in the past, the Pope encourages participants today "to pursue the work undertaken by your predecessors and become actors in public life."

AC;SOCIAL WEEKS; FRANCE;...;BOISSONNAT;VIS;19991126;Word: 320;

TO FOLLOW CHRIST REQUIRES GENEROSITY AND COURAGE

VATICAN CITY, NOV 26, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father sent a message to participants in the "Meeting of Youth, Approaching the Jubilee," which is presently being celebrated in San Remo, Italy, and whose theme is: "Youth of 2000, allow us to grow."

In his message, dated November 21, the Pope writes that the meeting, which is serving as preparation for the Jubilee, "well expresses a special characteristic of the youth of today, that is the openness to the great cultural diversity of today's world. In order to be able to carry out this exacting mission, you must above all be open to Christ. ... Be sure, He will not let you down."

"I imagine that, like all people of your age, you too are searching for the important and central aspect of existence. You are searching for something and someone upon whom you can rely totally."

"Nonetheless," John Paul II continues, "you know by experience that material well-being does not automatically produce happiness and serenity. Nor is the liberty guaranteed by law sufficient in order to feel interior liberty, in the depths of the heart. ... Human beings need Christ. Only in meeting Him do they discover the full truth about themselves. To follow Christ, as you well know, requires generosity and courage. Yet, it is in His footsteps that we achieve full realization and true liberty."

MESS;...;...;YOUTH ;VIS;19991126;Word: 230;

AUDIENCES

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

- Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera, archbishop of Mexico, Mexico.
- Eight bishops from the Portuguese Episcopal Conference, on their "ad limina" visit:
- Bishop Antonio Jose Rafael of Braganca-Miranda.
- Bishop Armindo Lopes Coelho of Porto, accompanied by his auxiliaries, Bishops Joao Miranda Teixeira, Antonio Maria Bessa Taipa and Antonio Jose Cavaco Carrilho; and by Bishop Manuel da Silva Martins, emeritus of Setubal.
- Bishop Serafim de Sousa Ferreira e Silva of Leiria-Fatima.
- Bishop Joaquim Goncalves of Vila Real.
- Cardinal Edward Idris Cassidy, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity and Bishop Walter Kasper, emeritus of Rottenburg-Stuttgart, Germany, secretary of the same council.

This evening he is scheduled to receive Archbishop Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B., emeritus of Vercelli, Italy, and secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

AP; AL;...;...;... ;VIS;19991126;Word: 120;

INTERNATIONAL THEOLOGICAL COMMISSION TO HOLD PLENARY

VATICAN CITY, NOV 26, 1999 (VIS) - The International Theological Commission has announced in a communique that it will hold its annual plenary session in the Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican from November 29 to December 4. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, president, will preside and Fr. Georges Cottier, O.P., theologian of the papal household, will guide the discussions.

The first theme of the plenary regards a matter touched on by Pope John Paul's 1994 Apostolic Letter, "Tertio Millennio Adveniente," and that is, the relationship between the Church and the failings of the past. A preliminary document entitled "The Church and the Failings of the Past: Remembrance for Reconciliation" has been prepared.

Participants will also study the theme of the diaconate, for which an 18-page "instrumentum laboris" has been prepared and will be discussed. The plenary will also dedicate time to the work of the sub-commissions studying the themes of revelation and creation.

COM-TI;PLENARY;...;RATZINGER;VIS;19991126;Word: 160;

SHRINES, PLACES OF CONVERSION AND OF MEETING WITH GOD

VATICAN CITY, NOV 25, 1999 (VIS) - Made public today was a message from the Holy Father to participants in the 35th congress of rectors and pastoral workers of shrines. The meeting is promoted by the Italian national network of shrines.

In his message, dated November 23, the Holy Father writes that if on the one hand, shrines "offer, to the faithful and to pilgrims, precious moments of contemplation, of verification, of vital interior renewal, they (also) constitute, for the less assiduous, or those in difficulty, or those who are searching, a providential chance to meet with God and a potent call to the sources of faith."

"In the modern socio-religious context, shrines function ever more as places where fundamental values are preserved, where one goes to obtain grace, even before (seeking) divine favor. The more widespread secularized culture becomes, the more these places acquire an intrinsic evangelizing significance, in the original sense of a strong call to conversion."

John Paul II closes his message by expressing his thanks for the special attention given in sanctuaries "to the service of the sacrament of Reconciliation, also promoting the preparation of ministers. This is more than ever appropriate, especially for the occasion of the Great Jubilee 2000."

MESS;SHRINES;...;...;VIS;19991125;Word: 210;

MAKE GREATER EFFORTS ON BEHALF OF CHRISTIAN UNITY

VATICAN CITY, NOV 25, 1999 (VIS) - This morning, the Holy Father received students and staff of the Ecumenical Institute of Bossey, Switzerland, during their annual visit to Rome.

In his address, given in English, the Pope recalled that in the last three months the members of the institute have studied "the important theme of 'Christians in a Religiously Plural World.' ... In an increasingly pluralistic religious context, Christians are called to offer common witness to their faith in Jesus Christ the Savior of the universe, to show esteem for the spiritual and moral values present in other religions, and to dialogue with the followers of those religions in building a world of peace, freedom and respect for human dignity."

John Paul II concluded by saying, "may this experience of ecumenical study and discernment inspire you to ever greater efforts on behalf of Christian unity."

AC;...;...;BOSSEY ECUMENICAL INSTITUTE;VIS;19991125;Word: 150;

POPE RECEIVES PRODUCERS OF FILM ABOUT JESUS

VATICAN CITY, NOV 25, 1999 (VIS) - Today at midday, John Paul II received representatives from the company "Lux-Vide" and the co-producers of the film "Jesus," which deals with the life of our Lord, and will be transmitted by television throughout Italy at the beginning of December.

The Pope expressed his desire that this type of film "may contribute to making the reveled message better known to the men and women of our times, offering a satisfactory response to the questions and doubts they carry in their hearts."

"Furthermore," he added, "I trust that these cinematographic productions may be a real help in the crucial dialogue which is being developed today between culture and faith."

The Holy Father affirmed that "culture is of itself communication. ... Illuminated by faith, it is able to reflect the very dialogue of the individual with God in Christ. Consequently, faith and culture are called to meet and act in the field of communications."

AC;RELIGIOUS CINEMA;...;LUX VIDE;VIS;19991125;Word: 170;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, NOV 25, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Fr. Dominique Bulamatari, Fr. Edouard Kisonga S.S.S. and Msgr. Daniel Nlandu Mayi as auxiliaries of the archdiocese of Kinshasa (area 8,500, population 5,600,000, Catholics 3,600,000, priests 545, religious 1,686), Republic of the Congo. Bishop-elect Bulamatari was born in Kinshasa in 1955, ordained a priest in 1980 and since 1997 has been pastor of "Notre Dame de la Sagesse" parish in Kinshasa. Bishop-elect Kisonga was born in Kisantu, Congo, in 1946, ordained a priest in 1981 and since 1998 has been provincial superior of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament. Bishop-elect Nlandu Mayi was born in Kinshasa in 1953, ordained a priest in 1980 and since 1994 has been vicar general of the archdiocese of Kinshasa.

NEA;...;...;BULAMATARI; KISONGA; NLANDU MAYI ;VIS;19991125;Word: 120;

AUDIENCES

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

- Five prelates from the Portuguese Episcopal Conference, on their "ad limina" visit:
- Bishop Augusto Cesar Alves Ferreira da Silva C.M., of Portalegre-Castelo Branco.
- Bishop Antonio Baltasar Marcelino of Aveiro.
- Bishop Joao Alves of Coimbra, accompanied by his coadjutor, Bishop Albino Mamede Cleto.
- Bishop Antonio dos Santos of Guarda.
- Cardinal James Francis Stafford, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, accompanied by Bishop Stanislaw Rylko and Guzman Carriquiry, respectively secretary and under secretary of the same pontifical council.

AL; AP;...;...;...;VIS;19991125;Word: 100;

POPE GIVES $100,000 TO AID FLOOD VICTIMS IN VIETNAM

VATICAN CITY, NOV 24, 1999 (VIS) - Pope John Paul has sent $100,000 to help the populations of central Vietnam which have been struck by severe flooding in the past three months, according to a communique released today by the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum."

Archbishop Paul Cordes, council president, gave the money yesterday to Archbishop Jean Baptiste Pham Minh Man of Hochiminhville who is currently in Italy. The Holy Father had already donated $37,000 in September to the flood victims. The money will be distributed to the bishops of the seven most heavily stricken provinces and will serve to acquire essential items such as food, water, blankets and medicines and to assist in rebuilding infrastructures damaged by the floods.

"There is much misery in the world," said Archbishop Cordes in the communique, "but this gesture shows how very close the population of Vietnam is to the Holy Father's heart. His Holiness has been waiting for some time to visit that country and was very saddened by the destruction of schools, churches, dispensaries and homes in one of the poorest areas of Vietnam."

CON-CU;GIFT; FLOODS; VIETNAM;...;CORDES;VIS;19991124;Word: 190;

JOHN PAUL II: PROMOTE THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN SOCIETY

VATICAN CITY, NOV 24, 1999 (VIS) - "Commitment to the advancement of women" was the theme of the Holy Father's catechesis during the general audience held this morning in St. Peter's Square.

The Pope recalled that the book of Genesis affirms that God created both man and woman, thus demonstrating that each is for the other. The fact "that woman is presented as 'a helper fit for him,' should not be understood in the sense that woman is the servant of man, ... rather that she can collaborate with man because she is his perfect counterpart."

John Paul II made reference to the numerous violations of the dignity of women, violations that are an offense to their liberty and femininity, such as "the exploitation of her person and her body," as well as "sexual tourism, the buying and selling of young girls, mass sterilization and, in general, any form of violence in dealings with the opposite sex."

"Today," he continued, "it is more necessary than ever to once more promote the biblical anthropology of relationships. This helps towards authentic understanding of the identity of human individuals in their relations with others, especially between man and woman."

