HOLY FATHER'S APPEAL FOR AFGHANISTAN

VATICAN CITY, FEB 28, 2001 (VIS) - At the conclusion of this morning's general audience, held in the Paul VI Hall, John Paul II made the following appeal:

"A grave humanitarian emergency is occurring in Afghanistan. Alarming news is arriving of countless victims among the evacuees due to drought and civil war. Thousands of people are in danger of dying of hunger and cold, above all children, the sick, and the elderly.

"I express my great appreciation for the efforts of the humanitarian organizations that are attempting to bring urgent assistance to the Afghan people. While I ask the international community to not forget this tragic situation, I hope that the sides in conflict, in a war which has been too long and bloody, will arrange an immediate ceasefire so that assistance can reach the areas most at risk in time."

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LENT: RELIVING JESUS' FAST AND PRAYERS IN THE DESERT

VATICAN CITY, FEB 28, 2001 (VIS) - In today's general audience, held in the Paul VI Hall, the Holy Father spoke about the liturgical season of Lent, which begins today, Ash Wednesday.

"The Lenten period," the Pope said, "invites us above all to relive with Jesus the forty days which He spent in the desert, fasting and praying, before beginning his public mission, which will culminate on Calvary with the sacrifice of the Cross, the definitive victory over sin and death."

After recalling that man is destined for eternal life, John Paul II affirmed that the Ash Wednesday liturgy "helps us to place this fundamental truth of faith in focus and urges us to undertake a decisive program of personal renewal. We must change our way of thinking and acting, fixing our gaze upon the face of Christ and making His Gospel our daily rule of life. 'Be converted and believe in the Gospel': may this be our Lenten program, as we enter into a climate of prayerful listening to the Spirit."

The Pope recalled that the means for living Lent well are "prayer, fasting, and penance, as well as almsgiving, that is, the sharing of what we own with the needy. It involves a personal and communal ascetic journey, which is sometimes particularly difficult due to the secularized environment which surrounds us. Precisely for this reason, however, the effort must become stronger and more resolute."

"The fruit of such a courageous ascetic program cannot but be a greater opening to the needs of one's neighbor. The person who loves the Lord cannot close his eyes before persons and peoples tried by suffering and misery.

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, FEB 28, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father received today in audience Archbishop Hans Schwemmer, apostolic nuncio in Papua New Guinea.

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PAPAL LETTER COMMEMORATES CARDINAL JOHN HENRY NEWMAN

VATICAN CITY, FEB 27, 2001 (VIS) - Made public this morning was a Letter from Pope John Paul to Archbishop Vincent Nichols of Birmingham, England, on the occasion of the second centenary of the birth of Cardinal John Henry Newman. The letter, written in English, is dated February 22.

The Pope said he joined "the host of voices throughout the world in praising God for the gift of the great English cardinal and for his enduring witness ... He was born at a particular time - February 21, 1801, in a particular place - London, to a particular family. ... But the particular mission entrusted to him belongs to every time and place."

"Newman was born in troubled times," writes the Holy Father, when "old certitudes were shaken, and believers were faced with the threat of rationalism on the one hand and fideism on the other. Rationalism brought with it a rejection of both authority and transcendence, while fideism turned from the challenges of history and the tasks of this world to a distorted dependence upon authority and government. In such a world, Newman came eventually to a remarkable synthesis of faith and reason."

The Pope underscored how Newman's "search was shot through with pain" and trials, "but, rather than diminish or destroy him they paradoxically strengthened his faith in the God who had called him, and confirmed him in the conviction that God 'does nothing in vain'. In the end, therefore, what shines forth in Newman is the mystery of the Lord's Cross: This was the heart of his mission."

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PONTIFICAL ACADEMY FOR LIFE TO HOLD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

VATICAN CITY, FEB 27, 2001 (VIS) - The Pontifical Academy for Life will hold its Seventh General Assembly in the Holy See Press Office from March 1 to 4 on the theme "The Culture of Life: Presuppositions and Dimensions," according to a communique released today.
The communique commented on last year's general assembly which was dedicated to the fifth anniversary of the 1995 Encyclical "Evangelium Vitae" (The Gospel of Life) and to a look at the current situation in the world of "the right to life." In this regard, there was also a review of the programs of action of the United Nations conferences held in recent years: Cairo in 1994 (Population and Development) and Beijing in 1995 (Conference on Women). The results of these studies were published last year by the academy in the English-language book, "'Evangelium Vitae': Five Years of Confrontation with Society."

It was noted that the results demonstrated "a prevalently negative thrust, moved by a strong culture of death which has become very aggressive over the past five years, especially through political support of international organizations, heedless of the demographic and moral damages which have been caused." The academy wishes this year, says the communique, to "enter into a period of positive reflection and to ask itself what must be the 'roots', the presuppositions, of a cultural and moral nature, to develop a culture of life, and what can be the prospects for a long term educational commitment guided by the charism of truth."

The academy, which Pope John Paul II established in 1994, hopes that the topics to be studied during the General Assembly "will lead to laying the foundations of a future in which culture, laws and actions will work to favor the life of every person."

Academy president, Juan de Dios Vial Correa, will conclude the assembly with a report on "John Paul II, The Pontiff of Life."
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POPE RECEIVES PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

VATICAN CITY, FEB 27, 2001 (VIS) - The following declaration was made yesterday afternoon by Holy See Press Office Director, Joaquin Navarro-Valls:

"The Holy Father, John Paul II, received in audience this morning Mikhail Mikhailovich Kasianov, president of the Council of the Russian Federation. Following this, Mr. Kasianov also met with Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano. In the course of the meetings, held in a very cordial atmosphere, opinions were exchanged on the current situation in Russia and Europe, as well as on the bilateral relations between the Russian Federation and the Holy See."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, FEB 27, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Appointed Bishop Cristian Caro Cordero, auxiliary of Santiago de Chile, Chile, as archbishop of Puerto Montt (area 18,205, population 296,000, Catholics 249,000, priests 48, permanent deacons 16, religious 85), Chile. He succeeds Archbishop Savino Bernardo Cazzaro Bertollo, O.S.M., whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese the Holy Father accepted, in conformity with the age limit.

- Appointed Msgr. Declan Ronan Lang, vicar general of Portsmouth, as bishop of Clifton (area 10,912, population 2,566,407, Catholics 125,740, priests 204, permanent deacons 31, religious 369), England. The bishop-elect was born in Cowes, England, in 1950, and ordained to the priesthood in 1975. He succeeds Bishop Mervyn Alban Alexander, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese the Holy Father accepted, in conformity with the age limit.

- Appointed Archbishop Francois Bacque, apostolic nuncio in the Dominican Republic, as apostolic nuncio in the Netherlands.

- Appointed Msgr. Timothy P. Broglio, nunciature counselor, as apostolic nuncio in the Dominican Republic and apostolic delegate in Puerto Rico, at the same time elevating him to the dignity of archbishop. The archbishop-elect was born in Cleveland, U.S.A., in 1951 and was ordained a priest in 1977.

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PAPAL LETTER TO NEW PATRIARCH OF ANTIOCH OF THE SYRIANS

VATICAN CITY, FEB 24, 2001 (VIS) - Made public today was a letter that Pope John Paul wrote to His Beatitude Ignace Pierre VIII, the newly elected patriarch of Antioch of the Syrians. The letter is in French and bears the date of February 20. The former patriarch, now Cardinal Ignace Moussa I Daoud, was named prefect of the Congregation for Oriental Churches by the Holy Father.

"The message, marked by deep confidence in the Lord, by which Your Beatitude informs me of your election to the patriarchal see of Antioch of the Syrians, has just arrived and fills me with joy," writes the Holy Father.

He continues: "I welcome with all my heart, beloved Brother in Christ, your request for ecclesiastical communion, in conformity with the custom and the wish of the entire Catholic Church. I am happy on this occasion to send you my warmest congratulations, assuring you of my fraternal charity."

"May the Lord, Master of history and Pastor of the Church, fill you with His graces throughout your new ministry, for the glory of God, the consolation of the souls entrusted to your paternal care and the good of the universal Church!"

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OPEN OUR HEARTS TO JESUS TO ENTER INTO THE MYSTERY OF HIS LOVE

VATICAN CITY, FEB 25, 2001 (VIS) - This morning John Paul II made a pastoral visit to the Roman parish of the Nativity of Mary, where he celebrated Mass and exhorted the parishioners to open their hearts to Jesus, in order that "we thus enter into the mystery of His love, which enlightens all of existence."

In his homily, the Pope made reference to the Message he sent to the dioceses of Rome last week, and told those present: "Make it an object of attentive reflection and translate its indications into concrete apostolic choices. The Lenten period, which begins in three days, offers a useful occasion for this revision of life."

"Ask yourselves," the Pontiff continued, "both as individuals and as a community: what contribution can I give to the growth of full communion in the Church? How can I offer my specific gift, in order for her to become ever more a home and school of communion? It is necessary to walk in unity to witness to the Gospel together. This is the charge I leave you, dear Brothers and Sisters of the Parish of the Nativity of Mary."

After recalling the apostolic initiatives undertaken in the area "for young boys and girls, engaged couples, families, the poor and the elderly," the Holy Father said: "Continue forth on this road, giving priority to the care of families, who often are often unable to ensure an adequate Christian formation of their children. There are children and adolescents who need those who will help them grow in the faith; Christians who await guides able to support them in evangelical witness, directing them in the various areas of study, activity, and service."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, FEB 24, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Appointed Fr. Giuseppe Bausardo, S.D.B., counsellor inspector of the Salesians in Egypt, as apostolic vicar of Alexandria of the Latins (Catholics 9,570, priests 161, religious 1,045), Egypt. The bishop-elect was born in Cairo, Egypt in 1951. He entered the Salesian novitiate in Lebanon in 1965, made his perpetual vows in 1974, and was ordained to the priesthood in 1978.

- Granted the ecclesiastical communion requested by His Beatitude Ignace Pierre VIII, canonically elected patriarch of Antioch of the Syro-Catholics in the Synod of Bishops of the Syro-Catholic Church, held in Charfet, Lebanon, on February 16, 2001. He succeeds His Beatitude Ignace Moussa I Daoud. His Beatitude Ignace Pierre VIII was born in Aleppo, Syria, in 1930, and ordained to the priesthood in 1954. In 1979, he was ordained chorbishop and appointed exarch of Jerusalem by His Beatitude Ignace Antoine II Hayek, patriarch of Antioch of the Syrians. In 1996, he was elected bishop in the Synod of Syrian Bishops.

