THE ONLY WORTHWHILE RELIGION IS THE ONE THAT LEADS TO PEACE

VATICAN CITY, AUG 31, 2000 (VIS) - Cardinal Francis Arinze, president of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, has been attending the Millennium World Peace Summit, a meeting organized by the United Nations and held in New York, U.S.A., from August 28 to 31.

The gathering, which has been attended by religious and spiritual leaders, forms part of a series of preparatory initiatives for the 55th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations which will begin on September 5.

In a message addressed to Cardinal Arinze for the occasion, the Pope wrote that the peace summit "is an exceptional opportunity to make it abundantly clear that the only religion worthy of the name is the religion that leads to peace and that true religion is mocked when it is tied to conflict and violence."

John Paul II went on to indicate that "religions cannot provide technical solutions to all the world's problems, for that is not their task. But they do offer a moral and spiritual wisdom which illuminates and teaches the transcendent truth of the human person. From this alone there comes the respect for human dignity without which there can be no justice, solidarity or peace."

"It is a sign of hope when religious and spiritual leaders can say to the world with one voice that peace is possible, that peace is our sacred duty, that peace is the future willed by God."

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JUBILEE CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR SEPTEMBER

VATICAN CITY, AUG 31, 2000 (VIS) - Following is the calendar of Jubilee events scheduled for September 2000:

- Sunday 3: 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time. Mass and rite of Beatification in St. Peter's Square.

- Sunday 10: 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. Mass in St. Peter's Square for Jubilee of Universities.

- Thursday 14: Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. Procession from the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem to the Basilica of St. John Lateran. Vespers in the Armenian rite and the rite of Antasdan in the Basilica of St. John Lateran.
- Friday 15: Mass in St. Peter's Basilica for the Jubilee of Pontifical Representatives. Opening of the International Marian-Mariological Congress in the Basilica of St. Mary Major.

- Sunday 17: 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Mass in St. Peter's Square for the Jubilee of the Elderly.

- Saturday 23: Concert by the 'Danubia' Youth Orchestra in Paul VI Hall, to celebrate the first millennium of Christianity in Hungary.

- Sunday 24: 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Mass in St. Peter's Basilica to mark the closure of the International Marian-Mariological Congress.

- Thursday 28: Mass for deceased Popes in St. Peter's Basilica.

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JUBILEE OF UNIVERSITIES TO BEGIN THIS SUNDAY

VATICAN CITY, AUG 31, 2000 (VIS) - A press conference took place this morning in the Holy See Press Office to present the Jubilee of Universities. Also presented were the world meetings of rectors, of administrative managers and of chaplains, and the world forum of university students. These events will be held from September 3 to 10 and their central theme will be "The university for a new humanism."

The first world meeting of university rectors will be held on Friday September 8, in the 'Aula Magna' of Rome's 'La Sapienza' University. A total of 280 rectors and/or university presidents from all over the world will participate.
The world meeting of chaplains will bring together several hundred priests from 30 countries on all continents. Cardinal Anthony Joseph Bevilacqua, archbishop of Philadelphia, U.S.A., will talk on the theme: "The priestly mission in the world of the university and of culture."

Four hundred university students from 20 nations and representing 15 groups, movements and associations will attend the first world forum of university students and hear a talk by Cardinal Vinko Puljic, archbishop of Vrhbosna, Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, on the theme: "Gospel and culture in universities: the hopes of the Church."

During this Jubilee, other congresses will be held in the Holy Land and Lebanon, as well as in Italy where 59 congresses have been organized in 40 universities. The themes may be divided into four groups: the human being, the city of man, the vision of science and creativity and memory. Speakers will number more than 1,500, and participants around 10,000.

In the Vatican at 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 9, the university community will be received in audience by John Paul II, there will then follow the Liturgy of the Word and the presentation of a summary of the congresses. Penitential celebrations in linguistic groups (eight languages) are scheduled for the afternoon and at 6 p.m. there will be a world meeting of ministers of education.

The climax of the Jubilee of Universities will come on Sunday, September 10, when the Holy Father will preside at a solemn Eucharistic celebration in St. Peter's Square.

At the close of the celebrations, a mosaic icon of the Virgin entitled "Sedes Sapientiae" (Seat of Wisdom) - the work of the Jesuit sculptor Marko Ivan Rupnik - will be presented by the Pope to the universities of the world. The icon will first be entrusted to the delegation from the diocese of Athens, Greece, headed by Archbishop Foscolos, then be borne in pilgrimage around dioceses that contain universities.

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HOLY FATHER'S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR SEPTEMBER

VATICAN CITY, AUG 31, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father's general prayer intention for September is: "That scientists and the academic world may find in the search for truth the way to God, the heavenly Father."

His missionary intention is: "That Muslim-Christian relationships may be marked by mutual understanding and respect."

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DECLARATION 'DOMINUS IESUS' TO BE PRESENTED ON TUESDAY

VATICAN CITY, AUG 31, 2000 (VIS) - In the Holy See Press Office at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, the declaration 'Dominus Iesus' will be presented. The document, which emanates from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, deals with the unicity and salvific universality of Jesus Christ and the Church.

Taking part in the press conference will be: Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, Archbishop Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B., Msgr. Fernando Ocariz and Fr. Angelo Amato S.D.B., respectively, prefect, secretary and consultors of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, AUG 31, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Bishop Walter Mixa of Eichstatt as military ordinary of the Federal Republic of Germany.

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GOD CONTINUOUSLY SEARCHES FOR "REBELLIOUS" MAN

VATICAN CITY. AUG 30, 2000 (VIS) - "'Metanoia,' the consequence of meeting Christ" was the theme of John Paul II's catechesis during the general audience which was held this morning in St. Peter's Square in the presence of 25,000 pilgrims.

Scripture, said the Pope, presents us with numerous passages in which God perseveringly and lovingly seeks man "the rebel who flees far from His gaze. God entered the tortuous paths of sinners through the Son, Jesus Christ who, in His arrival on the stage of history, appears as 'the Lamb who would take away the sin of the world'."

"The first words He pronounced in public," recalled the Pope, "were: 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.' ... 'Repent' - in Greek 'metanoeite' - in other words accomplish a 'metanoia,' a radical change of heart and mind. It is necessary that we leave evil behind and that we enter the kingdom that is coming into being, the kingdom of justice, of love and of truth."

The Pope highlighted that the mission of the Apostles also began "with an urgent call to conversion," to begin a new life in God.

The Holy Father indicated that "in accomplishing the 'metanoia' - the conversion - man returns, like the prodigal son, to embrace the Father who has never forgotten or abandoned him."

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APPEAL FOR PEACE IN BURUNDI

VATICAN CITY, AUG 30, 2000 (VIS) - At the end of today's general audience in St. Peter's Square, the Pope made an appeal for peace in Burundi:

"Last Monday, August 28, in Arusha, Tanzania, a first and partial agreement for peace in the beloved nation of Burundi was signed, after seven senseless years of civil war.

"I invite you to pray that the people's desire for reconciliation be accepted by all the parties concerned as well as by neighboring States, and that a stable and lasting peace may soon be reached to the benefit of the whole region of the Great Lakes."

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, AUG 30, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Archbishop Jose Saraiva Martins C.M.F., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, accompanied by Archbishop Edward Nowak, secretary of the same congregation.

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, AUG 30, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Rio do Sul, Brazil, presented by Bishop Tito Buss, upon having reached the age limit. Bishop Buss is succeeded by Bishop Jose Jovencio Balestieri S.D.B., coadjutor of the same diocese.

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HUMAN CLONING IS MORALLY UNACCEPTABLE

VATICAN CITY, AUG 29, 2000 (VIS) - "Attempts at human cloning with a view to obtaining organs for transplants: these techniques, insofar as they involve the manipulation and destruction of human embryos, are not morally acceptable, even when their proposed goal is good in itself. These words were pronounced by John Paul II in a talk he gave today to participants in the 18th International Congress on Transplants, which is being held in Rome.

The Pope continued: "Science itself points to other forms of therapeutic intervention which would not involve cloning or the use of embryonic cells, but rather would make use of stem cells taken from adults."

The Pope indicated that "this particular field of medical science, for all the hope of health and life it offers to many, also presents certain critical issues that need to be examined in the light of a discerning anthropological and ethical reflection. In this area of medical science too, the fundamental criterion must be the defence and promotion of the integral good of the human person, in keeping with that unique dignity which is ours by virtue of our humanity."

The Pope described organ donation as "a genuine act of love," and went on to highlight that "the human body cannot be considered as a mere complex of tissues, organs and functions, rather its is a constitutive part of the person. ... Accordingly, any procedure which tends to commercialize human organs or to consider them as items of exchange or trade must be considered morally unacceptable, because to use the body as an 'object' is to violate the dignity of the human person."

John Paul II also underlined the importance that organ donors be properly informed in order for their decision to be made freely and conscientiously. Should this prove impossible, then "the consent of relatives has its own ethical validity".

Vital organs must only be removed from the body of someone who is "certainly dead." This, he went on, "gives rise to one of the most debated issues in contemporary bioethics," the problem of "ascertaining the fact of death." In this regard, the Pope added, "it is helpful to recall that the death of the person is a single event, consisting in the total disintegration of the unitary and integrated whole that is the personal self. ... The death of the person, understood in this primary sense, is an event which no scientific technique or empirical method can identify directly. Yet human experience shows that once death occurs certain biological signs inevitably follow."

The criterion recently adopted "for ascertaining the fact of death, namely the complete and irreversible cessation of all brain activity, if rigorously applied, does not seem to conflict with the essential elements of a sound anthropology. ... Only where such certainty exists, and where informed consent has already been given by the donor or the donor's legitimate representatives, is it morally right to initiate the technical procedures for the removal of organs for transplant."

