POPE IS ENTERTAINED BY CIRCUS PEOPLE, BANDS, JUGGLERS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 17, 2000 (VIS) - Pope John Paul this morning, before praying the angelus, greeted in several languages the faithful present for the Jubilee of the World of Entertainment, the last Jubilee Year 2000 celebration for a specific group. As is traditional on the third Sunday of Advent, the Pope also blessed the statues of Baby Jesus brought by Rome's children to St. Peter's Square.

The Holy Father was entertained by members of circus troupes, itinerant jugglers, majorettes and musical bands. He also personally greeted numerous people from the world of entertainment.

"I have special thoughts," he said, "for those of you who are itinerant because you work in circuses, amusements parks and on the streets. Your travels have today become a pilgrimage and remind us that the Church is a people who are always on the move, without a fixed home in this world. Be a Christian community and bring everywhere, along with wholesome entertainment, the values of faith, the family, and solidarity."

The Pope also thanked the members of various bands for their "music which brightened this celebration. Their presence is especially in harmony with the climate of this Sunday which, in the liturgy, is known as Gaudete Sunday, that is, Sunday of joy."

Then, blessing the statues of Baby Jesus which the children will place in the nativity scenes of their homes, the Holy Father said: "I hope that, as they gather around the stupendous sign of God's tenderness, families find happiness and peace and enjoy in simplicity the genuine spirit of Christmas festivities."

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