SIGNS OF THE CHURCH'S CLOSENESS TO THOSE WHO SUFFER

VATICAN CITY, JUL 4, 2000 (VIS) - The members of the boards of directors of the John Paul II Foundation for the Sahel and the "Populorum Progressio" Foundation were welcomed today by the Pope who, in his talk to them, highlighted how "these providential institutions ... show in a concrete way the closeness of the Holy See to those who suffer misery and hunger."

He recalled that "the John Paul II Foundation for the Sahel began its activity in 1984, following an appeal which I made in Ouagadougou in 1980, asking the international community for a general mobilization against the serious desertification which is striking the countries of the Sahel region." He stated that, 20 years later, that appeal remains urgent, not only in Africa but throughout the planet. The world's leaders, he added, must "adopt adequate measures to favor an equal access to (water), a good which is so precious for all of mankind."

"As to the Populorum Progressio Foundation, born in the context of the celebrations for the fifth centenary of the evangelization of the American continent," the Holy Father went on, "this (institution) intends to promote, within the framework of the integral development of the person, the most marginalized populations of Latin America and the Caribbean." It is a "foundation aimed at helping the poorest of the poor."

The Pope stressed the link between the work performed by the Church through these two institutions and the Jubilee Year with its call, not only to penance, but to charity towards one's brothers. The Church has "few means to meet such needs but makes an effort to show signs of concrete hope."

In concluding remarks, he pointed out that "one of your foundations combats the desertification of the earth. To speak of a desert calls to mind the conditions in which a great part of humanity lives, afflicted by violence, calamities, and egoism. To those who live in this 'desert' of our times, the Church wishes to bring the water of truth and love, ... by offering Christ."

AC;SAHEL; POPULORUM PROGESSIO;...;...;VIS;20000704;Word: 340;