The Pope said that God's paternity, which expresses the reciprocal nature of the Trinity, is to be found at the origin of all paternity and maternity. "The Son of God was made man when the time had fully come, and was born of the Virgin Mary. This fact also throws light on femininity, showing Mary as the model woman wished for by God."

"Consequently, reflection on the role and mission of women is well placed in this year dedicated to the Father, spurring us to a still more decisive commitment so that all the space women occupy in the Church and in Society be recognized."

AG;WOMEN;...;...;VIS;19991124;Word: 310;

AUDIENCES

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

- Archbishop Mario Roberto Cassari, apostolic nuncio in the Republic of the Congo.
- Cardinal Camillo Rini, vicar general for the diocese of Rome, accompanied by Bishop Enzo Dieci, auxiliary of Rome for the northern pastoral sector, and Fr. Maurizio Milani, pastor of the parish of Sts. Innocence I, Pope, and Guido, Bishop.

AP;...;...;... ;VIS;19991124;Word: 70;

46,650 KILOWATTS TO ILLUMINE ST. PETER'S BASILICA

VATICAN CITY, NOV 24, 1999 (VIS) - The dome, atrium and newly-restored facade of St. Peter's Basilica, starting on December 17, will be illuminated by 425 projectors and 46,650 kilowatts of power, it was announced during a press conference yesterday afternoon in the Holy See Press Office.

Cardinal Virgilio Noe, president of the Fabric of St. Peter's, which oversees upkeep and maintenance of the nearly 400-year old basilica, made the announcement, together with officials of ACEA, Rome's water and electricity company. ACEA will install the new lighting on St. Peter's, improving on that which they installed for the dome in 1992 and adding new illumination to the skylight, small domes, the tambour, which is a circular wall which supports a dome, and the facade and atrium.

Cardinal Noe explained that "what is being presented today is not merely a lighting system or an operation limited in time to be shelved at the end of the next year. The basilica's facade, atrium and dome will be illuminated so that pilgrims coming to Rome during the Jubilee Year will be able to view the basilica in all its glory. At the same time we want to transmit the same image in coming years to the inhabitants of Rome, in which St. Peter's is a capital monument."

The cardinal archpriest of St. Peter's closed his remarks by anticipating journalists' questions regarding the rumors which have circulated on the basilica's static properties. "In our task as guardians of a heritage that belongs to the whole world, we take the utmost care of the Vatican basilica. It is inconceivable to think that time, money and spiritual efforts are being committed only for enhancing its external image. The structure of the Vatican basilica is safe and sound."

Fulvio Vento, chairman of ACEA, pointed out that the company "has been working in the artistic lighting sector for more than 60 years," illuminating most of Rome's most prominent monuments: the Roman Forum, Castel Sant'Angelo, the Pantheon, the Domus Aurea, once Nero's home, Piazza di Spagna and Capitoline Hill, to name a few.

He said that "the city's monuments usually live by day, but artificial light enables them to live by night. From a technical point of view, we have rejected the idea of spectacularity and dazzling Technicolor in favor of a discreet, soothing light. ... Next December's project ... will bathe in light the exceptional, painstaking renovation of St. Peter's, restoring to the basilica the harmony of its original colors."

Sandro Benedetti, manager of the technical department of the Fabric of St. Peter's, spoke of the "special attention that has always been paid to the appearance and image (of St. Peter's), by day and night" and the "special lighting systems (which) have been devised over the centuries. ... Great interest has always been shown for nighttime illumination, with which St. Peter's was enhanced on the eve of the feast of Saints Peter and Paul and on other occasions, in particular during Holy Years."

OP;ILLUMINATION ST PETER'S;...;NOE;VIS;19991124;Word: 490;

ISLAMIC SOLIDARITY WITH CHRISTIANS ON NAZARETH MOSQUE

VATICAN CITY, NOV 24, 1999 (VIS) - The following declaration was released yesterday afternoon by Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls relative to the decision to authorize a mosque several meters away from the historical Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth and the successive protests by the Christian Churches:

"Last Sunday, the Upper Islamic Council of Jerusalem released a communique in which it declares its opposition to the construction of a mosque next to the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth. By adopting this position, the Upper Islamic Council of Jerusalem has demonstrated its solidarity with the Christian ecclesial authorities in the Holy Land.

"The Israeli government decision seems to lay the foundations for future dispute and tension between the two religious communities, Christian and Islamic. I feel that, in this matter, the political authorities have a great responsibility as, instead of supporting unity, they create the foundations for fomenting dissent."

OP;MOSQUE; ISLAMIC COUNCIL;...;NAVARRO-VALLS;VIS;19991124;Word: 160;

PAPAL MESSAGE FOR INTER-CONFESSIONAL MEETING IN MOSCOW

VATICAN CITY, NOV 23, 1999 (VIS) - Pope John Paul's Message to Cardinal Edward Cassidy for the participants in the November 23-25 international and inter-confessional round table conference organized by the patriarchate of Moscow, was released today by the Vatican. Written in English, it is dated November 18.

Addressing "the Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant brothers and sisters who are taking part in the conference," the Pope writes: "I am greatly encouraged by this initiative of the Christian Inter-confessional Consultative Committee. ... Having as its aim the promotion of growing cooperation between Christians in the region, I pray that the conference will inspire all involved to bear an ever more convincing and effective witness to the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ."

"The rediscovery of this brotherhood in the Lord," the Holy Father observed, "will make it possible for Christians to deepen their relations, intensify their cooperation, and strive towards the perfect unity in the faith which is expressed in full and visible ecclesial communion, and to which Christ the Lord calls his disciples."

MESS;CONFERENCE;...;MOSCOW; CASSIDY;VIS;19991123;Word: 180;

COMMUNIQUE ON VISIT OF EMIR OF BAHRAIN

VATICAN CITY, NOV 23, 1999 (VIS) - Following is the text of the communique by Joaquin Navarro-Valls, Holy See Press Office director, which was published this morning regarding yesterday's visit to the Holy Father by Sheikh Hamad Bin Essa Al-Khalifa, emir of Bahrain:

"The meeting, which took place in an atmosphere of great cordiality, enabled the emir to highlight the importance of inter-religious dialogue and the many aspects that Christianity and Islam have in common.

"The emir expressed to the Holy Father his desire to establish diplomatic relations with the Holy See and invited the Pope to make an official visit to the emirate. The Holy Father expressed his thanks for this invitation, hoping that Divine Providence will one day allow him to make such a trip.

"Following the audience with the Holy Father, the emir of Bahrain met for discussions with Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano and Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, secretary for Relations with States."

OP;VISIT EMIR BAHRAIN;...;NAVARRO-VALLS;VIS;19991123;Word: 170;

SIX SCHOLARS TO STUDY VATICAN ARCHIVES, WORLD WAR II

VATICAN CITY, NOV 23, 1999 (VIS) - Cardinal Edward Cassidy, president of the Holy See's Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews, and Seymour D. Reich, chairman of the International Jewish Committee for Inter-religious Consultations (IJCIC), today announced the names of six scholars - three Catholic and three Jewish - who will comprise a joint team to review published Vatican archival material relating to World War II.

The bilateral decision to form such a study team was announced at the Vatican on October 19.

The three Catholic scholars are Dr. Eva Fleischner, professor emerita of Montclair State University in New Jersey; Rev. Gerald P. Fogarty, professor at the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Virginia and Rev. F. John Morley, a professor and Holocaust scholar at Seton Hall University in New Jersey.

The Jewish scholars are Dr. Michael R. Marrus, professor of history and dean of the School of Graduate Studies at the University of Toronto; Dr. Bernard Suchecky, research director at the Free University of Brussels, Belgium, and Robert S. Wistrich, professor of history and holder of the Neuenberger Chair in Jewish Studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

Today's communique announcing the composition of the team states that it will study the 11 volumes of Vatican archival material, published between 1965 and 1981, that relate to the Church's role during World War II. It adds that "the team is expected to raise relevant issues that its members feel have not been satisfactorily resolved by the documentation already available." Other specialists might be called in to assist.

If questions still remain, according to Cardinal Cassidy and Mr. Reich, "further clarification will be sought." Both acknowledged that the arrangement is unusual, if not unprecedented."

CON-UC;SCHOLARS; ARCHIVES; WAR;...;CASSIDY;VIS;19991123;Word: 300;

BANGKOK MEETING FOCUSSES ON MEDIA CHALLENGES FOR THE CHURCH

VATICAN CITY, NOV 23, 1999 (VIS) - The Pontifical Council for Social Communications has released a message from council president, Archbishop John P. Foley, to the participants in the meeting of the FABC-OSC (Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences-Office of Social Communications), which began yesterday in Bangkok, Thailand and ends November 27.

Fr. Patrick Casserly, an official of the pontifical council, is representing Archbishop Foley at the meeting, whose theme is "Megatrends Asia: Communication Challenges for the Church?" The message, dated November 19, focussed on three points of the recent Apostolic Exhortation "Ecclesia in Asia" which have to do with the media and social communications.

CON-CS;...;...;BANGKOK; FOLEY;VIS;19991123;Word: 110;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, NOV 23, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Martti Ahtisaari, president of the Republic of Finland, accompanied by an entourage. - Five prelates from the Portuguese Episcopal Conference, on their "ad limina" visit:
- Archbishop Maurilio Jorge Quintal de Gouveia of Evora.
- Archbishop Jorge Ferreira da Costa Ortiga of Braga, accompanied by his auxiliaries, Bishops Carlos Francisco Martins Pinheiro and Jacinto Tomas de Carvalho Botelho, and Archbishop Emeritus Eurico Dias Nogueira.
- Esteban Juan Caselli, ambassador of Argentina, accompanied by his wife, on a farewell visit.
- Rolf-Ernst Breuer, president of Deutsche Bank A.G.
- Jordan Sokolov, president of the Bulgarian parliament, and his wife.

AL; AP;...;...;...;VIS;19991123;Word: 110;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

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

- Appointed Bishop Joseph A. Galante of Beaumont, U.S.A., as coadjutor bishop of Dallas (area 19,475, population 2,815,732, Catholics 544,441, priests 206, permanent deacons 146, religious 249), U.S.A.

