DISCOURSE TO PRELATES OF CENTRAL ASIA, THE CAUCASUS, AND RUSSIA

VATICAN CITY, FEB 9, 2001 (VIS) - This morning John Paul II received members of the Episcopal Conferences of Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Russia, at the conclusion of their "ad limina" visit.

Addressing the prelates of Central Asia, the Pope exhorted them to "hold a sincere and cordial dialogue among yourselves. ... Keep your spirit open to every person of good will; with your words and your actions encourage everyone to a profitable collaboration in building up the Church in good will, industry, and peace. In facing the vastness and complexity of the harvest and the small number of workers do not lose heart."

John Paul II encouraged the bishops to support the priests and religious with prayer, "inciting them to have recourse, in prayer and the fervent celebration of the Eucharist, to the energies which spring from daily encounter with Christ."

The Holy Father went on to remind the bishops and religious of the Caucasus that the principle mission which awaits them in the field of evangelization is the "reconstruction of your respective Communities, the little flock which has run off and been scattered for a long time. ... It is necessary," he added, "to help a renewed mentality arise above all in your flock, inspired to the civilization of love, which affirms respect for every human being."

In order to meet the "vast apostolic action, the energies of the priests, consecrated, and the laity must be fully utilized. Make their formation your primary concern, in order that, drawing from the treasure of prayer and study, they are able to share the problems of man of today. ...Give particular attention to the youth, who are the future of the Church and of humanity."

Speaking in conclusion to a group of prelates of European Russia and Siberia, the Pope said: "The vast evangelizing mission which you are promoting requires primarily that you give attention to forming priests who are holy and fervent in their apostolate." It is furthermore "necessary to involve youth in the commitment to the new evangelization."

With reference to ecumenical dialogue John Paul II spoke words of encouragement, affirming that "you mustn't be discouraged in the face of difficulties and even in the face of failures in ecumenical progress, but, sustained by prayer, it is necessary to continue to advance with every effort in creating full unity among the disciples of Christ."

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