JOHN PAUL II CLOSES THE SYNOD OF BISHOPS

VATICAN CITY, OCT 27, 2001 (VIS) - At 10:30 this morning, in St. Peter's Basilica, the Holy Father presided over the solemn concelebration of the Eucharist on the occasion of the conclusion of the 10th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, which began September 30 on the theme: "The Bishop: Servant of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the Hope of the World." Concelebrating with the Pope were 55 cardinals, 7 patriarchs, 70 archbishops, 106 bishops and 30 priests, including 5 auditors and 15 assistants.

In his homily, John Paul II affirmed that "At the dawn of the third millennium, the ideal figure of the bishop, which the Church continues to count upon, is that of the Shepherd who, configured to Christ in sanctity of life, spends himself generously for the Church entrusted to him, at the same time bearing in his heart solicitude for all the Churches spread throughout the earth."

"The bishop, the Good Shepherd," he said, "finds light and strength for his ministry in the Word of God, interpreted in the communion of the Church and proclaimed with 'opportune and importune' courageous faithfulness. Teacher of the faith, the Bishop promotes all that is good and positive in the flock entrusted to him, supporting and guiding the weak ones to the faith, intervening to unmask falsehoods and to fight against abuses."

The Pope said it was important that the bishop "be aware of the challenges that faith in Christ encounters today, because of a mentality based on human criteria that, at times, make the Law and the Plan of God relative. Above all, he must have the courage to proclaim and defend healthy doctrine, even when this entails sufferings. In fact, the bishop ... has the duty of protecting the faithful from any kind of temptation, showing, through the sincere return to the Gospel of Christ, the true solution to the complex problems that burden humanity. ... Only if the deep and convinced unity of the Shepherds among themselves and with the Successor of Peter is clearly perceptible, as is that of the bishops with their priests, can a credible answer be given to the challenges that come from today's social and cultural context."

"I would like to ask you," he added, "to bring my greetings to your faithful and, in a special way, to your priests. ... I also ask you to greet the bishops emeriti, conveying to them the expression of my recognition for the work done at the service of the faithful. (For this reason), I chose to have their representatives at this Synodal Assembly." He then asked that "each Episcopal Conference study how to attribute value to the bishops emeriti who are still in good health and rich in energy, entrusting them with some ecclesial service and, above all, the study of the problems for which they have experience and competence, calling upon those who are available to take part in one of the Episcopal Commissions, along with their younger brethren, so that they will always feel like living members of the Episcopal College."

He concluded by sending "particular greetings to the bishops of continental China, whose absence at the Synod has not prevented us from feeling their spiritual closeness in memory and in prayer."

After the Mass, the Pope invited the synod participants to lunch at the Santa Marta House, in the Vatican.

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THE FINAL MESSAGE FROM THE SYNOD OF BISHOPS

VATICAN CITY, OCT 26, 2001 (VIS) - The Final Message of the Tenth Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops was published today in various languages. Following are excerpts from that text:

I. INTRODUCTION

"We, Catholic patriarchs and bishops of the entire world, have been invited by Pope John Paul II to evaluate our ministry in the Church in the light of the Second Vatican Council. ... The constant presence of the successor of Peter during our work has been a special source of encouragement. He has proclaimed the Good News to everyone and has tirelessly travelled the whole world as a pilgrim for peace. Together with him, we have listened to the Word of God and to one another. In this way, we have heard the voices of local churches and of different peoples, in a vivid experience of universal fraternity, which we would like to share through this Message. We missed the presence of some of our beloved brothers in the Lord who were not able to come to Rome. We listened with deep emotion to the testimonies of several bishops who had been sent into prison or exile during recent decades, for Jesus' sake. Others have died for their fidelity to the Gospel."

