HOLY SEE IN CONGRESS AGAINST SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN

VATICAN CITY, DEC 22, 2001 (VIS) - The Second World Congress Against the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children was held in Yokohama, Japan, from December 17 to 20. Below are extracts of the speech given by Janne Haaland Matlary, representative of the Holy See Delegation.

"Sexual exploitation of children is a heinous crime. ... Both trafficking in women and children, sex tourism, and child pornography on the internet have increased enormously since the first conference on the commercial exploitation of children in Stockholm in 1996."

"The combination of poverty and weak family relations often explains why children are involved in 'sex tourism' or become the victims of trafficking. Poverty must and can be combatted through more development aid. Here both international organizations and local communities must have a say. The shameful sex tourism in many developing countries must be combatted on the supply side as well as on the demand side. The poor family in the developing world can and must be helped, and the clients-exploiters can and must be detected and punished effectively through international legal cooperation. Here, promising developments involving extra-territorial legality are important. Both sex tourism and internet child pornography are global phenomena, and must be combatted with truly global political weapons."

"The Holy See will do its part, according to its specific nature and competence, to combat the evil of commercial sexual abuse of children. ... We must look deeply in our own societies, confronting the lack of sound sexual behavior, the dominance of a consumerist culture that sees human beings as objects, and the licentiousness of some media which speculate in violence and sexual perversions."

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MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING: THE PRIVILEGED WAY TO PEACE

VATICAN CITY, DEC 22, 2001 (VIS) - This morning the Holy Father received cardinals, members of the pontifical family and the Roman Curia for the traditional exchange of Christmas greetings. The Holy Father thanked them for their generous assistance to the Apostolic See and spoke of some of the events of the last 12 months.

John Paul II began by recalling, "first of all and with great emotion, the morning of Epiphany" when he signed the Apostolic Letter, "Novo millennio ineunte." Moreover, he said, "the Lord allowed me to complete the 'Jubilee pilgrimage' to the places linked to the history of Salvation:" Athens, Damascus and Malta. During the visit to Kazakhstan in September, "I again invited the followers of all religions to repudiate violence so as to contribute towards making humankind lovers of life and seekers after justice and solidarity." In Armenia, "I was deeply moved by the exquisite courtesy of His Holiness Catholicos Karekin II."

The Pope referred to "the beloved Chinese people ... in the recent commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the arrival in Beijing of Fr. Matteo Ricci, the famous son of the Company of Jesus.

"Without overlooking the difficulties and suffering that at times mark the journey, I here reaffirm my profound conviction that the path of mutual understanding and, where possible, of common prayer is the privileged way to agreement, solidarity and peace."

The Holy Father emphasized the fact that "the shadow of the tragic terrorist attack on New York, of the war in Afghanistan and of the increased tension in the Holy Land has darkened the last months of the year. Faced with this situation, the disciples of Christ, Prince of Peace, are called to constantly proclaim that all forms of terrorist violence dishonor the sanctity of God and the dignity of man, and that religion can never be a reason for bellicose aggression, hate and abuse. I renew my urgent invitation to all men and women of good will to spare no efforts in seeking equitable solutions to the many conflicts that torment the world and in guaranteeing a peaceful present and future for everyone."

After recalling that on January 24 2001, representatives of the world's religions will meet in Assisi, Italy, in order to pray "that difficulties be overcome and authentic peace promoted," he exclaimed: "I thank all those who, in the various regions of the earth, will join in this penitential exercise. The fruit of their sacrifice will serve to alleviate the suffering of so many innocent brothers and sisters, tried by pain!"

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WITH HIS COMING CHRIST DEFEATED THE POWER OF EVIL

VATICAN CITY, DEC 25, 2001 (VIS) - The Pope celebrated midnight Mass in the Vatican Basilica for the solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord.

In his homily the Pope affirmed: "Christmas is an event of light, it is the feast of light: in the Child of Bethlehem the primordial light once more shines in humanity's heaven and dissipates the clouds of sin. The radiance of God's definitive triumph appears on the horizon of history in order to offer a new future of hope to a pilgrim people."

"Our hearts this Christmas," he went on, "are anxious and distressed because of the continuation in various parts of the world of war, social tensions, and the painful hardships which so many people suffer. We are all seeking an answer that will reassure us. ... He brings with Him the answer which can calm our fears and reinvigorate our hope.

"Yes, in this night filled with sacred memories, our trust in the redemptive power of the Word made flesh is confirmed. When darkness and evil seem to prevail, Christ tells us once more: Fear not! By His coming into the world He has vanquished the power of evil, freed us from the slavery of death and brought us back to the banquet of life."

"You," he concluded,"'Wonder-Counsellor', sure promise of peace; You, powerful presence of the 'God-Hero'; You, our one God, who lie poor and humble in the dim light of the stable, welcome us around Your crib. Come, peoples of the earth, open the doors of your history to Him! Come to worship the Son of the Virgin Mary, who descended among us, on this night prepared for down the centuries. Night of joy and peace. 'Venite, adoremus!'"

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DECLARATION REGARDING WAR VICTIM FUNDS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 24, 2001 (VIS) - Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls today made the following declaration:

"The Holy Father, in announcing the day of fasting, prayer and charity of December 14, made it known that the offerings gathered on that occasion would be given, on Christmas Day, to the victims of terrorism and war. He has now entrusted the Pontifical Council 'Cor Unum' (where thus far the sum of 750,000,000 Italian Lire has been collected, while various contributions amounting to 685,000,000 Italian Lire have been made directly to the Secretariat of State) with the task of ensuring that these offerings reach their destination; giving priority to children, the elderly, the sick, the homeless and those most exposed to the dangers of cold and hunger in these winter months.

"His Holiness thanks all those people who generously responded to his appeal and trusts that international solidarity may continue to support people in difficulty even after an emergency has passed. May the celebration of the Nativity of the Lord inspire all believers to make a choral invocation to God for the gift of peace and a renewed commitment to build that peace, every day and in all corners of the earth."

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LEARN TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS FROM THE VIRGIN AND ST. JOSEPH

VATICAN CITY, DEC 23, 2001 (VIS) - At midday today John Paul II appeared at the window of his private study overlooking St. Peter's Square in order to pray the angelus.

The Pope affirmed that "in order to grasp the significance and the gift of grace of the Christmas celebrations that are almost upon us, we must learn from the Virgin and her husband Joseph whom we see in the nativity scene in rapt contemplation of the newborn Messiah."

Today's Gospel text, he emphasized, "highlights the role of Joseph who is described as a 'just' man. ... He is a man open to listening to God in prayer. From the angel he learned that 'that which is conceived (in Mary) is of the Holy Spirit."

"In conclusion," said the Holy Father, "Joseph may be defined as a true man of faith, like his wife Mary. Faith unites justice and prayer, and this is the most appropriate manner in which to meet the Emmanuel, the God-with-us. Belief means living in history while remaining open to God's initiative, to the creative power of His Word that was made flesh in Christ, uniting itself forever to our humanity. May the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph thus help us to celebrate the birth of the Redeemer fruitfully."
After the angelus, the Pope made an appeal for the release of kidnap victims, "especially those who have been kidnapped because of their faith, in particular the Dehonian priest, Fr. Giuseppe Pierantoni, captured in the Philippines more than two months ago."

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, DEC 28, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Cardinal Edmund Casimir Szoka, president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State and for the Governorate of Vatican City State.

On Saturday, December 22, he received in separate audiences:

- Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.
- Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.

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ANGELUS: THE EVANGELICAL HEROISM OF ST. STEPHEN

VATICAN CITY, DEC 26, 2001 (VIS) - At midday today, the feast of St. Stephen protomartyr, John Paul II appeared at the window of his study in order to pray the angelus with pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square.

"The gentle atmosphere of light and joy typical of Christmas," said the Pope, "extends into today's liturgical feast. ... We continue to meditate on the mystery of Christmas and upon the demanding requirements that arise therefrom."

He went on: "The words pronounced by the angels in Bethlehem ... also resound in our own time. They invite us not to fear because the Messiah is born for us. ... His birth constitutes a priceless gift that, if fully understood and accepted, changes peoples lives and renders them capable of the evangelical heroism of saints.

"This message also comes to us from the protomartyr, St. Stephen," concluded John Paul II. "This young deacon was outstanding for his courage and the constancy with which he announced the Gospel to his countrymen and rendered loving service to the poor. His martyrdom reminds us that the Baby Jesus, from the stable where He lay defenseless ... called us to follow him step by step ... to the cross, so as to share with Him the triumphant victory over death."

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"URBI ET ORBI": CHRIST IS OUR PEACE

VATICAN CITY, DEC 25, 2001 (VIS) - At midday today, the Pope appeared at the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica in order to deliver the traditional Christmas message and to impart the "Urbi et Orbi" blessing.

Some extracts of the message are given below:

"'Christus est pax nostra', 'Christ is our peace; he has made the two into one people.' At the dawn of the new millennium, which began with so much hope but is now threatened by dark clouds of violence and war, the words of the Apostle Paul which we listen to this Christmas are a powerful ray of light, a cry of trust and optimism. The Divine Child born in Bethlehem brings in His little hands as a gift the key to peace for mankind. He is the Prince of Peace!"

"Yes, we can repeat with certainty: Today, in the Incarnate Word, peace is born! Peace to be implored, for God alone is its source and guarantee. Peace to be forged in a world in which peoples and nations, burdened with so many and such varied difficulties, hope for a new humanity united not just by economic interests but by the unceasing effort to bring about a society that is more just and supportive."

"In (the newborn Redeemer) we can recognize the face of every little child who is born, of whatever race or nation: the little Palestinian and the little Israeli; the little American and the little Afghan; the child of the Hutu and the child of the Tutsi... whoever the child is, to Christ each one is special. Today my thoughts go to all the children of the world: so many, too many, are the children condemned from birth to suffer through no fault of their own the effects of cruel conflicts. Let us save the children, in order to save the hope of humanity! This is what we are urgently called to do by that Child born in Bethlehem, the God who became man, to give us back the right to hope.

