VATICAN OBSERVATORY: SCIENTIFIC PERSPECTIVES ON DIVINE ACTION

VATICAN CITY, JUN 20, 2000 (VIS) - The Vatican Observatory, together with the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences in Berkeley, California, is sponsoring the sixth in a series of conferences entitled "Scientific Perspectives on Divine Action," from June 25 to July 2 at the observatory in Castelgandolfo, Italy.

Twenty-four scholars, among them scientists, philosophers and theologians, will gather at the observatory to study the specific topic of "Quantum Physics and Quantum Field Theory," according to a press release from Fr. George V. Coyne, S.J., director. The communique states that these scholars "will explore the implications of quantum physics for our understanding of the way God acts in creation."

The first conference in the series was an introductory one on "Physics, Philosophy and Theology." The subsequent conferences dealt with "Quantum Cosmology and the Laws of Nature," "Chaos and Complexity," "Evolutionary and Molecular Biology" and "Neurosciences and the Person." Each conference has resulted in the publication of a volume by the Vatican Observatory Publications. The first volume contains a message from Pope John Paul II on the science-faith dialogue.

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THE MESSAGE OF FATIMA TO BE PRESENTED JUNE 26

VATICAN CITY, JUN 20, 2000 (VIS) - On Monday, June 26 at 11:30 a.m. in the Holy See Press Office there will the presentation of the document, "The Message of Fatima," which has been prepared by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, prefect, and Archbishop Tarcisio Bertone, secretary, will present the document.

On Tuesday, June 27 in the press office, there will a press conference for the presentation of the book, "The Martyrdom of Patience. The Holy See and Communist Countries (1963-1989)," of the late Cardinal Agostino Casaroli, former secretary of State. Those scheduled to present the book include: Cardinals Angelo Sodano, secretary of state, and Achille Silvestrini, prefect of the Congregation for Oriental Churches; former Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev; president of the European Commission, Romano Prodi; and Italian Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini.

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, JUN 20, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Cardinal Camillo Ruini, vicar general for the diocese of Rome, accompanied by Archbishop Cesare Nosiglia, vicegerent of Rome.

This evening he is scheduled to receive Archbishop Sergio Sebastiani, president of the Prefecture of the Economic Affairs of the Holy See.

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TWO HUNDRED ITALIAN ARTISTS TO PRESENT A BOOK TO THE POPE

VATICAN CITY, JUN 20, 2000 (VIS) - Tomorrow, following the general audience, 200 Italian artists will present the Pope with the first copy of a book entitled "Fioretti Giubilari" (Little Jubilee Flowers), which marks the first anniversary of the publication of John Paul II's Letter to Artists.

A communique issued by the Italian National Union of Writers indicates that, with this volume, the artists wish to bear witness of their adherence to the values of beauty, spirituality and social service highlighted by the Pope. The book includes texts from more than 40 authors.

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