II. JESUS CHRIST OUR HOPE
"When we reviewed in turn the tragedies and wonders throughout the world today, we did so in the light of Christ's Paschal Mystery, his Passion, Death and Resurrection. ... While from a human point of view, the power of evil often seems to triumph, in the eyes of faith the loving mercy of God immeasurably prevails. ... The first refusal to obey God, which Sacred Scripture reveals as the root of sin, was the origin of the division between man and the Creator, between man and woman, between humanity and the earth, between man and his brother. ... But we should never forget that this account of sin is immediately followed by a promise of salvation. ... Today this Gospel is still preached throughout the whole world. Therefore we should not allow ourselves to be intimidated by those doctrines which deny the existence of the living God and which strive, in more or less cunning ways, to undermine, parody or deride Christian hope."

"The horror of terrorism
Our assembly, together with the Holy Father, has expressed its deepest sympathy for the victims of the outrages of September 11 and for their families. We are praying for them and all the other victims of terrorism in the world. We absolutely condemn terrorism, which nothing can justify.

"Violent situations
It is both urgent and necessary to keep also in mind what Pope John Paul II has spoken of as 'the structures of sin', if we want to point new ways forward for the world. According to reliable economic experts, 80 percent of the population of our planet survives on only 20 percent of its income and one billion two hundred million people 'live' on less than one dollar a day! A drastic moral change is required. Today the social teaching of the Church has a relevance which we cannot overemphasize. As bishops, we commit ourselves to making this teaching better known in our local churches."

"Some endemic evils, when they are too long ignored, can produce despair in entire populations. How can we keep silent when confronted by the enduring drama of hunger and extreme poverty, ... (by) the flood of refugees and immigrants, ... (by) the ravages of malaria, the spread of AIDS, illiteracy, the hopelessness of so many children and youth abandoned to life on the streets, the exploitation of women, pornography, intolerance, the scandalous perversion of religion for violent purposes, drug trafficking and the sale of arms. The list is not exhaustive!"

"Perhaps what most upsets us as pastors is the contempt for human life, from conception to death, as well as the breakdown of the family. The Church's 'No' to abortion and euthanasia is a 'Yes' to life, a 'Yes' to the fundamental goodness of creation, ... a 'Yes' to the family, the most basic community of hope which so pleases God that He calls it to become a 'domestic Church'.

III. THE BISHOP, SERVANT OF THE GOSPEL OF HOPE

"A Call to Holiness
The Second Vatican Council presented a universal call to holiness. ... One form of holiness which the world needs today is precisely the openness to all that is distinctive of a bishop, through his patience and boldness in giving 'reason for the hope' which is in him."

"Struggling against poverty in poverty of spirit
Just as we must struggle to free those oppressed by a poverty which is destructive, so there can be a kind of poverty which frees our energies for love and service. This is the Gospel poverty which we want to practice. ... The bishop is the father and the brother of the poor. When it is necessary, he should not hesitate to raise his voice for those who have no voice, so that their rights will be recognised and respected."

"Communion and collegiality
The term 'communion' (koinonia) belongs to the undivided Christian tradition of both East and West. ... 'Collegiality', which is at the service of communion, characterizes the college of the apostles and their successors the bishops, united among themselves and with the Pope, the successor of Peter."

"A spiritual struggle
Love for unity in no way implies indifference to currents hostile to that truth which shines so brightly on the face of Christ. This love induces the shepherd, as guardian and prophet, to warn his people against false teachings which threaten the purity of Christian hope."

"Weavers of Unity
"(The bishop) ... will not tire in sustaining the religious fervor of parishes and developing missionary dynamism within them, in collaboration with the parish priests. Movements, small communities, and agencies of formation and charity, which constitute the tapestry of Christian life will benefit from his vigilance and concern. As an expert weaver of unity, the bishop with his priests and deacons, will discern and sustain all these charisms in their marvelous diversity."

"Ministers of Mystery
"The irrevocable commitment of the Second Vatican Council to the full unity of Christians draws the bishop to engage with love in ecumenical dialogue. ... This Synod wishes to express the bishops' heartfelt thanks to all priests, their principal collaborators in the apostolic mission. ... Through mutual trust and a warm friendship with his priests, the bishop will enhance their esteem for their ministry, often misunderstood in a society tempted by the worship of possessions, pleasure and power."