- Appointed the following as members of the Pontifical Commission "Ecclesia Dei": Cardinals Joseph Ratzinger, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Jorge Arturo Medina Estevez, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of Sacraments and Louis-Marie Bille, archbishop of Lyon; and Archbishop Julian Herranz, president of the Pontifical Council for the Interpretation of Legislative Texts.

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TO BE A SAINT: THE BLUEPRINT FOR EVERY CHRISTIAN

VATICAN CITY, FEB 24, 2001 (VIS) - As is his yearly custom, the Holy Father visited the Major Roman Seminary this afternoon for the feast of Our Lady of Trust, the seminary's patroness.

After listening to a piece of music inspired by the life of former seminary student Servant of God Bruno Marchesini, who died at age 23, "longing for the priesthood," the Holy Father said: "His life was a constant and courageous journey towards sanctity."

John Paul II affirmed that "to be a saint, this is the blueprint for every Christian." He added: "I hope that this plan also directs your life, dear young friends. ... Rome needs saints! A fruitful season of new evangelization is opening before us, which, to bear good results, needs the courage of sanctity. Dear seminarians, bring this yearning into daily prayer."

After recalling "the sincere devotion to the Most Holy Virgin" of Servant of God Bruno Marchesini, the Holy Father said: "Let us look again to Her, the Mother of Christ, and ask Her to teach us as well to 'remain' with the Lord," as did the Apostles, in response to Jesus' invitation.

"Let us ask Her," the Pope concluded, "for the community of the Roman Seminary to be ever more consciously a 'genuine 'school' of prayer, where the meeting with Christ is expressed not just in imploring help but also in thanksgiving, praise, adoration, contemplation, listening, and ardent devotion, until the heart truly 'falls in love'.' May all of this become your daily experience!"

After this interlude, the Holy Father dined with the rector, teachers and seminarians.

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CARDINAL SODANO PRESIDES LITURGY AT NORTH AMERICAN COLLEGE

VATICAN CITY, FEB 25, 2001 (VIS) - Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of State, celebrated Mass this morning in the Chapel of Our Lady of Humility at the Casa Santa Maria, part of the Pontifical North American College and the residence for graduate priests from the United States, on the occasion of its 400th anniversary.

Blessed Pope Pius IX gave this building, built in 1601 as a convent for Dominican Sisters, to the American bishops in 1859 for the training of seminarians. When the new seminary, the Pontifical North American College, was opened in 1953 on Janiculum Hill, the Casa Santa Maria became the residence for American diocesan priests studying in Rome. It is the largest residence of American diocesan priests anywhere in the world and currently house over 80 priests. The building also houses the U.S. Bishops' Office for Visitors to the Vatican.

After Mass, Cardinal Sodano blessed the new library and the St. Katherine Drexel/Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Eucharistic Chapel. Guests included American cardinals, archbishops and bishops living in or visiting Rome as well as outgoing U.S Ambassador to the Vatican, Corinne Boggs. Alumni of the Casa Santa Maria include one third of U.S. bishops and six of the thirteen American cardinals.

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POPE REFLECTS ON NEW CARDINALS AT ANGELUS

VATICAN CITY, FEB 25, 2001 (VIS) - Upon his return from a pastoral visit to the Roman parish of the Nativity of Mary, Pope John Paul appeared at his study window at noon today to recite the angelus with the faithful who were in St. Peter's Square for this traditional Sunday appointment.

In reflections preceding the angelus, the Pope remarked that "the recent consistory for the creation of 44 new cardinals ... will surely have a memorable place in the annals of the Church." He said he wished "to pause and reflect again on this event and its meaning" for the entire Church.

"A breath of renewed hope has touched the Christian people. ... The Church is looking to the future, and wishes 'to put out into the deep', animated by the spiritual dynamism sparked within her by the Jubilee experience. This dynamism can only consolidate and enrich the elements which belong, so to speak, to the genetic code of the ecclesial community: oneness, holiness, catholicity and apostolicity. The increase in the College of Cardinals, while showing the unity of the ecclesial Body around the Successor of Peter, also underlines the catholic dimension, mirrored in the fact that the cardinals come from every part of the world."

"We might ask ourselves: How can the Church remain faithful to her vocation at a time when the dominant culture seems often to go against the demanding logic of the Gospel? An answer to this question, in symbolic terms, comes from the red color of a cardinal's apparel. As is well known, this color recalls the blood of martyrs, witnesses of Christ up to the supreme sacrifice. Cardinals must make visible with their lives a love of Christ which does not stop in the face of any sacrifice."

The necessary conditions to meet this commitment, concluded John Paul II, are listening to the Word of Christ, prayer and inner contact with the Lord.

Following the angelus prayer, the Pope greeted pilgrims present in several languages.

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NOTIFICATION ON A BOOK BY FR. JACQUES DUPUIS

VATICAN CITY, FEB 26, 2001 (VIS) - The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith today published a Notification on the book by Fr. Jacques Dupuis, S.J., "Toward a Christian Theology of Religious Pluralism," which was published in 1997.

The Notification is dated January 24, 2001, and bears the signatures of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger and Archbishop Tarcisio Bertone, S.D.B, respectively prefect and secretary of the congregation. Following are excerpts from the Notification:

"Preface

"After a preliminary study of the book 'Toward a Christian Theology of Religious Pluralism' by Father Jacques Dupuis, S.J., the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith decided to proceed to a comprehensive examination of the text."

"It must be emphasized that this text is an introductory reflection on a Christian theology of religious pluralism. It is not simply a theology of religions, but a theology of religious pluralism, which seeks to investigate, in the light of Christian faith, the significance of the plurality of religious traditions in God's plan for humanity. Aware of the potential problems in this approach, the author does not conceal the possibility that his hypothesis may raise as many questions as it seeks to answer.

"Following the doctrinal examination of the book and the outcome of the dialogue with the author, the Bishop and Cardinal Members of the Congregation, in the Ordinary Session of June 30, 1999, evaluated the analysis and the opinions of the Congregation's Consultors regarding the author's 'Responses'. The Members of the Congregation recognized the author's attempt to remain within the limits of orthodoxy in his study of questions hitherto largely unexplored. At the same time, while noting the author's willingness to provide the necessary clarifications, as evident in his 'Responses', as well as his desire to remain faithful to the doctrine of the Church and the teaching of the Magisterium, they found that his book contained notable ambiguities and difficulties on important doctrinal points, which could lead a reader to erroneous or harmful opinions. These points concerned the interpretation of the sole and universal salvific mediation of Christ, the unicity and completeness of Christ's revelation, the universal salvific action of the Holy Spirit, the orientation of all people to the Church, and the value and significance of the salvific function of other religions.

"At the conclusion of the ordinary procedure of examination, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith decided to draft a 'Notification', intended to safeguard the doctrine of the Catholic faith from errors, ambiguities or harmful interpretations. This 'Notification', approved by the Holy Father in the Audience of November 24, 2000, was presented to Father Jacques Dupuis and was accepted by him. By signing the text, the author committed himself to assent to the stated theses and, in his future theological activity and publications, to hold the doctrinal contents indicated in the 'Notification', the text of which must be included in any reprinting or further editions of his book, as well as in all translations."

"I. On the sole and universal salvific mediation of Jesus Christ

"1. It must be firmly believed that Jesus Christ, the Son of God made man, crucified and risen, is the sole and universal mediator of salvation for all humanity."

"2. ... It is therefore contrary to the Catholic faith not only to posit a separation between the Word and Jesus, or between the Word's salvific activity and that of Jesus, but also to maintain that there is a salvific activity of the Word as such in his divinity, independent of the humanity of the Incarnate Word.

"II. On the unicity and completeness of revelation of Jesus Christ

"3. It must be firmly believed that Jesus Christ is the mediator, the fulfillment and the completeness of revelation. It is therefore contrary to the Catholic faith to maintain that revelation in Jesus Christ (or the revelation of Jesus Christ) is limited, incomplete or imperfect."

"4. It is consistent with Catholic doctrine to hold that the seeds of truth and goodness that exist in other religions are a certain participation in truths contained in the revelation of or in Jesus Christ. However, it is erroneous to hold that such elements of truth and goodness, or some of them, do not derive ultimately from the source-mediation of Jesus Christ.

"III. On the universal salvific action of the Holy Spirit

"5. The Church's faith teaches that the Holy Spirit, working after the resurrection of Jesus Christ, is always the Spirit of Christ sent by the Father, who works in a salvific way in Christians as well as non-Christians. It is therefore contrary to the Catholic faith to hold that the salvific action of the Holy Spirit extends beyond the one universal salvific economy of the Incarnate Word.
"IV. On the orientation of all human beings to the Church

"6. It must be firmly believed that the Church is sign and instrument of salvation for all people. It is contrary to the Catholic faith to consider the different religions of the world as ways of salvation complementary to the Church.

"7. According to Catholic doctrine, the followers of other religions are oriented to the Church and are all called to become part of her.

"V. On the value and salvific function of the religious traditions

"8. ... It is therefore legitimate to maintain that the Holy Spirit accomplishes salvation in non-Christians also through those elements of truth and goodness present in the various religions; however, to hold that these religions, considered as such, are ways of salvation, has no foundation in Catholic theology, also because they contain omissions, insufficiencies and errors regarding fundamental truths about God, man and the world.

"Furthermore, the fact that the elements of truth and goodness present in the various world religions may prepare peoples and cultures to receive the salvific event of Jesus Christ does not imply that the sacred texts of these religions can be considered as complementary to the Old Testament, which is the immediate preparation for the Christ event."

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POPE JOHN PAUL CONVOKES EXTRAORDINARY CONSISTORY FOR MAY

VATICAN CITY, FEB 26, 2001 (VIS) - Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls released the following declaration this afternoon:

"John Paul II has convoked an Extraordinary Consistory which will take place in the Vatican this coming May 21-24.

"The main theme of this sixth plenary meeting of the College of Cardinals is the study of the Church's prospects for the Third Millennium, in the light of the Holy Father's recent Apostolic Letter 'Novo Millennio Ineunte'.

"Naturally the entire College of Cardinals is called to participate in this Consistory."

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LAZIO REGION CARABINIERI RECEIVED BY POPE JOHN PAUL

VATICAN CITY, FEB 26, 2001 (VIS) - Two-hundred Carabinieri from the Lazio region of Italy were welcomed today in the Vatican's Sala Clementina by the Holy Father, who expressed his appreciation for the service they performed for the many pilgrims and tourists during the Jubilee Year, especially in the city of Rome.

Observing that the Carabinieri are part of the Italian Armed Forces, the Pope recalled the November 19 Jubilee of the Military and Police Forces in St. Peter's Square. "On that occasion," he said, "I exhorted everyone to be 'ministers of the security and freedom of peoples,' and to be 'men of peace'.

