POPE ARRIVES IN KAZAKHSTAN, STARTS 95TH FOREIGN TRIP

VATICAN CITY, SEP 22, 2001 (VIS) - Following a trip of six hours and a time zone change of five hours, Pope John Paul arrived in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, at 7:30 p.m. local time where he was greeted by civil and religious authorities.

For the first time, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of state, did not accompany the Holy Father on a trip. Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls released a statement yesterday afternoon saying that "the Holy Father, desirious of constantly following events on the international scene as they develop, has asked Cardinal Sodano, to remain in Rome during his trip to Kazakhstan and Armenia. Cardinal Sodano can thus remain in touch with the leaders of differentcountries and keep them informed of the Pope's thoughts in the current situation."

In an address in Russian at the airport, the Pope highlighted how Kazakhstan is "a multi-ethnic state, heir to numerous centuries-old spiritual and cultural traditions, and now on the move to new social and economic objectives." He greeted civil and military officials, members of the diplomatic corps, Islamic leaders and faithful, as well as the faithful of the Orthodox Church, other Churches and ecclesial communities and Kazakhstan's small but "dedicated and enthusiastic" Catholic populace.

The Pope referred to the nation's ten years of independence, saying that "Kazakhstan wishes to grow in brotherhood, dialogue and understanding; these are the indispensable requisites for building bridges of solidarity and cooperation with other peoples, nations and cultures."

He then referred to Kazakhstan's "bold move in 1991 to close the nuclear facility of Semipalatinsk, subsequently announcing its unilateral rejection of nuclear arms and its adherence to the Pact totally banning atomic experimentation. This decision is based on the conviction that controversies must be resolved not by recourse to arms but by the peaceful means of negotiation and dialogue. I can only encourage this type of commitment, which well corresponds to the fundamental demands of solidarity and peace to which human beings aspire ever more knowingly."

"Today in your country, which is one of the world's largest in area," John Paul II added, "citizens belonging to over a hundred nationalities and ethnic groups live side by side, each guaranteed the same rights and freedoms by your Constitution. This spirit of openness and cooperation is part of your tradition, for Kazakhstan has always been a land where different traditions and cultures come together."

The Pope urged Kazakhs to "see to it that your commitment to your country is always based on the safeguarding of freedom, the inalienable right and profound aspiration of every person. In particular, recognize the right to religious freedom, which enables people to express their most deeply held beliefs."

After the welcoming ceremony, Pope John Paul visited Astana's monument to the victims of the totalitarian regime, where he placed a wreath of flowers and prayed. Dinner at the apostolic nunciature followed this visit.

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