"Let us beg from Christ the gift of peace for all who are suffering as a result of conflicts old and new. Day after day, I bear in my heart the tragic problems of the Holy Land; every day I think with anxiety of all those who are dying of cold and hunger; every day there reaches me the desperate cry of those who, in so many parts of the world, call for a fairer distribution of resources and for gainful employment for all. Let no-one lose hope in the power of God's love! May Christ be the light and support of those who believe and work - sometimes in the face of opposition - for encounter, dialogue and cooperation between cultures and religions. May Christ guide in peace the steps of those who tirelessly devote themselves to the progress of science and technology. May these great gifts of God never be used contrary to the respect and promotion of human dignity! May God's holy name never be used as a justification for hatred! Let it never be used as an excuse for intolerance and violence! May the gentle face of the Child of Bethlehem remind everyone that we all have one Father."

Following the message, the Pope extended Christmas greetings in 60 languages.

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 28, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Msgr. Kevin J. Farrell of the clergy of Washington, U.S.A., vicar general for administration and pastor of the parish of the Annunciation, and Fr. Francisco Gonzalez Valer S.F., episcopal vicar for the pastoral care of Hispanic peoples in Washington, as auxiliaries of the archdiocese of Washington (area 5,447, population 2,419,324, Catholics 515,000, priests 1,092, permanent deacons 229, religious 1,737). Bishop-elect Farrell was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1947 and ordained a priest in 1978. Bishop-elect Gonzalez Valer was born in Arcos de Jalon, Spain, in 1939 and ordained a priest in 1964.

On Thursday, December 27, it was made public that he appointed Bishop Antonio Jose Lopez Castillo of Barinas, Venezuela, as archbishop of Calabozo (area 27,000, population 360,203, Catholics 283,500, priests 18, permanent deacons 3, religious 37), Venezuela. The archbishop-elect was born in San Rafael de Mara, Venezuela, in 1945, ordained a priest in 1970 and consecrated a bishop in 1988. He succeeds Archbishop Helimenas de Jesus Rojo Paredes C.I.M. whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.

On Saturday, December 22, it was made public that he appointed Fr. Gilberto Gomez Gonzalez, rector of the major seminary of Abancay (area 12,950, population 317,000, Catholics 295,000, priests 44, religious 112), Peru, as auxiliary of the same diocese. The bishop-elect was born in Albeos, Spain, in 1952 and ordained a priest in 1975.

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THE POPE'S GREETINGS TO DIFFERENT GROUPS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 21, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father received this morning in the Clementine Hall a group of young people from Catholic Action, the "Alpinisti Trentini" Choir, and the Italian "Friends of the Nativity" Association. He addressed the groups with some brief words.

"I appreciate with pleasure your initiative for peace, called 'Month of peace', which you plan to hold this coming January," the Pope said to the youth of Catholic Action. "It is an invitation to peace which ... acquires the strength of a convincing supplication, because the 'new measure' of the Kingdom of God is also perceived in the 'littleness' of children. The 'Month of peace', proposing your message of peace within the parish, will surely offer to believers the opportunity for further reflection on this precious gift which ... is the fruit and work of justice and love."

The Pope reminded the choir from Trent that "song is a unique way of raising to the Creator a hymn of praise and thanksgiving for the wonders of His love."

Lastly, John Paul II encouraged the Friends of the Nativity to "continue in your commitment to promote the traditional representation of the birth of Christ, in the footsteps of St. Francis."

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POPE EXPRESSES HIS DESIRE TO VISIT BULGARIA SOON

VATICAN CITY, DEC 21, 2001 (VIS) - This morning, the Holy Father received the Letters of Credence of Vladimir Nikolaev Gradev, the new Bulgarian ambassador. The Pope expressed his desire to visit the ambassador's country in the near future.

In his address, the Pope referred to the "decisive impulse" to the Christian faith given by Sts. Cyril and Methodius during the first millennium of our era. "Their example shows us the path we must follow today; the path of dialogue between cultures and peoples, respecting the identity and heritage of each; the path of openness to knowledge and recognition of the other, over and above any form of intolerant nationalism. This is the exemplary way of peace that requires a renunciation of force and of all desire to dominate, in order to work together for the common good. ... It is also a way of justice that requires the reparation of mistakes and of the harm done to our fellows, as well as attentive respect for the rights and duties of all."

"The world today," he went on, "tested once more by confrontations and the blind violence of terrorism, has a great need to listen to the voice of men and women of dialogue and the architects of peace. It is my ardent wish that this happen on January 24 next year when religious leaders from all over the world meet in Assisi to participate in a day of prayer for peace."

John Paul II emphasized that Bulgaria recognizes in Blessed John XXIII, who was apostolic delegate in Sofia, and in the Bulgarian bishop and martyr, Blessed Eugenio Bossilkov, "true servants of the Gospel for the Bulgarian people, and honors the Church's activity in two essential aspects of her mission: the exercise of charity and the defence of religious liberty." On this matter, he expressed the desire that "the new law on religious freedom may allow the Catholic Church and the other recognized religions to exercise their spiritual mission in your country freely and without restrictions, in keeping with the rights and duties laid down by law."

After recalling that every year in May a Bulgarian delegation visits the Bishop of Rome for the feast of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, the Holy Father said: "I sincerely hope that soon I, in my turn, will be able to make a visit to the beloved Bulgarian people."

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IN MEMORIAM

VATICAN CITY, DEC 21, 2001 (VIS) - The following prelates died in recent weeks:

- Archbishop Andre Fernand Anguile, emeritus of Libreville, Gabon, on December 10 at the age of 79.
- Archbishop Antonio Mauro, pontifical administrator emeritus of the patriarchal basilica of St. Paul's Outside-the-Walls, Rome, on December 9 at the age of 87.
- Archbishop Giuseppe Mees, apostolic nuncio, on December 9 at the age of 78.
- Bishop Paul Felix, emeritus of Port Victoria, Seychelles, on November 21 at the age of 66.

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 21, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Sakania-Kipushi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, presented by Bishop Elie Amsini Kisawaya in accordance with Canon 401, para. 2 of the Code of Canon Law.

- Appointed Bishop Jean-Pierre Ricard of Montpellier, France, as metropolitan archbishop of Bordeaux (area 10,000, population 1,283,000, Catholics 962,000, priests 341, permanent deacons 12, religious 693), France. The archbishop-elect was born in Marseille, France, in 1944, ordained a priest in 1968 and consecrated a bishop in 1993.

- Appointed Ismar de Oliveira Soares, president of the International Catholic Union of the Press, UCIP, as a member of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications.

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, DEC 21, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Archbishop Jean-Paul Gobel, apostolic nuncio in Nicaragua.
- Marcello Pera, president of the senate of the Republic of Italy.
- Cardinal Camillo Ruini, his vicar general for the diocese of Rome and president of the Italian Episcopal Conference, with Bishop Francesco Lambiasi of Anagni-Alatri, Italy, and general ecclesiastical assistant of Italian Catholic Action, and Dr. Paola Bignardi, national president of Italian Catholic Action.

This evening, he is scheduled to receive Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, DEC 20, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father received today in separate audiences:

- Archbishop Alfio Rapisarda, apostolic nuncio in Brazil.
- Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins, prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

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AGREEMENT ON EDUCATION BETWEEN HOLY SEE AND SAARLAND

VATICAN CITY, DEC 20, 2001 (VIS) - Yesterday, December 19, at the apostolic nunciature of Berlin, Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, apostolic nuncio in Germany, and Minister-President Peter Muller of Saarland, exchanged the instruments of ratification of the Agreement signed on September 19, 2001 between the Holy See and Saarland, which contains a modification and a supplement to the 1975 Agreement on private schools directed by the Catholic Church.

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SISTER LUCY: SECRET OF FATIMA CONTAINS NO MORE MYSTERIES

VATICAN CITY, DEC 20, 2001 (VIS) - Made public today was a communique regarding a meeting which took place at the convent of Coimbra, Portugal, on November 17, 2001, between Archbishop Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B., secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and Sister Mary Lucy of Jesus and of the Immaculate Heart.

"Over the last few months," says the communique, "and especially following the sad event of the terrorist attack of September 11, articles have appeared in various newspapers regarding presumed new revelations by Sister Lucy, announcements of warning letters to the Pope and apocalyptic re-interpretations of the message of Fatima.

"Moreover, emphasis has been given to the suspicion that the Holy See has not published the integral text of the third part of the 'secret,' and some 'Fatimid' movements have repeated the accusation that the Holy Father has not yet consecrated Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

"For this reason, in order to obtain clarification and information directly from the surviving visionary, it was considered necessary to organize a meeting with Sister Lucy. This took place in the presence of the prioress of the Carmelite convent of St. Teresa and of Fr. Luis Kondor S.V.D., vice-postulator of the causes of Blesseds Francisco and Jacinta; and with the permission of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and of the bishops of Leiria-Fatima and Coimbra."

"The meeting, which lasted more than two hours, took place on the afternoon of Saturday, November 17. Sister Lucy, who will be 95 on March 22 next year, was in good health, lucid and vivacious. She first of all professed her love for and devotion to the Holy Father. She prays much for him and for the Church as a whole."

With reference to the third part of the secret of Fatima, she affirmed that she had attentively read and meditated upon the booklet published by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and confirmed everything that was written there. To whoever imagines that some part of the secret has been hidden, she replied: "Everything has been published; no secret remains." To those who speak and write of new revelations she said: "There is no truth in this. If I had received new revelations I would have told no-one, but I would have communicated them directly to the Holy Father."

Sister Lucy was asked: "What do you say to the persistent affirmations of Fr. Gruner who is gathering signatures in order that the Pope may finally consecrate Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, which has never been done?". She replied: "The Carmelite Community has rejected the forms for gathering the signatures. I have already said that the consecration that Our Lady desired was accomplished in 1984 and was accepted in heaven."