"Today I repeat those words to you, as you undertake your mission in Rome. This city has a singular function in the sphere of Christianity, and it is important that everyone in it, from residents to pilgrims, from migrants to tourists, can live in a climate of respect for the human person and for the values regarding them. A climate, that is, which is fundamentally human and also Christian."

Highlighting every believer's call to holiness, Pope John Paul said that "the history of the Carabinieri shows one can reach the heights of sanctity." He referred to "your colleague, vice brigadier Salvo D'Aquisto, medal of valor recipient, whose beatification cause is underway."

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, FEB 26, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father received today in separate audiences:

- Mikhail Mikhailovich Kasianov, president of the Council of the Russian Federation, accompanied by his entourage.
- Wladislaw Bartoszewski, minister of foreign affairs of the Republic of Poland, accompanied by his entourage.
- Bishop Elio Sgreccia, vice president of the Pontifical Academy for Life.

On Saturday, February 24, the Holy Father received in separate audiences:

- Cardinal Ricardo J. Vidal, archbishop of Cebu, the Philippines.
- Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, apostolic nuncio in the Federal Republic of Germany.
- Corinne Boggs, U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, on a farewell visit.
- Marco Cesar Meira Naslausky, amabassador of Brazil, on a farewell visit.
- Archbishop Diego Caudero, apostolic nuncio in the Arab Republic of Syria.

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POPE JOHN PAUL TO PRESIDE ASH WEDNESDAY LITURGY

VATICAN CITY, FEB 23, 2001 (VIS) - On the afternoon of February 28, Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent, Pope John Paul will process from the church of San Anselmo to the basilica of Santa Sabina on the Aventine Hill, thus renewing a centuries-old Roman tradition of celebrating Mass at designated station or stational churches during Lent.

At 5 p.m. in San Anselmo, there will be a moment of prayer, followed by a penitential procession to the basilica of Santa Sabina. Joining the Pope in the procession will be cardinals, archbishops, bishops, the Benedictine monks of San Anselmo, the Dominican Fathers of Santa Sabina and the lay faithful.

In Santa Sabina, the Holy Father will preside at the liturgy of the Word and, after his homily, there will be the rite of the blessing and imposition of ashes. Cardinal Josef Tomko, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, will preside at the Eucharistic liturgy. In conclusion the Pope will impart his apostolic blessing.

The practice of station churches had its origins in the first centuries of Christianity when most of the early Popes celebrated the liturgy on special days at special churches. This eventually became a predominantly Lenten devotion. In his liturgical reforms, Pope St. Gregory the Great (590-604), established a stational church for each day of Lent, thus making the whole season a pilgrimage on the path to conversion in preparation for Easter.

In early times, the celebrations began with clergy and the congregation gathering at one spot ("collecta") and processing to the station church ("statio"), while reciting litanies and other prayers. The Eucharist was then celebrated at the station church.

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PAPAL AUDIENCE FOR 44 NEW CARDINALS AND FAMILY MEMBERS

VATICAN CITY, FEB 23, 2001 (VIS) - This morning in the Paul VI Hall, the Pope received the 44 new cardinals, with their family members and the faithful who had participated in Wednesday's Consistory. He addressed them in the cardinals' various languages: Italian, French, English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, Ukrainian, Lithuanian, and Latvian.

"In returning to your dioceses," he said in French, "be reaffirmed in your faith and in your love for Christ and His Church, with a renewed desire to follow the Lord, to conform your lives to His!"

To the English-speaking cardinals and faithful, the Pope expressed the hope that "the communities of faith to which you belong become more and more true schools of prayer, contemplation and mission."

John Paul II then addressed the Latin American and Spanish cardinals, with these words: "You are now asked for a greater commitment to the service of the Church, to the point of giving your lives for the Gospel, as did the Saint we commemorate today, St. Polycarp of Smyrna. This also involves a greater responsibility for your ecclesial communities and, above all, for those, like you, who are closest to them."

Speaking in Polish, the Pope gave thanks to Divine Providence "for the fact that the Latin Church in Ukraine" - whose new cardinal is Marian Jaworski, of Lviv of the Latins - "gives the witness of living faith, which has survived in the years of oppression and trial." He also welcomed Polish Cardinal Zenon Grocholewski, prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education.

"Pray," he said in Ukrainian, "that this sign of unity," the creation of two Ukrainian cardinals, one of the Latin and another of the Eastern rite, "may become a pledge of complete communion among the Christians of the West and the East. In the hope of meeting you during the visit I will make, please God, in the upcoming month of June, I send to all of your compatriots a cordial greeting."

In Lithuanian the Holy Father affirmed that raising Audrys Juozas Backis to the dignity of cardinal "serves to honor the entire Church in Lithuania for its fidelity to Christ, bought at a dear price during the years of communist domination."

At the conclusion of his discourse, John Paul II reminded the new cardinals that their ministry, "diverse for each, is always at the service of the one Christ and of His mystical Body. With fraternal esteem, I encourage you to proceed in your spiritual and apostolic mission, which today has experienced a very important stage. Keep your gaze fixed upon Christ."

Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls, commenting on the media presence this past week, stated that "this eighth consistory of John Paul II's pontificate was also a great event from the point of view of communications. The Holy See Press Office gave accreditation expressly for the consistory to 250 special envoys, to which must be added the almost 400 permanently accredited journalists. There were 180 radio stations which had link-ups to Vatican Radio. In addition, 74 television crews and 40 photo agencies were accredited."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, FEB 23, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Raised Msgr. Marcelo Sanchez Sorondo, chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, to the dignity of bishop, naming him titular bishop of Vescovio, Italy.

- Appointed Bishop Jiri Padour, O.F.M., auxiliary of Prague, as coadjutor of Ceske Budejovice (area 12,500, population 795,000, Catholics 365,000, priests 155, permanent deacons 15, religious 246), Czech Republic.

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, FEB 23, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father received today in audience Cardinal Camillo Ruini, vicar general for the diocese of Rome, accompanied by Bishop Vincenzo Apicella, auxiliary of Rome for the western pastoral sector, and Fr. Lorenzo Rossi, C.R.I.C., pastor of the parish of the Nativity of Mary, with a parish vicar.

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TELEGRAM FOR DEATH OF CARDINAL LEBRUN

VATICAN CITY, FEB 22, 2001 (VIS) - Following is the text of the telegram sent by Pope John Paul II to Cardinal Ignacio Antonio Velasco Garcia, archbishop of Caracas, Venezuela, upon hearing of the death late yesterday of Cardinal Jose Ali Lebrun Moratinos, former archbishop of Caracas, at the age of 81:

"Having learned the sad news of the death of Cardinal Jose Ali Lebrun Moratinos, archbishop emeritus of Caracas, I offer fervent prayers, together with the faithful of this diocesan community where he exercised his episcopal ministry with care, and I ask God to grant eternal repose unto him, the leader and pastor of the diocese for so many years.

"While I recall his pastoral action full of abnegation, applying the doctrine of Vatican Council II and promoting the renewal of the Church in fidelity to Christ and to the Successor of Peter, I express my heartfelt condolences to you, to the auxiliary bishops, the clergy, the religious communities and the faithful of this beloved archdiocese. I ask you to send my condolences to the relatives of the deceased cardinal, as I impart to them and to those participating in the funeral Mass, the comfort of an Apostolic Blessing, as a sign of faith and Christian hope in the Risen Lord."

TGR;DEATH LEBRUN;...;VELASCO;VIS;20010222;Word: 220;

JOHN PAUL II CONCELEBRATES MASS WITH THE NEW CARDINALS

VATICAN CITY, FEB 22, 2001 (VIS) - At 10:30 this morning, Feast of the Chair of Peter, John Paul II presided in St. Peter's Square over a Eucharistic concelebration with the 44 new cardinals created in yesterday's consistory, bestowing on them the cardinalate ring.

"Today's feast," the Pope said in his homily, "highlights the role of Peter and his successors in guiding the ship of the Church upon this 'ocean'. ... Together we wish to give thanks to God for having founded His Church upon the rock of Peter."

The Pope went on to affirm that he considers it "providential" to celebrate the Feast of the Chair of Peter with the new cardinals and the entire College of Cardinals, "because this constitutes a unique and eloquent sign of unity, with which we begin together the post-Jubilee period. A sign which is, at the same time, an invitation to deepen reflection on the Petrine ministry, to which your function as Cardinals is particularly related."

Quoting from his Encyclical "Ut Unum Sint," the Pope recalled that "the full and visible communion of all Communities ... is the ardent desire of Christ." He emphasized that for "this principle aim the Cardinals, both as a College and as individuals, can and must offer their valuable contribution. They, in fact, are the primary collaborators in the ministry of unity of the Roman Pontiff."

John Paul II invited the cardinals to pray in order that full communion be restored in the new millennium. "May the Holy Spirit give all believers the light and the strength needed to realize the fervent yearning of the Lord. I ask you to assist me and to collaborate in every way in this demanding mission."

Following this the Pope pointed out that the rings which would shortly be given to the new members of the College of Cardinals, "place in evidence the special link which unites you to the Apostolic See."

"Today, Christ repeats to each one of you, dear Brother Cardinals: 'I have prayed for you', in order that your faith may not fail you in situations in which your fidelity to Christ, the Church, and the Pope, may be greatly tried. May this prayer, which unceasingly rises from the heart of the Good Shepherd, always be your strength! Do not doubt that, as it was for Christ and Peter, so it will also be for you: your most effective witness will always be that marked by the Cross. The Cross is the chair of God in the world."

HML;CHAIR PETER;...;...;VIS;20010222;Word: 420;

FIVE CARDINALS TO TAKE POSSESSION OF TITULAR CHURCHES

VATICAN CITY, FEB 22, 2001 (VIS) - The Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff announced today that the following cardinals will take possession of their Titular and Diaconate churches in coming days:

- Cardinal Edward Michael Egan, metropolitan archbishop of New York, U.S.A., Title of Sts. John and Paul, Piazza Santi Giovanni e Paolo, 13, on Friday, February 23, at 4:30 p.m.

- Cardinal Avery Dulles, S.J., Deaconate of the Most Holy Names of Jesus and Mary in Via Lata, Via del Corso, 45, on Friday, February 23, at 5:30 p.m.
- Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani Thorne, metropolitan archbishop of Lima, Peru, Title of St. Camillus de Lellis, Via Sallustiana, 24, on Saturday, February 24, at 10:30 a.m.

- Cardinal Jorge Maria Mejia, archivist and librarian of the Holy Roman Church, Deaconate of St. Jerome of Charity, Via Monserrato, 62, on Saturday, February 24, at 6:00 p.m.