"Consecrated life
We are also deeply grateful to all consecrated persons, devoted to contemplation and the apostolate. ... They often enable our apostolic ministry to reach people at the furthest reaches of our dioceses, where, without them, Christ would not be preached."

"Mission of the laity
Today more than ever, lay people are again playing their proper part in giving life to Christian communities, liturgical life, theological formation and charitable works. ... Through their commitment to family, social, cultural and political life, and through their presence at the heart of what Pope John Paul II has called 'the modern areopagus', particularly through their work in the media or in encouraging respect for God's creation, may they continue to bridge the gap between faith and culture."

"Theology and Inculturation
We wish to acknowledge 'the seeds of the Word' which God has implanted in different cultures, religions, works of art and in all the spiritual richness of different peoples throughout history. ... But in order to explain the purity of the original Christian faith in a new and accessible language ever faithful to tradition, we need the particular contribution of skilled theologians."

IV. CONCLUSION

"An Appeal to Political and Economic Leaders
Recognising our own limits and our role as bishops and making no pretence to any political power, we still dare to speak to our political and economic leaders: May the common good of all persons and peoples be your motive for action. It is not beyond your mandate to join together as broadly as possible to work for justice and peace. We ask you to remember those corners of the world which receive no media coverage and where our brothers and sisters are dying from famine and lack of medicine. The persistence of gross inequalities between nations is a threat to peace. As the Pope has explicitly asked you, we ask you again to lessen the burden of external debt on the developing countries, to defend all human rights, especially the right to religious freedom. Confidently and respectfully, we ask you to remember that all power finds its meaning in service alone.


"Call to Youth
And you, young people, you are 'sentinels of the morning'. It is Pope John Paul II who gave you this name. ... You have a keen sense of what honesty and sincerity require. You do not want to be caught up into divisive ethnic struggles nor poisoned by the gangrene of corruption. ... The Ten Commandments (are) written in your hearts ... (and the) Beatitudes give the Commandments a vitality and a radiant inspiration that can win hearts for the Truth that frees us."

"Appeal for Jerusalem
Finally, we turn to you, Jerusalem, City where God is revealed in history: We pray for your well-being! May all the children of Abraham meet once again in you with genuine respect for one another's rights. May you remain, for all the peoples of the earth, an everlasting symbol of hope and peace."

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TWENTY-FIFTH GENERAL CONGREGATION

VATICAN CITY, OCT 26, 2001 (VIS) - At 5 p.m., in the presence of the Holy Father and 227 synod fathers, the Twenty-fifth General Congregation of the X Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops was held to vote on the Final List of Propositions. The president delegate on duty for the conclusive synod meeting was Cardinal Bernard Agre, archbishop of Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

Cardinal Jan P. Schotte, C.I.C.M., secretary general of the Synod of Bishops, communicated the names of the elected Members of the Post-Synodal Council and the names of the Members nominated by the Holy Father:

AFRICA

1. Cardinal Francis Arinze, President of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue (Vatican City).
2. Archbishop John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan of Abuja, President of the Episcopal Conference (Nigeria).
3. Archbishop Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya of Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo, President of the "Symposium des Conferences Episcopales d'Afrique and de Madagascar" (S.C.E.A.M.).

AMERICA

1. Cardinal Francis Eugene George, O.M.I., archbishop of Chicago (United States of America).
2. Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, S.J., archbishop of Buenos Aires (Argentina).
3. Cardinal Claudio Hummes, O.F.M., archbishop of Sao Paulo (Brazil).

ASIA/OCEANIA

1. Archbishop Orlando B. Quevedo, O.M.I., of Cotabato, President of the Episcopal Conference (Philippines).
2. Archbishop Henry Sebastian D'Souza of Calcutta (India).
3. Archishop George Pell of Sydney (Australia).

