THE CHURCH IS CLOSE TO ALL WHO SERVE THE CAUSE OF MAN

VATICAN CITY, FEB 10, 2001 (VIS) - "Your presence in Rome," the Holy Father told the International League of Humanists from Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, whom he received yesterday afternoon, "intends to witness to the suffering, joys and hopes of the populations of Bosnia-Herzegovina, and in a special way to the drama of refugees who have not up to now obtained a satisfactory solution in the light of the Washington and Dayton Accords."

The Pope lauded their intention of "promoting the advent of a more just and human world" and responding to the human problems created by the phenomenon of globalization, which should, but does not always, lead to "solidarity in sharing resources."

"The Church is close, today as always, to all who serve the cause of man," he recalled. "The Church's attention towards man is an integral part of her mission. ... The social action of ecclesial communities is developed in many ways and it embraces many activities. Different structures have been created within the Church to meet the needs of mankind. Equally vast is her collaboration with people of good will who have the common good at heart."

Then, referring specially to Bosnia-Herzegovina, "a land especially dear to me," the Holy Father said he knew "well the social, political and economic problems which the local populations are encountering in this period. ... The most difficult period is past for Bosnia-Herzegovina, but the people's suffering continues, especially in the drama of the refugees.

"We cannot forget this drama," he declared. "On the contrary, we must be promoters of an effective solidarity at a local and international level. Above all we must correct existing injustices, listening to the legitimate aspirations of those directly involved who ask that their inalienable rights be respected. This is the basis for building a future of hope in a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious society such as Bosnia-Herzegovina."

"May there soon be an end in Bosnia-Herzegovina," he concluded, "to the sufferings caused by the recent armed conflict and may each person be offered equal opportunities, guaranteeing both full and unconditioned freedom of religion."

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