60,000 PILGRIMS ATTEND LAST GENERAL AUDIENCE OF 2000

VATICAN CITY, DEC 30, 2000 (VIS) - This morning in St. Peter's Square, the last general audience of the year 2000 was held in the presence of 60,000 pilgrims from various countries.

In addressing 30,000 representatives from voluntary organizations who work in the field of civil protection and who are celebrating their Jubilee today, the Pope recalled their rescue efforts in support of those who are struck by floods and earthquakes, and the humanitarian missions they carry out in different parts of the world.

"Continue, dear friends," said the Holy Father, "to bear witness through your meritorious work to the primacy of being over having, so typical of the religious vision of man and of the world. Thus you will contribute to laying the foundations of the civilization of love. On all sides, snares and dangers threaten tranquility and peace, and leave man abandoned and alone. Be watchful sentinels and living icons of the good Samaritan!"

John Paul II greeted participants in a pilgrimage promoted by the Italian Federation of Obstetric Colleges. After highlighting that over the last few decades an anti-life mentality has become established in many people, he affirmed that the value of life "suffers, in not a few instances, a sort of eclipse. This also arises as a consequence of the legal endorsement given to practices that are objectively contrary to life".

"Present-day mentality," he continued, "is at times tempted to consider children as a right, at other times as a danger. Yet children are always a gift from God and it is directly from Him that they receive the right to live."

The Holy Father then briefly addressed pilgrims from different countries in French, English, German, Portuguese and Dutch.

Finally, addressing a group from Poland, the Pope said: "Today once more, with you, I want to thank God for this time of grace. I also hope that, for you and your families, the fruits of this year may endure in your hearts and enrich the new century and the new millennium."

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