"Is it true," the communique concludes, "that Sister Lucy is extremely worried by recent events and does not sleep but prays night and day?". Sister Lucy replied: "It is not true. How could I pray during the day if I did not rest at night? How many things are attributed to me! How many things I am supposed to have done! Let them read my book, there are the advice and appeals that correspond to Our Lady's wishes. Prayer and penitence, accompanied by an immense faith in God, will save the world."

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DECREES OF THE CONGREGATION FOR THE CAUSES OF SAINTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 20, 2001 (VIS) - This morning in the Clementine Hall, in the presence of the Holy Father, the members of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints and the postulators of the respective causes, thirteen decrees were promulgated. Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins, prefect of the Congregation, read a discourse on the lives of the future blesseds and saints.

The thirteen causes are:

MIRACLES

- Blessed Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer (1902-1975), Spanish, priest and founder of the Priestly Society of the Holy Cross and Opus Dei.
- Blessed Ignazio da Santhia, born Lorenzo Maurizio Belvisotti (1686-1770), Italian, professed priest of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchins.
- Blessed Pio da Pietrelcina, born Francesco Forgione (1887-1968), Italian, professed priest of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchins.
- Blessed Benedetta Cambiagio Frassinello (1791-1858), Italian, foundress of the Congregation of the Benedictine Sisters of Providence.
- Blessed Juan Diego Cuautlatoatzin (c.1474-1548), Mexican, layman, visionary of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Guadalupe.
- Venerable Servant of God Ludovico Pavoni (1784-1849), Italian, priest and founder of the Congregation of the Sons of Mary Immaculate.
- Venerable Servant of God Marco Antonio Durando (1801-1880), Italian, priest of the Congregation of the Missions, founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of Jesus the Nazarene.
- Venerable Servant of God Luigi Variara (1875-1923), Italian, professed priest of the Society of St. Francis de Sales, founder of the Institute of the Sisters Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.
- Venerable Servant of God Maria Cristina dell'Immacolata Concezione, born Adelaide Brando (1856-1906), Italian, foundress of the Congregation of the Atonement Sisters of the Eucharistic Jesus.

HEROIC VIRTUES:

- Servant of God Juan Nepomuceno Zegri Moreno (1831-1905), Spanish, priest of the diocese of Malaga, founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy.
- Servant of God Pietro Legaria Armendariz (1878-1956), Spanish, priest of the diocese of Tudela, founder of the Congregation of the Handmaids of Christ the King.
- Servant of God Bruno Marchesini (1915-1938), Italian, cleric of the archdiocese of Bologna and student of the Major Roman Pontifical Seminary.
- Servant of God Maria Ludovica, born Antonina De Angelis, (1880-1962), Italian, professed religious of the Congregation of the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy.

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 20, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed:

- Archbishop Francisco-Javier Lozano, apostolic nuncio, as a member of the administrative council of the Vatican Television Center.

- Bishop Reinhard Marx, auxiliary of Paderborn, Germany, as bishop of Trier (area 12,870, population 2,368,000, Catholics 1,646,599, priests 1,234, permanent deacons 106, religious 2,471), Germany.

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2001: OVER HALF A MILLION IN GENERAL AUDIENCE ATTENDANCE

VATICAN CITY, DEC 19, 2001 (VIS) - During 2001, over half a million people have participated in the 43 general audiences held on Wednesdays in St. Peter's Square and the Paul VI Hall, according to a communique made public by the Prefecture of the Papal Household.
Today's general audience was the last one of this year. In the span of his 23 year pontificate, John Paul II has met over 16 and a half million people in his Wednesday audiences.

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WE MUST MAKE THE MESSAGE OF PEACE RING OUT LOUDER

VATICAN CITY, DEC 19, 2001 (VIS) - Christmas was the theme of the Holy Father's catechesis during the general audience which was held this morning in the Paul VI Hall.

Invocations to the Savior during this period of Advent, said the Pope, express "believers' ardent desire to see their hopes of peace achieved. For this reason they implore the gift of the birth of the promised Savior. ... Invoking the coming of He who brings peace to the world involves submissively opening oneself to the liberating truth and renovating force of the Gospel."

After recalling last Friday's "special day of fasting and prayer" which was "a high point of Advent, and an occasion to give deep consideration to the causes of war and the reasons for peace," he said: "In the face of the tensions and violence which, unfortunately, even today darken various parts of the world - including the Holy Land which witnessed the mystery of the birth of Jesus - we Christians must proclaim ever louder the message of peace that arose from the stable in Bethlehem.

"We must become converts to peace, we must become converts to Christ, our peace, in the certainty that His disarming love in the manger triumphs over all dark threats and violence. With faith, we must continue to ask the Infant Jesus, born for us of the Virgin Mary, that the prodigious energy of His peace may drive out the hatred and thirst for revenge that dwell in the human soul. We must ask God that evil be defeated by goodness and love."

John Paul II concluded by requesting that the peace of Christ "renew all aspects of our daily lives; fill hearts that they may open to the action of His transforming grace; descend upon families that, gathered before the nativity scene or around the Christmas tree, they strengthen their communion in faith; reign in cities, in nations and in the international community, and spread to every corner of the world."

The Pope then extended greetings to various groups of pilgrims. To a group from Lomas de Zamora, Argentina, he said: "On your return to your country, carry my words of hope and encouragement for this Christmas and New Year. Through the intercession of the Most Holy Virgin of Lujan, I ask the Lord that Argentinians may find, with generosity in these difficult moments, ways of reconciliation and mutual understanding in order to build, with God's help and the collaboration of one and all, a future of peace and prosperity."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 19, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed:

- Bishop Werner Franz Siebenbrock, S.V.D., of Nova Iguacu, as bishop of Governador Valadares (area 15,023, population 500,000, Catholics 415,000, priests 44, religious 45), Brazil.

- Fr. Elizeu de Morais Pimentel, rector and professor of the major seminary of the diocese of Jacarezinho, as coadjutor bishop of Paranavai (area 8,699, population 355,000, Catholics 302,000, priests 35, religious 75), Brazil. The bishop-elect was born in Quatigua, Brazil, in 1952, and ordained to the priesthood in 1982.

- Fr. Airton Jose dos Santos, pastor of the Cathedral of Santo Andre, Brazil, as auxiliary bishop of Santo Andre (area 720, population 2,800,000, Catholics 2,100,000, priests 118, permanent deacons 6, religious 238). The bishop-elect was born in Bom Repouso, Brazil, in 1956, and ordained to the priesthood in 1985.

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PROGRAMME FOR THE DAY OF PRAYER FOR PEACE IN ASSISI

VATICAN CITY, DEC 19, 2001 (VIS) - Made public today was the programme for the Day of Prayer for Peace in the world which will be held in Assisi, Italy, on January 24, 2001. Below is a list of the most important events:

The Holy Father will depart by train from the Vatican City railway station at 8:30 a.m. on January 24 and is due to arrive at the railway station of St. Mary of the Angels in Assisi two hours later. At 11:00 a.m. representatives of the various religions will meet in the Lower Square of St. Francis in Assisi. Following an introductory address by Cardinal Francois Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, there will be testimonials from delegates of the Orthodox Churches, the Anglican Communion, the Churches originated by the Reformation, Hinduism, the traditional African religions, Buddhism, Hebraism and the Islamic world.

At 12:30 p.m., the representatives of the various religions will pray for peace at different locations within Assisi. John Paul II will preside at a prayer of Christians in the Lower Basilica of St. Francis.

At 3:30 p.m. in the Lower Square of St. Francis, following an introductory monition by Cardinal Francis Arinze, president of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, the common commitment to peace will be read in English, Arabic and Italian. The Holy Father will light a lamp of the candelabrum - followed by the representatives of the other religions - and deliver a brief exhortation. Signs of peace will then be exchanged between John Paul II and the representatives of other religions.

After making a private visit to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, John Paul II will return to Vatican City by train where he is expected to arrive at 7:45 p.m.

OP;ASSISI PROGRAMME;...;...;VIS;20011219;Word: 310;

LIGHTING OF CHRISTMAS TREE IN ST. PETER'S SQUARE

VATICAN CITY, DEC 18, 2001 (VIS) - Yesterday afternoon the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony took place in St. Peter's Square. This year's tree was donated by Romania.

Participating in the ceremony were President Ion Iliescu, of Romania, Catholic Bishop Ioan Robu of Bucharest, Orthodox Prelate Vicientu Ploiesteanu, and Cardinal Edmund Casimir Szoka, president of the Governorate of Vatican City State.

The spruce tree, which comes from the woods of Transylvania, measures 25 meters high, 8 meters in diameter, and weighs 5.5 tons. Before the tree lighting, President Iliescu and Cardinal Szoka each made a brief speech, and, in conclusion, a choir sang various Romanian traditional songs. The tree is located next to the Nativity Scene, which is under construction and will be opened on the night of December 24.

After the ceremony, the president of Romania, accompanied by a delegation, attended a Christmas concert given by a children's choir of Radio Romania, in the Basilica of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva.

...;CHRISTMAS TREE;...;ROMANIA;VIS;20011218;Word: 170;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, DEC 17, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Cardinal Jorge Arturo Medina Estevez, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of Sacraments.
- Archbishop Luigi De Magistris, pro-major penitentiary.
- Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo, president of the Pontifical Council for the Family, with Bishop Francisco Gil Hellin and Msgr. Francesco Di Felice, respectively secretary and under-secretary of the same pontifical council.

On Saturday, December 15, he received in separate audiences:

- Arnoldo Aleman Lacayo, president of the Republic of Nicaragua, accompanied by his wife and an entourage.
- Cardinal William Wakefield Baum, major penitentiary emeritus.
- Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.
- Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, with Bishop Marc Ouellet and Msgr. Francesco Eleuterio Fortino, respectively secretary and under-secretary of the same pontifical council.
- Cardinal Jozef Glemp, archbishop of Warsaw and president of the Polish Episcopal Conference.

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 18, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed:

- Bishop Juan Bautista Gavilan Velazquez of Concepcion, as bishop of Coronel Oviedo (area 12,327, population 522,000, Catholics 430,000, priests 36, permanent deacons 2, religious 137), Paraguay.