The Pope then dealt with another problem, that of "the allocation of donated organs through waiting-lists and the assignment of priorities. ... From the moral standpoint, an obvious principle of justice requires that the criteria ... should in no way be 'discriminatory' (i.e., based on age, sex, race, religion, social standing etc.) or 'utilitarian.' Instead, in determining who should have precedence in receiving an organ, judgements should be made on the basis of immunological and clinical factors."

The final problem he considered in his talk was that of so-called "xenotransplants, that is, organ transplants from other animal species." On this matter, the Pope recalled the words of his predecessor, Pius XII, in 1956: "in principle, he stated, for a xenotransplant to be licit, the transplanted organ must not impair the integrity of the psychological or genetic identity of the person receiving it; and there must be a proven biological possibility that the transplant will be successful and will not expose the recipient to inordinate risk."

John Paul II expressed the hope that "scientific and technological research in the field of transplants will continue to progress, and extend to experimentation with new therapies which can replace organ transplants. ... In any event, methods that fail to respect the dignity and value of the person must always be avoided. I am thinking in particular of attempts at human cloning with a view to obtaining organs for transplants."

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JUBILEE OF UNIVERSITIES TO BE PRESENTED THIS THURSDAY

VATICAN CITY, AUG 29, 2000 (VIS) - In the Holy See Press Office on Thursday, August 31, a press conference will be held to present the Jubilee of Universities and associated events such as the world meetings of rectors, of administrative managers and of chaplains, and the world forum of university students.

Taking part in the press conference will be Archbishops Giuseppe Pittau S.J. and Crescenzio Sepe, respectively secretary of the Congregation for Catholic Education and secretary of the Committee for the Great Jubilee 2000; Giuseppe D'Ascenzo, rector of Rome's 'La Sapienza' University; Msgr. Vincenzo Zani, director of the Italian Episcopal Conference's university office and Antonio Cicchetti, president of the organizing committee for the Jubilee of university professors.

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BEATIFICATION OF POPES PIUS IX AND JOHN XXIII

VATICAN CITY, AUG 29, 2000 (VIS) - At 10 a.m. on Sunday, September 3, the Holy Father John Paul II will celebrate the Eucharist in St. Peter's Square and proclaim Blesseds the Servants of God: Pius IX (1792 - 1878), Pope; John XXIII (1881 - 1963), Pope; Tommaso Reggio (1818 - 1901), bishop and founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Martha; Guillaume-Joseph Chaminade (1761 - 1850), priest and founder of the Society of Mary and the Institute of Sisters of Mary Immaculate; Columba Marmion (1858 - 1923), abbot of the order of St. Benedict.

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NINTH WORLD DAY OF THE SICK IS TO BE HELD IN SYDNEY

VATICAN CITY, AUG 26, 2000 (VIS) - Made public today was a message from the Pope for the 9th World Day of the Sick which will be held in the cathedral of Sydney, Australia, on February 11, 2001. The theme of the Day is to be: "New evangelization and the dignity of suffering man."

John Paul II launches an appeal "that efforts be made to favor the necessary developments in health services in those countries - of which there are still many - that find it impossible to offer their inhabitants decorous living conditions and suitable healthcare. Furthermore, I trust that the great potential of modern medicine will be put at the effective service of man and applied in full respect of his dignity."

Interest in "medical scientific research" must "always be guided by concern for delivering an effective service to the sick, giving them practical support in their struggle against illness. ... Clinical experimentation must be practiced in full respect of the person and with a clear awareness of its risks and, consequently, of its limits."

The Pope makes reference to the fact that the majority of the population in poorer countries lack "the indispensable care necessary for health" and describes this situation as a "great scandal." He highlights that "supporting 'health for all' is a primary duty for all members of the international community. Moreover, for Christians, it represents a commitment intimately linked with the witness of their faith. They know they must give solid proclamation of the Gospel of life, promoting respect for life and rejecting all attacks against it, from abortion to euthanasia."

At the end of the message, the Pope asks the sick and healthcare professionals to proclaim and give witness to "the Gospel of life and hope, with generous willingness. Announce that Christ is the consolation of all those who live in torment and difficulties. He is strength for those who are passing through moments of fatigue and vulnerability. He is support for those who work passionately to ensure better living and health conditions for everyone."

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PARISHES MUST BE TRUE FRONTIERS OF EVANGELIZATION

VATICAN CITY, AUG 26, 2000 (VIS) - This morning on the patio of the apostolic palace of Castelgandolfo, the Pope received groups of Italian pilgrims from the archdiocese of Vercelli and the diocese of Cremona, as well as from various parishes.

John Paul II referred to the concern of the faithful from Vercelli for "activity in parishes, which are called to be true frontiers of evangelization and to have the capacity to adapt to changing social conditions. ... This task calls for courage and prudence, holiness of life and tireless dedication to announcing the Good News: through catechesis, liturgical life and the witness of charity."

The Pope requested faithful from the diocese of Cremona that the experience of having passed through the Holy Door of the Vatican Basilica and of having professed "with great ardor ... faith in Christ, Son of God, and in His Church, one, holy, catholic and apostolic ... may sustain your witness to the Gospel and may act as a guide in the new pastoral year that the diocese is about to start."

At the end of the audience, the Pope greeted faithful from various Italian parishes: "May the moment of intense spirituality, that you most certainly have had the grace of experiencing in your Jubilee, spur you to be strong in faith, cheerful in hope and persevering in charity. Always be witnesses of evangelic joy and fraternal solidarity."

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AN ECHO OF WORLD YOUTH DAY LINGERS ON IN PUBLIC OPINION

VATICAN CITY, AUG 27, 2000 (VIS) - "The echo of World Youth Day has not yet been extinguished in public opinion" said the Pope at midday today, prior to reciting the angelus at his summer residence of Castelgandolfo.

"Over a number of days, the hearts of young people were pulsating in Rome" said the Holy Father, "they inspired great affection for themselves. Joyous, peaceful young people, with ready greetings and smiles, respectful of the city and of nature, enamored of Jesus Christ and of His message. They are a people who are entering the third millennium with a new energy."

John Paul II gave thanks to God "for the good that the Jubilee of Youth has sown in the Church and the world. Everyone was deeply impressed by the huge turnout. Nonetheless, World Youth Day is only a staging post on a journey that must continue. The young people, on returning to their countries, are called to render more profound their choice of the Gospel and the coherence of their own lives."

To the Blessed Virgin, Mother of the Church, the Pope entrusted the fruits of World Youth Day "and the development of the upcoming Jubilee of Universities" which will be held in Rome from September 3 to 10.

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, AUG 28, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience at Castelgandolfo Bishop Angelo Scola, emeritus of Grosseto, Italy, and rector of the Pontifical Lateran University.
On Saturday, August 26, he received in audience at Castelgandolfo Archbishop Zenon Grocholewski, prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education.

On Friday, August 25, he received in audience at Castelgandolfo Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, president of the Committee and of the Presidential Council for the Great Jubilee 2000.

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WORLD CONGRESS ON FORMATION WITHIN SECULAR INSTITUTES

VATICAN CITY, AUG 28, 2000 (VIS) - Today in the patio of the apostolic palace of Castelgandolfo, John Paul II received 400 participants in the world congress of secular institutes who are reflecting on the theme of the formation of their members.

The Pope indicated that formation "involves the whole life of the consecrated person," and that "it cannot disregard - as its vital center and as a criteria for the Christian evaluation of historical phenomena - the spiritual, theological and sapiential dimension of a life of faith. This provides the final and decisive key for understanding the human condition today, and for selecting priorities and forms of authentic witness."

He went on to highlight: "Above all, you must bring light and hope into today's society. Do not allow yourselves to be taken in by naive optimism; remain faithful witnesses of a God who certainly loves humanity and offers it the grace necessary to work efficiently in constructing a better and more just world, one more respectful of the dignity of all human beings. The challenge that contemporary culture places before faith seems to be this: Abandon the facile inclination to depict dark and negative scenarios and draw viable, not illusory, itineraries of redemption, liberation and hope."

The Holy Father underlined the fact that "the teaching of discernment cannot overlook the foundation of all human designs that is, and remains, Jesus Christ." The further humanity is from the evangelical message, the louder the announcement of Christ's truth should ring out. However, that announcement must not be something imposed by believers, rather, he concluded, "it must be made clear that the Church, the bearer of Christ's mission, cares for man with love."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, AUG 28, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Bacolod, Philippines, presented by Bishop Camilo D. Gregorio, in accordance with Canon 401, para. 2 of the Code of Canon Law.

On Saturday, August 26, it was made public that he appointed Cardinal Jan Pieter Schotte C.I.C.M., secretary general of the Synod of Bishops, as his special envoy to the consecration of the cathedral church of the apostolic administration of Eastern Siberia. The event is due to take place at Irkutsk, Russia, on September 8.

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DECLARATION ON PRODUCTION AND USE OF EMBRYONIC CELLS

VATICAN CITY, AUG 25, 2000 (VIS) - Made public yesterday afternoon was a declaration from the Pontifical Academy for Life on the production and the scientific and therapeutic use of human embryonic stem cells.

The aim of the document is "to offer a contribution to the debate that is developing and widening in scientific and ethical literature, as well as in public opinion, on the production and use of embryonic stem cells."

The commonly accepted definition of "stem cell" is that of a cell that has two characteristics: "1) An unlimited or prolonged capacity of self-renewal, in other words, of reproducing itself over an extended period without differentiating. 2) The capacity to produce non-permanent progenitor cells, with a limited capacity to proliferate, from which descend groups of highly differentiated cells (nerve cells, muscular cells, hematic cells etc.). For around 30 years these cells have formed a wide field of research, in adult tissues, in embryonic tissues and in 'in vitro' cultures of the embryonic stem cells of experimental animals. However, a recent landmark achievement has drawn public attention back to this matter: the production of human embryonic stem cells."