- Cardinal Pedro Rubiano Saenz, metropolitan archbishop of Bogota, Colombia, Title of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Piazza della Trasfigurazione, 2, on Sunday, February 25, at 11:00 a.m.

...;POSSESSION TITLES; DEACONATES;...;...;VIS;20010222;Word: 180;

HOLY SEE REPRESENTED AT WORLD CONFERENCE ON SPORT AND TOURISM

VATICAN CITY, FEB 22, 2001 (VIS) - Msgr. Piero Monni, Holy See permanent observer to the World Tourism Organization, spoke today in Barcelona, Spain, at the World Conference on Sport and Tourism, organized by the WTO. In his speech he highlighted the role that ethics must play in both sport and tourism, and the roles that these sectors play in the formation of an individual.

Msgr. Monni remarked that "today, sports, along with tourism, are social and cultural phenomenon anchored to ancient values and are essential for human beings. These values must be protected from deleterious influences such as intolerance, doping, excessive commercialization, the present-day utilitarian tendencies, and evident private interests which aim at reducing sports to a mere show."

In sports, he said, "fair competition, the sacrifices connected to working out, and healthy competitiveness are the components of a formative path in life. This formation can offer the community strong, well-balanced, well-prepared personalities who can reach other positive goals." This is true, he said, for the adults who educate young people and for the young people who will be the leaders of tomorrow.

DELSS;SPORTS; TOURISM;...;BARCELONA; MONNI;VIS;20010222;Word: 200;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, FEB 22, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Accepted the resignation of Bishop Gerardo Humberto Flores Reyes from the pastoral care of Vera Paz, Coban (area 11,810, population 1,040,600, Catholics 908,600, priests 67, permanent deacons 1, religious 206) Guatemala, in conformity with the age limit. He is succeeded by Coadjutor Bishop Rodolfo Valenzuela Nunez.

- Appointed Fr. Donal McKeown, president of St. Malachy's College, Belfast, as auxiliary to the bishop of Down and Connor (area 2,419, population 1,000,000, Catholics 307,394, priests 275, religious 453), Ireland. The bishop-elect was born in Randalstown, Ireland, in 1950, and ordained to the priesthood in 1977.

- Adopted the following provisions relative to the new Fundamental Law of Vatican City State which went into effect today:
- Confirmed Cardinal Edmund Casimir Szoka as president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State, at the same time appointing him president of the Governorate.
- Confirmed Cardinals Andrzej Maria Deskur, Carlo Furno, and Lorenzo Antonetti, as members of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State, and appointed Cardinals Angelo Sodano, Giovanni Battista Re, and Agostino Cacciavillan as members of the same Pontifical Commission.
- Confirmed Bishop Gianni Danzi as Secretary General of the Governorate of Vatican City State and Msgr. Giorgio Corbellini as its Vice Secretary General.
- Appointed Giulio Sacchetti as Counsellor General of Vatican City State, and appointed Bishop Francesco Saverio Salerno, Alessandro Torlonia, Gian Carlo Perone, Alberto Quadrio Curzio, Francesco Rebecchini, Francesco Silvano, Angelo Caloia, and Virgil Dechant, as Counsellors of State.

RE; NEA; NA...;...VIS 20010222 (240);...;

CARDINALS ARE DEFENDERS OF THE TRUTH, GUARDIANS OF THE FAITH

VATICAN CITY, FEB 21, 2001 (VIS) - During a ceremony held in St. Peter's Square in the presence of tens of thousands of faithful, Pope John Paul created 44 new cardinals from 27 countries in what is the eighth such consistory of his pontificate.

The Pope greeted the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, lay faithful and official delegations from the different countries represented, as well as fraternal delegations from several Churches and ecclesial communities. Of the latter he said: "I send a cordial greeting to you, in the certainty that even this delicate gesture of theirs will not fail to favor the ever better reciprocal understanding and progress towards full communion."

"Each Christian," affirmed the Holy Father, "knows he is called to a fidelity without compromises, which can even require the ultimate sacrifice. And this you know most especially, dear brothers elected to the dignity of cardinal. You commit yourselves to faithfully following Christ, the Martyr par excellence and the faithful Witness."

He recalled that "cardinals must assist and collaborate with the Successor of Peter to alleviate the burdens of a ministry which extends to the four corners of the earth. Together with him you must be strenuous defenders of the truth and custodians of the patrimony of faith and customs which has its origin in the Bible. You will thus be sure guides for everyone and, in the first place, for priests, consecrated persons and committed lay persons."

"As of today," continued John Paul II, "a special bond links you to the Successor of Peter. ... This tie makes you an eloquent sign of communion. You will be promoters of communion, and the entire Church will be the beneficiary." The Pope underlined that "today you have been proclaimed and created cardinals so that you will commit yourselves, in your respective fields of competence, to making sure that the spirituality of communion grows in the Church."

The Pope stated that "to be able to validly face the new duties it is necessary to cultivate an ever more intimate communion with the Lord. The very color of scarlet of the vestments you wear reminds you of this urgency. Is that color not perhaps a symbol of a passionate love for Christ? Do we not see indicated in that bright red the burning fire of love for the Church which should nourish in you the willingness, if necessary, to give the supreme witness of blood?"

Observing that the new cardinals come from 27 countries, Pope John Paul asked: "Is there not perhaps in this fact a sign of the Church's capacity ... to understand peoples with different languages and traditions, to bring to everyone the proclamation of Christ? In Him, and in Him alone, is it possible to find salvation. This is the truth that today we wish to reaffirm. Christ walks with us and guides our steps."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, FEB 21, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Appointed Bishop Celso Jose Pinto da Silva of Vitoria da Conquista, as metropolitan archbishop of Teresina (area 26,995, population 1,183,327, Catholics 986,108, priests 86, permanent deacons 1, religious 209), Brazil. The archbishop-elect was born in Rio de Janeiro in 1933, ordained to the priesthood in 1959, and elevated to the dignity of bishop in 1978. He succeeds Archbishop Miguel Fenelon Camara Filho, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese the Holy Father accepted, in accordance with the age limit.
- Accepted the resignation of Bishop Joaquim Rufino do Rego from the pastoral care of Parnaiba (area 20,565, population 590,000, Catholics 530,000, priests 32, religious 74), Brazil, in accordance with the age limit. He is succeeded by Coadjutor Bishop Alfredo Schaffler.

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DECLARATION OF HOLY SEE PRESS OFFICE DIRECTOR

VATICAN CITY, FEB 21, 2001 (VIS) - The following declaration was made public late yesterday by Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls:

"In the framework of the announced meetings with political figures, Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano this afternoon received Silvio Berlusconi, (president of Forza Italia).

"Today's meeting, as the others, has served to set forth the expectations of the Holy See regarding the questions relative to collaboration between Church and State at the present time."

OP;...;...;NAVARRO-VALLS;VIS;20010221;Word: 90;

TITULAR AND DIACONATE CHURCHES ASSIGNED TO NEW CARDINALS

VATICAN CITY, FEB 21, 2001 (VIS) - Following are the names of the 44 new cardinals created by Pope John Paul II in this morning's consistory as well as the titular or diaconate churches he assigned to them:

1. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops: Title of Most Holy Twelve Apostles.

2. Cardinal Francois Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace: Diaconate of Holy Mary of the Stairs.

3. Cardinal Agostino Cacciavillan, president of APSA (Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See): Diaconate of the Holy Guardian Angels at Citta Giardino.

4. Cardinal Sergio Sebastiani, president of the Prefecture of the Economic Affairs of the Holy See: Diaconate of St. Eustache.

5. Cardinal Zenon Grocholewski, prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education: Diaconate of St. Nicholas in Prison.

6. Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins, C.F.M., prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints: Diaconate of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart.

7. Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, secretary general of the Committee of the Great Jubilee: Diaconate of the Most Merciful Father.

8. Cardinal Jorge Maria Mejia, archivist and librarian of Holy Roman Church: Diaconate of St. Jerome of Charity.

9. His Beatitude Ignace Moussa I Daoud, prefect of the Congregation for Oriental Churches: Patriarchal See of Antioch of the Syrians.

10. Cardinal Mario Francesco Pompedda, prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signature: Diaconate of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Via Ardeatina.

11. Bishop Walter Kasper, emeritus of Rottenburg-Stuttgart, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity: Diaconate of All Saints in Via Appia Nuova.

12. Cardinal Antonio Jose Gonzalez Zumarraga of Quito, Ecuador: Title of Our Lady "in via".

13. Cardinal Ivan Dias of Bombay, India: Title of Holy Spirit at Ferratella.

14. Cardinal Geraldo Majella Agnelo of Sao Salvador da Bahia, Brazil: Title of St. Gregory the Great at Magliana Nuova.

15. Cardinal Pedro Rubiano Saenz of Bogota, Colombia: Title of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
16. Cardinal Theodore Edgar McCarrick of Washington, U.S.A.: Title of Saints Nereus and Achilleus.

17. Cardinal Desmond Connell of Dublin, Ireland: Title of St. Sylvester in Capite.

18. Cardinal Audrys Juozas Backis of Vilnius, Lithuania: Title of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Via Gallia.

19. Cardinal Francisco Javier Errazuriz Ossa of Santiago de Chile, Chile: Title of Our Lady of Peace.

20. Cardinal Oscar Andres Rodriguez Maradiaga, S.D.B., of Tegucigalpa, Honduras: Title of Our Lady of Hope.

21. Cardinal Bernard Agre of Abidjan, Ivory Coast: Title of St. John Chrysostom in Monte Sacro Alto.

22. Cardinal Louis-Marie Bille of Lyon, France: Title of St. Peter's in Chains.

23. Cardinal Ignacio Antonio Velasco Garcia, S.D.B., of Caracas, Venezuela: Title of Santa Maria Domenica Mazzarella.

24. Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani Thorne of Lima, Peru: Title of St. Camillus de Lellis.

25. Cardinal Francisco Alvarez Martinez of Toledo, Spain: Title of Holy Mary, Queen of Peace in Monte Verde.

26. Cardinal Claudio Hummes, O.F.M., of Sao Paulo, Brazil: Title of St. Anthony of Padua in Via Merulana.

27. Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil, C.SS.R, archbishop major of Ernakulam-Angamaly of the Syro-Malabars, India: Title of St. Bernard at the Baths.

28. Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, S.J., of Buenos Aires, Argentina: Title of St. Robert Bellarmine.