- Fr. Joseph Anthony Zziwa, of the clergy of the diocese of Kiyinda-Mityana, Uganda, vice-rector and professor of Church History at the National Seminary of Ggaba, as coadjutor bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana (area 11,965, population 677,000, Catholics 316,000, priests 77, religious 129). The bishop-elect was born in Mubende, Uganda, in 1956, and ordained to the priesthood in 1980.

NER; NEC;...;...;GAVILAN; ZZIWA ;VIS;20011218;Word: 90

CULTURE ALSO FORMS THE SPIRITUAL MAKE-UP OF THE CHURCH

VATICAN CITY, DEC 15, 2001 (VIS) - John Paul II today received representatives of the academic senate of the Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University of Warsaw, Poland, who conferred upon him a doctorate "honoris causa."

The Pope affirmed that he received this title "with gratitude ... especially because this year, on the occasion of the hundredth anniversary of (Cardinal Wyszynski's) birth, the memory of this great pastor and statesman is particularly vivid."

The Holy Father noted that the Cardinal's mission as pastor "is usually associated with his work of preparing the Church in Poland to enter the new millennium of Christianity" and with "his firm position" as a statesman in the face of Communist atheism. "Thanks to this position, the Church, in difficult and trying conditions, succeeded in maintaining her due place in national life and in maintaining a just direction in her internal development."

"It is necessary to emphasize the fact, which seems to be rarely given attention, that Cardinal Wyszynski, both as pastor and as statesman, placed great emphasis on the role of culture - in its broadest sense - in forming the spiritual face of the Church and the nation. ... The cultural past, the heritage of creative effort in the thoughts and deeds of generations animated by the spirit of faith rooted in the Gospel, is the foundation of the identity of the Polish nation."

If in Cardinal Wyszynski's time it was necessary to reaffirm the importance of culture for the survival of the nation in the face of totalitarianism, "it seems that today," the Pope affirmed, "it is necessary to go further. We are witnessing the process of the unification of European States and of the globalization of numerous sectors of world life. This cannot be carried out without taking into consideration nations' spiritual and cultural traditions. Therefore, it is necessary to act in order for the process to take place with the positive and creative participation of individuals, and of those sectors responsible for culture and for the conservation and development of the heritage of the centuries."

"You are a symbol of the Europe which you must build together," said the Pope, citing the words he used last week in addressing university students in St. Peter's Basilica. He went on to invite members of the Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University to contribute "to forming the spiritual face not only of Poland but of all of Europe. It is a great task - it could even seem ambitious - but it is a mission to which all European scientific circles built upon Christian tradition are called."

AC;...;...;WYSZYNSKI UNIVERSITY;VIS;20011217;Word: 430;

POPE'S 300TH ROMAN PARISH VISIT

VATICAN CITY, DEC 15, 2001 (VIS) - John Paul II sent a letter to Cardinal Camillo Ruini, his vicar general for the diocese of Rome, for his pastoral visit this Sunday, December 16, to the Roman parish of St. Maria Josefa of the Heart of Jesus. This will be the three hundredth parish community visited by the Holy Father during his pontificate.

The Pope recalled the death of Cardinal Ugo Poletti (Cardinal Ruini's predecessor) who accompanied him, he writes, "in the first part of this pilgrimage" and added that, "for me, visiting Roman parishes has always been a joyful commitment. Spending the morning or afternoon among the faithful, in different areas ... celebrating Mass ... greeting children, young people, pastoral counsellors; reawakening in each person the commitment to a new evangelization has been and still is of great importance to me in progressively drawing nearer to the human, social, and spiritual reality of the diocese - all the more for a pope 'come from a far-away country'. ... Everywhere I have announced the same Gospel and broken the same bread: Christ, Redeemer of man."

...;PARISH VISIT;...;POLETTI; RUINI;VIS;20011217;Word: 190;

ANGELUS: BLESSING OF FIGURINES OF BABY JESUS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 16, 2001 (VIS) - Upon his return from visiting the Roman parish of St. Maria Josefa of the Heart of Jesus, John Paul II appeared at the window of his study in order to pray the angelus with pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square.

After the angelus and in keeping with tradition, the Pope blessed figurines of the Infant Jesus that had been brought to the square by the children of Rome. "I thank you," said the Holy Father, "for your Christmas greetings, and I return them with all my heart, invoking peace and serenity for you and your families."

The Pope went on to offer greetings, in English, to representatives of the United Nations World Food Programme who have completed a global survey on the feeding of children at school. "Hunger," he said, "is a continuing tragedy for millions of people around the world, and the school feeding programme has proved to be a very effective way of fighting it and helping the world's poorest children. I pray that the international community will generously support your work, and upon your efforts I invoke Almighty God's blessings of strength and perseverance."

ANG;BLESSING INFANT JESUS;...;...;VIS;20011217;Word: 200;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 15, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed:

- Msgr. Giovanni d'Aniello, nunciature counsellor in the service of the Holy See, as pontifical representative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, elevating him at the same time to the dignity of archbishop. The archbishop-elect was born in Aversa, Italy, in 1955, and ordained to the priesthood in 1978.

- Bishop Robert William Muench of Covington, U.S.A., as bishop of Baton Rouge (area 14,583, population 809,998, Catholics 217,199, priests 141, permanent deacons 25, religious 175), U.S.A.

NA; NER;...;...;D'ANIELLO; MUENCH;VIS;20011217;Word: 90;

ROMANIANS PRESENT CHRISTMAS TREE TO THE POPE

VATICAN CITY, DEC 17, 2001 (VIS) - This morning the Pope received in private audience Ion Iliescu, president of the Republic of Romania. He then went to the Clementine Hall where he met a group of Romanian pilgrims who had accompanied the president in order to present the Pope with the Christmas tree for St. Peter's Square.

The Pope stated that the presence of the Romanian delegation reminded him of the "days of intense activity" he had passed in Romania on the occasion "of my unforgettable apostolic visit of two years ago. With deep emotion, I recall the meeting with the Patriarch Teoctist and the Romanian Orthodox Church; I also affectionately recall the venerable Cardinal Alexandru Todea and the fervent Catholic community."

"I would like to highlight," he continued, "Romania's active presence, in the year that is now drawing to a close, in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Among the decisions taken with your country's collaboration, I would like to mention those relative to the subject of spiritual values and religious liberty. May God continue to bless the efforts of the Romanian nation, that it may not cease to carry out faithfully its role as 'bridge' between the different cultural and religious traditions of Europe, thus favoring peace and understanding among men."

AC;CHRISTMAS TREE;...;ROMANIA;VIS;20011217;Word: 230;

POPE ATTENDS A SERMON ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF FASTING

VATICAN CITY, DEC 14, 2001 (VIS) - At 9 a.m. today, in the Vatican's "Redemptoris Mater" chapel, the Pope attended the second sermon of Advent, delivered by Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa O.F.M. Cap., preacher of the papal household. In keeping with the Holy Father's wish to dedicate this day to fasting and prayer for peace in the world, the theme of the sermon was: "Return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping and with mourning," taken from a phrase in the Book of Joel.

...;ADVENT SERMON; FASTING;...;CANTALAMESSA;VIS;20011214;Word: 100;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, DEC 14, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father received today in separate audiences:
- Archbishop Pier Luigi Celata, apostolic nuncio in Belgium and Luxembourg.
- Archbishop Ignazio Bedini of Ispahan of the Latins, Iran, on the occasion of his "ad limina" visit.
- Bishop Nechan Karakeheyan of Ispahan of the Armenians, Iran, on the occasion of his "ad limina" visit.

AP; AL;...;...;...;VIS;20011214;Word: 60;

PEACE IN THE HOLY LAND AND THE FUTURE OF CHRISTIANS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 14, 2001 (VIS) - Late yesterday afternoon, Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls released the following declaration on the meeting presided over by the Pope in the Vatican on the theme: "Peace in the Holy Land and the Future of Christians."

Participating in the meeting were Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano and his collaborators, the cardinals responsible for various dicasteries of the Roman Curia, the heads of the different Catholic communities in the Holy Land, the presidents of various episcopal conferences and the pontifical representatives of that region.

Below are some extracts from the declaration:

"Attention was principally given to the presence of Christians in the Holy Land, as well as to the defence and the promotion of their rights, remembering in particular the two Accords undersigned with the Holy See, respectively by the State of Israel in 1993 and by the Palestinian Liberation Organization in 2000.

"The participants reaffirmed the desire of the Church, in the Holy Land and in the entire world, to continue in the commitment to reconciliation and peace, through religious dialogue with her Hebrew and Muslim brothers. A guarantee was given of a similar commitment to continuing the collaboration offered by numerous Catholic organizations of the churches throughout the entire world, which have - for some time and thanks to the generous and untiring work of their members - been bringing trust and hope to those peoples.

"As regards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it was observed that the two peoples directly concerned and their leaders must mobilize their energies in search of new and peaceful paths, which may resolve a conflict which has already lasted too long. At the same time the need was emphasized to respect International Law and the agreements already reached, in order to assist a return to the negotiating table. The involvement of the international community was considered a necessary initiative for helping both groups (Israelis and Palestinians) to renounce hatred and the spirit of vendetta. Peace between the two peoples, in fact, can only come about if the law and fairness are respected regarding certain fundamental questions: the security of the State of Israel, the birth of a State for the Palestinian people, the evacuation of the occupied territories, an internationally-guaranteed special statute for the most sacred parts of Jerusalem, and a fair solution for the Palestinian refugees. All of this must come about in the framework of what is already laid down in the stipulated agreements and in United Nations Resolutions. On this matter, the participants made a ringing appeal to the religious heads of Judaism and Islam for them to collaborate in assisting the Israeli and Palestinian leaders in their efforts for justice, for peace, and against violence.

"Finally, the concern of the entire Christian community was expressed regarding the authorization by the Israeli government for the construction of a mosque in proximity to the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth. The building of a mosque in that place would risk being considered a provocation and is seen as a grave lack of respect for the feelings of Christians and for a place of prayer rich in profound spiritual meaning for their faith.