"Today, the preparation of human embryonic stem cells entails 1) the production of human embryos and/or the utilization of frozen embryos or those left over after 'in vitro' fertilization. 2) Their development up to the initial blastocyst stage. 3) The extraction of the embryoblast cells or internal cell mass, an operation that involves destruction of the embryo. 4) The cultivation of those cells."
The declaration goes on to affirm that "these results have shaken the worlds of science and biotechnology - especially those of medicine and pharmaceutics - and no less so, the world of commerce and the mass media. There were great hopes that applications deriving from the new discoveries would open new doors and give rise to safer therapeutic methods in the treatment of serious disease."

"In the United States in particular, Congress, which for years has opposed giving support with federal funds to research in which human embryos are destroyed," is facing pressure from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and recommendations from the National Bioethics Advisory Committee (NBAC) who both insist that the ban on human embryo research be lifted. Similar pressures have been applied in Britain, Japan and Australia."

"It is not yet possible to compare the therapeutic results obtained or obtainable using embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Regarding the latter, various pharmaceutical firms are already holding clinical trials that are showing some signs of success and giving rise to serious hopes for the more or less immediate future. Regarding the former, ... their application in the field of clinical medicine ... calls for some serious reconsideration as well as a great sense of responsibility for the dignity of all human beings."

Various ethical problems arise, the first of which is: "Is it morally right to produce and/or use living human embryos for the preparation of stem cells? The answer," says the document, "is no" for the following reasons:

"1) On the basis of a complete biological analysis, the living human embryo is - from the moment of the fusion of the gametes - a human being with a well defined identity."
"2) It follows from this that, as an 'individual human being,' the embryo has the right to his own life. Therefore any intervention, save those that favor that embryo, constitutes a violation of that right."
"3) Consequently, the ablation of the internal cell mass of the blastocyst, an act that seriously and irreparably damages the human embryo, interrupting its development, is a seriously immoral act and, consequently, seriously illicit."

The Encyclical 'Evangelium vitae' says: "The human being is to be respected and treated as a person from the moment of conception; and therefore from that same moment his rights as a person must be recognized, among which in the first place is the inviolable right of every innocent human being to life."

The second ethical problem is as follows: "Is it morally acceptable to carry out so-called 'therapeutic cloning' through the production of human embryos which are then destroyed for the production of stem cells? The response is negative," because "the same ethical problem posed earlier" arises again.

The third ethical problem may be stated as follows: "Is it morally right to use stem cells, and the differentiated cells obtained therefrom, when supplied by other researchers or available on the market? The response is negative because, apart from sharing - explicitly or otherwise - in the morally illicit intention of the principal agent, in this case close material cooperation also exists in the production and manipulation of human embryos by the producer or supplier."

The declaration concludes that the possibility of using adult stem cells "to reach the same goals it is intended to reach with embryonic stem cells - even if many more stages must be gone through before seeing clear and definitive results - indicates this path as being the most reasonable and human to follow in order to achieve authentic and valid progress in this new field of research and promising therapeutic applications. Without doubt, this represents a great hope for a large number of suffering people."

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AUDIENCE WITH BENEDICTINE SISTERS OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE

VATICAN CITY, AUG 25, 2000 (VIS) - Today in Castelgandolfo, the Holy Father received a group of Benedictine Sisters of Divine Providence who are celebrating their 22nd General Chapter. The theme they are considering is "The refounding of religious life as Benedictine Sisters of Divine Providence: mysticism, fraternal life and mission."

"It is your wish," said the Holy Father, "to carry out your mission, above all in the world of abandoned infants, of marginalized children, of youth and of adolescents, who are conditioned by the modern consumer mentality and often victims of many types of violence."

In order to face hunger, wars and illnesses such as AIDS, of which children are the victims "in vast areas of the planet, ... great faith in divine providence" is necessary. "This," cried John Paul II, "is the challenge that faces your Chapter! It is a challenge that needs a great heart, full of faith, capable of ever searching for the kingdom of God and His justice with prophetic courage and complete trust in divine providence."

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MAPUTO MEETING ON RECONCILIATION AND PREVENTION OF CONFLICT

VATICAN CITY, AUG 25, 2000 (VIS) - Archbishop Francois-Xavier Van Thuan and Bishop Diarmuid Martin, respectively president and secretary of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, are in Maputo, Mozambique, taking part in a meeting promoted by their dicastery on the theme of reconciliation and the prevention of conflict.

The aim of the meeting, which began on August 22 and runs to August 27, is "to share with the African Church, a number of experiences of the Latin American Church in the difficult area of reconciliation between divided communities."

Fifteen bishops from Africa and another 15 from Latin America are taking part in the meeting, along with representatives from the United States and a number of experts. The end of the meeting will be marked by a Eucharistic celebration presided by Cardinal Alexandre Jose Maria dos Santos O.F.M., in the stadium of Maputo.

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LITURGICAL CELEBRATION: AN EXPERIENCE OF GRACE AND SALVATION

VATICAN CITY, AUG 24, 2000 (VIS) - Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano has written a letter to Bishop Luca Brandolini C.M., of Sora-Aquino-Pontecorvo, Italy, president of the Center for Liturgical Action. The letter is to mark the 51st National Liturgical Week which comes to a close tomorrow and has been considering the theme, "The Word made flesh. Celebration and salvation."

In the face of "a decline in interest in liturgical education," writes Cardinal Sodano, "there is an impelling obligation for greater commitment at all levels, in order to help our communities better understand the rich contents of that characteristic expression of Christian liturgical prayer that is 'for Christ.' Therein lies a clear testimony of Christ's mediation as well as a sense of celebration and salvation granted."

"His Holiness hopes," continues the cardinal, "that the Liturgical Week may further contribute to the formation of the faithful who participate in Eucharistic assemblies on Sundays and feast days. Each celebration should constitute an encounter with Christ's saving ministry and, consequently, be an experience of grace and salvation. ... This entails progressive education in the language of celebration - so immediate but also so complex - in all its various aspects: song, word, silence."

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JUBILEE CELEBRATION IN THE ITALIAN MONASTERY OF GROTTAFERRATA

VATICAN CITY, 24 AUG, 2000 (VIS) - Made public today was a letter from the Holy Father addressed to Cardinal Achille Silvestrini, prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches. The letter, written in Latin and dated August 10, names the Cardinal as the Pope's special envoy to the solemn Jubilee celebration for the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The event is due to take place on September 7 in the monastery of Santa Maria of Grottaferrata, Italy.

Also made public was another letter from the Holy Father, written in Latin and bearing the date of August 10, to Archimandrite Emiliano Fabbricatore, "egumeno" (superior) and ordinary exarch of the monastery of Santa Maria of Grottaferrata.

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JOHN PAUL II: "WORLD YOUTH DAY WAS AN UNFORGETTABLE EVENT"

VATICAN CITY, AUG 23, 2000 (VIS) - "Last week Rome lived through an unforgettable event, World Youth Day, that left an intense impression on everyone." These were John Paul II's words during the general audience which was held this morning in St. Peter's Square.

The Pope gave thanks to God "for this truly great gift" and also thanked all those who contributed to the success of the event "which took place smoothly and with great order."

After expressing his joy to the young people for having had the chance to meet them, he said: "I still retain the deep emotion I felt as I participated at Tor Vergata" in Saturday's prayer vigil and the Sunday Mass. "I will never forget the enthusiasm of those young people," he continued, "I would have liked to embrace them all and express to each of them the affection that binds be to the youth of our time."

The Holy Father highlighted that the young people had come to seek Jesus Christ and that World Youth Day had been "a personal and community encounter" with Him. "The young people, with the enthusiasm typical of their years, responded that they intend to follow Jesus. They wish to do so because they feel they are a living part of the Church. They wish to do so walking together, because they feel they are the People of God on the march.

"They have no fear of their own weakness," he continued, "because they count on the love and mercy of the heavenly Father who sustains them in their day-to-day lives. Beyond race and culture, they feel they are brothers and sisters, joined by a single faith, by a single hope, by one mission: to set the world aflame with the love of God."

The Pope requested that "the evangelical spirit we breathed over those days, not be lost, rather that it continue to be the spirit of youth communities and associations, of parishes and dioceses, especially in the course of this Jubilee year that invites all believers to meet Christ who died and rose again for us."

After summarizing his catechesis in different languages and greeting the pilgrims present, John Paul II called for prayers on behalf of "the 118 men who died on the Russian submarine, 'Kursk'. Most of them were young. In expressing my profound solidarity with the families in their pain, I entrust the victims to the mercy of God, that He may admit them into His peace."

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THIRD CENTENARY OF THE DEATH OF POPE INNOCENT XII

VATICAN CITY, AUG 23, 2000 (VIS) - Made public today was a message from the Holy Father to Bishop Mario Paciello of Altamura-Gravina-Acquaviva delle Fonti, Italy. The message marks the third centenary of the death of Pope Innocence XII, "illustrious son of this noble land" of Puglia, who will be remembered through various cultural and spiritual initiatives.

In his message, dated June 29, the Pope writes that "the re-discovery and deepening of Pope Innocence XII's doctrine, spirituality and commitment to reform may constitute a powerful stimulus to the task of the new evangelization, to which this diocese is also called."

John Paul II expresses his joy at the diocese's "witness of charity ... that is facilitating the growth of local cooperatives and forming and supporting young people who wish to enter the world of work and business." The diocese is also participating "in initiatives for the people of Kosovo and intensifying its cooperative relations with the diocese of Awassa, Ethiopia, as well as promoting initiatives for the cancellation of the external debt of poor countries. How can we not encourage you to continue generously along this road, which is so truly evangelic?"

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CARDINAL DESKUR CELEBRATES 50 YEARS IN THE PRIESTHOOD

VATICAN CITY, AUG 22, 2000 (VIS) - John Paul II sent a letter, written in Latin, to Cardinal Andrzej Maria Deskur, president emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. The letter marks the 50th anniversary of the cardinal's ordination to the priesthood, which fell on August 20.