29. Cardinal Jose da Cruz Policarpo, patriarch of Lisbon, Portugal: Title of St. Anthony in Campo Marzio.

30. Cardinal Severino Poletto of Turin, Italy: Title of St. Joseph in Via Trionfale, pro hac vice titolo presbiterale.

31. Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor of Westminster, Great Britain: Title of Holy Mary above Minerva.

32. Cardinal Edward Michael Egan of New York, U.S.A.: Title of Sts. John and Paul.

33. His Beatitude Stephanos II Ghattas, C.M., patriarch of Alexandria of the Copts.

34. Cardinal Jean Honore, emeritus of Tours: Title of Holy Mary of Health at Primavalle.

35. Cardinal Roberto Tucci, president of the Administrative Committee of Vatican Radio: Diaconate of St. Ignatius of Loyola at Campo Marzio.

36. Cardinal Leo Scheffczyk of the archdiocese of Munchen und Freising: Diaconate of St. Francis Xavier at Garbatella.

37. Cardinal Avery Dulles, S.J., professor emeritus of Fordham University of New York, U.S.A.: Diaconate of the Most Holy Names of Jesus and Mary in Via Lata.

38. Cardinal Marian Jaworski of Lviv of the Latins, Ukraine. 39. Cardinal Janis Pujats of Riga, Latvia: Title of St. Sixtus.

40. Cardinal Lubomyr Husar, major archbishop of Lviv of the Ukrainians: Title of St. Sophia in Via Boccea.

41. Cardinal Johannes Joachim Degenhart of Paderborn, Germany: Title of St. Liborius.

42. Cardinal Julio Terrazas Sandoval, C.SS.R., of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia: Title of St. John the Baptist of Rossi.

43. Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier, O.F.M., of Durban, South Africa: Title of St. Brancis of Assisi in Acilia.

44. Cardinal Karl Lehmann of Mainz, Germany: Title of St. Leo I.

...;DIACONATE; TITULAR CHURCHES;...;...;VIS;20010221;Word: 850;

IN MEMORIAM

VATICAN CITY, FEB 21, 2001 (VIS) - The following prelates died in recent weeks:

- Cardinal Giuseppe Casoria, prefect emeritus of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of Sacraments, on February 8, 2001, aged 92.
- Bishop Robert Francis Garner, former auxiliary of Newark, U.S.A., on December 25, 2000, aged 80.
- Bishop Wolfgang Grosse, auxiliary of Essen, Germany, on February 15, 2001, aged 72.
- Bishop Mark Joseph Hurley, emeritus of Santa Rosa, U.S.A., on February 5, 2001, aged 81.
- Bishop John Joseph Sullivan, emeritus of Kansas City-Saint Joseph, U.S.A., February 8, 2001, aged 80.

...;DEATHS;...;... ;VIS;20010221;Word: 90;

FEAST OF THE CHAIR OF PETER

VATICAN CITY, FEB 22, 2001 (VIS) - Today is the annual feast of the "Cathedra Petri," the Chair of St. Peter, a celebration dating back to the 4th century and one which honors the primacy and authority of St. Peter.

Cathedra, from both the Greek and Latin words for chair or throne, is the root of the word cathedral, the official church of a bishop where his chair is placed and from which he preaches: It is thus a symbol of his authority to teach. Another word for chair is "sedes," from which we get the word "see," that is, the place from which a bishop governs his diocese. The Holy See, for example, is the see or seat of the bishop of Rome, the Pope.

The Chair of Peter, which is commemorated today, was thought for centuries to be the episcopal seat, or cathedra, of St. Peter. It is actually a throne that Charles the Bald, grandson of the Emperor Charlemagne, gave to Pope John VIII on Christmas Day 875 when the pontiff crowned him as emperor. The chair has been ensconced since 1666 above an altar in the apse of the Vatican Basilica specifically designed for it by Bernini.

A combination of tradition, legend and belief maintained that this was a double chair, parts of which dated back to the early days of Christianity and the first Pope, St. Peter. However, when it was removed from its niche in the Bernini altar for study and restoration during a six-year period (1968 to 1974), it was revealed that there was only a single chair, predominantly of acacia wood, whose oldest parts dated to the 6th century. What appeared to be an outer or second chair was a covering which served both to protect the throne and to carry it in procession.

Following this restoration Msgr. Michele Maccarrone, a Vatican expert on the Chair of St. Peter and president emeritus of the Pontifical Committee for Historical Sciences, wrote a paper on the cathedra. He said that, among the interesting facts discovered during these six years, two stand out: the back panels of the throne, which replaced early columns and arches, depict the Labors of Hercules; and previously-used ivory was also incorporated into the chair.

Throughout its history, he wrote, the Chair of St. Peter has been considered under two perspectives: the chair-symbol (the symbol of Peter's primacy: in ancient times the chair or cathedra was the sign of teaching authority) and the chair-object (that is, the throne of Charles the Bald, used by John VIII and many of his successors for liturgical events).

It is customary for the Bernini monument to be lit by numerous candles throughout its February 22 feast day.

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CONSISTORY AND COLLEGE OF CARDINALS: A HISTORY

VATICAN CITY, FEB 20, 2001 (VIS) - In tomorrow's public ordinary consistory, Pope John Paul will create 44 new cardinals, bringing the number of members of the College of Cardinals to 184, of whom 135 are cardinal electors.

The College is a body which advises and collaborates with the pope and since 1059 its members have been the exclusive electors of the Roman Pontiff. Prior to the 12th century only prelates residing in Rome were named cardinals but during that century prelates residing outside the city began to be named cardinals.

Pope Paul VI, on February 11, 1965, determined the role of Eastern patriarchs in the College of Cardinals. Later, on November 21, 1970, he ordered that cardinals, upon their 80th birthday, both cease to be members of the dicasteries of the Roman Curia and all permanent organisms of the Holy See and of Vatican City, and lose the right to elect the pope, thus also the right to enter into conclave. In the private Consistory of November 5, 1973, Paul VI set the number of cardinals who can enter into conclave at a maximum of 120.

Though Pope John Paul has departed from that maximum number - exceeding it by 15 - Paul VI's rule remains the one in vigor.

A consistory is an assembly of the College of Cardinals, convened by and under the leadership of the Holy Father, for the purpose of discussing Church business. According to Canon 353, these are either ordinary or extraordinary: All cardinals, or at least those who live in Rome, are called to attend ordinary consistories. The entire College of Cardinals is called to attend an extraordinary consistory which usually treats particular needs of the Church or serious problems facing the Church. Only ordinary consistories may be public, that is, where people other than the cardinals and Holy Father are present (such as the consistory to create new cardinals).

Tomorrow's consistory will take place according to the new rite introduced at the June 28, 1991, consistory. After a liturgical greeting, the Holy Father will read the formula of creation and solemnly proclaim the names of the new cardinals. The first of the new cardinals, in the name of all the others, will address the pope.

Following the Liturgy of the Word, Pope John Paul will give a homily. There will then be the profession of faith and taking of the oath by the new cardinals, the imposition of the red biretta or hat and assignment of the titular or diaconate church in Rome as a sign of participation in the pastoral concern of the pope in the city.

When placing the hat or biretta on the head of each new cardinal who kneels before him, the pope says, in part: "(This is) red as a sign of the dignity of the cardinal, meaning that you must be ready to behave with courage, up to the shedding of blood, for the increase of the Christian faith, for the peace and tranquillity of the People of God and for the freedom and spreading of the Holy Roman Church."

The Holy Father hands over the Bull of Creation as cardinal and that of assignment of titular or diaconate church and exchanges an embrace of peace with the new cardinals. The cardinals then do the same with each other. The rite concludes with the prayer of the Faithful, the recitation of the Our Father and the final blessing.

...;CONSISTORY; COLLEGE CARDINALS;...;...;VIS;20010220;Word: 530;

JOHN PAUL II MEETS WITH PRESIDENT MUBARAK

VATICAN CITY, FEB 20, 2001 (VIS) - Following is the declaration made this morning by Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls concerning today's meeting in the Vatican between John Paul II and the president of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Hosni Mubarak:

"The discussion permitted an exchange of opinions on the situation in the Middle Eastern regions, and, in particular, on the peace process, with the hope that as soon as possible a climate of eased tensions and of dialogue is established, necessary for restoring mutual faith and making the goals, reached up until now, bear fruit.

"The Holy See, furthermore, repeated the need for the immediate end to every form of violence in the region, in order to dedicate every possible attention and effort to the achievement of a true and just peace, which can only be realized through respect for international law on the part of all and in the conviction that the peoples have the same rights and duties."

OP;MEETING MUBARAK;...;NAVARRO-VALLS;VIS;20010220;Word: 180;

FRANCISCANS CELEBRATE GENERAL CHAPTER, MEET WITH POPE

VATICAN CITY, FEB 17, 2001 (VIS) - Pope John Paul today received the Friars Minor Conventuals, meeting in Rome for their General Chapter, during which they elected the 118th successor to their founder, St. Francis. In his address to them, the Pope underlined how a General Chapter is "an important occasion for reflection and planning which encourages its members to look to the future."

Citing his Apostolic Letter "Novo Millennio Ineunte," the Holy Father affirmed: "Starting afresh from Christ, this must be your first commitment. Only by leaning firmly on Christ will it be possible for you to enact the various programs" set out during the general chapter. ... This love for Christ must be expressed, in the first place, with fidelity to personal and community prayer, especially that of the liturgy, which has marked your order from the start."

The Pope underscored their fraternal life, calling it "your specific conventual Franciscan charism." He quoted the first biographer of St. Francis, Brother Tommaso of Celano, who described "Francis' first companions as filled with a love that was not only joyful but also animated by a true fraternal affection."

"In your Chapter," remarked John Paul II, "what has emerged often is the call to a simple and intense spirituality: in a word, Franciscan. ... Protect and promote spiritual life, making yourselves available to lead the faithful who turn to you down this path. In our days we see increasingly evident signs of a deep thirst for values, paths and goals of the spirit."

The Holy Father concluded his talk by remarking on the "many occasions that Providence offers" the Franciscans to live their charisms, especially in their work at the shrines entrusted to them and in their work as confessors. He thanked them in particular for their pastoral work as confessors in St. Peter's Basilica during the Jubilee Year 2000.

AC;GENERAL CHAPTER;...;FRANCISCANS CONVENTUALS;VIS;20010219;Word: 310;

POPE JOHN PAUL'S CALENDAR FROM FEBRUARY TO APRIL 2001

VATICAN CITY, FEB 16, 2001 (VIS) - The Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff has made public the following calendar of liturgical celebrations over which the Holy Father will preside from February to April:

FEBRUARY

- Sunday, 25: 8th Sunday of Ordinary Time. Pastoral visit to the Roman parish of the Nativity of Mary. Mass at 9:30 a.m.

