NEW SWEDISH AMBASSADOR PRESENTS LETTERS OF CREDENCE

VATICAN CITY, DEC 20, 1999 (VIS) - Sweden's new ambassador to the Holy See, Bo Enrikson, presented his Letters of Credence to the Holy Father this morning, who welcomed him by recalling the Swedish royal family's November 13 visit to the Vatican, the ecumenical service in St. Peter's Basilica that same day, and the Pope's own pastoral visit to Sweden 10 years ago.

The Pope said his "joy about the recent proclamation of Sweden's Saint Bridget as co-patroness of Europe, with Saints Catherine of Siena and Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, is still very alive in my heart. (St. Bridget is) an illustrious daughter of Sweden and pilgrim of Christ, guided by extraordinary mystical graces." He added that the proclamation "was a providential occasion to reflect on the common responsibility to pursue the path to full unity."

"The Holy See," observed John Paul II, "knows and esteems Sweden's action in favor of peace, collaboration and respect for human rights at regional and international levels, as well as concretely demonstrated generosity in favor of the poorest nations." Such actions, he said, combined with "authentic ethical and religious values, will contribute to the affirmation of a civilization of peace and mutual comprehension among peoples."

Building Europe's common house, he said, must have a foundation which includes "the dignity of the person, respect for the sacred nature of life, the benefit of the central role of the family,, recognition of the importance of education, and safeguarding basic freedoms, starting with that of religion. ... The Church will play her part in this process, placing at the disposition of modern man the riches of her faith."

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