- Erected, at Saratov, Russia, the apostolic administration of Southern European Russia of the Latins, with territory taken from the apostolic administration of European Russia. He appointed Bishop Klemens Pickel, assistant to the apostolic administrator of European Russia, as apostolic administrator of the new ecclesial circumscription.

NEC; ECE; NER;...;...;GALANTE; PICKEL ;VIS;19991123;Word: 80;

THE PERSON MUST BE AT THE CENTER OF ECONOMICS

VATICAN CITY, NOV 20, 1999 (VIS) - The Pope this morning welcomed the teachers and students of the Luigi Bocconi Business University in Milan, and told them that economic activity, "being an aspect and essential dimension of human activity, is not only necessary, but can also be a source of fraternity and a sign of Providence."

He indicated how "science and economic activity today must face the process of European integration, which is ever more advanced, especially following the introduction of a single currency and with the ever broader phenomenon of globalization. These two realities ... must be correctly interpreted, critically assumed and adequately governed."

Turning to the single European currency, the Holy Father highlighted how, "on the one hand, it will be a source of great opportunities," while, "on the other, it is not without risks, as it could favor the hegemony of finance and market logic over social and cultural aspects."

There are also positive and negative aspects to "the complex phenomenon of globalization," he added. Among the risks is the fact that globalization, "often governed solely or prevalently by a type of commercial logic which benefits the powerful, could forebode further inequalities, injustices and marginalizations."

What is needed, stated John Paul II, is vigilance so that "the risks linked to these phenomena, which, unfortunately, always seem to have the upper hand, are neutralized."

"It is necessary," he concluded, "to harmonize the needs of the economy with those of ethics. At a deeper and more radical level, it is urgent and necessary to recognize, guard and promote the unquestionable primacy of the human person."

AC;ECONOMY;...;...;VIS;19991122;Word: 280;

THE BISHOP MUST EXERCISE THE CHURCH'S MATERNAL AUTHORITY

VATICAN CITY, NOV 20, 1999 (VIS) - This morning, John Paul II received the third group of prelates from the German Episcopal Conference, who have just completed their "ad limina" visit.

In his talk the Holy Father recalled that the Church is a mystery, and that she "is not 'our' Church, but 'His'; she is the people of God, the body of Christ, the temple of the Holy Spirit." Furthermore, he said, she is "Mater" and "Magistra." The mother Church "gives birth to, nurtures and educates her sons and daughters. ... At the same time she is saddened by those who abandon her, and holds the door open to the ever hoped-for reconciliation." Consequently, "as 'fathers of your communities' you have the right and the duty to exercise the 'maternal authority' of the Church."

"The response to the Church's maternal love," he affirmed, "must be the willing obedience of her sons and daughters." While in ecclesial circles, "emancipation" is so much spoken of, "a mentality that holds that true liberty can be obtained distancing oneself from the Church becomes ever more widespread. As bishops, seek to correct these mistaken tendencies."

In the face of changes that seek to impose certain groups within the Church, changes that "do not correspond to Christ's will," bishops "must continue to move forward, pointing the way, patiently clarifying and always seeking to unite through dialogue. ... Do not allow a human authority of any kind to loosen the unbreakable links that exist between you and Peter's Successor."

"Union with the bishop is the essential and indispensable attitude of the faithful Catholic." There is no union with the Pope if there is no union with bishops, "who are in communion with him."

The Holy Father then highlighted the problem of the defense of life. After emphasizing his concern for the counselling and support of pregnant women, he said: "I trust that this important activity of the Church in your country will soon be definitively reorganized in accordance with my directive. I am convinced that high quality ecclesial counselling will become an eloquent symbol for society and will constitute an efficient means for encouraging women in difficulties not to refuse the new life they carry within them."

Speaking of the common priesthood of the faithful and the ministerial, ordained priesthood, the Pope said that the Church needed ordained priests who act "in persona Christi." Consequently, "any attempt to transform the lay state into a clerical state, or to transform the clergy into laity, must be rejected, because it is not in keeping with the ordained ministry wished for by the Founder."

John Paul II referred to "the growing discomfort (in Germany) regarding the Church's attitude to the role of women." He said, "Without doubt, the dignity of women is great! It must be always and ever more highly evaluated. However, the nature of individuals' human and civil rights is different with respect to the rights, duties and functions of ecclesial ministry, and this fact is emphasized too rarely." On this subject, he concluded by recalling the Church's teaching that the priesthood is the exclusive preserve of men, a teaching "which is infallible in nature."

AL;...;...;GERMANY;VIS;19991122;Word: 530;

JOHN PAUL II CANONIZES 12 BLESSEDS

VATICAN CITY, NOV 21, 1999 (VIS) - In the Vatican Basilica today, Solemnity of Christ, King of the Universe, the Pope canonized 12 Blesseds: Cirilo Bertran and eight companions, and Inocencio de la Inmaculada, all martyrs; and Benedetto Menni and Tommaso da Cori. In his homily he said that they "show us the path we must follow in order to arrive prepared at the Great Jubilee of the year 2000."

Brother Bertran and his eight companions, "of the Brothers of Christian Schools from the College of Our Lady of Covadonga, Spain," affirmed the Holy Father, "having been born in Spain and, one of them, in Argentina, crowned their lives with martyrdom in Turon, Spain, in 1934, together with the Passionist, Fr. Inocencio de la Inmaculada."

"As witnesses testify," he continued, "all of them prepared for death ... without disguising their identity as religious. ... They were not heroes of a human war in which they did not participate, rather they were educators of youth."

Referring to Benedetto Menni, priest of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God, he indicated that "his spirituality welled from his personal experience of God's love for him. Greatly devoted to the Heart of Jesus, King of heaven and earth, and to the Virgin Mary, he found in them the strength for his charitable commitment to others, especially the suffering, the old, children with scrofula and polio and the mentally infirm."

John Paul II said that Tommaso da Cori, priest of the Order of Friars Minor, "was obedient to Christ, King of the Universe. He meditated upon, and embodied in his own existence, the evangelical requirement of poverty and giving oneself to God and to others."

HML;CANONIZATION;...;...;VIS;19991122;Word: 280;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, NOV 20, 1999 VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Fr. Angel Floro Martinez I.E.M.E., apostolic administrator of Gokwe (area 26,000, population 510,000, Catholics 55,160, priests 17, religious 24), Zimbabwe, as bishop of the same diocese. The bishop-elect was born in Ayna, Spain, in 1940 and ordained a priest in 1965.

NER;...;...;FLORO;VIS;19991122;Word: 50;

TENTH ORDINARY SYNOD OF BISHOPS TO BE HELD IN 2001

VATICAN CITY, NOV 20, 1999 (VIS) - A communique released today by the general secretariat of the Synod of Bishops announced that the tenth ordinary assembly of the Synod of Bishops, scheduled for the fall of next year, will now take place in 2001, at a date to be announced, due to the Holy Father's full calendar of events for the Jubilee Year 2000. The theme of this assembly remains unchanged: "The Bishop, Servant of Jesus Christ for the Hope of the World."
According to this communique, the seventh meeting of the ninth ordinary council of the Synod of Bishops was held in the secretariat's office in the Vatican on November 16 and 17, under the presidency of Cardinal Jan Schotte, secretary general of the Synod of Bishops.

Joining Cardinal Schotte were four cardinals, five archbishops and four staff members of the secretariat. The principal focus of their meetings was the presentation and study of a rough draft of the "Instrumentum Laboris" of this tenth ordinary assembly.

SE;TENTH ASSEMBLY; BISHOPS;...;SCHOTTE;VIS;19991122;Word: 180;

THE NEW SAINTS LIVED A LIFE OF UNCONDITIONAL COMMITMENT

VATICAN CITY, NOV 22, 1999 (VIS) - This morning the Pope received pilgrims who have come to Rome for the canonization of the Spanish Blesseds Cirilo Bertran and eight companions, Inocencio del la Inmaculada, martyrs, and the Italians Benedetto Menni and Tommaso da Cori.
In his talk, the Pope recalled that these saints "bear witness to us of a rich spirituality, forged in daily faith and in the unconditional commitment to their vocation of service to others."

Speaking of the new saints from the Brothers of Christian Schools, he appealed for their educational work "to also be a model for Christian educators at the threshold of the new millennium."

John Paul II recalled the "primordial duty of parents who have the first and principal responsibility for the education of their children." He emphasized that the public authorities must offer the conditions necessary to enable both public and private schools to impart "an education that conforms to (the families') own moral and religious principles. This is all the more necessary in a country like Spain, where most parents demand a religious education for their children."

Following the example of the founder of the Hospitaller Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, St. Benedetto Menni, he appealed to the great family of Hospitallers: "In keeping with the charism of the new saint, imitate the immense love that he felt towards the most unfortunate, dedicating his whole life to their service."

Finally, the Pope referred to St. Tommaso da Cori: "From the intensity of his relationship with God, especially his profound devotion to the Eucharist, blossomed the fruitfulness of his pastoral work."

AC;CANONIZATION;...;...;VIS;19991122;Word: 280;

ANGELUS REFLECTIONS ON NEW SAINTS, FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING

VATICAN CITY, NOV 21, 1999 (VIS) - Pope John Paul, in reflections preceding the angelus prayer, spoke of the just-concluded canonization ceremony, and the celebrations today of Christ the King, the presentation of Mary in the temple and Italy's Day of Migrations.

"On the solemnity of Christ, King of the Universe, which concludes the liturgical year, we have reason for further rejoicing this morning with the canonization of twelve new saints. ... While I cordially greet the pilgrims who came for this happy occasion, I invite everyone to give praise to the Lord for the great works which He achieved in these witnesses to the Gospel. In particular I urge you to contemplate on their special devotion to the mother of the Redeemer on the day in which we mark her presentation in the temple."

The Holy Father remarked that "the presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the most cherished feasts of the Eastern tradition, which has also been celebrated in the West, starting in the 14th century. ... On this occasion, the ecclesial community of the entire world remembers cloistered nuns, who have embraced a totally contemplative life."

In closing remarks, the Pope pointed to Italy's celebration of the Day of Migrations. "This is a considerable phenomenon which has, in addition to a number of challenges, many possibilities for good. I encourage those who work in this field to evaluate the human and spiritual potential of migrations, as underlined by the theme proposed for this year: 'From many paths to One Father."

