INTERNET: A NEW FORUM FOR PROCLAIMING THE GOSPEL

VATICAN CITY, NOV 6, 2001 (VIS) - Archbishop John P. Foley, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, announced today in a communique that the theme that Pope John Paul has chosen for World Communications Day on May 12, 2002 is "Internet: A New Forum for Proclaiming the Gospel."

The council president added that this particular theme "touches one of the key means of communication developed in recent years and one which is of particular interest to young people."

World Communications Day is the only worldwide celebration called for by Vatican Council II. Suggested in the 1963 conciliar document "Inter Mirifica," this day is celebrated in most countries, as suggested by the world's bishops, on the Sunday before Pentecost. The Pope's Message for this day is traditionally published on the January 24 feast of St. Francis de Sales, patron of writers.

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