POPE WRITES KOFI ANNAN FOR U.N. SPECIAL MEETING ON AIDS

VATICAN CITY, JUN 26, 2001 (VIS) - Published today was Pope John Paul's Message to United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan on the occasion of the June 25-27 Special Session of the U.N. General Assembly to examine, in its diverse aspects, the problem of HIV/AIDS. The focus of the Pope's Message, in French and dated June 21, is that, in the face of the AIDS epidemic, the international community cannot elude its moral responsibilities.

"The AIDS epidemic undoubtedly represents one of the greatest catastrophes of our time, in particular for Africa," writes the Pope. "I welcome the efforts currently underway on national, regional and international levels to face up to this challenge. ... Your announcement of the creation of a World AIDS and Health Fund is a motive of hope for everyone."

"The fearsome spread of AIDS is inscribed in a social world marked by a serious crisis of values. In this domain, as in others, the internationnal community cannot ignore its moral responsibility; on the contrary, in the fight against this epidemic, it must be inspired by a constructive vision of the dignity of man and must invest in youth, helping them to grow towards a responsible emotional maturity."

The Holy Father points out the Catholic Church's commitment to "the sacredness of life" and underscores "the efforts she makes, in both prevention and assistance, for the people touched (by this illness)."

He goes on to say: "I have taken two problems especially to heart, and I am sure they will be treated with serious attention in the debates of this Special Session.

The first, the Pope writes, is that "the transmission of HIV/AIDS from mother to child is an extremely sad question. In developing countries, especially in Africa, those who are born with this infection are very numerous. ... Add to this somber picture the distress of those whose parents died of AIDS and who are now orphans."

"The second problem," John Paul II states, "is the access of AIDS patients to medical care and, in the measure possible, to anti-viral therapies. We know that the prices of these medications are excessive, sometimes even exorbitant, with regard to the possibilities of citizens of the poorest countries. This question includes diverse economic and juridical aspects, among which are certain interpretations of intellectual property rights."

The Holy Father emphasizes "the right of each individual to health." He beseeches "the rich countries to respond to the needs of AIDS patients in the poor countries with all means at their disposal, so that these men and women tested in body and soul may have access to the medicines which they need."

Pope John Paul II concludes with words of gratitude for "the scholars and researchers of the entire world in their efforts to find therapies for this terrible illness."

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