POPE RECALLS ORIENTAL CHRISTIANS

VATICAN CITY, JAN 6, 2000 (VIS) - Following the ordination in the Vatican basilica of 12 new bishops from various countries, John Paul II addressed pilgrims who had gathered in St. Peter's Square for the Epiphany of the Lord. Speaking from his study window and prior to praying the angelus, he recalled that today's feast indicates the appearance of Christ to all peoples and "highlights the Church's universal vocation."

The Holy Father went on to refer to Christians in the East "where my brothers in the faith, the Patriarchs of the Orthodox Churches in Constantinople, Antioch, Jerusalem, Moscow and Romania, live and announce the Gospel." I trust that "the light of Christ, whose birth they are celebrating at this time, brings them an abundance of all those things that reinforce the proclamation of the one Gospel of salvation."

John Paul II wished a happy Christmas, prosperity and happiness to the Orthodox Churches and the Oriental Catholic Churches, who celebrate Christ's birth on January 7. "I do so, participating in spirit with the song of their Liturgies and sharing the many gifts that the Lord has given them in their traditions, traditions that enrich the Church of Christ."

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MAY THE STAR OF THE EPIPHANY SHOW THE WAY TO PEACE

VATICAN CITY, JAN 6, 2000 (VIS) - In the Vatican Basilica today, Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, John Paul II consecrated twelve new bishops from seven different countries in four continents.

In his homily, the Holy Father affirmed that "on this day the light of the Nativity extends its range; it is the light of the Epiphany of God. It is no longer just the shepherds of Bethlehem who see and follow it, but also the Magi who, from the east, have arrived at Jerusalem to adore the newborn King. With the Magi, the nations start along their journey towards the divine Light."

The Holy Father indicated that, in keeping with a tradition he has sought to follow since the start of his pontificate, "today, we celebrate this mystery by consecrating some new bishops."

A number of them, he said, "will carry out the mission of apostolic nuncio": Archbishops Joseph Wesolowski in Bolivia; Giacomo Guido Ottonello in Panama; George Panikulam in Honduras and Alberto Bottari De Castello in Gambia, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Bishop Ivo Baldi will guide the diocese of Huaraz, Peru; Bishop Gabriel Mbilingi C.S.Sp. will be coadjutor of Lwena, Angola, and Bishop David Laurin Ricken, coadjutor of Cheyenne, U.S.A. Bishops Anton Cosa and Giuseppe Pasotto will be apostolic administrators of Moldova and the Caucasus respectively, while Bishops Andras Veres and Peter Erdo, become, respectively, auxiliaries of Eger, and of Szekesfehervar, both in Hungary. Bishop Franco Croci will continue his duties as secretary of the Prefecture for the Economic Affairs of the Holy See.

Addressing the new prelates, the Pope exclaimed: "Be constantly aware of the grace of this day! May the Light of Christ always shine in your hearts and in your pastoral ministry."

John Paul II concluded by asking God, Light of Light, that "His light, the light of the Epiphany, never cease to shine in our hearts, indicating to individuals and peoples in the third millennium, the way of truth, of love and of peace."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, JAN 7, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Archbishop Francois Bacque, apostolic nuncio in the Dominican Republic, as his special envoy at ceremonies marking the inauguration of the term in office of Alfonso Portillo, new president of the Republic of Guatemala. The event is due to take place in Guatemala City on January 14.

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, JAN 7, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- The following recently ordained prelates, each accompanied by members of their families:
- Archbishop Joseph Wesolowski, apostolic nuncio in Bolivia.
- Archbishop Giacomo Guido Ottonello, apostolic nuncio in Panama.
- Archbishop George Panikulam, apostolic nuncio in Honduras.
- Archbishop Alberto Bottari De Castello, apostolic nuncio in Gambia, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
- Bishop Gabriel Mbilingi C.S.Sp., coadjutor of Lwena, Angola.
- Bishop Ivo Baldi, of Huaraz, Peru.
- Bishop David Laurin Ricken, coadjutor of Cheyenne, U.S.A.
- Bishop Anton Cosa, apostolic administrator of Moldova.
- Bishop Andras Veres, auxiliary of the archdiocese of Eger, Hungary.
- Bishop Peter Erdo, auxiliary of the bishop of Szekesfehervar, Hungary.
- Bishop Giuseppe Pasotto C.S.S., apostolic administrator of the Caucasus.
- Bishop Franco Croci, secretary of the Prefecture for the Economic Affairs of the Holy See.

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IN MEMORIAM

VATICAN CITY, JAN 7, 2000 (VIS) - The following prelates died in recent weeks:

- Cardinal Paolo Dezza S.J., former rector of the Pontifical Gregorian University, on December 17, 1999, at the age of 98.
- Bishop Jose Brandao de Castro C.SS.R., emeritus of Propria, Brazil, on 23 December, 1999, at the age of 80. - Bishop Luigi Dardani, emeritus of Imola, Italy, on December 18, 1999, at the age of 84.
- Bishop Brian Charles Foley, emeritus of Lancaster, G.B., on 23 December, 1999, at the age of 89.
- Bishop Edward John Herrmann, emeritus of Columbus, U.S.A., on 22 December, 1999, at the age of 86.
- Archbishop-bishop Youssif Thomas of Beirut of the Chaldeans, Lebanon, on 22 December, 1999, at the age of 65.
- Bishop Bruno Wechner, emeritus of Feldkirch, Austria, on 28 December 1999, at the age of 91.

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