JOHN PAUL II TO RECEIVE CHARTER OF RIGHTS OF REFUGEES

VATICAN CITY, MAY 31, 2000 (VIS) - A communique issued today by the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People listed some of the highlights of the forthcoming Jubilee of Migrants and Itinerant Peoples, to be held in Rome as well as in various dioceses of the world from June 1 to 3.

"The Jubilee year," observes the press release, "starting with its biblical roots, explicitly brings to mind an element which is very dear to all those forced to abandon their homes and countries: being freed and returning to one's own land."

The communique states that special regard will be given to the world's refugees on June 1 and 2. On these dates "attention will be focussed on those persons forced to emigrate against their will, that is, to the more than 50 million refugees, displaced persons, repatriated people, those asking for asylum and others in similar situations." The focal point will be the Mass on June 2 in St. Peter's Square presided over by Pope John Paul.
Tomorrow afternoon, at the Oratory of the Church of St. Francis of Caravita in Rome, there will be an encounter-reflection on the theme of reconciliation for refugees and for workers and humanitarians involved in this pastoral ministry. On this occasion a "Jubilee Charter for the Rights of Refugees" will be issued. This declaration of solidarity with refugees will be given by a refugee to the Holy Father during the Offertory of the papal Mass on June 2.

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