EUROPE

1. Cardinal Godfried Danneels, archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels, President of the Episcopal Conference (Belgium).
2. Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, archbishop of Genoa (Italy).
3. Cardinal Walter Kasper, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity (Vatican City).

NOMINATED BY THE POPE

1. Cardinal Lubomyr Husar, M.S.U., major archbishop of Lviv of the Ukrainians (Ukraine).
2. Archbishop Henryk Muszynski of Gniezno (Poland).
3. Cardinal Norberto Rivera Carrera, archbishop of Mexico City (Mexico).

At the end of the Congregation, president delegate Cardinal Ivan Dias, archbishop of Bombay, addressed the following words of gratitude to the Holy Father:

"We are indeed deeply touched by Your Holiness' punctual and attentive presence at all the plenary sessions, and by your kind invitation to be guests at your table in the Apostolic Palace. Since gratitude is the memory of the heart, we shall be ever grateful to Your Holiness for these signs of communion and benevolence, as well as the expressions of your Petrine charism to 'strengthen your brethren - confirm 'fratres tuos'.' ... We admire the way you sow the good seed of the Gospel untiringly in Rome and all over the world, and how you water it with your personal sacrifices and sufferings. We are confident that Your Holiness' Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation - in response to the many interventions, so rich in content, made during the Synod sessions - will help bishops to be truly shepherds after the heart of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd. ... Among the fond memories that we are taking home with us is Your Holiness' lighting the lamp in the new Synod Chapel, on the first day of our working sessions, with the flame taken from the Shrine of St. Gregory the Illuminator in Armenia and given to you by His Beatitude Catholicos Karekin II. We assure you, Holy Father, that we shall carry this ecumenical flame in our hearts, and we shall pray with you that full Christian unity may be restored as soon as possible. ... I now invite the Synod participants to rise and to join with me in expressing our best wishes to the Holy Father: God bless our Pope, the great, the good! Laudetur Jesus Christus!"

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TELEGRAM FOR VICTIMS OF MASSACRE IN CHURCH IN PAKISTAN

VATICAN CITY, OCT 28, 2001 (VIS) - Following is the text of the telegram sent by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of state, in the name of Pope John Paul to Archbishop Alessandro D'Errico, apostolic nuncio in Pakistan, for the victims of the massacre which took place this morning during Mass in the Christian church in Bahawalpur, Pakistan:

"His Holiness Pope John Paul II has learned with the deepest sadness about the terrible violence in a Catholic church at Bahawalpur in the diocese of Multan when a group of armed men fired on Christians gathered there in prayer. Expressing his absolute condemnation of this further tragic act of intolerance His Holiness asks Your Excellency to convey his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims whom he commends to the Lord. He expresses his prayerful closeness to all affected by this evil act and as a pledge of comfort and strength he invokes upon the entire community the blessings of Almighty God."

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POPE ASKS HELP FOR AFGHAN REFUGEES, PEACE IN HOLY LAND

VATICAN CITY, OCT 28, 2001 (VIS) - Pope John Paul, as he does every Sunday at noon, appeared at the window of his study which overlooks St. Peter's Square and led the faithful gathered there in the Angelus prayer.

Before praying the Angelus, the Holy Father told the pilgrims that the tenth Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, which had met for a month to study the ministry of the bishop, solemnly concluded with Mass yesterday morning in St. Peter's Basilica.

The Pope said he "had participated personally in the synod, enjoying the climate of communion which marked it and listening with great interest to the reflections proposed. In fact, Vatican Council II had already dedicated great space to the theme of the bishop and to his ecclesial service. But such teachings needed to be more deeply studied and opportunely adapted to changing times and situations."