ANG;...;...;...;VIS;19991122;Word: 260;

AUDIENCES

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

- Carlos Saul Menem, president of the Republic of Argentina, accompanied by an entourage.
- Sheikh Hamad Bin Essa Al-Khalifa, emir of Bahrain.
- Cardinal Edmund Casimir Szoka, president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State.

On Saturday, November 20, he received in separate audiences:

- Eleven prelates from the German Episcopal Conference, on their "ad limina" visit:
- Archbishop Ludwig Averkamp of Hamburg, accompanied by his auxiliaries, Bishops Norbert Werbs and Hans-Jochen Jaschke.
- Bishop Joachim Friedrich Reinelt of Dresden-Meissen.
- Bishop Leopold Nowak of Magdeburg, accompanied by his auxiliary, Bishop Gerhard Feige.
- Bishop Franz-Josef Hermann Bode of Osnabruck, accompanied by his auxiliary, Bishop Theodor Kettmann.
- Bishop Heinrich Mussinghoff of Aachen, accompanied by his auxiliaries, Bishops Gerd Dicke and Karl Reger.
- Cardinal Lucas Moreira Neves, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.

AL; AP;...;...;... ;VIS;19991122;Word: 130;

NEW CHRISTIAN HUMANISM IN A NEW MILLENNIUM

VATICAN CITY, NOV 19, 1999 (VIS) - Pope John Paul's Message to the participants in the plenary assembly of the Pontifical Council for Culture, now underway in the Vatican on the theme "For a New Christian Humanism, On the Threshold of a New Millennium," was published this morning.

The Pope writes that, on the threshold of the Jubilee Year 2000, "the Church's mission to announce Christ becomes more pressing; many of our contemporaries, especially young people, have great difficulty in perceiving what they truly are, submerged and disoriented by the multiplicity of the concepts of man, life and death, the world and its meaning."
These concepts, he says, too often "have become systems of thought which have a tendency to turn away from the truth and to exclude God, believing thus to affirm the primacy of man. ... This profound mutilation becomes today a true threat for man, because it leads one to think of man without any relation to transcendency. It is one of the basic tasks of the Church in her dialogue with cultures to lead our contemporaries to the rediscovery of a healthy anthropology."

"It is our duty," the Holy Father writes, "to propose today a Christian philosophy and anthropology which prepare the way for a rediscovery of the greatness and beauty of Christ, the Word of God. And it is certain that the attraction of the beautiful, the aesthetic, will lead our contemporaries to ethics, that is to say, to leading a beautiful and worthy life."

"Christian humanism," John Paul II observes, "is capable of integrating the best acquisitions of science and technology for the greatest happiness of man. It wards off, at the same time, their threats against his dignity as a person, the subject of rights and duties, and against his very existence, so seriously called into question today, from conception up to the natural end of his earthly existence."

In concluding remarks on "the plurality of anthropological processes," the Pope writes: "The Church does not fear legitimate diversity. ... On the contrary, she leans on this diversity to inculturate the Gospel message."

MESS;CULTURE;...;...;VIS;19991119;Word: 350;

ALWAYS SEEK THE COMMON GOOD IN THE ECONOMY-HEALTH RELATIONSHIP

VATICAN CITY, NOV 19, 1999 (VIS) - Today, John Paul II received participants in the 14th international conference promoted by the Pontifical Council for Pastoral Assistance to Health Care Workers. The theme of the gathering is "Economy and Health."

The Pope affirmed that it is intolerable that the lack of economic resources "prevalently strikes the weaker part of the population and the more needy parts of the world, depriving them of the necessary health care. Equally, it is unacceptable that such limitations should lead to the denial of health care in some stages of life or in situations of particular frailty and weakness; such as for example life in the womb, in old age, or in those afflicted with grave disabilities or terminal illnesses."

"It is not the Church's duty to define which economic models and which health care systems may best resolve the relationship between economy and health. Nonetheless, it is her mission to strive so that, in the context of so-called 'globalization,' this relationship might be challenged and resolved in the light of those ethical values that support respect and protection for the dignity of each individual human being, starting with the weakest and poorest."

The Holy Father indicated that only by taking into account the value of human dignity and the duty of solidarity can we overcome "an economic and, consequently, reductive vision of health, thus leaving behind so many unjust inequalities that exist in the economy-health relationship."

The Pope made a call to governments and international organizations, to "allow themselves to be guided solely by the common good in facing up to the relationship between economy and health." He concluded: "I ask the pharmaceutical industry never to allow economic profit to prevail over the consideration of human values, but to demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of those who do not enjoy social security, putting into action substantial initiatives in support of the poorest and most marginalized."

AC;ECONOMY; HEALTH;...;...;VIS;19991119;Word: 340;

CARDINAL SODANO TO VISIT ASSISI ON NOVEMBER 29

VATICAN CITY, NOV 19, 1999 (VIS) - In a letter written in Latin, dated November 4 and published today, John Paul II appointed Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano as pontifical legate at the reopening to worship and the consecration of the new papal altar of the Upper Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Italy on November 29. The cardinal will be accompanied by Msgrs. Antonio Mennini and Timothy P. Broglio, nunciature counsellors.

JPII-LETTER;REOPENING ASSISI;...;SODANO;VIS;19991119;Word: 80;

CARDINAL SODANO: THE MORAL FOUNDATIONS OF SECURITY

VATICAN CITY, NOV 19, 1999 (VIS) - Yesterday, Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano spoke during a meeting of the heads of State and government of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which is being held in Istanbul, Turkey.

In the name of the Holy See, Cardinal Sodano recalled that "it is impossible to consider stable security in Europe without establishing secure moral foundations.

"A secure foundation," he said, "is in the first place, the recognition of a natural law that regulates all relationships between men, (a law) that predates any positive legislation of individual States. ... A secure foundation for security in Europe is also the recognition of the inalienable rights of individuals and peoples. ... Another foundation ... is the respect for minorities; ... each minority has the right to preserve and develop its own culture. In this context even in Europe, the call for the need of religious liberty remains valid."

SS;SECURITY EUROPE;...;SODANO;VIS;19991119;Word: 160;

MESSAGE FOR THE REOPENING OF A CATHEDRAL IN ITALY

VATICAN CITY, NOV 19, 1999 (VIS) - Made public today was a message from the Pope to Archbishop Salvatore Nunnari of Sant'Angelo dei Lombardi-Conza-Nusco-Bisaccia, Italy, for the occasion of tomorrow's inauguration of the newly-restored medieval cathedral of Sant'Angelo dei Lombardi.

In his message, which is dated November 1, Solemnity of All Saints, John Paul II expresses his wish "that the celebrations for the reopening of the cathedral may represent for all an occasion for a renewed and generous response to the call of the Lord."

The Holy Father writes: "I wish to encourage the brothers and sisters of this beloved archdiocese to constantly and zealously love and guard their cathedral. For each of them, may it be a house of prayer, a sacred temple, a place of the presence of the living God and of closeness to Him. May it stimulate the entire community to be united in solidarity, so as to be able to foretaste, in the liturgy and in fraternal charity, something of future heavenly bliss."

MESS;REOPENING CATHEDRAL;...;NUNNARI;VIS;19991119;Word: 180;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, NOV 19, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Fernando Henrique Cardoso, president of Brazil, accompanied by his wife and an entourage.
- Three prelates from the German Episcopal Conference, on their "ad limina" visit:
- Bishop Walter Mixa of Eichstatt.
- Bishop Johannes Kreidler, diocesan administrator of Rottenburg-Stuttgart, accompanied by his auxiliary, Bishop Thomas Maria Renz.
- Archbishop Jean-Claude Perisset, apostolic nuncio in Romania.

This evening he is scheduled to receive five prelates from the German Episcopal Conference, on their "ad limina" visit:
- Cardinal Maximilian Sterzinsky, archbishop of Berlin, accompanied by his auxiliary, Bishop Wolfgang Weider.
- Archbishop Johannes Joachim Degenhardt of Paderborn, accompanied by his auxiliaries, Bishops Reinhard Marx and Heinz Josef Algermissen.

AP; AL;...;...;...;VIS;19991119;Word: 120;

ST. PETER'S BASILICA TO HAVE NEW ILLUMINATION

VATICAN CITY, NOV 19, 1999 (VIS) - Cardinal Virgilio Noe, president of the Fabric of St. Peter's, will present a project for the new illumination of St. Peter's Basilica, including the facade, atrium and dome, in a press conference to be held in the Holy See Press Office on Tuesday, November 23 at 12:30 p.m.

Joining him will be Sandro Benedetti of the Fabric of St. Peter's, Fulvio Vento and Paolo Cuccia of ACEA, an Italian utilities company, and Aldo De Luca, head of the project.

OP;ILLUMINATION ST PETER;...;NOE;VIS;19991119;Word: 90;

"THE PILGRIM'S PAPER" TO DEBUT IN ROME ON NOVEMBER 21

VATICAN CITY, NOV 19, 1999 (VIS) - One million copies of "The Pilgrim's Paper," a new publication from the Communication and Documentation Center of the Vatican's Jubilee Committee, will be distributed in St. Peter's Square and other parts of Rome on Sunday, November 21, on the occasion of a canonization ceremony in the Vatican.

This test edition of the publication will appear in Italian, French, English and Spanish on November 21. Starting December 22, "The Pilgrim's Paper" will be published every 15 days in those languages as well as in German, Portuguese and Polish. One million copies will be printed of each issue and offered free to all pilgrims.

A note from the Central Jubilee Committee states that the purpose of this periodical is "to become a companion to every single pilgrim, furnishing complete and punctual information about Jubilee events, their spiritual meaning, testimonials, guides to Jubilee sites, useful addresses and phone numbers and a worthwhile insert, in serialized form, on the history of the Jubilee."

