POPE WELCOMES CANADIAN BISHOPS AT CASTELGANDOLFO

VATICAN CITY, SEP 25, 1999 (VIS) - This morning at Castelgandolfo the Pope welcomed the bishops of New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, as well as Cardinal Ambrozic of Toronto, with his auxiliaries, as they concluded their quinquennial "ad limina" visit.

Saying that "one of the fruits of the Spirit in the years since the (Vatican) Council has been the stirring of new spiritual vitality and apostolic energies among the lay faithful," the Pope added that he wished "to share some brief thoughts on the relationship between priests and the lay faithful."

Addressing the prelates in both English and French, John Paul II affirmed that "we readily speak of bishops and priests as 'pastors', drawing upon the biblical and patristic tradition, in which the image of the shepherd is rich and evocative. Sometimes, though, this has been accompanied by a certain reluctance to speak of lay people as 'the flock', as if to do so condemned the laity to a strictly passive and dependent role."

There is, he stressed, "a complementarity and communion" in the relationship between pastors and the lay faithful. To reinforce this concept, he cited the biblical image of the shepherd and his flock, saying this image offers us "a vision of life-giving reciprocity: the sheep live by the shepherd and the shepherd lives by the sheep." And he stressed that "the heart of all pastoral activity and of every form of apostolate is union with Christ's Paschal mystery."

"Such a vision of complementarity and communion between priests and laity," the Pope went on, "involves specific lifestyles for priests, ... which make it abundantly clear that the priest is a man set apart for a particular service. ... If the priest is not clearly set apart, he cannot fulfill the service that the Church asks of him; if he is not truly a servant, this will lead to an empty and sterile solitude, which is extraneous to an authentic pastor."

While everyone is a member of the Body of Christ, observed the Holy Father, not everyone has the same functions. "The pastoral ministry of priests is never to be a manner of stifling the initiatives of the laity nor reducing the people to an attitude of passivity or dependence. ... Care must be taken, however, to avoid attenuating the distinction between the ministerial priest and the lay vocation, for this is certainly not what the Council Fathers had in mind when they asked for greater cooperation between priests and laity."

He pointed out that the principal domain of the laity is society. "The laity, men and women, are called there to fulfill their baptismal vocation and to promote the art of being Christians in the world. ... It is precisely the evangelizing mission of the laity in the world which constitutes the Church's answer to the malaise of indifference."
"Therefore," Pope John Paul concluded, "we must carefully avoid any form of ecclesial introversion that would be unfaithful to the Council's intention, since it would diminish rather than increase the missionary thrust required to meet the needs of the new century."

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PRESS CONFERENCE ON JUBILEE INITIATIVES

VATICAN CITY, SEP 25, 1999 (VIS) - On Wednesday September 29, at 12:30 p.m. in the Holy See Press Office, a press conference will be held to present some initiatives being put into practice for the Jubilee.

Cardinal Francis Arinze and Bishop Michael Louis Fitzgerald, respectively president and secretary of the Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue, will speak on the inter-religious assembly, to be held in Rome from October 24 to 28 1999.

The most recent publications of the Central Committee for the Great Jubilee 2000 will be presented by Cardinal Roger Etchegaray and Archbishop Crescenzio Sepe, respectively president and secretary of that committee.

For their part, Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J., director of programs at Vatican Radio and Sean P. Lovett who is responsible for editing the 'Jubilaeum' for the Holy Year, will present the radio programs planned for the Jubilee.

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THE UNIVERSITY IS A PLACE RICH IN FORMATIVE OPPORTUNITIES

VATICAN CITY, SEP 25, 1999 (VIS) - At midday today the Holy Father received delegates from 57 bishops' conferences who are responsibile for university ministries and who are taking part in a meeting in Rome.

The Pope affirmed that this world meeting offers them the possibility to prepare the Jubilee of university students and lecturers, to be held in Rome in September 2000. On this subject, he demonstrated his satisfaction with the pamphlet written by the Congregation for Catholic Education and the Pontifical Council for Culture, together with the diocese of Rome, "in order to sensitize and prepare the university community to the Great Jubilee."

Having mentioned the theme of the symposium, "The University for A New Humanism," he underlined that "the original vocation of the university ... is to be a place rich in formative opportunities and 'humanitas', at the service of the quality of life and in keeping with the integral truth of man as he travels through history."

The Holy Father indicated that the problems facing university ministry include "the constant challenge represented by the relationship between faith and reason, between faith and culture and between faith and scientific progress. ... This is why the primary task of Catholic intellectuals is to promote a renewed and vital synthesis between faith and culture, never forgetting that, in the many-faceted activities of formation, the central reference point remains Christ, only Saviour of the world."

"All apostolic action in the university environment," the Pope continued, "must aim to bring the young, teachers and all those who move in the academic world, to personally encounter Christ." To this end, "it is desirable that each university have its chaplaincy, the heart of university ministry. This must be a driving force behind both formation and the specific cultural initiatives of evangelization."

Pope John Paul concluded: "The promotion of important initiatives at a national level will also prove valuable, such as the Council for university ministry ... and the 'University Day' that includes time committed to prayer, reflection and planning."

