JOHN PAUL II WELCOMES THE BISHOPS OF MYANMAR

VATICAN CITY, NOV 17, 2001 (VIS) - Pope John Paul today welcomed the bishops of Myanmar, and told them that he wished "to honor the witness given by Christ's faithful in ... Myanmar, a land where the Church in her early years knew martyrdom, and still today lives close to the Cross of the Savior."

"On your 'ad limina' visit," he continued, "you bring with you the joys and sorrows, the hopes and disappointments, not only of the faithful entrusted to your pastoral care but of the people of Myanmar as a whole. The difficulties include widespread poverty despite the abundant resources of the land, and limits placed on fundamental rights and freedoms. These problems are in many ways aggravated by isolation, which is all the more harmful when interaction between peoples and between nations is increasing and growing more complex by the day. Moreover, these are troubled times in the world, when a deep and unexpected turmoil has gripped the international community. In this situation the Church's pastors must be all the more concerned to remain close to their people and lead them in the path of the Gospel."

"In this task we are guided by the Lord Himself," the Holy Father stated. "In contemplating the face of Christ, you and your people will find the strength to live the humility, poverty and even solitude of your situation not as a burden but as an evangelical virtue, uplifting and freeing." He reminded them of "the special presence of Christ in the poor," saying "this requires the Church to make a preferential option for them."

He counselled the bishops of Myanmar (formerly Burma) "to be resolute in following the path of evangelical freedom, which is the path of ever deeper obedience to Christ" because "when we submit to the power of Christ, our obedience is actually liberating."

"To live in this way," Pope John Paul said, "is to be drawn into that love which is the heart of the 'spirituality of communion' to which bishops are called." He highlighted the need for bishops "to live an affective and effective collegiality with the Successor of Peter and the episcopate throughout the world," to be "closer to priests" and "to collaborate with consecrated Religious and the lay people, to embrace with a particular love the poor and oppressed."

The Pope closed by stressing the need for a new evangelization, and for "fresh pastoral efforts" where everyone plays a role. He assured them that "the key to success is proper training at every level, especially for your priests."

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RIGHT EXERCISE OF POWER PROMOTES PERSONAL AND COMMUNAL GOOD

VATICAN CITY, NOV 17, 2001 (VIS) - This morning in the Paul VI Hall, John Paul II received the participants in the 16th International Conference promoted by the Pontifical Council for Health Care Ministry, on the theme: "Health and Power."

In his discourse the Pope emphasized that "in health care, as in every area, the exercise of power has good results when it promotes the integral good of the person and of the entire community."

The Holy Father affirmed that "In the world of health, different kinds of power interact: from economic and political power to that linked to means of communication, from professional power to that of the pharmaceutical industries and of national and international organisms." If, on the one hand "the immense possibilities which exist for bettering service to life and health are emphasized, on the other hand, the risk is highlighted of power exercised in a way which does not respect life and mankind."

"In the face of a widespread culture of indifference and, sometimes, of disdain for life, before the unscrupulous search for predominance by some over others, with the consequent marginalization of the poor and the weak, it is more than ever necessary to offer sound criteria so that power in the world of health is placed in every situation at the service of the dignity of the human person and the common good.

"I welcome the opportunity," the Pope continued, "to make an urgent appeal to those in this important field who hold roles of responsibility so that, in a spirit of constructive collaboration, they will work to promote an effective culture of solidarity, taking account of the conditions of those who live in countries marked by worrying material, cultural, and spiritual poverty.

"In this sense, I make myself the spokesman of every sick and suffering person, as well as of the peoples wounded by poverty and violence, so that a future of justice and solidarity arises for them as well and for all of humanity."

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THE WORLD NEEDS THE UNITED WITNESS OF CHRISTIANS

VATICAN CITY, NOV 17, 2001 (VIS) - The participants in the plenary session of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity were welcomed by the Holy Father this morning, who thanked them for their work and further encouraged them, stating that "More and more it is becoming clear that the world needs the united witness of Christians."