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THOUSANDS OF WORLD YOUTH DAY PARTICIPANTS STAY ON IN ROME

VATICAN CITY, AUG 22, 2000 (VIS) - Despite the fact that World Youth Day finished on August 20, 70,000 young people from all over the world, members of the Neocatechumenal Way, have prolonged their stay in Rome and yesterday passed through the Holy Door of the Vatican Basilica.

Yesterday afternoon in the Circus Maximus, Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the Pope's vicar general for the diocese of Rome, presided at a Mass for the young men and women present in Rome. A vocational meeting was then held, in which Cardinal Christoph Schonborn O.P., archbishop of Vienna, Austria, took part along with 50 bishops from various countries and the founders of the Neocatechumenal movement: Kiko Arguello, Carmen Hernandez and Fr. Mario Pezzi.

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THE CHRISTIAN IDEAL CANNOT BE REDUCED TO DREAMS OR IDEOLOGY

VATICAN CITY, AUG 21, 2000 (VIS) - The Pope sent a message to Bishop Mariano de Nicolo of Rimini, Italy, for the occasion of the 21st Meeting for Friendship among Peoples. The meeting is an annual event in the city, this year it runs from August 20 to 26 and is considering the theme: "2000 years, an ideal without end."

In his message, dated August 2, John Paul II affirms that "in everyday language, 'ideal' is often understood in contrast to 'real,' as something towards which we aspire but only at a mental level, in the realm of 'ideas,' without, at times, a concrete foundation in reality. Quite the contrary, in Christianity the ideal is an infinitely large objective, intensely beautiful and true, supremely just."

The Holy Father writes that we are called to offer our contribution to the Church, that is: "to show the men and women of our time the rationality of faith, the humanism of charity, the constructive energy of hope. In order for this to be possible the Christian ideal must not be reduced to a dream, an ideology or a utopia rather, for believers, it must become ever more an announcement, a testimony and a truth."

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ST. STEPHEN OF HUNGARY FOUNDED THE STATE ON SOLID VALUES

VATICAN CITY, AUG 21, 2000 (VIS) - Made public today was the Holy Father's message to the Hungarian people for the occasion of the first millennium of the coronation of St. Stephen, king of Hungary. The celebrations were presided yesterday in Budapest by Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano.

In his message, dated August 16, John Paul II recalls that St. Stephen "sought to found the State on the firm rock of Christian values, for this reason he wanted to receive the royal crown from the hands of the Pope, my predecessor Sylvester II."

After recalling that in recent generations not everyone "has had the possibility of knowing Jesus Christ, our Savior," the Pope writes that theirs was a period "marked by trials and suffering. Now it is up to you, Hungarian Christians, to sustain the name of Christ and to announce His Good News to all your dear fellow citizens, bringing them to know the face of our Savior."

The Holy Father highlights that St. Stephen bequeathed the nation "a spiritual legacy, a heritage of fundamental and indestructible values." He continues by asking Hungarians "to cultivate the values of mutual respect and solidarity that have their indestructible foundation in the dignity of the human being. With a spirit of gratitude to God, know how to welcome the gift of life and, with intrepid courage, defend its sacred value from conception to natural end. Be aware of the centrality the family has for an ordered and fruitful society."

"That Hungarian Catholics may be true witnesses of the Gospel, may there be no lack of will to cultivate sincerely ecumenical relations with followers of other Christian denominations. ... The divisions of last century must be overcome, in truth and in love."

John Paul II concludes by exhorting the citizens of Hungary to favor and support "all initiatives that aim to promote harmony and collaboration, both within the State and with neighboring States."

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, AUG 21, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience at the apostolic palace of Castelgandolfo Cardinal Camillo Ruini, his vicar general for the diocese of Rome and president of the Italian Episcopal Conference. Cardinal Ruini was accompanied by Archbishop Cesare Nosiglia, vicegerent of Rome and president of the Italian Committee for the 15th World Youth Day, together with members of the same committee.

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MORE THAN 300,000 YOUNG PEOPLE PARTICIPATE IN VIA CRUCIS

VATICAN CITY, AUG 19, 2000 (VIS) - Yesterday at 8:30 p.m., Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the Pope's vicar general for the diocese of Rome, presided at the Via Crucis that started at the Basilica of St. Mary in Ara Coeli and concluded at the Colosseum. More than 300,000 young people took part in the event, among them a number who came from countries at war.

Each of the fourteen stations was marked by a reading of a passage from the Gospel, a reflection and a young person's prayer-testimony.

At the close of the event, Cardinal Ruini asked in prayer: "In all our doubts, perplexities, hesitations that torment our souls and create uncertainty in our journey, enable us Lord Jesus to see and admire the inexhaustible fruitfulness of Your cross, the flowers and the fruits of holiness, of love, of freedom, of justice and of peace which have developed and matured through these two thousand years of Christianity."

"Lord Jesus, we beg with our whole heart that Your blood may be fruitful both for us and our brethren, for the time that is ahead of us. Make each and every one of us Your humble and courageous witness, sincere and without hypocrisy. Grant us the strength also to carry our cross together with You, and to carry it with joy because we know that You love those who give with joy."

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CHANGE DIRECTION AND TURN TO CHRIST

VATICAN CITY, AUG 20, 2000 (VIS) - At 8:30 a.m. today, John Paul II returned to the campus of Tor Vergata University to preside at the Eucharistic celebration that marked the close of 15th World Youth Day. The Mass was attended by two million young people who last night participated in the prayer vigil on the same site.

In his homily, the Holy Father mentioned the Apostle Peter's question to the Lord, "to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life" and commented: "Christ's question cuts across the centuries and comes down to us; it challenges us personally and calls for a decision. What is our answer? Dear young people, if we are here today, it is because we identify with the Apostle Peter's reply."

"Around you, you hear all kinds of words. But only Christ speaks words that stand the test of time and remain for all eternity. The time of life that you are living calls for decisive choices on your part: decisions about the direction of your studies, about work, about your role in society and in the Church. It is important to realize that among the many questions surfacing in your minds, the decisive ones are not about 'what.' The basic question is 'who,' 'who' am I to go to, 'who' am I to follow, 'to whom' should I entrust my life?"

The Holy Father highlighted that "only Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God and of Mary, the eternal Word of the Father born two thousand years ago at Bethlehem in Judaea, is capable of satisfying the deepest aspirations of the human heart. In Peter's question: 'To whom shall we go?' the answer regarding the path to follow is already given. It is the path that leads to Christ. And it is possible to meet the divine Master personally: He is in fact truly present on the altar in the reality of His Body and Blood. In the Eucharistic Sacrifice, we can enter into contact with the person of Jesus in a way that is mysterious but real, drinking at the inexhaustible fountain that is His life as the Risen Lord."

"The Eucharist," he continued, "is the sacrament of the presence of Christ, who gives Himself to us because He loves us. He loves each one of us in a unique and personal way in our practical daily lives: in our families, among our friends, at study and work, in rest and relaxation. He loves us when He fills our days with freshness, and also when, in times of suffering, He allows trials to weigh upon us: even in the most severe trials, He lets us hear His voice.

"Yes, dear friends, Christ loves us and He loves us forever! He loves us even when we disappoint Him, when we fail to meet His expectations for us. ... How can we not be grateful to this God who has redeemed us, going so far as to accept the foolishness of the Cross? To God who has come to be at our side and has stayed with us to the end?"

The Pope emphasized that "to celebrate the Eucharist, 'to eat His flesh and drink His blood,' means to accept the wisdom of the Cross and the path of service. ... Our society desperately needs this sign, and young people need it even more so, tempted as they often are by the illusion of an easy and comfortable life, by drugs and pleasure-seeking, only to find themselves in a spiral of despair, meaninglessness and violence. It is urgent to change direction and to turn to Christ. This is the way of justice, solidarity and commitment to building a society and a future worthy of the human person."

"Dear friends, when you go back home, set the Eucharist at the center of your personal life and community life: love the Eucharist, adore the Eucharist and celebrate it, especially on Sundays, the Lord's Day. Live the Eucharist by testifying to God's love for every person. ... May every community always have a priest to celebrate the Eucharist! I ask the Lord therefore to raise up from among you many holy vocations to the priesthood. Today as always the Church needs those who celebrate the Eucharistic Sacrifice with a pure heart. The world must not be deprived of the gentle and liberating presence of Christ living in the Eucharist!

"You yourselves must be fervent witnesses to Christ's presence on the altar. Let the Eucharist mould your life and the life of the families you will form. Let it guide all life's choices. ... In a special way, may sharing in the Eucharist lead to a new flourishing of vocations to the religious life. In this way the Church will have fresh and generous energies for the great task of the new evangelization."

The Pope affirmed that if some of the young people present heard the Lord's inner call "to give yourselves completely to Him in order to love Him 'with an undivided heart,' do not be held back by doubts or fears. Say 'yes' with courage and without reserve, trusting Him who is faithful to His promises."

At the end of his homily, John Paul II expressed his gratitude to God "for the gift of youth, which continues to be present in the Church and in the world because of you. Thank God for the World Youth Days! Thanks be to God for all the young people who have been involved in them in the past sixteen years! Many of them are now adults who continue to live their faith in their homes and work-places. I am sure, dear friends, that you too will be as good as those who preceded you. You will carry the proclamation of Christ into the new millennium. When you return home, do not grow lax. Reinforce and deepen your bond with the Christian communities to which you belong."

Prior to the Pope's final blessing, the message of the 7th International Youth Forum was read to the assembly. The forum was held in Rome from August 12 to 15.

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POPE CALLS ON YOUTH TO BE FAITHFUL TO CHRIST

VATICAN CITY, AUG 19, 2000 (VIS) - This evening, the Pope called on the two million young people who had gathered to hear him in the campus of Rome's Tor Vergata University that they remain faithful to Christ, and that they not be afraid to commit themselves to Him. John Paul II's request came at the end of the prayer vigil which was the penultimate event of the 15th World Youth Day. The Day will come to a close with tomorrow's Mass.