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PRAYERS FOR THE "BELOVED PEOPLE OF TAIWAN"

VATICAN CITY, SEP 26, 1999 (VIS) - Today Pope John Paul, during his post-angelus greetings to the people gathered in the courtyard at the residence of Castelgandolfo, spoke of the recent earthquake in Taiwan.

"In these days," he said in English, "my thoughts have constantly turned to the beloved people of Taiwan as they recover from the recent earthquake and its tragic aftermath. With profound concern I commend the victims to almighty God and implore his divine consolation and strength upon all the bereaved. I am likewise confident that the international community will respond with renewed solidarity and ready assistance in the urgent work of relief and rebuilding."

The Holy Father then briefly greeted pilgrims in French, German, Spanish and Portuguese. He concluded in Italian by acknowledging the presence of Bishop Dante Bernini and numerous faithful from the diocese of Albano, where Castelgandolfo is located. The Pope expressed his "sincere appreciation and recognition" to Bishop Bernini for his pastoral ministry of the past eighteen years.

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ANGELUS: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FAITH AND REASON

VATICAN CITY, SEP 26, 1999 (VIS) - Prior to reciting the noon angelus today at Castelgandolfo, the Holy Father resumed his reflections on the Encyclical "Fides et Ratio," meditating on "the role that reason plays on the path of faith."

Reason "is already present," he told the faithful, "in maturing the assent to faith because this assent, while based on the 'authority of God Who reveals', develops in a deeply rational manner by perceiving the 'signs' that God has offered of Himself in the history of salvation."

"This is not a question," the Pope went on, " of 'evidence' in the sense of experimental science. The signs of God ... not only call upon reason, but also upon profound existential involvement."

John Paul II noted that "mature faith calls into play intelligence. ... Faith thus becomes, not only rational, but 'reasoning'.

"Between intelligence and faith," he concluded, "a vital relationship is created. We can say that 'each contains the other': on the one hand, it is necessary to believe, if one wishes to perceive something of the mystery that transcends us - 'credo ut intelligam' - on the other, it is necessary to understand - 'intelligo ut credam' - for faith to be rational and ever more mature."

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APPRECIATION TO THE ITALIAN AIR FORCE

VATICAN CITY, SEP 27, 1999 (VIS) - Today at Castelgandolfo, following the angelus, the Pope greeted members of the 31st squadron of the Italian Air Force who always accompany him during his travels within Italy.

"You give me," said John Paul II during this traditional meeting, "the opportunity to bring the message of the Gospel to so many brothers and sisters in faith, supporting them in the witness and love of Christ and the Church. You also give me the chance to bring comfort to those in situations of affliction."

The Holy Father indicated that the special honors and pontifical decorations he awards each year to some members of the squadron are an expression of his gratitude and that "of the Holy See for the generous readiness with which you place your professional skills at the service of the Pope, as well as a sign of the respect I feel for you and for all members of the 31st squadron."

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POPE WELCOMES TRUSTEES OF CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA

VATICAN CITY, SEP 27, 1999 (VIS) - This morning at the papal residence at Castelgandolfo, John Paul II welcomed the board of trustees of the Catholic University of America, located in Washington, D.C., as well as the university's student choral group.

The Pope highlighted the university's "special contribution to the Church and society in the United States" and he encouraged the board "to continue to shape and implement the vision of a truly Catholic university in your culture, especially at this time."

"At the threshold of the third millennium," he said, "the Church is deeply committed to the new evangelization, and Catholic universities have a specific role and a great task. In my Encyclical Letter 'Fides et Ratio', I wrote that 'faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth'.

"Reason can help faith avoid the dangers of myth or superstition, and faith can open reason to the fullness of truth which of its nature it always seeks. The entire Catholic tradition bears witness to this mutuality, and the Catholic University of America can make no greater contribution to the work of the new evangelization than to stand as a witness to this deep harmony of faith and reason."

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JOHN PAUL II HIGHLIGHTS APOSTOLIC VITALITY IN CENTRAL AFRICA

VATICAN CITY, SEP 27, 1999 (VIS) - The Pope today manifested his joy to prelates of the Central African Episcopal Conference for the "apostolic vitality" of their communities and the "openness of the men and women of the region to the call of the Lord."

Addressing Central African bishops, who have just completed their "ad limina" visit, the Holy Father indicated that "the Church has the duty to recall, in both good times and bad, the fundamental values associated with the dignity of all human beings, with the truth and with responsibility for their personal acts."

John Paul II praised the generosity of their communities. A generosity "frequently expressed through means that are poor and limited, yet rich in human and spiritual significance. I warmly encourage those who, with great commitment, place themselves at the service of their brothers and sisters; the needy, the poor, the sick, those who are alone or elderly, or refugees from neighboring countries."

Going on to speak about Catholic schools, he underlined that they "occupy a special place in the service of Central African society, preparing youth to fulfill their life commitments, their civic role and their moral duty." He said that this course must be encouraged "with the appropriate caution, so that the Church may effectually contribute to all young people having access to education, and find the means to give special attention to the poorest among them."

