THANKS EXPRESSED TO CHRISTMAS CONCERT ARTISTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 16, 1999 (VIS) - This morning the Pope received the artists who will participate in the traditional "Christmas in the Vatican" concert, which will take place on Saturday, December 18, in the Paul VI Hall.

John Paul II recalled that this concert is "a cultural demonstration that aims to sensitize public opinion to the need for further places of worship and of catechesis in the diocese of Rome."

After thanking the artists for their generosity in contributing to the solution of this problem, "that is close to the heart of the Bishop of Rome," he said "parish communities urgently need their own pastoral structure, especially in the outskirts where these facilities are lacking."

"The objective to construct fifty sacred buildings before the year 2000 has, thanks to God, almost been achieved. ... The city of Rome, which is preparing to play the leading role in the Great Jubilee of the year 2000, may count on the opening of places of worship, of meeting, of catechesis and of structures for social, cultural and sporting activities. ... Thank-you for your precious contribution."

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