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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