"The Christians of the entire world ... in spiritual union with (Christians of the Holy Land), send forth an urgent invitation to end the hostilities, to resume negotiations and to make a commitment to restoring the Holy Land's true character as a cross-roads of peace and fraternity."

OP;HOLY LAND; CHRISTIANS;...;NAVARRO-VALLS;VIS;20011214;Word: 590;

THANKS TO CHRISTMAS CONCERT ARTISTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 14, 2001 (VIS) - This morning, John Paul II received the artists who are to perform tomorrow, December 15, in the traditional "Christmas in the Vatican" concert, which will be held in the Paul VI Hall.

"Your wish", said the Pope, "is to call public attention to a need that the Christian communities of the city of Rome feel very deeply: the lack of churches and places of worship, especially in some outlying suburbs.

"Through your performance," he continued, "you seek to raise funds to finance concrete plans for churches and welcome centers. Thanks also to you, the faithful will be able to better express their faith, being able to count upon appropriate places for their prayer and catechism meetings and for other pastoral and social activities."

The Holy Father concluded by requesting that Christmas, "this great Christian celebration, may be the appropriate occasion for everyone to discover and experience how much God loves mankind, each man and woman, all men and women!"

AC;VATICAN CHRISTMAS CONCERT;...;...;VIS;20011214;Word: 170;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 14, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father gave his assent to the canonical election by the Synod of Bishops of the Chaldean Church, meeting in Rome on December 6, of:

- Fr. Rabban Al-Qas of the eparchial clergy of Amadiyah of the Chaldeans (Catholics 2,452, priests 3, religious 4), Iraq, as bishop of the same eparchy. The bishop-elect was born in Komane, Iraq, in 1946 and ordained a priest in 1973.

- Fr. Petros Hanna Issa Al-Harboli of the eparchial clergy of Zakho of the Chaldeans (Catholics 6,548, priests 4), Iraq, as bishop of the same eparchy. The bishop-elect was born in Zakho in 1946 and ordained a priest in 1970.

- Fr. Mikha Pola Maqdassi of the eparchial clergy of Alquoch of the Chaldeans (Catholics 16,500, priests 11, religious 17), Iraq, as bishop of the same eparchy. The bishop-elect was born in Alquoch in 1948 and ordained a priest in 1973.

NER;...;...;AL-QAS; AL-HARBOLI; MAQDASSI;VIS;20011214;Word: 150;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 12, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Appointed Fr. Zeno Hastenteufel, of the clergy of Porto Alegre, professor at the Pontifical Catholic University of the same archdiocese, as bishop of Frederico Westphalen (area 11,473, population 661,000, Catholics 550,000, priests 64, religious 164), Brazil. The bishop-elect was born in Linha Rodrigues da Rosa in 1946, and ordained to the priesthood in 1972. He succeeds Bishop Bruno Maldaner, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese the Holy Father accepted in accordance with the age limit.

- Appointed as auxiliary bishops of Seoul (area 3,768, population 12,358, Catholics 1,299,904, priests 827, religious 2,904), Korea, Fr. Joseph Lee Han-Taek, S.J., president of Sogang University, in Seoul, and Fr. Andrew Yeom Soo-Jung, pastor at Mok-dong in the archdiocese of Seoul. They succeed Auxiliary Bishop Paul Kim Ok-kyun, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese the Holy Father accepted in conformity with the age limit. Bishop-elect Lee Han-Taek, S.J., was born in Ansong in 1934, and ordained to the priesthood in 1971. Bishop-elect Yeom Soo-Jung was born in Ansong in 1943, and ordained to the priesthood in 1970.

- Erected the Apostolic Prefecture of Mongo (area 533,840, population 1,528,136, Catholics 3,796, priests 7, religious 13), Chad, with territory taken from the archdiocese of N'Djamena and the diocese of Sarh. He appointed Fr. Henry Coudray, S.J., episcopal vicar of the eastern sector of N'Djamena, as first apostolic prefect of Mongo.

- Appointed Fr. Fernando Antonio Brochini, C.S.S., provincial of the Sao Jose Brazilian province of the Congregation of the Most Holy Stigmata of Our Lord Jesus Christ, as coadjutor bishop of Jaboticabal (area 5,335, population 449,000, Catholics 404,000, priests 49, permanent deacons 1, religious 84), Brazil. The bishop-elect was born in Rio Claro, in 1946, and ordained to the priesthood in 1973.

- Appointed Fr. Dorick McGowan Wright, vicar general and pastor of the Cathedral of Belize City-Belmopan (area 22,965, population 230,000, Catholics 132,940, priests 43, permanent deacons 1, religious 81), Belize, as auxiliary of the same diocese. The bishop-elect was born in Belize City in 1945, and ordained to the priesthood in 1975.

- Appointed Fr. Donald George Sproxton, of the clergy of the archdiocese of Perth, Australia, pastor of Saint Gerard Majella's Parish in Mirrabooka, as auxiliary of Perth (area 427,377, population 1,383,507, Catholics 380,282, priests 251, permanent deacons 2, religious 861). The bishop-elect was born in Subiaco, Western Australia, in 1953, and ordained to the priesthood in 1977.

NER; RE; NEA; ECE; NA; NEC;...;...;...;VIS;20011212;Word: 390;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 13, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed:

- Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, apostolic nuncio in Georgia and Armenia, as apostolic nuncio in Azerbaijan.

- Msgr. Adolfo Tito Yllana, nunciature counsellor, as apostolic nuncio in Papua New Guinea, at the same time elevating him to the dignity of archbishop. The archbishop-elect was born in Naga City, the Philippines, in 1948, and ordained to the priesthood in 1972.

- Bishop Wilhelm Schraml, auxiliary of Regensburg, as bishop of Passau (area 5,442, population 588,372, Catholics 540,567, priests 458, permanent deacons 11, religious 1,057), Germany.

NN; NER;...;...;GUGEROTTI; YLLANA; SCHRAML ;VIS;20011213;Word: 90;

MEETING ON FUTURE OF CHRISTIANS IN HOLY LAND

VATICAN CITY, DEC 13, 2001 (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican, the Holy Father presided over a meeting on "The Future of Christians in the Holy Land," which seeks, the Pope said, "to reaffirm, once more, the interest and concern with which the Holy See follows the situation in the Holy Land, sharing, through a particular spiritual closeness, the drama of those peoples, for so long tried by acts of violence and discrimination."

"Unfortunately, we find ourselves meeting in a moment which I do not hesitate to call 'dramatic', both for the peoples who live in those dear regions, and for our brethren in the Faith, who seem crushed by the weight of two diverse extremisms which, independently from the reasons that fuel them, are disfiguring the face of the Holy Land."

The Pope recalled that at the beginning of the Jubilee of 2000, the patriarchs and those responsible for the Christian communities of the Holy Land launched a "message of faith, of hope, and of charity," inviting "all of those living in the Holy Land and in the entire world to live in justice and peace. How we would have wished that this message had been promptly heard and carried out!"

"To you, dear brothers in the episcopate in the Holy Land, belongs the important task of continuing to be witnesses of the presence of the love of God in that land and the bearers of His message in milieux of Islamic or Hebrew majority."

John Paul II concluded his discourse affirming that the presence of a representation of various world bishops is "a testimony that, in this your difficult task, you are not alone: the entire Church is with you. The whole Church shares your concerns, supports your daily efforts, is close to the suffering of your faithful, and, through prayer, keeps hope alive."

After the Pope's discourse, Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano affirmed that "our first duty is to cooperate in restoring a climate of peace, between Israelis and Palestinians." The work of peace, he said, "has always been supported, in these sad years, by the entire Church and in particular by the Apostolic See."

The Cardinal recalled that the wounds of the Holy Land are "the fruit of more than 50 years of a painful tension, which dates back to the famous plan initiated by the U.N. in 1947 for the partitioning of Palestine. It is a story of tears and blood, which has always urged the supreme pontiffs ... to an intense activity to help those peoples to find a peaceful solution to their grave problems." Under the direction of this pontifical teaching, he said, "diplomatic action has been thus strengthened ... to propose concrete solutions to the present conflict insisting above all on the necessity of a truce and a resuming of negotiations between the parties, unfortunately brusquely interrupted a year ago."
Following this, the Secretary of State focused upon the theme of the meeting: the future of Christians in the Holy Land. "Statistics tell us," he said, "that (the number of Christians) is not many, due to the continual emigrations to which they are compelled by the difficult conditions of life: ... 117,000 Catholics, in Israel and the Palestinian territories, out of a population of 6,100,000 inhabitants. Beyond this we know that there is a considerable presence of other Christians, especially of the Greek-Orthodox patriarchate. It is true," he continued, that "altogether Christians make up less than 3 percent of the population. ... The majority of Christians are of Palestinian origin and a small number are also of Hebrew origin. ... They live in a characteristic religious context and we must examine how to help them in their dialogue with the Hebrew and Islamic worlds. Many suffer, and therefore we must consider how to concretely assist them."

"The Holy See," he concluded, "has kept their situation well in mind in the two noted agreements which were signed, respectively, with the State of Israel in 1993, and with the Palestinian Authority in 2000. ... Together we will seek to bring our contribution of solidarity to our brethren in the Holy Land, and in particular to those so tried in Jerusalem. May they know that they are not alone!"

Various discourses are scheduled throughout the day-long meeting. His Beatitude Michel Sabbah, patriarch of Jerusalem of the Latins, will speak on "The situation of Christians in the Holy Land since September 28, 2000" (the start of the second Intifada). Cardinal Francis Arinze, president of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, will address "Dialogue between Islam and Christianity since September 11, 2001." Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, secretary for Relations with States, will discuss "The peace process and the status of the City of Jerusalem."

Cardinal Francois-Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace will then focus upon "The question of refugees," while, in conclusion, His Beatitude Cardinal Ignace Moussa I Daoud, prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, will speak on "The specific contribution of the Catholic Church."