- Wednesday, 28: Ash Wednesday. Mass, blessing and administering of the ashes at St. Sabina's Basilica, at 5:00 p.m.

MARCH

- Sunday, 4: First Sunday of Lent. Pastoral Visit to the Roman parish of St. Andrew the Apostle. Mass at 9:30 a.m. At 6 p.m. in the "Redemptoris Mater" Chapel of the Apostolic Palace, beginning of retreat for the Roman Curia.

- Saturday, 10: At 9 a.m. in the "Redemptoris Mater" Chapel, conclusion of retreat.

- Sunday, 11: Second Sunday of Lent. Beatification of Servants of God Jose Aparicio Sanz and 232 Companions martyred in Spain (1936-1939), in St. Peter's Square at 10 a.m.

- Tuesday, 13: Consistory for various Canonization Causes, in the Apostolic Palace at 11 a.m.

- Monday, 19: Solemnity of St. Joseph. Episcopal Ordinations, in St. Peter's Basilica at 9:30 a.m.

- Sunday, 25: Fourth Sunday of Lent. Pastoral visit to the Roman parish of St. Dominic of Guzman. Mass at 9:30 a.m.

APRIL

- Sunday, 1: Fifth Sunday of Lent. Pastoral visit to the Roman parish of Our Lady of Suffrage and St. Augustine of Canterbury. Mass at 9:30 a.m.

- Sunday, 8: Palm Sunday. XVI World Youth Day. Blessing of palms, procession and Mass in St. Peter's Square at 10 a.m.

- Thursday, 12: Holy Thursday. Chrism Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at 9:30 a.m. Beginning of the Easter Triduum and Mass of the Lord's Supper at the Basilica of St. John Lateran, at 5:30 p.m.

- Friday, 13: Good Friday. Celebration of the Lord's Passion in St. Peter's Basilica at 5 p.m. Way of the Cross at the Colosseum at 9:15 p.m.

- Saturday, 14: Holy Saturday. Easter Vigil in St. Peter's Basilica at 8 p.m.

- Sunday, 15: Easter Sunday. Mass of the Day in St. Peter's Square at 10:30 a.m. "Urbi et Orbi" blessing.

- Sunday, 29: Third Sunday of Easter. Beatification of Servants of God Manuel Gonzalez Garcia, Maria Anna Blondin, Caterina Volpicelli, Caterina Cittadini, and Carlos Emanuel Cecilio Rodriguez Santiago, in St. Peter's Square at 10 a.m.

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HOLY FATHER WELCOMES DELEGATION FROM CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

VATICAN CITY, FEB 17, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father this morning welcomed a delegation from the Church of Scotland and, in a brief address, highlighted "that spirit of fraternity and dialogue which for many years now has marked the relationship between us as we seek to walk the path of unity willed by Christ."

Thanking them for their interest in his Encyclical "Ut Unum Sint," the Pope said: "That Letter includes a solemn re-affirmation of the Catholic Church's commitment to the ecumenical movement. Moved by a true desire for reconciliation, we must all continue on the journey towards visible unity. We still have far to go but with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit we shall continue to make progress."

AC;ECUMENISM; CHURCH SCOTLAND;...;...;VIS;20010219;Word: 130;

APOSTOLIC LETTER: 1700TH ANNIVERSARY OF ARMENIA'S BAPTISM

VATICAN CITY, FEB 17, 2001 (VIS) - Made public today was the Apostolic Letter, dated February 2, written by the Pope for the occasion of the anniversary of the Baptism of the Armenian People.

John Paul II recalled that the conversion of the Armenian people to Christianity occurred seventeen centuries ago. "It was an event which profoundly marked your identity; not only your personal identity, but that of the community as well. For this reason one can speak of the 'Baptism' of your nation, even if in reality the spreading of Christianity had already begun some time earlier in your land."

After a brief narration of the events which, according to tradition, were at the origin of the massive conversion of the Armenian people, the Pope writes: "The preaching of the Good News and the conversion of Armenia are above all founded on the blood of witnesses to the faith. ... The component of martyrdom constitutes an constant element in the history of your people. ... The entire culture and very spirituality of the Armenians are pervaded by the boldness of the supreme sign of the gift of life in martyrdom. ... One such emblem is the sacrifice of Vardan Mamikonian and his companions" who, facing attempts to impose mazdaism (zoroastrianism), "gave their life to remain faithful to Christ and defend the faith of the nation."

The Pope emphasized that since then similar events have been repeated, "up through the massacres suffered by the Armenians in the years spanning the 19th and 20th centuries and culminating in the tragic events of 1915, when the Armenian people suffered unspeakable violence, the painful consequences of which are still visible in the diaspora into which many of its sons have been constrained. It is a memory which cannot be lost."

Furthermore, the Holy Father recalled, these bloody events have compelled the Armenian people "to continual migrations throughout the world." But, he writes, "the Christian faith, even in the most tragic moments of Armenian history, has been the propulsive spring which has marked the beginning of the rebirth of this tried people."

Another element "of great value in your troubled history" is comprised of the "relation between evangelization and culture." From the term "'Illuminator,' as St. Gregory the Apostle of Armenia is named" is derived 'Illumination', a term which indicates that "through Baptism, the disciple ... is inundated by the splendor of Christ 'light of the world'." Such a term also indicates "the spreading of culture through teaching, entrusted in particular to the monk-teachers, who continue the evangelical preaching of St. Gregory."

The Pope then points to the "powerful force of faith, which prompts us not to give in to the temptations of power and of the world, and which enables us to resist atrocious sufferings as well as the most seductive flattery." When man distances himself from God, "he loses his own dignity, debasing himself, and thus becoming a prisoner of his own avidity." An important truth in all of this emerges, he says: "An absolute sacredness of power does not exist, and this doesn't mean to say that it is always justified in everything one does. One must, rather, recognize the personal responsibility of one's choices: if they are wrong, they remain such, even if a king makes them."

The Holy Father says he wants to express to the Lord "the gratitude of the entire Church for having inspired in the Armenian people a faith which is so firm and courageous and for having always supported them in their witness to it. ... I want to express my thanks to the Armenian people above all for their long history of fidelity to Christ, a fidelity which has known persecution and martyrdom."

"The Armenian people's patrimony of faith and culture has enriched mankind with treasures of art and talent, which are now spread throughout the world. ... Ambassadors of peace and industriousness, Armenians have travelled the world and, ... have offered a precious contribution to transforming it and making it closer to the Father's project of love."

John Paul II expressed "a special thought to all those who worked so that Armenia could rise from the sufferings of so many years of a totalitarian regime."

"I also fervently hope that the faithful will courageously continue their commitment and their already notable efforts so that the Armenia of tomorrow will bloom again in the human and Christian values of justice, solidarity, equality, respect, honesty and hospitality which are at the basis of human coexistence."

He underscores how "the already cordial relations between the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Catholic Church have had, in recent decades, a decisive thrust through meetings between the Pope and the highest authorities of that Church." In particular he cites the encounter with His Holiness Karekin II to whom he gave the relics of Gregory the Illuminator for the new cathedral in Yerevan.

Remarking on tomorrow's liturgy in the Armenian rite in St. Peter's Basilica, "with Armenians and for Armenians ... to praise God for the gift of faith they have received," the Pope writes: "It is my great hope that that sacred thanksgiving will embrace all Armenians, wherever they are."

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JOHN PAUL II'S MESSAGE TO THE DIOCESE OF ROME

VATICAN CITY, FEB 17, 2001 (VIS) - Made public today was the text of John Paul II's Message to the faithful of the Diocese of Rome, in which the Holy Father recalls "some of the emotions created" by the Holy Year celebrations. The Pope expresses his gratitude to the Church of Rome, writing: "Thank you, therefore, Church of Rome, for being open to the grace of the Jubilee and for having responded to this grace with all the enthusiasm of your heart!"

After having recalled particular Jubilee celebrations, such as the Jubilee of the Family, the Jubilee of Youth and the celebration of the International Eucharistic Congress, the Pope writes that, after such experiences, "a new and fruitful season of evangelization of our city and the entire world awaits us."

John Paul II in particular asks the faithful of the Church of Rome to dedicate "a great deal of time to prayer and listening to the word of God" and to "utilize the Eucharist to the utmost, above all that of Sunday." He continues: "May the rediscovery of the sacrament of Reconciliation, which we have experienced during the Holy Year, be supported by appropriate catechesis and by the generous availability of priests in the confessional."

Referring to missionary formation, the Holy Father emphasizes how it is above all the parishes which undertake "the entire formative itinerary, beginning with the childhood years and following, without a break in continuity, through to youth, maturity and old age. It is a matter of forming authentic Christians and this cannot occur without a profound personal involvement, on the part of those providing formation as well as of those being formed."

The Pope asks all believers, "in particular the community of contemplative life, to intensify prayer for vocations. It is the primary commitment and the most necessary."

"I do not need to emphasize," the Pontiff continues, "how important, the pastoral ministry to the family is for a extensive missionary commitment in this historic moment in the which the family itself, in Rome as elsewhere, is undergoing a profound and widespread crisis."

At the end of the Message the Holy Father specifies that "the months which separate us from the conference in June," are an opportunity to "discover together the most efficacious ways to make permanent the commitment to the new evangelization. We well know, however, that as all else the enthusiasm, energy, and dedication of the evangelizers comes from that source which is the love of God," which "embraces, in Christ, all of our brethren in humanity, called like us to faith and salvation. It embraces, in particular, each of those who live in this great city, poor and rich, young and old, Italians and foreigners."

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ANGELUS: EL SALVADOR, MIDDLE EAST, LETTER TO DIOCESE OF ROME

VATICAN CITY, FEB 18, 2001 (VIS) - Today, at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy in the Armenian rite in the Vatican Basilica, Pope John Paul prayed the angelus with the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square. Afterwards he reflected on the new earthquake which has struck El Salvador, on the situation in the Middle East and on his Letter, published yesterday, to the faithful of the diocese of Rome.

"In this moment of prayer" he said, "I wish to assure the people of El Salvador, once again tested by a violent earthquake, of my closeness. I trust that international solidarity will not fail in its generous support of this dear Nation."

The Pope went on to say: "I cannot forget that, unfortunately, in the Middle East violence continues to rage. In particular we learn on a daily basis from Israel and the Palestinian territories that human lives are again sacrificed to the logic of hatred and vendetta, while the prospects for peace seem further away. Let us pray that the spiral of violence, especially atrocious in recent days, will give way to a search for reciprocal trust and respect, so that, with determination the path of dialogue will resume and peace in justice will be finally reached."