...;PILGRIM'S PAPER;...;...;VIS;19991119;Word: 170;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, NOV 19, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Appointed Msgr. Robert Francis Vasa of the clergy of the diocese of Lincoln, U.S.A., and vicar general and curia moderator of the same diocese, as bishop of Baker (area 173,013, population 413,900, Catholics 34,811, priests 48, permanent deacons 5, religious 44), U.S.A. The bishop-elect was born in Lincoln in 1951 and ordained a priest in 1976. He succeeds Bishop Thomas John Connolly whose resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Baker the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.

- Appointed Msgr. George L. Thomas, vicar general of Seattle (area 64,269, population 4,277,700, Catholics 501,055, priests 328, permanent deacons 86, religious 837), U.S.A., as auxiliary of the same archdiocese. The bishop-elect was born in Anaconda, U.S.A., in 1950 and ordained a priest in 1976.

NER; RE; NEA;...;...;VASA; CONNOLLY; THOMAS ;VIS;19991119;Word: 140;

POVERTY, HUNGER AND DISEASE DEMAND ACTION, NOT PARALYSIS

VATICAN CITY, NOV 18, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father this morning welcomed the participants in the 30th conference of the Rome-based Food and Agricultural Organization, and, in his speech to them, paid tribute to the work of both FAO and of the United Nations "in promoting the well-being of the human family."

He highlighted the many ways that life today is "under assault," and indicated that what is needed is action, not "palliative approaches" by "people who are overcome by a kind of moral paralysis, believing that little or nothing can be done to address these great problems at their roots."

"As we survey the entire planet and the multitude of the human family," observed the Pope, we see that "millions of human beings are denied the most basic necessities of life - food, water, shelter. Diseases both old and new continue to affect countless lives. The scourge of violence and war is unceasing. The gap between rich and poor increases alarmingly. Scientific and technological progress is not always accompanied by attention to the moral and ethical values which alone can ensure its correct application for the genuine good of people today and tomorrow."

Underlining that "it is clear that ideologically motivated action is not the solution to hunger" or so many other issues, John Paul II said: "What is needed is the more profound and infinitely more creative power of hope, ... which entails a vision of the human person as created in the image and likeness of God." In this respect, he added, in the last part of this century "there is a growing sense of the human person's worth and dignity, and of the inviolable rights which flow from it. ... People are recognizing more and more that there are certain innate and inviolable rights which do not depend on any human authority." Without openness to these principles, he stated, "our vision of the world will be distorted ... and our efforts to relieve suffering ... doomed."

The Holy Father affirmed that, with a right sense of who man is, with the power of hope to help mankind overcome its problems, and "with the means available today, poverty, hunger and disease can no longer be regarded as either normal or inevitable."

AC;FAO;...;...;VIS;19991118;Word: 370;

THE CHURCH IN GERMANY: GIVE WITNESS TO THE GOSPEL OF LIFE

VATICAN CITY, NOV 18, 1999 (VIS) - This morning the Pope addressed the second group of prelates from the German Episcopal Conference who have just completed their "ad limina" visit.

In his talk, the Holy Father affirmed: "As 'vicar of Christ's love,' I have recently considered it my duty to resolve the discord that has arisen, both between you and within the Churches entrusted to you, attempting to harmonize once again the individual voices 'in the one great symphony for life' to which the Catholic Church must remain faithful at all times and in all places. I ask the Lord to ensure that the Church in Germany clearly and unanimously gives witness to the Gospel of Life."

"Perhaps," he continued, "Providence entrusted me with the chair of Peter that I may be, on the threshold of the Third Millennium, a passionate 'advocate of life.' In fact, I myself was forced to experience during my youth how, during a particularly dark chapter in the history of this tormented century, human life was trodden underfoot and systematically annihilated, not far from my native city of Wadowice."

Speaking of episcopal ministry, the Pope recalled that, as pastors, "we must jointly transmit that which we ourselves have received. It is not a question (of using) our own words, however learned they may be, because it is not ourselves that we preach, rather (we preach) the revealed truth which must be transmitted faithfully and in union with other members of the college of pastors."

John Paul II indicated that in a climate of widespread religious individualism, some members of the Church "take upon themselves the right of choosing, in matters of faith, the teachings that they feel are admissible and those that must be rejected. Yet the truths of the faith constitute an organic whole which does not admit such arbitrary discrimination. Whoever indulges in such practices cannot consider himself as coherent with the faith he professes."

Making reference to the office of sanctification, the exercise of which is the duty of bishops, the Pope made particular mention of the sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist. After recalling the necessity of baptizing children soon after birth, he highlighted the importance that this sacrament "be seen above all as a free gift from God the Father to the child." Furthermore, "we cannot speak of spiritual renewal of the diocese without going back to the Eucharist."

"The lack of priests and their uneven distribution on the one hand and, on the other, the worrying drop in the numbers who regularly attend Sunday Mass, constitute a challenge which your Church must face."

The parish community must be "a Eucharistic community. As such it must be guided by an ordained priest who, through his sacred authority and the consequent non-transferable responsibility, offers the Eucharistic sacrifice 'in persona Christi'."

"The fact that religious and lay people authorized by you, preside over the Sunday service of the Word may be praiseworthy in emergency situations, but in the long term it cannot be seen as satisfactory."

The Pope closed his talk by recalling the problem of aging priests and the lack of vocations, and encouraged the German prelates to be closer to priests and seminarians.

AL;...;...;GERMANY;VIS;19991118;Word: 540;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, NOV 18, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed:

- Fr. Jose Camnate na Bissign, apostolic administrator of Bissau (area 36,125, population 1,100,000, Catholics 132,000, priests 61, religious 126), Guinea Bissau, as bishop of the same diocese. The bishop-elect was born in Mansoa, Guinea Bissau, in 1953 and ordained a priest 1982.

- Fr. Benjamin Castillo Plascencia, episcopal vicar for pastoral ministry, as auxiliary of Guadalajara (area 20,827, population 5,158,000, Catholics, 4,899,000, priests 1,174, permanent deacons 2, religious 3,825), Mexico. The bishop-elect was born in Ixtlahuacan del Rio, Mexico, in 1945.

NER; NEA;...;...;BISSIGN; CASTILLO;VIS;19991118;Word: 80;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, NOV 18, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received eight prelates from the German Episcopal Conference, on their "ad limina" visit:
- Bishop Franz Xaver Eder of Passau.
- Bishop Karl Lehmann of Mainz, accompanied by his auxiliary Bishop Franziskus Eisenbach, and by Msgr. Helmut Moll.
- Bishop Anton Schlembach of Speyer, accompanied by his auxiliary, Bishop Otto Georgens.
- Bishop Viktor Josef Dammertz O.S.B., of Augsburg, accompanied by his auxiliary, Bishop Josef Grunwald.

AL;...;...;...;VIS;19991118;Word: 70;

SPECIAL COUNCIL FOR OCEANIA HOLDS THIRD MEETING

VATICAN CITY, NOV 18, 1999 (VIS) - The Council for the Special Assembly for Oceania of the Synod of Bishops met in the Vatican from November 9 to 11 under the presidency of Cardinal Jan Schotte, C.I.C.M. secretary general of the Synod of Bishops. All members of the council - 3 cardinals, 5 archbishops and 2 bishops - were in attendance.

During this third meeting of the Council, the members reviewed the activity of the secretariat since the last meeting and discussed the celebratory phase of the synod for Asia, which took place November 5-9 with Pope John Paul's trip to India and Georgia. They also studied the first drafts of the proposals they will send to the Holy Father for the post-synodal apostolic exhortation for Oceania, and evaluated new suggestions for their document with the help of experts. The synod took place in the Vatican from November 22 to December 12, 1998.

The next meeting of this council is scheduled for April 4 to 6, 2000.

SE;COUNCIL; OCEANIA;...;SCHOTTE;VIS;19991118;Word: 170;

IN MEMORIAM

VATICAN CITY, NOV 18, 1999 (VIS) - The following prelates died in recent weeks:
- Bishop Jose de Jesus Aguilera Rodriguez, emeritus of Huajuapan de Leon, Mexico, on November 9 at the age of 68.
- Bishop John William Comber M.M., titular of Foraziana, on March 27 1998, at the age of 92.
- Bishop Firmin Courtemanche M. Afr., emeritus of Chipata, Zambia, on November 3, at the age of 86.
- Bishop Stephane Desmazieres, emeritus of Beauvais, France, on November 13, at the age of 96.
- Archbishop Gabriel Gonsum Ganaka of Jos, Nigeria, on November 11, at the age of 62.
- Bishop Alfons Karl Kempf, former auxiliary of Wurzburg, Germany, on November 8, at the age of 87.
- Bishop Orestes Santiago Nuti Sanguinetti S.D.B., emeritus of Canelones, Uruguay, on November 2, at the age of 80.
- Bishop Joseph Sibomana, emeritus of Kibungo, Rwanda, on November 9, at the age of 84.

...;DEATHS;...;... ;VIS;19991118;Word: 130;

PAPAL PILGRIMAGE TO HOLY LAND FORESEEN FOR MARCH 2000

VATICAN CITY, NOV 17, 1999 (VIS) - Today at noon in the Holy See Press Office there was a press conference to present an updated Jubilee calendar of events, along with the charitable initiatives which will be undertaken by the Church, especially the diocese of Rome, during the Holy Year 2000.

Present were Cardinal Etchegaray and Archbishop Crescenzio Sepe, respectively president and secretary of the Committee of the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000, Marcello Sacchetti, president of St. Peter's Club, Msgr. Guerino Di Tora, the head of Caritas in Rome and Volker Goetz, president of the Solidarity Fund.

Archbishop Sepe began the presentation of the New Jubilee calendar by listing the principal changes and new events. He said the calendar has been printed in various languages and sent to all the bishops in the world, as well as to interested offices and institutions.

Events where the Holy Father will be present are marked by an asterisk. From Friday, December 24, 1999, the vigil of Christmas and the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter's, through January 6, 2001, the Epiphany and the closing of that same Holy Door, and thus the Holy Year, the Pope is scheduled to participate in 65 events. The introduction to the calendar states that other papal events, however, may be inserted throughout the year.