Prior to reaching the stage from which he presided the vigil, Pope John Paul spent 40 minutes moving through the crowd on his popemobile. He was acclaimed by the young people who sang, applauded, waved colored handkerchiefs and cried "long live the Pope!"

The vigil began with a brief greeting from the Pope and the invocation of martyr saints from Rome and elsewhere. This was followed by a presentation of various experiences undergone by young people along the paths of reconciliation, justice, liberty and saintliness. Later, there was a reading of the verses of the Gospel according to Matthew where Jesus, walking with His disciples towards Caesarea Philippi, asks them what men say about Him.

The Holy Father then pronounced his homily. Commenting the Lord's question to His disciples, "but who do you say that I am?" and Simon Peter's reply, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God," the Pope asked: "What is the meaning of this dialogue? Why does Jesus want to know what people think about Him? Why does He want to know what His disciples think about Him?"

"This event, which took place near Caesarea Philippi, leads us, in a sense, into the 'school of faith.' There the mystery of the origin and development of our faith is disclosed. ... The Upper Room in Jerusalem too was a kind of 'school of faith' for the Apostles."

John Paul II said that each of the young people may sense in themselves "the process of questions and answers that we have just been talking about. You can all measure the difficulties you have in believing, and even feel the temptation not to believe. But at the same time you can also experience a slowly maturing sense and conviction of your commitment in faith. In fact, there is always a meeting between God and the human person in this wonderful school of the human spirit, the school of faith. The Risen Christ always enters the Upper Room of our life and allows each of us to experience His presence and to declare: You, O Christ, You are 'my Lord and my God'."

"Dear friends," he continued, "to believe in Jesus today, to follow Jesus as Peter, Thomas, and the first Apostles and witnesses did, demands of us, just as it did in the past, that we take a stand for Him, almost to the point at times of a new martyrdom: the martyrdom of those who, today as yesterday, are called to go against the tide in order to follow the divine Master. ... It is not by chance, dear young people, that I wanted the witnesses to the faith in the twentieth century to be remembered at the Colosseum during this Holy Year."

"Perhaps you will not have to shed your blood, but you will certainly be asked to be faithful to Christ! A faithfulness to be lived in the circumstances of everyday life: I am thinking of how difficult it is in today's world for engaged couples to be faithful to purity before marriage. I think of how the mutual fidelity of young married couples is put to the test. I think of friendships and how easily the temptation to be disloyal creeps in.

"I think also," he added, "of how those who have chosen the path of special consecration have to struggle to persevere in their dedication to God and to their brothers and sisters. I think of those who want to live a life of solidarity and love in a world where the only things that seem to matter are the logic of profit and one's personal or group interest.

"I think too of those who work for peace and who see new outbreaks of war erupt and grow worse in different parts of the world. I think of those who work for human freedom and see people still slaves of themselves and of one another. I think of those who work to ensure love and respect for human life and who see life so often attacked and the respect due to life so often flouted."
The Holy Father indicated that later he would give the Gospel to the young people. "It is the Pope's gift to you at this unforgettable vigil."

"It is Jesus in fact that you seek when you dream of happiness;" he explained, "He is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you; He is the beauty to which you are so attracted; it is He who provokes you with that thirst for fullness that will not let you settle for compromise; it is He who urges you to shed the masks of a false life; it is He who reads in your hearts your most genuine choices, the choices that others try to stifle. It is Jesus who stirs in you the desire to do something great with your lives, the will to follow an ideal, the refusal to allow yourselves to be ground down by mediocrity, the courage to commit yourselves humbly and patiently to improving yourselves and society, making the world more human and more fraternal."

After highlighting that in their undertakings the young people can count on the help of their families, communities, priests and teachers, the Pope added: "In the struggle against sin you are not alone: so many like you are struggling, and through the Lord's grace are winning!"

"Dear friends, at the dawn of the Third Millennium I see in you the 'morning watchmen'. In the course of the century now past young people like you were summoned to huge gatherings to learn the ways of hatred; they were sent to fight against one another. The various godless messianic systems which tried to take the place of Christian hope have shown themselves to be truly horrendous. Today you have come together to declare that in the new century you will not let yourselves be made into tools of violence and destruction; you will defend peace, paying the price in your person if need be. You will not resign yourselves to a world where other human beings die of hunger, remain illiterate and have no work. You will defend life at every moment of its development; you will strive with all your strength to make this earth ever more livable for all people."

John Paul II concluded his address by assuring the young people that "in saying 'yes' to Christ, you say 'yes' to all your noblest ideals. ... Have no fear of entrusting yourselves to Him! He will guide you, He will grant you the strength to follow Him every day and in every situation."

The Pope then gave the Gospel to a number of young people from all the continents and made an invitation for a renewal of baptismal promises. A number of young men and women presented testimonies of faith, highlighting their own vocations and life situations. The vigil concluded with the singing of the 'Magnificat' and the Holy Father then withdrew.

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NEXT WORLD YOUTH DAY TO BE HELD IN CANADA IN 2002

VATICAN CITY, AUG 20, 2000 (VIS) - At the conclusion of today's Mass at Rome's Tor Vergata University and prior to praying the angelus, the Holy Father announced that "the next World Youth Day will be held in Toronto, Canada, in the summer of 2002."

He went on: "Right from now I invite the young people of the world to set out for Toronto, and I offer a special greeting to the Canadian delegation, who wanted to be here at this celebration to accept the task which will be theirs."
The Holy Father asked the Blessed Virgin "to watch over all the youth of the world" and expressed his "heartfelt thanks to you who have taken part in this 15th World Youth Day." He also extended his gratitude to all the ecclesial and civil authorities who participated in organizing the event, concluding: "I ask all of you to see to it that the rich legacy of good which this common undertaking has produced is not wasted."

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AUDIENCE WITH COPTIC CATHOLICS, ORTHODOX AND YOUNG CUBANS

VATICAN CITY, AUG 18, 2000 (VIS) - This morning in Castelgandolfo, the Pope received various groups of pilgrims: His Beatitude Stephanos II Ghattas, Patriarch of Alexandria of the Copts, Egypt; a group of Orthodox priests from the eparchy of Sabac-Valjevo, Serbia and a group of young Cubans accompanied by Cardinal Jaime Ortega Alamino, archbishop of Havana, Cuba.

Addressing Patriarch Ghattas and the bishops, priests, religious and lay people accompanying him, the Pope said that the Jubilee is an occasion to ask for strength from God, "in order to be true witnesses of the Gospel in both word and deed." He highlighted that in Egypt "it is also necessary to develop links with all your compatriots, especially with the faithful from other Christian denominations, that we may walk together towards full unity, as well as with believers from other religions, maintaining respect for people and for the liberty of conscience."

To priests from the Serbian Orthodox Church, accompanied by Catholic Coadjutor Archbishop Stanislav Hocevar of Belgrade and Orthodox Bishop Lavrentije Trifunovic, John Paul II referred to "the Serbian nation, that has been so sorely tried over these years" and asked that its people "may remain faithful to their Christian traditions, thanks also to your pastoral service."

"With all my heart, I hope that your land, Serbia, may soon overcome the problems that afflict it and so be able to look serenely ahead to a future of peace and development, in an atmosphere of collaboration and mutual respect among neighboring countries."

Speaking to Cardinal Ortega and the delegation of young Cubans who are taking part in World Youth Day, the Pope recalled the words he used during his "unforgettable trip to Cuba" in 1998: "Do not be afraid to open your hearts to Christ. Do not close yourselves to His love. Be His witnesses for other young people, adopting concrete commitments to spread the civilization of love in all areas: the family, ecclesial communities and the workplace."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, AUG 18, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed:

- Msgr. Michael Aidan Courtney, special envoy with functions of permanent observer at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, as apostolic nuncio in Burundi, at the same time raising him to the dignity of archbishop. The archbishop-elect was born in Nenagh, Ireland, in 1945 and ordained a priest in 1968.

- Msgr. Paul Richard Gallagher, nunciature counsellor, as special envoy with functions of permanent observer at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg.

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ON SUNDAY, VIS WILL TRANSMIT THE CLOSING MASS OF WYD

VATICAN CITY, AUG 18, 2000 (VIS) - On the morning of Sunday August 20, VIS will transmit a service covering the closing Mass of World Youth Day and the young people's prayer vigil of the night of Saturday August 19.


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SPECIAL ENVOY TO PERUVIAN EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS

VATICAN CITY, AUG 17, 2000 (VIS) - Made public today was the Holy Father's letter addressed to Cardinal Bernard F. Law, archbishop of Boston, U.S.A. The letter, written in Latin and dated July 8, names the cardinal as the Pope's special envoy at celebrations to mark the National Eucharistic Congress of Peru, due to be held from August 30 to September 3.

The mission accompanying Cardinal Law will be made up of Msgrs. Antonio Arcari, counsellor at the apostolic nunciature in Peru and Paul B. McInerny, Cardinal Law's personal secretary; Frs. Antonio Santarsiero O.S.J., provincial superior of the Oblates of St. Joseph in Peru and Salvador Pineiro, pastor of the parish of 'Santa Rosa' in Lima.

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THE CHURCH AND THE POPE NEED YOUNG PEOPLE'S GENEROSITY

VATICAN CITY, AUG 17, 2000 (VIS) - This morning at Castelgandolfo, the Holy Father presided at a Mass for young people who had participated in the international forum which was held in Rome from August 12 to 15.

"Dear young people," said the Pope in his homily, "do not doubt God's love for you! For you, He reserves a place in His heart and a mission in the world. ... The task appears immense because it assumes the dimensions of society and of the world, but do not forget that, when He calls, the Lord also gives the strength and the grace necessary to respond to the call.

"Do not be afraid," he continued, "to shoulder your responsibilities. The Church needs you, she needs your commitment and your generosity. The Pope needs you, at the start of this new millennium, he asks you to carry the Gospel along the paths of the world."