"In truth and love," the Pope addressed them in English, "these could be the words which express the essence of your study and discussions during these days, as you have sought to take stock of the progress made in recent times in ecumenical dialogue. I hope that my Message at the beginning of your meeting will have confirmed for you that for the Bishop of Rome and for the Catholic Church the movement towards visible communion of all Christ's followers is not merely an appendix of the Church's activity, but an essential feature of her life and mission."

"You are joined," said John Paul II, "by representatives of the American Episcopalian Communities in Europe who are in Rome for their annual convention.

"Dear friends, I greet you and thank you for your presence. Among you are a number of young people, a sure sign of hope that the search for Christian unity will be carried out by a new generation of men and women committed to making a reality of the Lord's prayer: 'that all may be one'."

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POPE ASKS CATHOLICS TO FAST, RELIGIOUS LEADERS TO MEET IN ASSISI

VATICAN CITY, NOV 18, 2001 (VIS) - Before praying the Angelus today with the pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square, Pope John Paul, speaking from his study window which overlooks the square, invited Catholics to fast on December 14 in solidarity with those "suffering the consequences of terrorism and war." He also invited the leaders of the world's religions to come to Assisi on January 24, 2002 to pray for "the promotion of an authentic peace."

"The international scene," he said, "continues to be troubled by worrisome tensions. We cannot forget the heavy sufferings that have afflicted, and continue to afflict, our many brothers and sisters in the world; the thousands of innocent victims of the very serious attacks of September 11; the numerous people forced to abandon their homes to face the unknown and, sometimes, a bloody death; women, the elderly and children exposed to the risks of dying of cold or hunger.

"In a situation made dramatic by the ever-present threat of terrorism, we feel the need to raise our pleas to God. The more insurmountable the difficulties seem and the darker the perspectives, it is then that our prayers must become more insistent to beseech God for the gift of reciprocal understanding, harmony and peace."

Recalling that the Old Testament teaches that "prayer acquires strength when accompanied by fasting and almsgiving," the Pope observed that Christians practice these, especially during Advent and Lent. "For their part," he added, "the faithful of Islam have just begun Ramadan, a month dedicated to fasting and prayer. We Christians will soon begin Advent as we prepare, through prayer, for Christmas, the day the 'Prince of Peace' was born.

The Holy Father then asked "Catholics to live December 14 as a day of fasting, and to fervently pray God to give the world a stable peace, founded on justice, and to allow suitable solutions to be found for the many conflicts which torment the world. What people save in fasting can be given to the poor, especially those who suffer in this moment the consequences of terrorism and war."
John Paul II then announced: "It is my intention to invite the representatives of the religions of the world to come to Assisi on January 24, 2002 to pray that opposing positions be overcome and that an authentic peace be promoted. We hope to see together in particular, Christians and Muslims, to proclaim before the world that religion must never become a motive of conflict, hatred, and violence. Whoever truly welcomes the word of God, Who is good and merciful, must exclude from their heart every form of bitter hatred and enmity. In this historical moment, mankind needs to see gestures of peace and to listen to prayers of hope."

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LIFE AND HUMAN HISTORY ARE IN THE HANDS OF GOD

VATICAN CITY, NOV 18, 2001 (VIS) - At 9:30 a.m. today, John Paul II visited the parish of St. Alexis, north of Rome, where he celebrated Mass. Commenting on the Gospel, the Pope recalled that the words of Jesus concerning the ultimate realities "eliminate from our hearts every form of fear and anguish, opening us to the consoling certainty that life and the history of men, despite often dramatic devastations, remain firmly in the hands of God."

The Holy Father asked the groups and associations which form the parish community to "journey together and generously offer your contribution to the permanent diocesan Mission. In the face of negative messages, conveyed by certain cultural modes of contemporary society, may you be builders of hope and missionaries of Christ everywhere.