Among the changes or additions to the Jubilee calendar: Pope John Paul II will personally open the Holy Doors of all four patriarchal basilicas (St. Peter's, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major and St. Paul's Outside-the-Walls); beatification ceremonies go from two to three ( March 5, April 9, September 3), and there are now two canonization ceremonies scheduled (May 21 and October 1: this was moved from November 1; the "request for pardon" ceremony will take place on the First Sunday of Lent, March 12, in St. Peter's, instead of Ash Wednesday, March 8. Four concerts in the Vatican have been added to the calendar: May 18 (Pope John Paul's 80th birthday), June 8, September 23 and October 22.

"The apostolic pilgrimage of the Pope to the Holy Land has also been placed on the Jubilee calendar," Archbishop Sepe pointed out. In fact, a footnote for the month of March 2000 states that the Pope's trip to the Holy Land is foreseen within the last ten days of that month.

Marcello Sacchetti then explained that St. Peter's Club has been performing charitable works in Rome since 1869. They are in charge of collecting Peter's Pence in the diocese of Rome: this offering is then given to the Pope to use for his favorite charities. The Club is also in charge of the chapel located in the Colosseum where Mass is said every Sunday of the year.
Mr. Sacchetti stated that, for the entire Jubilee Year, St. Peter's Club will provide free daily hot meals for the needy who have come to Rome on pilgrimage. These will be available at special kiosks at each of the four patriarchal basilicas (200 meals at St. Peter's, and 100 at each of the other basilicas).

Archbishop Sepe indicated that "in the whole country at the present time, around 400 houses have been made available by various ecclesial bodies. These will offer hospitality at reduced prices, while around 40 will offer free hospitality, for a total of over 26,000 beds."

The director of Caritas in Rome, Guerino Di Tora, said that during the Jubilee, Caritas aims to "upgrade the operation of its services, especially as regards board, lodging and health care."

On the subject of initiatives for the Holy Year in Rome, he announced, among other things: the improvement of services in meals for the poor; the opening of a welcome center for pilgrims infected with the AIDS virus; the publication of a guide to places of worship and prayer for immigrants and the publication of a new edition of the guide to social and health services in the city.

OP;JUBILEE;...;SEPE;VIS;19991117;Word: 640;

POPE ENTRUSTS YOUTH WITH BUILDING A WORLD OF PEACE

VATICAN CITY, NOV 17, 1999 (VIS) - Following today's general audience catechesis, Pope John Paul greeted the pilgrims present in St. Peter's Square in diverse languages, concluding with special words for 3,000 Italian soldiers, their commanders and chaplains.

"I am grateful for your presence," he told the young people. "You are living a period of your life which can offer singular opportunities for human and Christian growth. Military service certainly presents difficulties connected with the exigencies and discipline which characterize it. However, it also offers notable possibilities for inner growth, both for the sacrifices which it demands and for the more vast human horizon to which you are introduced. Make this time of your life an authentic school of formation which makes you more aware as people, capable and honest professionals and courageous Christians."

Then, addressing all the young people present at the general audience, the Holy Father remarked that "we are nearing the Great Jubilee when we will celebrate the 2,000 years since the birth of Christ." He entrusted the youth with the task of "becoming builders of a world of authentic peace and solidarity in hope."

AG;GREETINGS;...;...;VIS;19991117;Word: 190;

JOHN PAUL II RECALLS HIS TRIP TO INDIA AND GEORGIA

VATICAN CITY, NOV 17, 1999 (VIS) - In today's general audience held in St. Peter's Square, John Paul II recalled his apostolic trip to India and Georgia which took place from November 5 to 9.

The Pope indicated that the first stage of his pilgrimage was to New Delhi where he signed and promulgated the Post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation "Ecclesia in Asia," fruit of the assembly of that continent's Synod of Bishops, which took place at the Vatican in 1998.

This document, affirmed the Pope, "helps us to understand that inter-religious dialogue and the Church's mandate to spread the Gospel to the confines of the earth are not mutually exclusive, rather they complement one another. On the one hand, the Gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ must always be proclaimed with profound respect for the consciences of those who listen, ... on the other hand, freedom of conscience and the free exercise of religion in society are fundamental human rights."

"Georgia was the second stage of my journey," he continued, "where I returned the visits made to Rome in the past by President Sheverdnadze and His Holiness Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of all Georgia."

This country, added the Holy Father, "is preparing, in a context of newly found independence, to celebrate 3000 years of history (and) faces great social and economic challenges. Nonetheless, it is determined to face them with courage in order to become a dependable member of a united Europe. Christian Georgia has a glorious, millenarian history." John Paul II concluded by saying: "Now, after 70 years of communist repression, ... the small but vigorous Catholic community in the Caucasus is progressively strengthening its life and structure."

AG;TRIP INDIA; GEORGIA;...;...;VIS;19991117;Word: 290;

50 MILLION REFUGEES, DISPLACED PERSONS CRY OUT FOR JUSTICE

VATICAN CITY, NOV 17, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy See's permanent observer to the United Nations, Archbishop Renato Martino, spoke before the Third Committee of the 54th session of the U.N.'s General Assembly yesterday on Item 111, Report of the UNHCR, Questions Relating to Refugees, Returnees, Displaced Persons and Humanitarian Questions.

"Uprooted, humiliated, deprived of dignity and identity," he said, "millions stand in unfamiliar surroundings calling for help. There is no security for their lives, no guarantee for their future and hopes for a safe return home vanish with time. These catastrophes are willed, prepared and executed by men against fellow men, against women, children and older persons, against the sick and dying."

Archbishop Martino focussed on the urgent need to create "an effective legal instrument to protect internally displaced persons." He said that "the question of refugees and displaced persons, who have every right to lead a normal life is ... a matter of conscience. Almost fifty million of them appeal to the conscience of the international community, not begging for mercy, but crying for justice."

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CARDINAL SODANO TO ATTEND OSCE MEETING

VATICAN CITY, NOV 17, 1999 (VIS) - At midday today, Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls made the following declaration:

"On November 18 and 19 in Istanbul, Turkey, a meeting of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) will be held at the level of heads of State and Government."

"Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano will attend the meeting on behalf of the Holy See. He will be accompanied by Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, secretary for Relations with States; Archbishop Luigi Conti, apostolic nuncio in Turkey and Msgr. Dominique Rezeau, permanent representative to the OSCE in Vienna.

"During his stay in Istanbul, Cardinal Sodano will meet the local Catholic community and the ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I."

OP;OSCE MEETING;...;NAVARRO-VALLS; SODANO;VIS;19991117;Word: 140;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, NOV 17, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Appointed Bishop Joao Maria Messi O.S.M., of Irece, Brazil, as bishop of Barra do Pirai-Volta Redonda (area 4,768, population 827,986, Catholics 620,989, priests 38, permanent deacons 2, religious 121), Brazil. He succeeds Bishop Waldyr Calheiros de Novaes, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.

- Appointed Fr. Jose Ubiratan Lopes O.F.M. Cap., pastor of 'Nossa Senhora Aparecida' parish in the diocese of Petropolis, Brazil, as bishop of Itaguai (area 2,549, population 279,000, Catholics 189,200, priests 24, permanent deacons 1, religious 66), Brazil. The bishop-elect was born in Itambacuri, Brazil, in 1947 and ordained a priest in 1975.

- Appointed Fr. Donald Joseph Leo Pelletier M.S., diocesan administrator of Morondava (area 46,000, population 350,000, Catholics 35,000, priests 22, religious 56), Madagascar, as bishop of the same ecclesiastical circumscription. The bishop-elect was born in Attleboro, U.S.A., in 1931 and ordained a priest in 1956.

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MESSAGE FOR ITALIAN CATHOLICS' SOCIAL WEEK

VATICAN CITY, NOV 16, 1999 (VIS) - Made public today was a message from the Pope to participants in the 43rd Social Week of Italian Catholics, being held in Naples from November 16 to 20. The theme of the encounter is "Civil society in the Italy of tomorrow."

In the message, dated November 10, the Holy Father writes: "Wherever the State recognizes the existence of those cultural and associative resources, distinct from the political and economic fields, resources that possess an innovative organizational capacity that aims to support harmonious coexistence, then the way is open to constructive pursuit of the common good."

John Paul II emphasizes the fact that "the State must create the conditions favorable for the free exercise of economic activity (and that) a community of a higher order should not interfere in the internal life of a community of a lower order, depriving the latter of its functions, but rather should support it in case of need and help it to coordinate its activity with the activities of the rest of society."

Making reference to the family, the Pope underlines that it "is the heart of society. ... Founded on matrimony, it represents stable continuity, a sanctuary of love and life, the essential cell of the social organism. It is on the 'health' of the family that the health of society depends."

The Holy Father concludes: "The future of society rests above all on the young. It is in the education of young generations that the religious experience of the Italian nation can boast a creative brilliance in its scholastic institutions, in large measure intended for those who are less well off. This merits respect and support through juridical and economic parity between state and non state schools."

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JOHN PAUL II VISITS "POPE'S UNIVERSITY"

VATICAN CITY, NOV 16, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father this morning visited the Pontifical Lateran University, where, in the course of a 90-minute visit, he inaugurated the academic year and blessed the university's new atrium and other new or restored halls.

In his talk to the chancellor, rector, teachers and students of the Lateran, in addition to invited guests from other ecclesiastical and state-run universities, the Pope said that "in the modern era, the Illuminist reform of the university wished to answer the basic questions about man and his destiny, leaving Revelation out of consideration. In many cases theology saw itself expelled, so to speak, from the academic institutions, after having been at their center for centuries."

"In the current context, nevertheless, the re-dimensioning of the exclusivist pretexts of reason and the well-known aridness of agnostic relativism seem to place once again the research on the integrality of 'humanum' at the center of the attention of universities."

The Holy Father remarked that "as legitimate heirs of the academic tradition of medieval schools, 'ecclesiastical' universities are called to become protagonists of this re-awakening."

He highlighted the faculties and institutes which are part of the Lateran University. The theology faculty, he said, "is called to take on the constant tension of the 'intellectus fidei' and to penetrate ever more deeply the mystery of God and to propose it in the 'language' of the current generation.

"The philosophy faculty has to deal with, on the one hand, the continual development of the sciences of nature and man and, on the other, with the disappearance of a higher level of reflection."