Making reference to the Gospel passage where the Lord asks Simon Peter if he loves Him, John Paul II said: "Today Christ asks the same question to each of you: do you love me? He does not ask you to address the masses, to know how to run an organization or administer a patrimony. He asks you to love Him. All the rest will follow as a result. Indeed, to follow Jesus' footsteps does not translate immediately into things to be done or said but, above all, into the fact of loving Him, of being with Him and of welcoming Him entirely into your lives."

The Pope concluded by encouraging the young people to love Christ and the Church: "Love Christ as He loves you. Love the Church as Christ loves her and do not forget that true love places no conditions, it does not calculate or recriminate, it simply loves."

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FIFTEENTH WORLD YOUTH DAY IS PROVING A SUCCESS

VATICAN CITY, AUG 17, 2000 (VIS) - Yesterday at midday, Fr. Ciro Benedettini C.P., vice-director of the Holy See Press Office, made the following declaration:

"There is great satisfaction within the Vatican for the favorable start to the 15th World Youth Day, officially opened yesterday, Solemnity of the Assumption of the Virgin, with the welcome ceremonies for young people at St. John Lateran and St. Peter's Square.

"In particular, the Holy Father has expressed his profound joy for the festive atmosphere and the enthusiasm with which the more than 700,000 young people, present since yesterday, have lived the start of their Jubilee; welcoming with the freshness and spontaneity of their years his invitation to deepen their friendship with Christ and bear witness to their faith.

"Since 7 a.m. today, the young people have started to pass through the Holy Door at the rate of more than 20,000 an hour. The processions gather on the Lungotevere and, amid songs and prayers, slowly wind their way towards St. Peter's Square."

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WYD: CATECHESIS, MASS, CONFESSION AND THE HOLY DOOR

VATICAN CITY, AUG 17, 2000 (VIS) - This morning, various cardinals and bishops who are participating in World Youth Day imparted Jubilee catechesis to young people, divided into language groups, in various basilicas and churches of Rome.

At the same time, two international Masses for young people were being held in the Circus Maximus, one at 9 a.m. and the other at 11:30. Since 7 a.m. priests have been taking it in turns to administer the Sacrament of Confession in 32 languages in 300 specially prepared booths around the Circus Maximus.

This afternoon, the 'Incontragiovani' (meetings between young people) will be held. These are 280 initiatives organized by movements, groups, parishes and ecclesial bodies from 30 different countries, during which the young people will have the chance to meet and talk directly.

From 7 a.m. today, as yesterday, a constant stream of young pilgrims pass down the Via della Conciliazione into St. Peter's Square and then through the Holy Door of the basilica in order to gain the Jubilee indulgence.

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IN COMING DAYS, ROME WILL BE CAPITAL OF WORLD'S YOUTH

VATICAN CITY, AUG 15, 2000 (VIS) - "It may be said that from today until Sunday, Rome will be the capital of the youth of the world!" It was with these words that, prior to reciting the angelus at Castelgandolfo, the Pope referred to the opening of World Youth Day, which will run from August 15 to 20.

After highlighting that "this year, August 15, at the heart of the Holy Year, marks the beginning of the world meeting of youth," the Pope gave thanks to the organizers and volunteers "for what they have already done and for what they will do over the coming days to ensure the success of the great Jubilee of youth." He also especially thanked "the families, parishes, schools and institutes that have opened their doors to welcome the young pilgrims who have come from all parts of the world."

The Holy Father also made reference to today's Solemnity of the Assumption of the Virgin, saying: "The Assumption of Mary Most Holy reminds us that our true homeland is heaven, (she) offers us her maternal aid to prepare us for the definitive meeting with Christ, at the end of our pilgrimage on earth."

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POPE OPENS WYD IN PRESENCE OF 600,000 YOUNG PEOPLE

VATICAN CITY, AUG 15, 2000 (VIS) - This evening in Rome, John Paul II welcomed more than 400,000 young people from 157 countries who filled St. Peter's Square and the Via della Conciliazione, inaugurating the 15th World Youth Day and the Jubilee of Young People. The Pope said, "dear friends from the five continents, I am happy to inaugurate with you this evening the Jubilee of Young People."

While young Italian participants in WYD had gathered at St. John Lateran, the welcome ceremony at St. Peter's was dedicated to young men and women from other countries. The two sites together held an estimated total of 600,000 young people. At 6:55 p.m., at the conclusion of the event at St. John Lateran, John Paul II crossed the center of Rome in popemobile, heading towards St. Peter's Square.

At around 7:15 p.m., the Pope's open-top vehicle entered the Via della Conciliazione, the great avenue that runs from the River Tiber to the Vatican, to tumultuous applause from the largest group of young people ever to gather in Rome. They filled both St. Peter's Square and the Via della Conciliazione and were able to follow events at St. John Lateran, the Pope's journey across Rome and the ceremony in the Vatican on giant television screens.

In his greeting, Cardinal James F. Stafford, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity asked for the Pope's prayers "that your dear young people will emerge from this Jubilee pilgrimage with their baptismal innocence renewed." A young woman from Korea and a young man from Guinea thanked the Pope for the invitation to come to Rome, "the city that bears the trace of so many saints and martyrs, where so many generations of Christians have lived their faith since the beginning of the Church."

John Paul II extended greetings in Italian: "After stopping at the Basilica of St. John lateran, the Cathedral of Rome, to greet the young people of Rome and Italy, I welcome you with joy. The Roman and Italian young people join me in offering you a most fraternal and heartfelt welcome.

"Your faces bring to mind, and in a way make present here, all the young people that it has been my privilege to meet on my apostolic journeys throughout the world in these years at the end of the millennium. To each of you I say: Peace be with you!"

The Pope then repeated his greetings and his wish for peace, continent by continent, naming the 157 countries that are represented in Rome over these days. "With special affection I greet the group of young people from countries where hatred, violence and war bring suffering to the life of entire populations. Thanks to the solidarity shown by all the youth here present, they have been able to come here this evening. To them I say, in your name as well, that in our gathering we are close to them as brothers and sisters; with all of you, I ask for them and for their people a time of peace in justice and freedom.

"I mention too the young people of other Churches and ecclesial communities who are here this evening with some of their pastors: May the World Youth Day be another occasion for us to know each other and to implore together from the Spirit of the Lord the gift of the perfect unity of all Christians!

"Dear friends from the five continents, I am happy to inaugurate with you this evening the Jubilee of Young People. Pilgrims in the footsteps of the Apostles, imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever!"

Following a musical interlude and a Gospel reading, John Paul II addressed the young people, mentioning his own spiritual formation and his priestly vocation: "I wish to bear witness to this faith here before all of you, young friends, at the tomb of the Apostle Peter, to whom the Lord wished me to succeed as Bishop of Rome. Beginning with myself, today I wish to tell you that I believe firmly in Jesus Christ our Lord. Yes, I believe, and I make my own the words of the Apostle Paul: 'The life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.'

"I remember how as a child, in my own family, I learned to pray and trust in God. I remember the life of the parish that I attended, called after St. Stanislaus Kostka, in Debniki in Krakow. It was run by the Salesian Fathers, from whom I received my basic training in Christian living. I cannot forget the experience of the war and the years of work in a factory. My priestly vocation came to its full maturity during the Second World War, during the occupation of Poland. The tragedy of the war gave a particular coloring to the gradual maturing of my vocation in life. In these circumstances, I perceived a light shining ever more brightly within me: the Lord wanted me to be a priest! I remember with feeling that moment in my life when, on the morning of November 1 1946, I was ordained a priest.

My Credo continues in my present service to the Church. On October 16 1978, after my election to the See of Peter, when I was asked 'do you accept?' I answered 'with obedience in faith to Christ, my Lord, and trusting in the Mother of Christ and of the Church, no matter what the difficulties, I accept.' From that time on, I have tried to carry out my mission, drawing light and strength every day from the faith that binds me to Christ.

"But my faith, like that of Peter and like the faith of each one of you, is not just my doing, my attachment to the truth of Christ and the Church. It is essentially and primarily the work of the Holy Spirit, a gift of His grace. The Lord gives His Spirit to me as He gives Him to you, to help us say: 'I believe,' and then to use us to bear witness to Him in every corner of the world."

The Pope concluded by asking the young people that they convert these days into an experience of prayer, "as though they were a great week of spiritual exercises; look for times of silence, prayer and recollection. Ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten your minds, ask Him for the gift of a living faith which will forever give meaning to your lives, joining them to Christ, the Word made flesh."

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TO YOUNG PEOPLE: WITNESS YOUR FAITH WITHOUT FEAR

VATICAN CITY, AUG 15, 2000 (VIS) - At 6 p.m. John Paul II, having travelled from Castelgandolfo, arrived in the square of St. John Lateran. He welcomed the young Italians gathered to meet him and thus opened the 15th World Youth Day which will continue until August 20.

As the popemobile moved through the packed square, it was preceded by a group of representatives from the 226 dioceses of Italy, each bearing a standard with their patron saint.

Prior to the Holy Father's greetings, Cardinal Camillo Ruini, vicar general for the diocese of Rome, recalled "that evening of March 30, 1985 'International Year of Youth,' during which, in this same square of St. John Lateran, Your Holiness met for the first time with young people from all over the world and thus initiated that extraordinary path of faith, of friendship, of fraternity, of shared happiness and of shared commitment, that later developed into the World Youth Days."

In his greetings to young Italians, the Holy Father said: "Over the coming days, in this city which houses the tombs and the memories of those who bore witness to the Savior of the world, may each young person encounter Jesus, He who knows the secret of true happiness and has promised it to His friends."

"Dear young pilgrims of the third millennium, live this World Youth Day with intensity. Through contact with so many of your peers who, like you, want to follow Christ, treasure the words you will hear from the bishops, accepting the voice of the Lord in order to strengthen your faith and bear witness to it without fear, in the knowledge that you are the heirs of a great past.
"In inaugurating your Jubilee, dear young men and women, I want to repeat the words with which I started my ministry as Bishop of Rome and Pastor of the Universal Church, I would like these words to guide you in your days in Rome: 'Do not be afraid! Open the doors, open wide the doors to Christ!' ... Let Christ reign in your young lives, serve Him with love. To serve Christ is to be free!"

