JUBILEE PILGRIMS RECEIVED BY THE POPE

VATICAN CITY, DEC 16, 2000 (VIS) - This morning in St. Peter's Square, the Pope received groups of pilgrims from a number of Spanish dioceses, participants in the Jubilee of Fashion, members of the Federation of Italian Fishing Industries and faithful from various Italian parishes.

The Pope greeted pilgrims from Spanish dioceses, including a group from the archdiocese of Toledo led by Archbishop Francisco Alvarez Martinez, who this morning had participated in a Eucharistic celebration in the Hispanic-Mozarabic rite in the Vatican Basilica.

After recalling the Eucharistic celebration in the Spanish-Mozarabic rite that he presided in 1992, John Paul II said: "In the face of the great modern-day challenges you must draw on the abundant spiritual and cultural treasures (of the Mozarabic liturgy) as an aid to strengthen the Christian faith of your people and, at the same time, a secure guide for orienting evangelization in the third millennium in harmony with the spirituality of your ancestors and the characteristics of the Spanish people. Beloved children of Toledo and Spain, do not fear the great trials of the present!"

The Pope told those who work in fashion: "In your work, which calls for imagination and taste, try and transmit love of beauty to others. For this to happen fully, always be animated by those sound moral principles that make up the heritage of every truly human culture."

The Pope then addressed members of the Federation of Italian Fishing Industries: "The sea represents a beautiful image of this world in which our existence unfolds. Humanity plows through the billows of time, advancing towards the shores of eternity. ... I hope that all of you may live your relationship with our natural resources in full respect for the marine environment."

The Pope also had words for the promoters and organizers of the so-called "Derby of the Heart"; a soccer match between a team of singers and one of actors which will take place next Tuesday in Rome's Olympic Stadium. He praised their initiative of sending the funds collected from the event to children who are suffering or in danger, and expressed his desire that this "be a simple but effective contribution that breaks down all barriers of social discrimination and that causes a culture of welcome and solidarity to grow."

Finally, the Holy Father greeted faithful from various Italian dioceses and the "united Scouts" of France.

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