The Holy Father then made brief remarks on the Pontifical Utriusque Iuris Institute and its study of civil and ecclesiastical law, the Redemptor Hominis Pontifical Pastoral Institute, dedicated to the social doctrine of the Church, and the John Paul II Pontifical Institute for Studies on Marriage and the Family.

In closing remarks, John Paul II reminded the faculty and students that the Lateran university "has the honor and burden of having the special title of 'the Pope's university'. Always take to heart the creative and dynamic unity between faith and 'intellectus fidei'."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, NOV 16, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Archbishop Mario Francesco Pompedda, dean of the Tribunal of the Roman Rota, as prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signature.

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CARDINAL EDWARD CASSIDY TO RECEIVE 'NOSTRA AETATE' AWARD

VATICAN CITY, NOV 16, 1999 (VIS) - Cardinal Edward I. Cassidy, president of the Commission for Religious Relations with Jews, has been chosen for the 1999 'Nostra Aetate' Award by the Center for Christian-Jewish Understanding of Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut, U.S.A. He is co-recipient of the prize, together with Rabbi Yitzchak I. Greenberg, president of the Jewish Life Network, New York. The presentation ceremony will take place tomorrow, November 17, in the Park Avenue Synagogue, New York.

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12 BLESSEDS TO BE CANONIZED NOVEMBER 21

VATICAN CITY, NOV 16, 1999 (VIS) - On November 21, solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, Pope John Paul II, at 9:30 a.m. in St. Peter's Basilica, will canonize 12 Blesseds, according to a communique released today by the Office of the Liturgical Ceremonies of the Supreme Pontiff.

The future saints are: Cirilo Bertran and eight companions (died 1934), religious of the institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, and Inocencio de la Immaculada (died 1937), priest of the Congregation of the Passion of Christ, all of whom were martyrs; Benedetto Menni (1841-1914, priest of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God, founder of the Hospitaller Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Tommaso da Cori (1655-1729) priest of the Order of Friars Minor.

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ST. BRIDGET'S LOVE FOR THE CHURCH, AN EMBLEM FOR ALL

VATICAN CITY, NOV 13, 1999 (VIS) - At 6 p.m. in the Vatican Basilica, the Pope presided at the celebration of the first vespers of the 33rd Sunday in ordinary time, with Dr. Karl Gustav Hammar, Lutheran archbishop of Uppsala, Sweden, Dr. Jukka Paarma, Lutheran archbishop of Turku, Finland, and two Catholic bishops, Anders Arborelius O.C.D., of Stockholm, Sweden, and Czeslaw Kozon of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Present at this ecumenical celebration, which took place in memory of St. Bridget, co-patroness of Europe, were the Swedish monarchs King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia.

During his homily, John Paul II underlined that St. Bridget's "active love for the Church of Christ and the witness she gave to the Cross, constitute an emblem and inspiration for us all as we cross the threshold of a new millennium."

The Pope recalled that in the ecumenical celebration of 1991, held to mark the sixth centenary of the canonization of St. Bridget, he said: "For more than twenty-five years Catholics and Lutherans have been making every effort to find a common path. ... A common understanding (of the doctrine of justification) will help us, we are certain, to resolve the other controversies that, directly or indirectly, are connected with it."

"Today, thanks to the Lord, that 'common understanding' I hoped for eight years ago has become a promising reality. On October 31, in the city of Augsburg, the joint declaration was solemnly signed. ... This prize of ecumenical dialogue, a milestone on the road towards full and visible unity, is the result of intense research, meetings and prayer. Nonetheless, there still remains a long road ahead of us. ... We must continue to travel together."

At the end of the celebration, in the presence of the king and queen and the bishops of the Scandanvian countries, the Pope blessed a marble statue of St. Bridget which stands in the square of Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City.

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THE CHURCH MUST EVANGELIZE THE COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA

VATICAN CITY, NOV 15, 1999 (VIS) - This morning John Paul II addressed the first group of prelates from the German Episcopal Conference who have just completed their "ad limina" visit. The Pope's address concentrated on the Church, universal sacrament of salvation.

The Holy Father praised the German bishops for "all the good that the Church in Germany is doing through her presence and work in civil society, in political life, in the charitable field and through her financial generosity wherever the need exists. As one example among many others I would like to recall here the important service that the Church's consultors carry out in numerous fields, especially that in support of pregnant women who live in situations of conflict."

Later in his address he referred to the phenomenon of the mass media. On this subject he highlighted that "the information society represents a challenge to pastors. It is necessary to make great efforts, on the one hand to increase people's critical maturity, ... and, on the other, to promote a higher quality of news. The Church is also called to 'evangelize' the mass media. ... Great attention must be given to selecting the men and women charged with making the Church's voice heard in the committees and councils of radio and television."

"Your mission as pastors," he went on, "is carried out in an ever more laicized society, where religious values do not have great importance. ... The Church must question herself about her own role in a society in which reference to God becomes ever less frequent, because in many places there is no longer room for Him." The Pope went on to deplore "the numerous defections of faithful and the consequently diminished influence of the Church in the life of civil society."

John Paul II encouraged the prelates to "be open to dialogue, that is, to critical and reasonable confrontation, enduring the tensions that, at the present moment, cannot be resolved. The evangelical solution is not that of withdrawing from society. You must speak out on all occasions, in season and out of season. ... A lay society which is ever more silent about God needs your voice."

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POPE JOHN PAUL'S ANGELUS REFLECTIONS

VATICAN CITY, NOV 14, 1999 (VIS) - Before praying the noon angelus, Pope John Paul reflected on the celebration today in Italy of Thanksgiving Day, upon his recently concluded trip to India and Georgia and on the many recent disasters in various parts of the world.

"Thanksgiving Day," he said, "invites us to give thanks to God for the fruits of the earth. At the end of one agricultural season and the start of another, we ask for the divine blessing on the countryside and the rural world so that the Lord will sustain those who dedicate themselves to working in the fields."

"In addition to these thanks to the Lord for the fruits of the earth," the Holy Father continued, "I would like to add my thanks for my recent pilgrimage in India and Georgia, which I will be speaking about during next Wednesday's general audience. This great spiritual experience constitutes a further stage on the path of the new evangelization, towards the Great Jubilee of the year 2000."

Lastly, John Paul II recalled the numerous disasters which have occurred in recent days and weeks, all of which have resulted in loss of life, including the collapse of a building in Foggia, Italy, the crash of a World Food Program plane in Kosovo, "with deserving volunteers aboard," another violent earthquake in Turkey and the disappearance of an Egyptair plane into the Atlantic.

"I ask you to pray for the many victims and I express my closeness and my solidarity to all those who are suffering as a result of these immense tragedies."

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"REDEMPTORIS MATER" CHAPEL INAUGURATED

VATICAN CITY, NOV 14, 1999 (VIS) - This morning the Holy Father inaugurated the recently restored "Redemptoris Mater" Chapel, which is located inside the Vatican's Apostolic Palace. He also consecrated the altar on which he then celebrated Mass.

A mosaic image of the Virgin, "Redemptoris Mater," occupies the center of the wall behind the altar and "places before our eyes the mystery of the love of God, who made Himself man to give us, human beings, the capacity of becoming children of God. On the threshold of the Third Millennium, I would like to emphasize this message of salvation and joy that Christ, born of Mary, brought to humanity."
John Paul II underlined the fact that in the chapel's mosaics "the richness of oriental tradition is revived, reworked by one who also knows the Western tradition. Here, East and West, far from opposing one another, exchange gifts in the attempt to better express the limitless riches of Christ." Several million hand-cut mosaics form the designs on the chapel's four walls and ceiling. The work took three years to complete.

The Pope concluded: "I particularly thank the cardinals who, with this gift, have wished to recall the fiftieth anniversary of my ordination as a priest. It causes me great joy that this anniversary should be associated with the 'Redemptoris Mater,' under whose protection I have lived all these years of my service to the Church and to whose intercession I entrust the time that the Lord still wishes to concede me."

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UPCOMING CONFERENCE TO FOCUS ON "ECONOMY AND HEALTH"

VATICAN CITY, NOV 15, 1999 (VIS) - Archbishop Javier Lozano Barragan, president of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Ministry to Health Care Workers, today in the Holy See Press Office, presented the 14th international conference to be sponsored by the council. It will take place in the Vatican from November 18 to 20.

The archbishop noted that "the theme, 'Economy and Health', is very important, indeed, it is a burning issue. .... In fact, since the start of the 1980s the governments of western nations have been deeply involved in controlling health costs, ... seeking to increase the incidence of health and medicine in the strategies of the free market."

He pointed out that in many places in the world today health and medicine are viewed as merchandise and the patient is viewed as a client or customer. The "buying and selling" of health care on the free market, the archbishop added, emphasizes the physical well-being of the patient vis-a-vis profit - to the detriment of his or her psychic and spiritual well-being.

Archbishop Lozano asked: "What is the Church's position on this theme? What could the Word of God tell us about this complex world of health? The answers to these and other questions will constitute the subject matter of our 14th international conference, where some of the world's greatest experts will discuss the topic."

OP;ECONOMY; HEALTH;...;CON-AVA; LOZANO;VIS;19991115;Word: 240;

DECLARATION ON VISIT OF ALGERIA'S PRESIDENT BOUTEFLIKA

VATICAN CITY, NOV 15, 1999 (VIS) - Following is the declaration made today at midday by Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls, following the Pope's audience with Abdelaziz Bouteflika, president of the Republic of Algeria.

"After his meeting with the Pope, President Bouteflika was received by Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano and Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, secretary for Relations with States.

"Among the various themes addressed in the discussions, which provided an opportunity for an exchange of opinions on problems regarding North Africa and the Middle East, particular attention was given to the situation in Algeria and hope was expressed for the efforts towards pacification being put into effect by the Algerian authorities.

"Naturally, there was also explicit reference to the situation of the Church in Algeria, in the desire that she may, with greater security, continue her worthy activities of service to all."

