JOHN PAUL II PRAYS FOR THOSE SUFFERING EMBARGO IN IRAQ

VATICAN CITY, MAR 18, 2000 (VIS) - The Pope today recalled Iraqis who are "being so severely tried by the continuing international embargo," assuring "all those who are suffering, especially women, children and elderly, of my prayerful support. May Jesus, true friend of the poor and afflicted, ever accompany them in their difficulties and sustain them with His love."

John Paul II pronounced these words during an audience in St. Peter's Square with faithful of the Chaldean Catholic Church, accompanied by His Beatitude Raphael I Bidawid, patriarch of Babylon of the Chaldeans, who are presently celebrating their Jubilee.
The Pope also addressed pastors and faithful of the Syro-Malabar Church in India and other parts of the world who are also in Rome for their Jubilee: "Through prayer and repentance, devotion and conversion, may the manifold graces which God showers upon His Church during this 'year of favor' bear ever more abundant fruits of holiness in your lives."

John Paul II encouraged faithful from the diocese of Vicenza, Italy, to combat such problems as "the notable drop in vocations to the priesthood and religious life," the fragility of many marriages, secularization and the fall in attendance at Sunday Mass. "Be firm and faithful to Christ and His Gospel, be generous and open towards your brothers and sisters."

The Holy Father requested that pilgrims from the Italian diocese of Sorrento-Castellammare di Stabia be "submissive to the call of the Lord. ... Allow His Word to enlighten you, His love to transform you and, on your return, take His joy and His peace to all those you encounter."

Turning to address members of the Italian Women's Center, the Pope said. "Know how to live your vocation with a courage similar to that of Mary of Nazareth, new woman and fertile witness of the Lord's goodness."

The Holy Father also had words for participants in The Forum of Christian organizations for pastoral work in circuses and fairgrounds, expressing his desire that they bear witness through "patience, courage, calculated risk, close collaboration and mutual respect."

Finally, John Paul II addressed theology students from the Borromeo College in Munster, Germany: "I hope you will study much over these days in Rome and that, in the city, you will recognize the universal Church."

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