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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