Before closing his address the Pope, who was interrupted on various occasions by cheers and applause, joked about his age; to the young people's cries of "long live the Pope!" he responded: "He has been living for 80 years and the young people want him ever youthful."

Having concluded his speech, John Paul II travelled by popemobile to St. Peter's Square.

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THIRTY PERCENT MORE PARTICIPANTS THAN EXPECTED AT WYD

VATICAN CITY, AUG 15, 2000 (VIS) - According to the organizers, the first 24 hours of World Youth Day have seen the arrival of 30 percent more participants than expected. Today, in the square of St. John Lateran and in St. Peter's Square, along the papal route and in the streets of the city center, there were more than 600,000 young people.

The majority of the 2,741 places of accommodation are already full. Many groups are arriving in Rome without prior notice and are being directed by the reception organization to schools and parishes in the city.

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MEETING IN VATICAN FOR ISRAELI FOREIGN MINISTER

VATICAN CITY, AUG 14, 2000 (VIS) - At midday today, Fr. Ciro Benedettini C.P., vice-director of the Holy See Press Office, made the following declaration:

"Today Monday August 14, in the late morning, Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, secretary for Relations with States received in audience Shlomo Ben Ami, ad interim minister for foreign affairs of the State of Israel, who has come to the Vatican to exchange viewpoints on the Middle East peace process, particularly following the recent Camp David summit.

"The minister expressed the Israeli government's wish to continue negotiations, despite the difficulties, and to favor dialogue with the Palestinian Authority, with the help too of the international community.

"Archbishop Tauran explained the Holy See's well-known position on the peace process: respect for international law by all sides, especially as regards U.N. resolutions, and equal rights and duties for all peoples of the region. (These are) two indispensable requirements to put an end to a situation of injustice and insecurity.

"Part of the conversation was also dedicated to protection of the Holy Sites of the three great religions in the Holy Land and, especially, of those sites in the city of Jerusalem that, for the Holy See, constitute a heritage sacred to all believers and that have a universal value.

"Archbishop Tauran also expressed his deep concern for the difficult situation that continues in Nazareth, caused by the project to build a mosque in front of the Basilica of the Annunciation.

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IN THE MAN OF THE HOLY SHROUD, DIVINE LOVE SPEAKS TO THE HEART

VATICAN CITY, AUG 13, 2000 (VIS) - At midday today, prior to praying the angelus with the faithful at Castelgandolfo, the Pope recalled that yesterday in Turin, Italy, the exposition of the Holy Shroud was inaugurated and that on August 15, he will welcome participants in World Youth Day.

"Whenever people have the possibility to contemplate (the Shroud of Turin)," said the Holy Father, "they are profoundly moved by the experience. This happened to me also. Indeed, with great emotion I recall my visits: the first a few months prior to my election to the See of Peter, the second during a visit to Turin in 1980 and the third in my May 1998 pilgrimage, following the fire that almost caused such serious damage. Each occasion was a profound experience of grace! In the man of the Shroud, God's infinite love speaks to the heart of all men."

John Paul II affirmed that "many young people have arranged to meet in Turin for the beginning of the exposition of the Shroud (which will be on display until October 22). This too is a providential coincidence."

He continued: "The opening has been arranged as a kind of introduction to World Youth Day which is now almost upon us. In Rome on the afternoon of August 15, I will have the joy of welcoming the participants in this extraordinary world gathering."

The Pope invited everyone to pray "that all those who come to Rome for World Youth Day may meet Christ and, by Him, be strengthened in faith and in the will to follow Him coherently."

After reciting the angelus, the Holy Father gave greetings in various languages to the pilgrims gathered in the patio of the apostolic palace of Castelgandolfo.

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TO VOLUNTEERS: HELP PILGRIMS TO MEET CHRIST

VATICAN CITY, AUG 12, 2000 (VIS) - This morning on the patio of the apostolic palace of Castelgandolfo, John Paul II greeted various groups of pilgrims. Among them were Jubilee volunteers who had participated in a Mass celebrated in St. Peter's Square by Cardinal Camillo Ruini, vicar general for the diocese of Rome.

The Pope addressed some remarks to the delegation of volunteers at Castelgandolfo and to 20,000 others who, gathered in St. Peter's Square, were able to hear his words over the radio: "May God reward you for the attention and commitment that you show in the service to which you have been called." Help pilgrims who come to World Youth Day, "through efficient organization, to encounter Christ and to make this international meeting an unforgettable ecclesial experience. Help them, furthermore, to experience the beauty of meeting together inspired by positive feelings, in order to lay the foundations of a new humanity, one inspired by the values of fraternity and peace.

"My deep appreciation," he continued, "goes out to the directors and employees of the firm 'Sodexho' that is overseeing the distribution of meals in the canteens that have been prepared for World Youth Day. Their efforts are even more praiseworthy because they are foregoing some days of holiday to remain at the disposition of participants in this extraordinary jubilee event, and because they are donating one hour of their pay to the Pope's charity."

The Pope also greeted representatives of the "Schonstatt-Frauenbund," who have come to Rome on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the foundation of their association. "Women's spiritual strength," said the Pope, "lies precisely in the fact that God has especially entrusted them with life. May awareness of this vocation remind you of the dignity that, as women, you have received from God."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, AUG 14, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Cardinal Franciszek Macharski, archbishop of Krakow, Poland, as his special envoy to the Slovakian National Eucharistic Congress which is due to take place at Bratislava, Slovakia, from September 23 to 24.

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TOMORROW VIS WILL TRANSMIT FOR THE OPENING OF WYD

VATICAN CITY, AUG 14, 2000 (VIS) - Tomorrow, Solemnity of the Assumption of the Virgin, marks the opening of World Youth Day, which will run to August 20. For the occasion, VIS will transmit a special evening service on the Pope's welcome to the young people. The welcome ceremony is due to start at 6 p.m., Rome time. On Wednesday August 16, a holiday in the Vatican, there will be no service. Transmission will resume on Thursday August 17.


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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, AUG 11, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience at the apostolic palace of Castelgandolfo Cardinal Edward Idris Cassidy, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.

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CHRIST HAS SUMMONED THE YOUNG THROUGH PETER'S SUCCESSOR

VATICAN CITY, AUG 11, 2000 (VIS) - This morning in the Holy See Press Office, the 15th World Youth Day was officially presented. The Day will be celebrated in Rome from August 15 to 20.

Cardinal James Francis Stafford, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, said that "we can state today that very many young people have demonstrated that they perceive the Holy Father's invitation to this Jubilee as an event in which they sense the splendor of truth and the promise of happiness for their lives and for their human development. It is Christ Himself who has summoned the young people, through Peter's Successor, His witness and minister!"

For his part, Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the Pope's vicar general for the diocese of Rome, stated that "this 15th World Youth Day, being part of the Great Jubilee, assumes a particularly poignant significance from the point of view of faith and the Holy Father's 'consignment' thereof to the young, that they in their turn become witnesses and missionaries of faith in the future. Consequently, faith in Christ, only Savior of the world, and its living witness represent the heart of WYD."

Archbishop Crescenzio Sepe, secretary of the Central Committee for the Great Jubilee 2000, indicated that "from the Jubilee of Redemption to the Jubilee of the Incarnation, young people from the 1980s and 1990s have carried the Cross of Christ to the world, bearing witness before their peers of the truth of the Gospel. In Rome today, they are preparing to pass this demanding task to the new generations of 2000."

The organizational and logistical aspects were outlined by Archbishop Cesare Nosiglia, president of the Italian Committee for the 15th World Youth Day.

Referring to the number of participants, he said that between August 14 and 15, over 500,000 young people from more than 160 countries are expected to arrive in Rome. Among them are 300 from 27 countries that have recently been or still are involved in grave conflicts, civil war and violence. The number of participants will grow to 700,000 throughout the week, finally reaching and exceeding the number of 1,200,000 for the vigil of August 19 and the Mass of August 20.

Furthermore, added Archbishop Nosiglia, 5,000 handicapped youngsters from various countries will also be present. Special welcome and assistance arrangements have been prepared for them.

The young people will be welcomed in Rome and in the 12 surrounding dioceses. They will be lodged by parishes, religious institutes, schools, families, hotels, public organizations, seminaries and colleges. Meals will be distributed by 350 mobile restaurants placed throughout the city near the places where catechesis and celebrations will be held. The catechesis will be imparted in the various languages by 323 bishops and cardinals, at 160 specially prepared sites.
Archbishop Nosiglia then went on to outline the WYD program of events. In the late afternoon of August 15, the Holy Father will greet young people, first in the square of St. John Lateran then in St. Peter's Square. This will be an occasion "for listening to the Word, for prayer, songs, witness and, above all, for presenting all the groups of young people."

On August 16, 17 and 18, while the majority participate in the catechesis, a third of the young people (approximately 200,000 a day) will make their jubilee pilgrimage to St. Peter's. At some point, all will go to the Circus Maximus, where they will celebrate the Sacrament of Penance and the Eucharist. In the afternoons of August 16 and 17 and for part of August 18, the 'Incontragiovani' (meetings of young people) will take place. These are 280 initiatives organized by movements, groups, parishes and ecclesial entities from 30 different countries, during which the young people will have the opportunity to meet and talk directly.

The 'Via Crucis' will be held at the Colosseum on August 18 at 8:30 p.m., and will take place at the same time in all areas of the city and in the surrounding dioceses.

On Saturday August 19, the young people will walk out to Rome's Tor Vergata University. There, throughout the day, they will be welcomed by songs, music and testimonies, until the hour of the prayer vigil with the Holy Father, due to start at 8:30 p.m.

Mass at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday August 20 will mark the end of World Youth Day, "with the Pope's missionary mandate to the young people that they may take their experience in Rome back to their countries and their lives, into their schools and universities, into the world of work and of culture."