He then turned his thoughts to "the month of October, during which our marian devotions have been expressed with particular intensity by reciting the rosary to beg the Lord for peace. At this moment, we entrust in a special way to Mary's maternal protection the populations of Afghanistan: may innocent lives be spared and may there be on the part of the international community timely and efficacious help for the many refugees who are exposed to hardships of every nature as inclement weather is about to arrive.
"Nor can we forget all those who continue to spread violence and death in the Holy Land, in particular in the holy places that are so dear to the Christian faith. May Mary, Queen of Peace, help everyone to lay down their arms and to undertake finally with resolve the path towards a just and lasting peace."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, OCT 29, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Fr. Stanley Roman, of the clergy of the diocese of Quilon, India, rector of St. Joseph's Pontifical Seminary Carmelgiri, Alwaye, Verapoly, as bishop of Quilon (area 1,950, population 4,462,777, Catholics 277,869, priests 90, religious 609). The bishop-elect was born in Punalur in 1941, and ordained to the priesthood in 1966. He succeeds Bishop Joseph Gabriel Fernandez, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese the Holy Father accepted, in accordance with the age limit.

On Saturday, October 27, it was made public that the Holy Father elevated the apostolic administration of Moldova to the level of diocese, immediately subject to the Holy See, with the denomination of Chisinau and the same territorial configuration as the current apostolic administration. He appointed Bishop Antonio Cosa, apostolic administrator, as first bishop of Chisinau (area 33,700, population 4,378,000, Catholics 20,000, priests 17, permanent deacons 1, religious 37), Moldova.

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, OCT 29, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father received today in separate audiences:

- Archbishop Giovanni Tonucci, apostolic nuncio in Kenya; permanent observer to the United Nations Agencies for the Environment and for Human Settlement.
- Archbishop-Bishop Joan Marti Alanis of Urgell, Spain; with Coadjutor Joan Enric Vives Sicilia.
- Altan Guven, ambassador of Turkey, accompanied by his wife, on a farewell visit.
- Archbishop Tarcisio Bertone, emeritus of Vercelli, secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

On Saturday, October 27, the Holy Father received in audience Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.

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HOLY FATHER WELCOMES NEW AMBASSADOR FROM JAPAN

VATICAN CITY, OCT 29, 2001 (VIS) - Pope John Paul today received the Letters of Credence of Mitsuhiro Nakamura, the new ambassador of Japan to the Holy See. He focussed his talk to the diplomat on the world situation, and highlighted the need for dialogue among civilizations in order to establish a just and lasting peace in the world.

The Pope pointed to the current world situation, especially "the events which have, these last weeks, threatened the great balances of the world and kept millions of people in a state of anguish." Recalling Japan's past and "the somber days of Hiroshima and Nagasaki" whose "photographic images ... still live on in the conscience of the entire international community," he highlighted "the profound and great attention to peace which marks Japanese society today."

He issued a heartfelt appeal "for a renewed and ever more intense commitment by all men of good will so that, through dialogue and collaboration, each people may have a land and each person might live in peace. Confidence among persons and peoples will cause terrorism to retreat forever, for it can in no way open the path to the recognition of a group of persons or an ideology, nor lead to a way of governing in a country or region."

John Paul II stressed that violence does not allow "the establishment of the bases of a society which is respectful of all its members; by the wounds it causes, it alienates all peaceful social life and reduces to nothing the most basic rights of persons and of peoples to peace and an integral development in solidarity."

He pointed out that "the religious, spiritual, cultural and human values which are the foundation of Japanese society and many other societies, values such as respect for creation and for life, a spirit of eagerness in work, a profound sense of solidarity, the capacity to being open to transcendence, are essential elements in building a civilization of love and peace."

Pope John Paul stated that "dialogue among civilizations is a necessary condition in establishing peace." Dialogue must be an "exchange among different peoples, cultures and religious and philosophical traditions," in respect for legitimate freedoms, "especially religious freedom so that religion will never be a pretext for acts contrary to the respect of every human being."

"The Catholic Church," he concluded, "participates actively in this dialogue ... in order to build a human community which is united and lives in solidarity." And he thanked the ambassador for "the great esteem and high reputation that the Catholic Church enjoys in Japan, especially in the realms of social assistance and education."

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