AC;CHRISTIANS; HOLY LAND;...;...;VIS;20011213;Word: 840;

POPE CELEBRATES ANNUAL MASS FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 12, 2001 (VIS) - Pope John Paul presided at a Eucharistic celebration last evening in St. Peter's Basilica for the rectors, teachers and students of various Roman, Italian and European universities. Choirs from 16 nations, including one from the United States, sang at the papal Mass, which is an annual event.

The Pope urged the young people "to go forth, filled with trust, and meet Jesus, because in Him you will be free and safe, even when the paths of life become threatening and insidious. Have trust in Him. ... Shout out, young university students, with the witness of your faith! Do not be content with a mediocre life, without an ideal impetus, aiming only at pursuing immediate personal advantage."

"Europe needs a new intellectual vitality," noted the Holy Father, "a vitality that proposes projects of austere life, capable of commitment and sacrifice, simple in their legitimate aspirations. straightforward in their realization, transparent in their behavior. We need a new boldness of thought, free and creative, ready to accept, in the perspective of faith, the questions and challenges that arise from life, to make the final truths about man emerge with clarity."

The Pope then quoted Isaiah: "'All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flowers of the field'. The liturgy of Advent aims our glance towards the eternal truths that illuminate with wise realism the events of daily life. In this light, the words of the prophet ring out as an invitation not to give in to the illusions of a progress that is not in conformity with the divine plan. In fact, no matter how amazing is modern scientific and technological development, and no matter how promising the future of mankind appears, it brings with it, however, terrifying shadows of destruction and death. It is necessary to respect the impassable limits that moral references pose. When man loses the sense of limits and raises himself up as legislator of the universe, he forgets that he is like grass and the flowers of the field, whose life is brief."

"May scholars and scientists," the Pope concluded, "always be aware of the high mission that Providence has entrusted to them. You too, brothers and sisters, must cooperate in this exalted mission."

HML;MASS STUDENTS;...;...;VIS;20011212;Word: 380;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, DEC 12, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father received in separate audiences today:

- Cardinal Camillo Ruini, vicar for the diocese of Rome and president of the Italian Episcopal Conference, Archbishop Cesare Nosiglia, vice-gerent of Rome, and Fr. Angelo De Caro, S.M.M., pastor of Santa Maria Josefa of the Heart of Jesus parish, and a parish assistant.
- Archbishop Peter Paul Prabhu, apostolic nuncio in Zimbabwe.

AC;...;...;...;VIS;20011212;Word: 70;

GENERAL AUDIENCE: GOD IS NEAR TO HIS PEOPLE

VATICAN CITY, DEC 12, 2001 (VIS) - The theme of John Paul II's catechesis at this morning's general audience, held in the Paul VI Hall, was the Canticle of the Prophet Daniel: "Every creature praise the Lord."

The Pope explained that the canticle is sung by the three young Hebrews thrown into the fiery furnace for refusal to worship a statue of the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar. "From the furnace the three young men, miraculously preserved from the flames, sing a hymn of blessing to the Lord."

"The object of praise, of our Psalm, is above all the 'glorious and holy' name of God, the proclamation of which resounds in the temple, which is also 'gloriously holy'. The priests and the people, while contemplating God in faith ... notice the glance upon them which 'penetrates the depths' and this knowledge brings forth praise from their hearts: 'Blessed ... blessed'. God, who 'sittest upon cherubim' and has as His habitation the 'firmament of heaven', is nevertheless near to His people, who thus feel protected and safe."

John Paul II affirmed that "In singing this canticle the believing Christian is invited therefore to contemplate the world of the first creation, perceiving there the outline of the second, inaugurated with the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus."

Greeting the pilgrims present, the Pope welcomed the participants of the Conference on International Bilateral Legal Relations between the Holy See and the States, promoted by the Slovak Foreign Ministry, the Slovak Embassy, and the Pontifical Oriental Institute.

After recalling that today is the Solemnity of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of Mexico and Queen of America, the Holy Father personally inaugurated the official website of the Basilica dedicated to her (www.virgenguadalupe.org.mx), saying, "this new form of communication makes visible on a greater scale her consoling protection, especially for the poorest and most marginalized. May the spreading of the Guadalupan Indian image stimulate fraternity among races, increase dialogue between cultures, and be the promoter of peace."

AG;CANTICLE DANIEL;...;...;VIS;20011212;Word: 340;

2002 PEACE MESSAGE: PEACE, JUSTICE AND FORGIVENESS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 11, 2001 (VIS) - Signed and dated December 8, solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, Pope John Paul's Message for the celebration of the World Day of Peace on January 1, 2002 was published today. Following are excerpts:

"1. The World Day of Peace this year is being celebrated in the shadow of the dramatic events of 11 September last. On that day, a terrible crime was committed: in a few brief hours thousands of innocent people of many ethnic backgrounds were slaughtered. Since then, people throughout the world have felt a profound personal vulnerability and a new fear for the future. Addressing this state of mind, the Church testifies to her hope, based on the conviction that evil, the 'mysterium iniquitatis', does not have the final word in human affairs."

"This is the hope which sustains the Church at the beginning of 2002: that, by the grace of God, a world in which the power of evil seems once again to have taken the upper hand will in fact be transformed into a world in which the noblest aspirations of the human heart will triumph, a world in which true peace will prevail."
"Peace: the work of justice and love

"2. Recent events, including the terrible killings just mentioned, move me to return to a theme which often stirs in the depths of my heart when I remember the events of history which have marked my life, especially my youth.

"The enormous suffering of peoples and individuals, even among my own friends and acquaintances, caused by Nazi and Communist totalitarianism, has never been far from my thoughts and prayers. I have often paused to reflect on the persistent question: how do we restore the moral and social order subjected to such horrific violence? ... The pillars of true peace are justice and that form of love which is forgiveness.

"3. But in the present circumstances, how can we speak of justice and forgiveness as the source and condition of peace? We can and we must, no matter how difficult this may be. ... Forgiveness is the opposite of resentment and revenge, not of justice. In fact, true peace is 'the work of justice' (Is 32:17).

"True peace therefore is the fruit of justice, that moral virtue and legal guarantee which ensures full respect for rights and responsibilities, and the just distribution of benefits and burdens. But because human justice is always fragile and imperfect, subject as it is to the limitations and egoism of individuals and groups, it must include and, as it were, be completed by the forgiveness which heals and rebuilds troubled human relations from their foundations. This is true in circumstances great and small, at the personal level or on a wider, even international scale. Forgiveness is in no way opposed to justice, as if to forgive meant to overlook the need to right the wrong done. It is rather the fullness of justice. ... Justice and forgiveness are both essential to such healing.

"It is these two dimensions of peace that I wish to explore in this message."

"The reality of terrorism

"4. It is precisely peace born of justice and forgiveness that is under assault today by international terrorism. In recent years, especially since the end of the Cold War, terrorism has developed into a sophisticated network of political, economic and technical collusion which goes beyond national borders to embrace the whole world."

"When terrorist organizations use their own followers as weapons to be launched against defenceless and unsuspecting people they show clearly the death-wish that feeds them. Terrorism springs from hatred, and it generates isolation, mistrust and closure. ... Terrorism is built on contempt for human life. For this reason, not only does it commit intolerable crimes, but because it resorts to terror as a political and military means it is itself a true crime against humanity.

"5. There exists therefore a right to defend oneself against terrorism, a right which, as always, must be exercised with respect for moral and legal limits in the choice of ends and means. The guilty must be correctly identified, since criminal culpability is always personal and cannot be extended to the nation, ethnic group or religion to which the terrorists may belong. International cooperation in the fight against terrorist activities must also include a courageous and resolute political, diplomatic and economic commitment to relieving situations of oppression and marginalization which facilitate the designs of terrorists."

"Still, it must be firmly stated that the injustices existing in the world can never be used to excuse acts of terrorism."

"You shall not kill in God's name!

"6. Those who kill by acts of terrorism actually despair of humanity, of life, of the future. In their view, everything is to be hated and destroyed. Terrorists hold that the truth in which they believe or the suffering that they have undergone are so absolute that their reaction in destroying even innocent lives is justified. Terrorism is often the outcome of that fanatic fundamentalism which springs from the conviction that one's own vision of the truth must be forced upon everyone else. ... To try to impose on others by violent means what we consider to be the truth is an offence against human dignity, and ultimately an offence against God whose image that person bears. For this reason, what is usually referred to as fundamentalism is an attitude radically opposed to belief in God. Terrorism exploits not just people, it exploits God: it ends by making Him an idol to be used for one's own purposes.

"7. Consequently, no religious leader can condone terrorism, and much less preach it. It is a profanation of religion to declare oneself a terrorist in the name of God, to do violence to others in His name."

"Following the teaching and example of Jesus, Christians hold that to show mercy is to live out the truth of our lives. ... The followers of Christ, baptized into his redeeming Death and Resurrection, must always be men and women of mercy and forgiveness.

"The need for forgiveness

"8. But what does forgiveness actually mean? And why should we forgive?

"Forgiveness is above all a personal choice, a decision of the heart to go against the natural instinct to pay back evil with evil. The measure of such a decision is the love of God who draws us to himself in spite of our sin."

"Forgiveness therefore has a divine source and criterion. This does not mean that its significance cannot also be grasped in the light of human reasoning. ... All human beings cherish the hope of being able to start all over again, and not remain for ever shut up in their own mistakes and guilt."
"9. Forgiveness therefore, as a fully human act, is above all a personal initiative. But individuals are essentially social beings. ... Consequently, society too is absolutely in need of forgiveness. ... The ability to forgive lies at the very basis of the idea of a future society marked by justice and solidarity. By contrast, the failure to forgive, especially when it serves to prolong conflict, is extremely costly in terms of human development. Resources are used for weapons rather than for development, peace and justice."

"Forgiveness, the high road

"10. Forgiveness is ... in many ways ... a paradoxical message. Forgiveness in fact always involves an apparent short-term loss for a real long-term gain. Violence is the exact opposite; opting as it does for an apparent short-term gain, it involves a real and permanent loss. Forgiveness may seem like weakness, but it demands great spiritual strength and moral courage, both in granting it and in accepting it."