Lastly, the Holy Father highlighted yesterday's publication of the Letter he wrote to the faithful of the diocese of Rome, "after the exceptional experience of the Great Jubilee, inviting everyone to remember the path undertaken in recent years, from the pastoral synod to the Citizens' Mission. Enriched by these authentic gifts from God, now we must look to the future. And that is what the Church of Rome proposes to do in an important meeting this coming June, that is now being prepared in the parishes and in every ecclesial milieu. I accompany in prayer the cardinal vicar, bishops, priests and all the dear faithful in this new spiritual and apostolic commitment."

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THE HOLY FATHER EXPRESSES DESIRE TO VISIT ARMENIA

VATICAN CITY, FEB 18, 2001 (VIS) - "I now anxiously await the day in which I will finally be able to kiss, God willing, your beloved land soaked with the blood of many martyrs," John Paul II said this morning during the Divine Liturgy in the Armenian Rite, celebrated in St. Peter's Basilica on the occasion of the 1700th anniversary of the Baptism of the Armenian People. The Holy Father had been about to make this visit in June 1999 to greet the then gravely ill Catholicos Karekin I, but Karekin died just before the anticipated visit.

John Paul II delivered the homily during the Divine Liturgy, celebrated by His Beatitude Nerses Bedros XIX, patriarch of Cilicia of Catholic Armenians.

Speaking of the faith of the Armenian people, the Holy Father emphasized that, "looking at the Armenians ... we cannot but observe that the Christian faith has marked the most intimate fibers of their common feelings." He added that in the modern world, in which the influence of secularization is becoming ever stronger, "it is at times difficult to continue to maintain steadfast this spiritual patrimony which has made yours a 'Christian' nation. Faith is at times considered uniquely as a gift and a personal search, and not also as the shared possession of a people. How does one assure that the social conquests of modernity do not cause a loss of the richness of the continuity of a people and their faith? This is the commitment that today's celebration encourages us to deepen."

The Pope recalled having entrusted to His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, a few months ago in the same basilica, the relics of St. Gregory the Illuminator, "the great saint who made the Armenians a Christian people. ... I will carry out today," he said, "the same gesture with Patriarch Nerses Bedros XIX. ... The relics of this saint, are the symbol of a firm unity of faith and from them comes a strong motivation to the unity of Christ."

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NO APOSTOLIC VISITATOR TO BE SENT TO PADRE PIO'S SHRINE

VATICAN CITY, FEB 17, 2001 (VIS) - In response to news reports that an apostolic visitator will be sent to check on the financial administration of the Capuchin Friars at the shrine of Blessed Padre Pio, Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls made the following statement this afternoon:

"The Holy See has not sent, nor does it intend to send, an apostolic visitator to the shrine of Blessed Padre Pio of Pietrelcina at San Giovanni Rotondo, thus respecting the autonomy of religious institutes that are directly responsible for the administration of their own economic affairs."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, FEB 19, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Guy de Kerimel, of the clergy of Aix, as auxiliary bishop of Nice (area 4,283, population 1,018,700, Catholics 814,000, priests 325, permanent deacons 15, religious 545), France. The bishop-elect was born in Meknes, Morocco, in 1953, and was ordained to the priesthood in 1986.

On Saturday, February 17, it was made public that he:

- Appointed Msgr. Domenico Sorrentino, of the clergy of the diocese of Nola, professor of the Pontifical Theological Faculty of Southern Italy and in the service to the Secretariat of State, as prelate of Pompeii (area 12, population 21,800, Catholics 21,300, priests 54, permanent deacons 3, religious 197), Italy, and Pontifical Delegate to the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Most Holy Rosary, at the same time raising him to the dignity of archbishop. The archbishop-elect was born in Boscoreale, Italy, in 1948 and ordained to the priesthood in 1972. He succeeds Archbishop Francesco Saverio Toppi, O.F.M. Cap., whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same territorial prelature and sanctuary the Holy Father accepted, in accordance with the age limit.

- Appointed Fr. Vartan Kechichian, abbot of the Mechitarists of Venice, as coadjutor of the ordinary for Armenian Catholics of Eastern Europe (Catholics 220,000, priests 8, religious 30), at the same time raising him to the dignity of archbishop. The archbishop-elect was born in Kessab, Syria, in 1933, and ordained to the priesthood in 1959.

- Appointed Cardinal Dario Castrillon Hoyos, prefect of the Congregation for Clergy, as a member of the Congregation for Bishops.

- Appointed Bishop Marian Golebiewski of Koszalin-Kolobrzeg, Poland, and Bishop Leo Cornelio of Khandwa, India, as members of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant Peoples.
- Appointed the following consultants to the Congregation for the Oriental Churches: Archbishop Lajos Kada, apostolic nuncio; Bishop Walter Kasper, emeritus of Rottenburg-Stuttgart, and secretary of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity; Archimandrite Emiliano Fabbricatore, O.S.B.I., exarch of the territorial abbey of Santa Maria of Grottaferrata, Italy; Msgr. Hanna G. Alwan, prelate auditor of the Tribunal of the Roman Rota; Frs. Cyril Vasil, S.J., dean of the Faculty of Canon Law of the Pontifical Oriental Institute, Rome, Natale Loda, professor of the Pontifical Lateran University, Rome, David Maria Jaeger, O.F.M., professor of the Pontifical Athenaeum Antonianum, Rome, Antonio Zani, professor at the Pontifical Theological Faculty of Northern Italy, Milan, and the Seminary of Brescia, Italy, Boris Gudziak, rector of the Academy of Lviv, Ukraine, Thom Sicking, S.J., professor of St. Joseph's University in Beirut, Lebanon, Maciej Bielawski, O.S.B., professor of the Pontifical Athenaeum of St. Anselm, Rome, Johannes Hoffmann, professor of the University of Regensburg, Germany; Msgr. Osvaldo Raineri, official of the Vatican Apostolic Library and professor of the Pontifical Oriental Institute, Rome; and Prof. Herman Teule, editor of "Moyen Orient" magazine and director of the Institute of Research on the Christian Orient, Nijmegen, Netherlands.

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, FEB 19, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father received today in separate audiences the following six prelates of the Episcopal Conference of Turkey, on the occasion of their "ad limina" visit:

- Archbishop Hovannes Tcholakian of Istanbul of the Armenians. - Archbishop Paul Karatas of Diarbekir of the Chaldeans.
- Archbishop Giuseppe Germano Bernardini of Izmir.
- Bishop Louis Pelatre of Sasima, apostolic vicar of Istanbul.
- Bishop Ruggero Franceschini, apostolic vicar of Anatolia.
- Chorbishop Yusuf Sag, patriarchal exarach of Syrian Catholics of Turkey.

On Saturday he received in separate audiences:

- Cardinal William Wakefield Baum, major penitentiary.
- Cardinal Frederic Etsou Nzabi-Bamungwabi, C.I.C.M., archbishop of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Archbishop Giuseppe Bertello, apostolic nuncio in Mexico.
- Archbishop Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.

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BISHOPS OF TURKEY, ON "AD LIMINA" VISIT, WELCOMED BY POPE

VATICAN CITY, FEB 19, 2001 (VIS) - Pope John Paul this morning welcomed the bishops of Turkey's episcopal conference, as they conclude their "ad limina" visit. In his talk to them in French, he highlighted their "Ecclesial Assembly" project, religious freedom, the need for vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life and the catechesis of both young people and adults.

In opening remarks he referred to the recent festivities in Istanbul in honor of John XXIII, who was a former nuncio to Turkey and known, as John Paul recalled, as "the Pope, friend of the Turks." Turkish authorities honored John XXIII by giving his name to the street where the former residence and office of the apostolic delegation is located.

The Holy Father spoke of the bishops' relations with both the Turkish people and their dialogue with the country's leaders: "It is in this way that the Church ... will further find her place in the life of the nation. Indeed, freedom of religion and worship, which cannot be disassociated from freedom of conscience, is an essential element for good coexistence at a local level. Every State, helped by its inhabitants, is called to be vigilant in this area."
Turning then to the episcopal conference's plans, currently underway, for an "Ecclesial Assembly," consisting of meetings at both diocesan and national levels, he said: "This gathering will give ... a new elan and renewed ardor to your Christian communities, often fragile and dispersed, so that the Church in Turkey goes forth in the new millennium with confidence and courage."

"The Church of Christ," he went on, "must be truly inserted into the life of Turkish society. That presupposes a work of adaptation, already largely undertaken, at the level of liturgy, translation of the Word of God and catechetical instruments: it also implies an important investment ... so that the priests and religious who come to Turkey learn the country's language, its history, customs and culture."

The Holy Father suggested "going even further" and "fostering vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life among young Catholics in Turkey. ... Youth, as you know, are not lacking in generosity or aspirations to an ideal; they will welcome this call if they find in their midst available and attentive witnesses."

He then spoke of the education of young people, especially in the faith, highlighting Catholic schools and thanking the religious congregations that run them. "May all families," he added, "become better aware of the importance of transmitting the faith to the younger generations. This calls for parents themselves to have a good Christian formation and then eventually to actively participate in catechesis!"

Pope John Paul underscored how, in their reports, the bishops acknowledged the difficulties encountered regarding marriage "in a society where the Christian ideals of fidelity and indissolubility are poorly perceived." He encouraged all pastors to support Christian families in their daily life and to encourage couples to give support to each other.

He dedicated observations to the relations between Catholics and non-Catholics Christians and to the daily encounters, through culture and people, between Catholics and Muslims. He encouraged both ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, urging the bishops to use every occasion to further both.

Regarding Islam, he urged the bishops to "continue your efforts to create and favor occasions for dialogue, first in daily life, and then in the different areas where people meet: schools, ... commitments in profession and social life, and in service to solidarity and mutual assistance."

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SICKNESS IS NOT AN UNBEARABLE BURDEN

VATICAN CITY, FEB 16, 2001 (VIS) - This morning the Holy Father received forty-five Sisters Servants of Mary, Ministers of the Sick, who this year celebrate the 175th anniversary of the birth of their foundress, St. Maria Soledad Torres Acosta, the 150th anniversary of the foundation of their Institute, and the 125 years since their pontifical approval.

The Pope said to the religious: "The uniqueness of your primary mission, the free care of the sick in their homes, takes on new connotations in our day, in a society where the daily reality of sickness and death tends to be concealed. With your service, you demonstrate that sickness is not an unbearable burden for man, and that it does not deprive the patient of his dignity. On the contrary, it can be transformed into an experience of enrichment for the sick person and his entire family."

"Also consider," the Holy Father added, "the challenge of a humanity in which many of our brethren, who, in addition to sound assistance in the delicate moments of their life, need above all respect, closeness, and solidarity."