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PONTIFICAL LEGATE TO MILLENNIUM OF ST. STEPHEN OF HUNGARY

VATICAN CITY, AUG 10, 2000 (VIS) - Made public today was a letter from John Paul II, written in Latin and dated June 29, in which he names Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano as pontifical legate at celebrations to mark the millennium of St. Stephen of Hungary. The event is due to take place in Budapest on August 30.

On the pontifical mission accompanying Cardinal Sodano will be Archbishops Karl-Josef Rauber, apostolic nuncio in Hungary, and Istvan Seregely of Eger, president of the Hungarian Episcopal Conference; Bishop Szilard Keresztes of Hajdudorog; Msgr. Timothy P. Broglio, nunciature counsellor at the Secretariat of State and Fr. Adam Somorjai O.S.B., official of the Secretariat of State.

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, AUG 10, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father this morning received in audience at the apostolic palace of Castelgandolfo Cardinal James Francis Stafford, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, accompanied by Bishop Stanislaw Rylko, Guzman Carriquiry and Msgr. Renato Boccardo, respectively secretary, under-secretary and bureau chief of the same pontifical council.

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APPEAL AGAINST VIOLENCE IN MOLUCCA ISLANDS, MOSCOW AND SPAIN

VATICAN CITY, AUG 9, 2000 (VIS) - At the end of the general audience, held this morning in St. Peter's Square, the Pope made a fresh appeal for an end to violence in the Molucca Islands and condemned yesterday's terrorist attacks in Moscow and in Spain:

"Once more I must invite you to pray for an end to the violence that is ravaging the Molucca Islands in Indonesia.

"While entrusting to divine mercy the vast numbers of victims of that tragedy, we venture to send a thought of intense spiritual closeness to those who are suffering for the death of their loved ones, the privation of the basic necessities of existence and the destruction of places of worship. Many of them have been forced to abandon the land they lived on and where they have the right to live, securely and with dignity.

"We appeal to the Lord with faith that, with the re-establishment of order, the foregone harmony may soon be recovered and Christians and Muslims may manage to co-exist in peace.

"May the Holy Virgin, mother of the afflicted, support our request through her powerful intercession."

Then, referring to yesterday's terrorist attacks in Moscow and in Spain, he added:

"In Moscow yesterday an explosive device, activated at rush hour in a pedestrian underpass near the Kremlin, caused numerous deaths and wounded many. I cannot but profoundly deplore this terrible attack. At the same time, I give assurance of my solidarity and prayers.

"I would like to extend similar sentiments to the victims of the terrorist attacks that, alas, continue in Spain.

"It is my heartfelt wish that all forms of violence, source of mourning and pain, may cease, and that spirits may be oriented towards thoughts of understanding and of peaceful co-existence."

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MEETING BETWEEN CHRIST AND MAN TAKES PLACE IN DAILY LIFE

VATICAN CITY, AUG 9, 2000 (VIS) - In today's general audience, held in St. Peter's Square, John Paul II spoke on: "The supreme encounter with Christ, Word made flesh."

The Pope affirmed that the meeting between God and man, in the person of Jesus Christ, "takes place in everyday life, in time and in space. ... When He crosses peoples lives, Christ troubles their consciences and reads in their hearts ... giving rise to penitence and love."

"The encounter with Jesus represents a kind of regeneration: it creates a new being, one capable of true worship, which consists in adoration of the Father 'in spirit and truth'."

The Holy Father indicated that "to meet Christ on one's own life journey often means to find physical recovery. To His own disciples Jesus entrusts the mission of announcing God's kingdom, conversion and the forgiveness of sins, as well as that of healing the sick, freeing from all evil and offering consolation and support."

"Christ," he continued, "came to seek, find and save all of man" and His coming "among us has the aim of leading us to the Father. ... (He) is present through His Word, 'a Word who calls, who invites, who personally summons, as happened to the Apostles'."

John Paul II concluded his catechesis by recalling that Christ is also present in the Eucharist, "source of love, of unity and of salvation," and he quoted the words "of hope and of life" that Christ pronounced in the synagogue of Capharnaum: "He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me and I in him ... He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and I will raise him up at the last day."

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ARCHBISHOP TAURAN RECEIVES PALESTINIAN MINISTER OF COOPERATION

VATICAN CITY, AUG 9, 2000 (VIS) - At midday today, Fr. Ciro Benedettini C.P., vice-director of the Holy See Press Office, made the following declaration:

"Today, Wednesday August 9, Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, secretary for Relations with States, received Nabil Shaath, minister for international cooperation of the Palestinian National Authority, who has come to inform the Vatican on the Palestinian evaluation of the recent negotiations at Camp David, as well as on the future of the Middle East peace process.

"The visitor gave a detailed description of the positive aspects of the dialogue between Palestinians and Israelis as well as of the obstacles that prevented the meeting reaching a successful conclusion.

"For his part, Archbishop Tauran confirmed the Holy See's support for the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people. Furthermore, he reaffirmed the importance that the Apostolic See attaches to the Holy Sites of the three great religions in the Holy Land, sites of which the international community should in all circumstances guarantee the unique and sacred nature, as is laid down in the preface of the Basic Agreement between the Holy See and the PLO, signed on February 15 2000"

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WORLD YOUTH DAY: TELEVISED CEREMONIES

VATICAN CITY, AUG 10, 2000 (VIS) - The main events and religious ceremonies of World Youth Day, to be held in Rome from August 15 to 20, will be transmitted live by Italian Television and Radio (RAI), the official broadcaster of the Holy Year.

At 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday August 15, Solemnity of the Assumption of the Virgin, RAI's second channel will transmit the Pope's welcome to young people in St. Peter's Square and the square of St. John Lateran.

At 8:20 p.m. on Friday August 18, RAI's third channel will follow the 'Via Crucis' presided by Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the Holy Father's vicar general for the diocese of Rome, from the church of Ara Coeli, along the Via dei Fori Imperiali to the Colosseum.

Starting at midday on Saturday August 19, from the square in front of the Quirinale (the official residence of the Italian president), RAI's first channel will transmit Cardinal Ruini's angelus as well as the meeting between Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, president of Italy, and a delegation of young people.

At 6:10 p.m. on the same day, from Rome's Tor Vergata University, the first channel will cover preparations for the prayer vigil when songs, music, images and words will be used to narrate the most significant moments in recent history and in the lives of participants. At 8:30 p.m., live coverage will be given to the prayer vigil itself, presided by the Pope. During the vigil there will be reflections on central themes of the Jubilee 2000: "forgiveness and reconciliation"; "liberty"; "justice" and "saintliness." Furthermore, various singers and a number of choirs will offer musical interludes.

From 8:30 a.m on Sunday August 20, from Tor Vergata, the first channel will transmit the Holy Father's Mass, marking the end of 15th World Youth Day, and the recitation of the angelus.

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ARRIVAL OF 25,000 WORLD YOUTH DAY VOLUNTEERS

VATICAN CITY, AUG 8, 2000 (VIS) - The first of a total of 25,000 World Youth Day volunteers have begun to arrive in Rome. On Saturday August 12, Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the Pope's vicar general for the diocese of Rome, will celebrate Mass for the volunteers in St. Peter's Square.

Last Sunday before praying the angelus, the Pope indicated that many young people were already on their way to Rome: "Families, parishes, institutes and schools of the eternal city have mobilized to welcome them, and I too" he announced, "will have the joy of accommodating some of them at Castelgandolfo." Indeed, Villa Barberini, which lies near the apostolic palace of Castelgandolfo, will house 15 young persons; three each from America, Asia, Europe, Africa and Oceania.

The volunteers come from 40 countries on all continents, though the majority are Italians. Their task is to provide logistical support and to welcome all the young people who will participate in World Youth Day. They will allocate lodgings and refreshment points, direct coaches to the various welcome sites and coordinate transport. A number of volunteers will provide assistance to the authorities, to ecclesial personages, to participants in the international youth forum (August 12-15), to journalists and to the disabled.

Volunteers will also be involved in other activities, described as "events" in a communique from the Italian Committee for World Youth Day. These include all support services (verification and control of access points, distribution of material, orientation of the flow of pilgrims) at the main events of World Youth Day, such as the opening ceremony of August 15, the jubilee pilgrimage, the 'Via Crucis' and the closing celebrations at Rome's Tor Vergata University.

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PAUL VI WAS AN INSPIRED PREACHER OF THE TRANSFIGURATION

VATICAN CITY, AUG 6, 2000 (VIS) - During the Mass he celebrated this morning at Castelgandolfo and prior to his midday angelus, John Paul II recalled his predecessor, Pope Paul VI, who died on this day 22 years ago.

Prior to praying the angelus, the Pope spoke of today's feast, the Transfiguration of the Lord, that "Eastern and Western Christians celebrate on the same day." He said, "it calls to mind my beloved predecessor, Servant of God Paul VI, who died on August 6 1978 which, like today, fell on a Sunday. He was an inspired preacher of the Transfiguration, in which he beheld the whole of the mystery of Christ, true man and true God. To modern man, frequently bewildered by a thousand deceptive temptations, Paul VI indicates with passionate love and learned doctrine, Christ, 'Teacher, Pastor, Light of the soul'."

The Pope also reminded the faithful present that yesterday evening, in response to the call from Bartholomew I, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, a prayer vigil had been celebrated in the Basilica of St. John Lateran "in communion of faith and intention" with representatives of other Churches. "The occasion," said the Pope, "provided an opportunity to highlight the common profession of faith in Jesus Christ, Son of God, and the will to obey His Gospel."

In closing, the Holy Father made reference to the forthcoming World Youth Day, due to take place in Rome from August 15 to 20: "Let us pray," he said, "that this important encounter at the heart of the Jubilee may be, for young people of the whole world, a great opportunity to renew their selfless adherence to Christ."

After the angelus, the Pope extended greetings in various languages to the faithful gathered in the courtyard of the apostolic palace of Castelgandolfo.

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