"My ministry at the service of the Gospel obliges me, and at the same time gives me the strength, to insist upon the necessity of forgiveness. I do so again today in the hope of stirring serious and mature thinking on this theme, with a view to a far-reaching resurgence of the human spirit in individual hearts and in relations between the peoples of the world.

"11. Reflecting on forgiveness, our minds turn naturally to certain situations of conflict which endlessly feed deep and divisive hatreds and a seemingly unstoppable sequence of personal and collective tragedies. I refer especially to what is happening in the Holy Land, that blessed place of God's encounter with man, where Jesus, the Prince of Peace, lived, died and rose from the dead.

"The present troubled international situation prompts a more intense call to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict, which has now been going on for more than fifty years. ... The rights and demands of each party can be taken into proper account and balanced in an equitable way, if and when there is a will to let justice and reconciliation prevail."

"Interreligious understanding and cooperation

"12. In this whole effort, religious leaders have a weighty responsibility. The various Christian confessions, as well as the world's great religions, need to work together to eliminate the social and cultural causes of terrorism. They can do this by teaching the greatness and dignity of the human person, and by spreading a clearer sense of the oneness of the human family."

"In particular, I am convinced that Jewish, Christian and Islamic religious leaders must now take the lead in publicly condemning terrorism and in denying terrorists any form of religious or moral legitimacy."

"13. In undertaking such a commitment, the various religions cannot but pursue the path of forgiveness, which opens the way to mutual understanding, respect and trust."

"Prayer for peace

"14. Precisely for this reason, prayer for peace is not an afterthought to the work of peace. It is of the very essence of building the peace of order, justice, and freedom. To pray for peace is to open the human heart to the inroads of God's power to renew all things. ... To pray for peace is to pray for justice. ... It is to pray for freedom, especially for the religious freedom that is a basic human and civil right of every individual. To pray for peace is to seek God's forgiveness.

"For all these reasons I have invited representatives of the world's religions to come to Assisi, the town of Saint Francis, on 24 January 2002, to pray for peace."

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WAY TO WORLD PEACE IS THROUGH JUSTICE AND FORGIVENESS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 11, 2001 (VIS) - This morning in the Holy See Press Office, Cardinal Francois-Xavier Van Thuan, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, presented John Paul II's Message for the 34th World Day of Peace, January 1, 2002 on the theme: "There is No Peace Without Justice, There is No Justice Without Forgiveness."

Accompanying Cardinal Thuan were Bishop Giampaolo Crepaldi, Msgr. Frank J. Dewane, and Giorgio Filibeck, respectively secretary, under-secretary, and official of the same pontifical council.

"From the beginning of his Message," said the council president, "the Holy Father has wished to emphasize the element of hope: the shadows of evil are never sufficient to obscure the light of divine providence, on the contrary they enhance it and therefore the Church looks with unshakable faith toward the new year of 2002, despite the 'terrible killings' of September 11.
"John Paul II was moved to personal testimony, recalling the 'inhuman sufferings' caused by the totalitarianisms of the past century and expressing his deep conviction that the way to restore order in the world" is through "justice and peace."

The Message, continued the cardinal, addresses the theme of terrorism, noting that "'terrorism is built on contempt for human life' and constitutes 'a true crime against humanity'. For this reason there exists a 'right to defend oneself against terrorism', a right which 'must be exercised with respect for moral and legal limits in the choice of ends and means'."

John Paul II referred to terrorism as 'often the outcome of a fanatic fundamentalism', adding that 'what is usually referred to as fundamentalism is an attitude radically opposed to belief in God. ... Consequently, no religious leader can condone terrorism, and much less preach it'."

The Pope, affirmed Cardinal Van Thuan, speaks of the need for forgiveness, which "not only has a personal value, but also a social dimension."

Following this, the Pope invites the leaders of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam to publicly condemn terrorism "denying terrorists any form of religious or moral legitimacy."

After recalling that this January 24 the World Day of Prayer for Peace will be celebrated in Assisi, Italy, John Paul II concluded his Message with thoughts for "the victims of terrorism, their families, the peoples wounded by terrorism and war, and finally for the terrorists themselves," in order that they abandon "'every plan of violence and seek forgiveness'."

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A JUST AND LASTING PEACE FOR THE MIDDLE EAST

VATICAN CITY, DEC 11, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father received this morning the pastors of the Chaldean Church in Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, Turkey and the United States, accompanied by their Patriarch, His Beatitude Raphael I Bidawid, upon the conclusion of their "ad limina" visit.

Speaking to them in French, John Paul II made an appeal to the leaders of nations "to work for the establishment of a just and lasting peace in (the Middle East) region of the world and for a stop to all attacks on the security of persons amd the good of peoples."

The Pope underscored that the bishop is "the servant of unity when he applies himself to supporting priests, his collaborators" and "when, with his brother bishops of the same region or the same rite, or different rites, he strives to develop collaborations and to discern the signs of the times."

"I ask you," he continued, "to be especially attentive to the structures of communion within your patriarchal Church. ... In the name of the Lord, I exhort you to overcome every partisan spirit to join together ever more strongly your forces. May all this take place in fraternal frankness so that you may ceaselessly seek the Lord's will and that personal interest never obscure the pastoral service with which you are entrusted."

John Paul II concluded by referring to "the pastoral urgency of your faithful in the diaspora." He stressed "the serious difficulty of the phenomenon of emigration" which is "even more accented by the economic sanctions against Iraq. You can only face this drama collegially, in the conviction that the future of the Chaldean Church is also played out in the diaspora."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 11, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Appointed Fr. Jean-Christophe Lagleize, vice-director of the "Centro Nazionale di Insegnamento Religioso," as bishop of Valence (area 6,522, population 436,500, Catholics 381,000, priests 161, religious 270, permanent deacons 19), France. The bishop-elect was born in Soisy-sous-Montmorency, in 1954, and ordained to the priesthood in 1981. He succeeds Bishop Didier-Leon Marchand, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese the Holy Father accepted, in accordance with the age limit.

- Appointed Archbishop Edmond Farhat, apostolic nuncio in Slovenia and the Republic of Macedonia, as apostolic nuncio in Turkey and Turkmenistan.

- Appointed Archbishop Marian Oles, apostolic nuncio in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, as apostolic nuncio in Slovenia and the Republic of Macedonia.

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DECLARATION ON SCHEDULED PERES VISIT

VATICAN CITY, DEC 11, 2001 (VIS) - The following declaration was made early this afternoon by Holy See Press Office Director, Joaquin Navarro-Valls, concerning a visit to the Vatican that was scheduled for today by Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres:

"1. With short notice, and through the Israeli Embassy to the Holy See, an audience was requested with the Holy Father, the Cardinal Secretary of State (Angelo Sodano), and Archbishop Tauran (secretary for Relations with States), for Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres, for Tuesday, December 11, between 12 and 12:30 p.m.

"2. Due to previous commitments and the short notice given, it was impossible for the Holy Father to receive the distinguished guest.

"3. His Holiness arranged for both the Cardinal Secretary of State and Archbishop Tauran to receive Minister Peres in his name. The audience was therefore scheduled for (today) Tuesday, December 11, at 12:30 p.m.

"4. At 9:30 this morning, Israeli Ambassador Yosef Neville Lamdan telephoned to say that, unfortunately, the Minister could not come to the Vatican at the established time due to commitments with the Italian authorities."

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IMMACULATE CONCEPTION: ANGELUS AND HOMAGE TO MARY

VATICAN CITY, DEC 8, 2001 (VIS) - At midday today, solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, John Paul II appeared at the window of his study which overlooks St. Peter's Square, in order to pray the angelus.

The Pope affirmed that the Blessed Virgin "invites us not to let our gaze linger upon her but to go deeper and penetrate the mystery in which she was conceived; in other words the mystery of the One Triune God, full of grace and faith."

After recalling that during the afternoon he would visit Rome's Piazza di Spagna for the traditional homage to the Virgin, he said, "to her I will again entrust the Church and humanity, at this uneasy moment in history."

In the afternoon the Pope travelled by popemobile to Piazza di Spagna where, on arrival, he blessed a basket containing 300 roses which was placed at the base of the column to Mary Immaculate. The monument, which is being restored, is covered by sheeting upon which is an image of the column and of the statue of the Blessed Virgin.

Addressing the Virgin, the Pope said: "We ask you to present our prayer to He who clothed you in grace and delivered you from any shadow of sin. Dark clouds gather on the horizon of the world. Humanity, which greeted the dawn of the third millennium with hope, now feels threatened by new and distressing conflicts. World peace is at risk. For this reason we turn to you, Mary Immaculate, to ask that as a strong and understanding Mother you ensure that souls, freed from hatred, may open to mutual forgiveness, to constructive solidarity and to peace."

In recalling the missionary mandate that he entrusted to the Church of Rome for the occasion of the Great Jubilee, John Paul II requested that "the mission become the daily witness of each believer, each in their own life circumstances. By this means, may the Christian face of Rome be renewed so that everyone may clearly see that faithfulness to Christ changes personal life and molds a peaceful future, a better tomorrow for everyone."

At the close of his homage, a unit of 75 sailors from the Spanish Navy frigate "Santa Maria" sang the "Salve Marinera" for peace in the world.

The Holy Father then travelled from Piazza di Spagna to the Basilica of St. Mary Major where he blessed the new Holy Door and prayed before the image of the Mother of God "Salus Populi Romani."

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THE POPE'S WORDS AT THE CLOSE OF KILAR'S "MISSA PRO PACE"

VATICAN CITY, DEC 7, 2001 (VIS) - At the close of the concert held this evening in the Paul VI Hall, during which the National Philharmonic of Warsaw played Wojciech Kilar's "Missa pro Pace", John Paul II made an address to those present.