John Paul II exhorted the Sisters Servants of Mary to live the celebrations of this year "at the dawn of a new millennium, as a providential occasion to revitalize your personal commitment and your work, in Africa, in America, and in Europe."

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PERU: UNITE EFFORTS TO CREATE A CLIMATE OF TRUST

VATICAN CITY, FEB 16, 2001 (VIS) - This morning the Pope received the new ambassador of Peru to the Holy See, Alberto Montagne Vidal, for the presentation of his Letters of Credence.

In his discourse, the Holy Father made reference to the "political and institutional crisis experienced by the country in recent months, ... which has created serious problems in the nation." He went on to affirm that "it is necessary to unite efforts and gather all people of good will, so that the honest collaboration of all parties creates a climate of trust, justice, loyalty, reciprocal respect, peace, and freedom. In this way the people will be able to overcome this crisis and recover the moral values of a just, reasonable, solid, and honest society, promoting a state of law in which the citizens feel equally responsible, and participate in building up the country and bringing about the common good."

John Paul II emphasized that it is necessary to work "to better the economic situation, overcoming the state of poverty created by heavy internal and external debt." As he had done on other occasions, he expressed his hopes for "a remission, or at least a significant reduction, of the debt by the creditor countries."

At the conclusion of his speech the Holy Father recalled the peace process which is underway with Ecuador, saying: "It is indispensable to resist every temptation to turn back. It is necessary to go forward in a spirit of coexistence between countries united by numerous common values, and in conformity with the peaceful tradition of the region."

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POPE RECEIVES BISHOPS OF YUGOSLAVIA ON "AD LIMINA" VISIT

VATICAN CITY, FEB 16, 2001 (VIS) - The prelates of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia were welcomed this morning by the Holy Father as they concluded their quinquennial "ad limina" visit. Following an address by Archbishop Franc Perko of Belgrade, the Pope spoke to the bishops, highlighting their major concerns as pastors and thanking them for "the great zeal and availability with which you try to adequately respond to the pastoral needs of the current moment."

He exhorted the prelates "to continue courageously ... in fulfilling your duties," regardless of "the efforts and sacrifices. I hope with all my heart that the new political climate which has been created in the last months will open new perspectives and offer new opportunities for the regular functioning of the activity of the Catholic communities in the country."

"We are living in an historic moment, especially rich in lights and shadows," said the Pope. "The diversity of situations of your single diocesan communities does not allow, unfortunately, for projecting common pastoral activities in every sector. However, this doesn't prevent you from exchanging experiences and helping one another. ... Seek to coordinate your efforts. This will allow you to give a further thrust to the new evangelization."

John Paul II then highlighted what is needed in order for "the proclamation of the Gospel to have a greater impact": the witness of a life which is coherent and faithful to Christ, seeking and adapting pastoral methods to answer the challenges of today's world, the centrality of the Word of God and the Sacraments, care in the formation of candidates to the priesthood and consecrated life and attention to the ongoing formation of the clergy. He also emphasized the importance of using "traditional pastoral means," joining them to modern ones such as "the instruments of social communication."

"I know well," said the Holy Father, "the dramatic circumstances in which your populations have found themselves in the past. You have brought me up-to-date about the difficult situations which continue today, in particular concerning the persistence of political and social tensions which risk flaring up into new confrontations. Encourage your faithful not to give in to the temptation of resorting to violence."

In concluding remarks, the Pope encouraged the bishops "to commit yourselves, notwithstanding the difficulties, with all your energy to the ecumenical dialogue, so that the course continues towards full unity of the disciples of Christ. ... This path to unity occurs through cordial pardon and sincere reconciliation."

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DECLARATION FROM PRESS OFFICE DIRECTOR

VATICAN CITY, FEB 16, 2001 (VIS) - The director of the Holy See Press Office, Joaquin Navarro-Valls, declared this morning that "Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano met today with Francesco Rutelli, former mayor of Rome. In coming days, he will receive other political figures, on the occasion of the anniversary of the Lateran Pacts, in order to illustrate the expectations of the Holy See on questions concerning collaboration between Church and State at the present moment."

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SCHEDULE FOR FEBRUARY 21-22 CONSISTORY, COURTESY VISITS

VATICAN CITY, FEB 16, 2001 (VIS) - On Wednesday, February 21, 2001 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Peter's Square. Pope John Paul II will hold a Public Ordinary Consistory for the creation of 44 new cardinals, according to a note from the Office of the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff.

That same afternoon, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Paul VI Hall and various rooms of the Apostolic Palace, the new cardinals will receive all those who wish to pay them a courtesy call. A list of these locations follows:

PAUL VI HALL:

ATRIUM: Cardinals Mario Francesco Pompedda, Severino Poletto, Roberto Tucci, S.J., Desmond Connel, Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, Theodore Edgar McCarrick, Edward Michael Egan and Avery Dulles, S.J.

AUDIENCE HALL: Cardinals Giovanni Battista Re, Francois Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan, Jose de Cruz Policarpo, Sergio Sebastiani, Zenon Grocholewski, Jose Saraiva Martins, C.M.F., Crescenzio Sepe, Marian Jaworski and Lubomyr Husar, M.S.U.

APOSTOLIC PALACE:

SALA REGIA: Cardinals Stephanos II Ghattas, C.M., and Ignace Moussa I Daoud.

HALL OF BLESSINGS: Cardinals Janis Pujats, Audrys Juozas Backis, Walter Kasper, Johannes Joachim Degenhardt, Karl Lehmann and Leo Scheffczyk.

SALA DUCALE: Cardinals Ivan Dias and Varkey Vithayathil, C.SS.R.

SALA PARAMENTI 1: Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier, O.F.M.

SALA PARAMENTI 2: Cardinal Bernard Agre.

SALA PONTEFICI: Cardinal Jean Honore.

SALA DEI SANTI: Cardinal Louis-Marie Bille.

SALA DELLE ARTI LIBERALI: Cardinal Francisco Alvarez Martinez.

SALA DEL CREDO: Cardinal Jose Gonzalez Zumarraga.

SALA SISTINO: Cardinals Pedro Rubiano Saenz, Francisco Javier Errazuriz Ossa, Julio Terrazas Sandoval, C.SS.R., Oscar Andres Rodriguez Maradiaga, S.D.B., Ignacio Antonio Velasco Garcia, S.D.B., Juan Luis Cipriani Thorne and Jorge Mario Bergoglio, S.J.

VESTIBULE OF THE SALONE SISTINO: Cardinal Jorge Maria Mejia.

GALLERIA LAPIDARIA: Cardinals Claudio Hummes and Geraldo Majella Agnelo.

SALONE DELL'APSA: Cardinal Agostino Cacciavillan.

On Thursday, February 22, feast of the Chair of Peter, at 10:30 a.m. in St. Peter's Square, the Holy Father will preside at a concelebrated Mass with the new cardinals, during which he will give them the cardinal's ring.

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, FEB 16, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Appointed Bishop Alfred Clifton Hughes of Baton Rouge as coadjutor archbishop of New Orleans (area 10,895, population 1,332,771, Catholics 468,798, priests 421, permanent deacons 183, religious 1,189), U.S.A.. The archbishop-elect was born in Boston, U.S.A., in 1932, ordained to the priesthood in 1957, and elevated to the dignity of bishop in 1981.

- Appointed Bishop Jorge Ivan Castano Rubio of Quibdo as auxiliary of the archdiocese of Medellin (area 708, population 2,952,956, Catholics 2,512,065, priests 896, religious 3,560), Colombia. The archbishop-elect was born in Montebello, Colombia in 1935, ordained to the priesthood in 1961, and elevated to the dignity of bishop in 1983.

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, FEB 16, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father received today in separate audiences:

- His Beatitude Ignace Moussa I Daoud, patriarch emeritus of Antioch of the Syrians, prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches.
- Cardinal Eugenio de Araujo Sales, archbishop of Sao Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

This evening he is scheduled to receive Archbishop Tarcisio Bertone, S.D.B., emeritus of Vercelli, Italy, secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

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PAPAL MESSAGE FOR THE 16TH WORLD YOUTH DAY

VATICAN CITY, FEB 15, 2001 (VIS) - Pope John Paul's Message for the 16th World Youth Day, which will be celebrated throughout the world in all dioceses on April 8, Palm Sunday, was published today.

At the start of his annual message for youth day, the Pope writes: "I still have before my eyes and in my heart the evocative sight of the great 'Door' on the field at Tor Vergata (University) in Rome. The evening of last August 19, at the start of the vigil of the 15th World Youth Day, I crossed that threshold, hand in hand with five young people from five continents." He adds that "the authentic fruits of the Jubilee of Youth cannot be calculated in statistics, but only in works of love and justice, of daily fidelity, very precious even though not very visible."

The Pope invites young people to reflect on the theme he has chosen for the 16th World Youth Day: "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."

Jesus, states the Pope, asks each of us "to do what He Himself did. He says: 'I have not come to be served, but to serve; thus, who wishes to be like Me must serve everyone. ... In other words, Jesus asks (us) to courageously choose His same way. ... The determination to be, as far as possible, obedient as He was to the Father and ready to accept to the very end the plan that He has for each one, depends on us."

"Jesus," he continues, "does not ask us to give up living, but rather to welcome something new and a fullness of life that only He can give. ... True life, in fact, is expressed in the gift of giving oneself, fruit of the grace of Christ. ... The choice, therefore, is between being and having, between a full life and an empty existence, between the truth and lying."

After underscoring that "the Cross which is welcomed becomes the sign of love and of a total giving," he writes: "Carrying it behind Christ means uniting ourselves to Him in offering the greatest proof of love."

"The 'path of life'," which is "the path of the Cross," is "the path of salvation in a society often fragmented, confused and contradictory; it is the life of happiness of following Christ to the end, in the frequently dramatic circumstances of daily life; it is the path which does not fear failures, difficulties, being marginalized or alone, because it fills man's heart with the presence of Jesus; it is the path of peace, self-dominion, deep happiness in one's heart."

The Pope underlines that "a widespread culture of the ephemeral" can make one believe that "to be happy one must remove the Cross." Furthermore, he says, "sexuality not linked to a sense of responsibility, easy success and easy career advancement are presented as ideals." He urges young people "to open well your eyes; this is not the path that leads to life, but rather one which ends up in death."

"With your youth," the message concludes, "mark the third millennium which is starting with the hope and enthusiasm typical of your age. If you allow God's grace to work in you, if you do not fail in the seriousness of your daily commitments, you will make this new century a better time for everyone."

MESS;WORLD YOUTH DAY;...;...;VIS;20010215;Word: 570;