OP;AUDIENCE;...;BOUTEFLIKA; NAVARRO-VALLS;VIS;19991115;Word: 160;

POPE WELCOMES, ENCOURAGES FRANCISCAN MISSIONARY SISTERS

VATICAN CITY, NOV 15, 1999 (VIS) - Today, in welcoming the Franciscan Sisters of Penance and Christian Charity, the Pope said that their theme, "'Moved in God,' reflects your commitment to build upon the rich spiritual heritage of your foundress, Mother Magdalen Daemen, which has inspired the witness of religious consecration and the missionary commitment of generations of sisters in the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Indonesia, Brazil and the United States."

"I encourage you, as true daughters of St. Francis," John Paul II told the sisters, who are in Rome for their General Chapter, "to promote in every aspect of your congregation's life a commitment to conversion, penance, intense prayer and contemplation as the basis for your presence and mission in the world. By being 'moved in God', may you be channels of His peace in a world often tragically beset by conflict, division and injustice."

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, NOV 15, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Abdelaziz Bouteflika, president of Algeria, accompanied by an entourage.
- Thirteen prelates from the German Episcopal Conference, on their "ad limina" visit:
- Cardinal Friedrich Wetter, archbishop of Munich and Freising, accompanied by his auxiliaries, Bishops Engelbert Siebler, Bernhard Hasslberger and Franz Dietl.
- Archbishop Oskar Saier of Freiburg im Breisgau, accompanied by his auxiliary, Bishop Paul Friedrich Wehrle.
- Archbishop Karl Braun of Bamberg, accompanied by his auxiliary, Bishop Werner Radspieler.
- Bishop Manfred Muller of Regensburg, accompanied by his auxiliaries, Bishops Vinzenz Guggenberger and Wilhelm Schraml.
- Bishop Paul-Werner Scheele of Wurzburg accompanied by his auxiliary, Bishop Helmut Bauer.

On Saturday, November 13, he received in separate audiences:

- Their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden, accompanied by an entourage.
- Six prelates from the German Episcopal Conference, on their "ad limina" visit:
- Bishop Franz Kamphaus of Limburg, accompanied by his auxiliary, Bishop Gerhard Pieschl.
- Bishop Josef Homeyer of Hildesheim, accompanied by his auxiliaries, Bishops Hans-Georg Koitz and Nikolaus Schwerdtfeger.
- Rudolf Muller of Gorlitz.
- Archbishop Pier Luigi Celata, apostolic nuncio in Belgium and Luxembourg.
- Archbishop Felix del Blanco Prieto, apostolic nuncio in Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea.

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, NOV 15, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Appointed Fr. Francois Blondel, vicar general of Limoges, France, as bishop of Viviers (area 5,556, population 284,800, Catholics 257,000, priests 224, permanent deacons 7, religious 922), France. The bishop-elect was born in Limoges in 1940 and ordained a priest in 1965.

- Accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the archdiocese of Ljubljana, Slovenia, presented by Auxiliary Bishop Jozef Kvas, upon having reached the age limit.

- Appointed Archbishop Zenon Grocholewski, prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signature, as prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education. He succeeds Cardinal Pio Laghi, whose resignation from the same post the Holy Father accepted in conformity with canon 354 of the Code of Canon Law.

On Saturday, November 13, it was made public that he:

- Appointed Bishop Giovanni Battista Pichierri of Cerignola-Ascoli Satriano, as bishop of Trani-Barletta-Bisceglie (area 701, population 281,869, Catholics 269,369, priests 149, permanent deacons 6, religious 409), Italy. He succeeds Bishop Carmelo Cassati M.S.C., whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.

- Appointed Bishop Agostino Vallini, auxiliary of the diocese of Napoli, as bishop of Albano (area 661, population 375,000, Catholics 368,000, priests 218, permanent deacons 23, religious 1,148), Italy. He replaces Bishop Dante Bernini whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.

- Appointed Fr. Gabriel Mbilingi C.S.Sp., counsellor general of the Holy Ghost Fathers, as coadjutor bishop of Lwena (area 199,786, population 300,000, Catholics 50,000, priests 6, religious 7), Angola. The bishop-elect was born in Bandua, Angloa, in 1958 and ordained a priest in 1984.

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TELEGRAM FOR VICTIMS OF BUILDING COLLAPSE IN ITALY

VATICAN CITY, NOV 12, 1999 (VIS) - Following is the text of the telegram sent by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of State, in the name of the Holy Father, to Archbishop Domenico Umberto D'Ambrosio of Foggia-Bovino for the victims of the building which collapsed in Foggia yesterday morning:

"Having heard the dramatic news of the sudden collapse of a building in the city of Foggia, the Supreme Pontiff appoints Your Excellency to express to the families and friends of the dead his profound condolences and feelings of deep participation in the pain of their mourning. Furthermore, he entreats Your Excellency to communicate his solidarity to the survivors in their suffering and in the enormous loss caused by the terrible disaster. While offering fervent prayers for the repose of the souls of all the victims, the Holy Father shows his great appreciation for all those who, in one way or another, are making such prodigious efforts in the rescue operations. Invoking God through Mary, who consoles the afflicted, to give comfort for all those who are suffering the consequences of this terrible trial, he sends everyone a special apostolic blessing as a sign of his particular spiritual closeness."

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POPE RECALLS DECEASED CARDINALS AND BISHOPS

VATICAN CITY, NOV 12, 1999 (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican Basilica, the Pope celebrated a Mass in remembrance of the cardinals and bishops who died during the course of the last year. The members of the college of cardinals concelebrated the mass with the Holy Father.

John Paul II particularly recalled Cardinals Carlos Oviedo Cavada, Raul Silva Henriquez and George Basil Hume and the deceased archbishops and bishops. "In their apostolic work, rooted in the faith," the Pope said in his homily, "and in their attentive pastoral service, they placed their gaze well beyond earthly confines, trusting in the Lord, announcing His name to their brothers and sisters and praising Him in the gatherings of believers. May they now rest in the house of the heavenly Father, peaceful dwelling of the children of God."

"We turn to the God of life that He may welcome our deceased brothers who for many years worked generously in His vineyard. Now that the Lord has summoned them, may they experience the consoling truth of the promise of Christ: 'The Son gives eternal life to all'."

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MEETING OF THE PONTIFICAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

VATICAN CITY, NOV 12, 1999 (VIS) - In the Vatican today and tomorrow, the Pontifical Academy of Sciences is sponsoring a working group on the theme: "Science for Man and Man for Science," in preparation for its plenary session, scheduled to take place in November 2000.

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HOLY SEE AT U.N. ON BETHLEHEM 2000, RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

VATICAN CITY, NOV 12, 1999 (VIS) - Archbishop Renato Martino, Holy See permanent observer to the United Nations, spoke twice on November 10 at the U.N.'s New York headquarters, addressing the plenary session of the General Assembly on Item 36, Bethlehem 2000, as well as the Third Committee of the General Assembly on Item 116E, Religious Freedom.

In his first speech, he highlighted the November 1998 Resolution on Bethlehem 2000 which "recalls that the Palestinian city of Bethlehem is the birthplace of Jesus Christ. ... The world will celebrate in Bethlehem, a city of peace, the onset of the new millennium in a global vision of hope for all peoples." Both Jesus Christ and His birthplace of Bethlehem are the patrimony of all humanity, he added.

Archbishop Martino remarked that though Bethlehem's message was "the promise of peace," the city has often been marked by violence. On the threshold of the Third Millennium, he affirmed, "after decades of violence, what Bethlehem and its inhabitants need most today is peace. Peace delayed could become peace denied, and whichever side holds the peace talks back will be judged responsible by history for accumulating negative consequences and for further escalation of violence. ... Peace is only possible where a will to reconciliation exists."

In his talk on Religious Freedom, the apostolic nuncio asserted that religious freedom "constitutes the very heart of human rights." This right "is based upon the dignity of the human person who experiences the inner and indestructible exigency of acting freely according to the imperatives of his or her conscience."

Noting the "significant steps" that the U.N. has taken towards protecting this right, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 1981 Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief, Archbishop Martini then stated: "In spite of this, however, there still exist today places where the right to gather for worship is either not recognized or is limited to members of one religion alone. ... This grave violation of one of the fundamental rights of the person is a source of enormous suffering for believers."

He reaffirmed that the Holy See views "recourse to violence in the name of religious belief as a perversion of the very teachings of the major religions. ... Religious freedom is a cornerstone of the structure of human rights and the most profound expression of conscience."

DELSS;BETHLEHEM; RELIGIOUS FREEDOM;...;UN; MARTINO;VIS;19991112;Word: 400;

INFORMATION ON THE JUBILEE PILGRIM'S CARD

VATICAN CITY, NOV 12, 1999 (VIS) - The Vatican's Central Committee for the Jubilee 2000 has issued a communique regarding the Pilgrim's Card, in which it explains precisely what the Card is and also clarifies imprecise news which has been given regarding this Card.

The communique states that the Pilgrim's Card can be used to reserve participation in Jubilee events in Rome and, "while not obligatory for pilgrims, is intended not only as a simple 'service card' but also as a primary instrument for reservations, especially useful for participating ... in single events."
While the Pilgrim's Card is not the only way to be able to participate in papal audiences or other Jubilee celebrations, it is a very helpful tool for the traveller. The committee stresses that participation in all events, including papal ceremonies, whether through use of the Pilgrim's Card or through tickets issued by the Prefecture of the Papal Household, is entirely free.

In addition to reserving seats for papal ceremonies or those in Rome's basilicas, the Pilgrim's Card offers the following services: 1. insurance; 2. free use of city transport by prepaying 5,000 lire (about $2.25); 3. the possibility of making phones calls at reduced prices (adding 10,000 lire to the base Card price); 4. the possibility for single pilgrims to have a 20-30 percent reduction on train tickets, through a special card issued by the FS, the Italian State Railway; 5. the chance to reserve hot meals or picnic baskets at discounted prices; 6. special discounts for museums and for the purchase of books.

There are several types of Pilgrim's Cards available, each of which has its own base price. There are one-day tickets, tickets for several days or a week, as well as those called "last minute" tickets.

For further information on the Pilgrim's Card and how to obtain it, go to the following Internet site, and then select the language of your choice (Italian, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese and German): www.sac.jubil2000.org

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