"This artistic event with its deep religious significance has helped us to think and pray for peace. The twentieth century, though marked like perhaps no other by wars and bloodshed, closed with so many hopes for justice and peace. Alas, the tragic events of September 11 abruptly swept those hopes away. Yet we must not lose heart. Peace is a gift of God and, at the same time, the fruit of the daily efforts of men and women of good will. Through the universal language of music and song, the invitation has rung out from the Paul VI Hall for everyone to be builders of hope and peace. Let us take up this heartfelt exhortation. May the life of each believer be an echo of that love that defeats violence and marks the beginning of 'a new heaven and a new earth'."

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ANGELUS: INCREASED UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 9, 2001 (VIS) - John Paul II prayed the Angelus at noon today with the many faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square.

Before the recitation of the Marian prayer, the Pope recalled the upcoming day of fasting and prayer for peace on December 14. "This initiative," the Pope said, "has met with approval also from the faithful of other religions, in particular Hebrews and Muslims, as well as many people of good will." He then emphasized that in the current complex international situation "humanity is called to mobilize its best energies, in order that love prevail over hatred, and peace over war."

"Fasting," the Holy Father explained, "expresses sorrow for a serious misfortune, but also the desire to assume responsibility for it in some way, confessing our sins and committing ourselves to convert our hearts and actions to greater justice towards God and neighbor. ... Fasting allows us then to share our daily bread with those who lack it, beyond any pietism or false charity."

"The date of December 14 also coincides with the end of Ramadan, during which the followers of Islam express with fasting their submission to the One God. It is my heartfelt desire that the shared action of religious penance cause reciprocal understanding to increase between Christians and Muslims, called more than ever, in the current time, to together become the architects of justice and peace."

After reciting the Angelus, the Pope recalled that in the upcoming days, the representatives of 140 ratifying States will meet in Geneva to reaffirm the Convention of 1951 regarding the status of refugees, and the Protocol of 1967. "I hope that all nations implement legal protection for the unfortunately great number of individuals forced to flee their own countries, as well as for the so called 'internal refugees'. May shared commitment bring an end to the grave violations of human rights, which are at the origin of these forced movements."

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MESSAGE TO YOUTH OF ITALIAN CATHOLIC ACTION

VATICAN CITY, DEC 10, 2001 (VIS) - Made public today was a message from the Holy Father to young people of Italian Catholic Action who took part in a conference in Rome from December 7 to 9.

In the message, which is dated December 8, the Pope tells the young people: "Have no hesitation (in following Christ) in a school of sanctity, one renewed by the spirituality and ecclesial commitment specific to Catholic Action."

"Today I would like to reiterate the invitation I made at Tor Vergata: You are and must ever more be the morning guards of the dawn of the new millennium. Even though at the beginning of this century - overshadowed unfortunately by terrorism, fear and war - the invitation may seem to require too great a commitment, it nonetheless remains valid. Today more than ever, in order to be the morning guards of the new millennium, you must be saints!"

John Paul II calls on the young people to have ever more love for "the word of Christ. Know how to listen to, understand, deepen, love and, above all, live (that word). Let yourselves be guided in this by the true masters of faith."

"Christ will take you wherever there is pain to be alleviated, solidarity to be expressed, joy to be celebrated; in the fatigue of study and work, in the enjoyment of leisure time, in family life and in the overly-long wait for a future that often comes about only with difficulty."

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, DEC 10, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father received today in separate audiences:

- His Beatitude Raphael I Bidawid, patriarch of Babylonia of the Chaldeans, Iraq, with Auxiliary Bishop Shlemon Warduni, on the occasion of their "ad limina" visit.
- Bishop Youssef Ibrahim Sarraf of Le Caire of the Chaldeans, Egypt, apostolic visitor for the Chaldeans in Europe, on the occasion of his "ad limina" visit.
- Bishop Michel Kassarji of Beirut of the Chaldeans, Lebanon, on the occasion of his "ad limina" visit.
- Fr. Abbot Yousif Ibrahim, O.A.C., patriarchal administrator of Sulaimaniya of the Chaldeans, Iraq, on the occasion of his "ad limina" visit.
- Archbishop Giovanni Angelo Becciu, apostolic nuncio in Angola, and in Sao Tome and Principe, accompanied by family members.

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MEETING ON THE FUTURE OF CHRISTIANS IN THE HOLY LAND

VATICAN CITY, DEC 10, 2001 (VIS) - Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls today made the following declaration regarding the meeting to be held in the Vatican on December 13 on "the future of Christians in the Holy Land" which the Pope "considered it appropriate to organize, given the delicate situation" in the region:

"By this initiative, which is of a pastoral nature, the Supreme Pontiff wishes to highlight once again his spiritual closeness to those peoples and to share the drama of their daily lives, too often tested by acts of violence and discrimination.

Apart from the cardinal secretary of State and his collaborators, the meeting will be attended by leaders of the different rites within the Catholic community in Jerusalem, a number of cardinals of the Roman Curia, pontifical representatives in Jordan and Israel, and representatives from certain national and international episcopal conferences that have always followed the unfolding events in the Holy Land with particular interest. The meeting will provide an opportunity to bear witness to the Church's solicitude for Christians in the Holy Land, especially for the Catholic community, as well as to demonstrate a common commitment to the continuity of (the Church's) millenary presence in that region and to offer a specific contribution towards justice and reconciliation between all those whose faith has its roots there."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 10, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Melaka-Johor, Malaysia, presented by Bishop James Chan Soon Cheong, upon having reached the age limit.

On Sunday, December 9, it was made public that the Holy Father accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Alleppey, India, presented by Bishop Peter M. Chenaparampil, in accordance with Canon 401, para. 2, of the Code of Canon Law. He is succeeded by Bishop Stephen Athipozhiyil, coadjutor of the same diocese.

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POPE JOHN PAUL'S CALENDAR FROM DECEMBER TO JANUARY

VATICAN CITY, DEC 7, 2001 (VIS) - The Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff has made public the calendar of celebrations over which the Holy Father will preside from December 8, 2001 to January 24, 2002:

DECEMBER

- Saturday 8, Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception: Homage to Mary Immaculate, at 4 p.m., in Piazza di Spagna. Veneration of the Mother of God "Salus Populi Romani" at 4:30 p.m., in St. Mary Major Basilica.

- Tuesday, 11: Mass for the students of the Roman Universities, at 5:30 p.m., in St. Peter's Basilica.

- Sunday 16, Third Sunday of Advent: Pastoral visit and Mass at the Roman parish of St. Maria Josefa of the Heart of Jesus, at 9:30 a.m.

- Monday 24, Christmas Eve: Midnight Mass, 12 p.m., in St. Peter's Basilica.

- Tuesday 25, Christmas: "Urbi et Orbi" Blessing, central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, at 12 noon.

- Monday 31: Vespers and "Te Deum" of Thanksgiving, at 6 p.m., in St. Peter's Basilica.

JANUARY

- Tuesday 1, Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, 35th World Day of Peace: Mass, at 10 a.m., in St. Peter's Basilica.

- Sunday 6, Epiphany of the Lord: Episcopal Ordinations, at 9 a.m., in the Papal Chapel of St. Peter's Basilica.

- Sunday 13, Epiphany, Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Mass and children's baptisms, at 10 a.m., in the Sistine Chapel.

- Thursday 24: Day of Prayer for Peace in the World, at 11 a.m., in Assisi.

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TURKEY: DIALOGUE BETWEEN ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY

VATICAN CITY, DEC 7, 2001 (VIS) - John Paul II today received the Letters of Credence of Filiz Dincmen, the new Turkish ambassador to the Holy See.

Speaking English in his address, the Pope said that after a millennium of not always untroubled relations between Turkey and the Holy See, "the twentieth century saw fresh attempts to build a constructive relationship, based upon trust and respect."

"Recent events make it clear that such cooperation is all the more necessary when new conflicts, of which there are not a few in your region, are added to older ones. At a time when there is a risk of increasing tension between different cultural and religious traditions, your country has a particular role to play."

The Holy Father stressed that "when the cause of peace must be served by promoting dialogue between the religious cultures of the world, in particular between Islam and Christianity, the international community looks hopefully to your nation."

The Pope recalled that certain rights "are universal because they are rooted in the nature of the human person rather than in the particularities of any culture," and said that one of these rights "is religious freedom, which includes but goes beyond freedom to worship as one chooses; for religion cannot be relegated to the purely private realm. In a secular state which is open to the transcendent, religious freedom also includes the right to bring personal values to bear upon public life, in the belief that these values contribute to the common effort to build a society genuinely open to every dimension of the human person.

"In Turkey," he affirmed, "Catholics are a small minority. ... They are confident that in their homeland they will continue to find respect for minorities. ... This too is a point where Turkey can serve as a bridge, by making clear that justifiable concerns for national unity are not in conflict with respect for the rights of individuals and minorities. On the contrary, it is this respect, sanctioned by law, which is the surest guarantee of a nation's cohesion and security."

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POPE TO PARTICIPATE IN ADVENT SERMONS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 7, 2001 (VIS) - This morning John Paul II and several prelates of the Roman Curia took part in the first of the three sermons of the Fridays of Advent in the "Redemptoris Mater" chapel, in the Vatican. The theme of the Advent meditations, led by Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, O.F.M.Cap., preacher of the Papal Household, is "You also must be ready."

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IN MEMORIAM

VATICAN CITY, DEC 7, 2001 (VIS) - The following prelates died in recent weeks:

- Archbishop Lajos Kada, apostolic nuncio, on November 26 at the age of 77.
- Bishop Luigi Scuppa of Fabriano-Matelica, Italy, on November 26 at the age of 74.

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 7, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Erected the apostolic prefecture of Quetta (area 347,000, population 5,000,000, Catholics 27,000, priests 8, religious 12), Pakistan, with territory taken from the archdiocese of Karachi and the diocese of Hyderabad. He appointed Fr. Victor Gnanapragasam O.M.I., superior of the O.M.I. delegation in Pakistan, as the first apostolic prefect of the new prefecture.

- Appointed Msgr. Claudio Gugerotti, under-secretary of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, as apostolic nuncio in Georgia and Armenia, at the same time elevating him to the dignity of archbishop. The archbishop-elect was born in Verona, Italy, in 1955 and ordained a priest in 1982.

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