After emphasizing that to Catholics falls "the responsibility of promoting and animating vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life," the Pope added that "the formation of the laity is of fundamental importance for the future of the Church."

"In a world that needs to find points of reference and reasons for hope, the teaching of the Church's social doctrine will prepare Christians for political, economic and social tasks, so that they become active witnesses of Christ in their lives and effectively participate in constructing the nation."

Speaking of the African family, John Paul II stressed that "it is essential to encourage Catholics to work with all their strength to preserve and promote the fundamental values of the family. The faithful must have great respect for the dignity of Christian marriage," and for the fact that married love "is unique and indissoluble."

The Holy Father emphasized the importance of fraternal relations with "baptized brothers and sisters of other religions." In particular, "attention must be given to the relationship with Muslims. An authentic knowledge of the spiritual and moral values of Islam, based on a desire for mutual respect, will aid greater comprehension and sincere acceptance of religious freedom. In this sense," he concluded, "I encourage you, as some of you already do, to train experts in religious science and inter-religious matters."

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, SEP 27, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Dimitar Mircev, ambassador of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, accompanied by his wife, on a farewell visit.
- Four prelates from the Central African Episcopal Conference on their "ad limina" visit:
- Bishop Jean-Claude Rembanga of Bambari.
- Bishop Paulin Pomodimo of Bossangoa.
- Bishop Guerrino Perin M.C.C.I., of Mbaiki.
- Bishop Francois-Xavier Yombandje of Kaga-Bandoro.

On Saturday, September 25, he also received in separate audiences:
- Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi, apostolic nuncio in Haiti.
- Six prelates from the Central African Episcopal Conference on their "ad limina" visit:
- Archbishop Joachim N'Dayen of Bangui, accompanied by his auxiliary, Bishop Edouard Mathos.
- Bishop Antoine Marie Maanicus C.S.Sp., of Bangassou, accompanied by his coadjutor, Bishop Juan-Jose Aguirre Munoz M.C.C.I.
- Bishop Armando Umberto Gianni O.F.M., of Bouar.
- Bishop Agostino Delfino O.F.M., of Berberati.

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HOLY SEE HAS NOT CHANGED ITS POSITION ON FAMILY PLANNING

VATICAN CITY, SEP 27, 1999 (VIS) - Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls, in a declaration made public this afternoon, stated that the Holy See has never altered its well-known opposition to abortion or to family planning techniques and policies as proposed by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Following are excerpts from that declaration:

"According to several reports in the media, the director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Nafis Sadik, has expressed the opinion, on the occasion of the presentation of the 1999 World Population Report in London on September 22, that the Holy See no longer opposes the techniques and policies of 'family planning' as propagated by this same U.N. agency:

"In this regard I wish to make it clear that the Holy See has not, in fact, changed its well-known position and, at the same time, (I wish) to recall several principles which were constantly affirmed by the Holy See delegations in the diverse international meetings and reunions.

"Never was (the idea of) procreation at any cost supported. Respect for the sacred meaning of the transmission of human life compels the Holy See to underline, even more than anyone else, the responsibility that must characterize the decision of parents to have or not have, at a determined moment, a child."

"As far as the following are concerned - 'contraception', 'family planning', 'reproductive rights', 'female controlled methods', 'the widest possible range of family planning services', 'new options', 'under-utilized methods', and any other expression relative to the services of family planning and fertility regulation - the Holy See's satisfaction for the consensus reached in the documents in which these (expressions) were adopted, cannot be interpreted as a change in its well known position regarding 'family planning' services which do not respect the freedom of the spouses, human dignity and the human rights of the interested parties.

"Concerning abortion and access to abortion, the Holy See affirms that human life begins at the moment of conception and that it must be defended and protected. The Holy See can never excuse abortion and policies in favor of abortion, which it considers to be a crime.
"... The Holy See has opposed introduction of the promotion of so-called 'emergency contraception', because it considers such material as an abortifacient."

"It is recognized that sexuality is an important part of personal identity. ... Nonetheless, some programs promoted by the United Nations are inspired by a vision of sexuality which does not give due consideration to the dimension of reciprocity that is constituted by the expression of mutual love. ... (and which) denotes an individualistic and permissive approach to sexual behavior which damages proper understanding of human dignity, and of the moral responsibility of each individual."

"The Catholic Church is concerned for the life and health of all human beings. She is convinced of the sacredness of human life which has innate dignity and rights. Consequently, she sides with all those who combat the true causes of mortality: poverty and ignorance."

"The Church contributes, within the limits of her nature and capabilities, to education and health throughout the world, especially in those places where, without her presence, people would have no services whatsoever."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, SEP 27, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Wolfgang Waldstein, professor emeritus at the Faculty of Law of the state university of Salsburg, Austria, as a member of the board of directors of the Pontifical Academy of Life.

On Saturday, September 25, it was made known that he appointed:

- Archbishop Bruno Musaro, apostolic nuncio in Panama, as apostolic nuncio in Madagascar, Mauritius, and the Seychelles and apostolic delegate in the Comores and Reunion.

- Msgr. Jean-Marie Ravel as bureau chief in the Congregation for Catholic Education.

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