"Is not this perhaps the pastoral program of our diocese? But in order for the Spirit of Christ to penetrate everywhere, it is necessary to strengthen a detailed and organic ministry for vocations. It is necessary to educate families and youth in prayer and in making their very existence a gift for others."

John Paul II invited the parishioners to ask every day: "Lord, what do You wish me to do? What is Your will for us as a family, as parents, as children? What do You expect of me, as a youth who is open to life and wants to live with You and for you? Only in responding to these personal and involved questions, can you fully realize the will of God, and be 'light' and 'salt' which illuminate and give flavor to this our beloved city."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, NOV 17, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Appointed Msgr. Franco Agostinelli, vicar general of the diocese of Arezzo-Cortona-Sansepolcro, as bishop of Grosseto (area 1,239, population 111,140, Catholics 110,152, priests 82, permanent deacons 2, religious 89), Italy. The bishop-elect was born in Arezzo, in 1944, and ordained to the priesthood in 1968. He succeeds Bishop Giacomo Babini, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese the Holy Father accepted, in conformity with canon 401, para. 2, of the Code of Canon Law.

- Appointed Msgr. Vittorio Lanzani, of the clergy of Pavia, secretary of the Fabric of St. Peter's, as delegate of the same Fabric, at the same time elevating him to the dignity of bishop.

- Appointed Archbishop Luigi Dossena, apostolic nuncio, and Archbishop Giovanni Coppa, apostolic nuncio, as consultors of the Secretariat of State, in the Section for General Affairs.

- Appointed Archbishop Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo, apostolic nuncio, and Archbishop Dominik Hrusovsky, apostolic nuncio, as consultors of the same Secretariat of State, in the Section for Relations with States.

- Promoted Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo to the Order of Bishops, assigning him the suburbicarian see of Frascati, made vacant by the death of Cardinal Paolo Bertoli.

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POPE TO TRANSMIT EXHORTATION "ECCLESIA IN OCEANIA" VIA INTERNET

VATICAN CITY, NOV 19, 2001 (VIS) - Pope John Paul II, during a brief ceremony in the Clementine Hall on November 22, will sign and transmit via Internet the Post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation "Ecclesia in Oceania." This papal document is a result of the synod for Oceania which took place in the Vatican from November 22 to December 12, 1998.

Joining the Holy Father in this ceremony will be the members of the Post-synodal Council for Oceania, the members of the executive committee of the Federation of Catholic Bishops Conferences of Oceania (FCBCO), Oceania prelates present in Rome, the heads of dicasteries who were members of the synod as well as priests, religious and lay people from this continent.

After he signs the document, the Pope will send the text in English and French to all the dioceses of Oceania via Internet. According to the communique that today announced the publication of the exhortation, "given the geographic dispersion and extension of this continent, electronic communications played an important role during the entire synodal process, right from the start. When the Holy Father electronically transmits this document - a first in the history of the Church - he will be underlining this aspect in a noteworthy fashion."

Following the ceremony, the post-synodal council will hold its fifth meeting.

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CARDINAL HUSAR TAKES POSSESSION OF HIS TITULAR CHURCH

VATICAN CITY, NOV 19, 2001 (VIS) - At 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 17, Cardinal Lubomyr Husar, major archbishop of Lviv of the Ukrainians, took possession of the title of St. Sophia in Via Boccea, Via Boccea 478, Rome.

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JOHN PAUL WELCOMES 1,500 UKRAINIANS ON PILGRIMAGE

VATICAN CITY, NOV 19, 2001 (VIS) - The Pope received today a group of 1,500 Greek-Catholic bishops, priests, religious and laity from Ukraine, led by Cardinals Lubomyr Husar and Marian Jaworski, respectively major archbishop of Lviv of the Ukrainians and archbishop of Lviv of the Latins, who came to Rome to return John Paul II's pastoral visit of last June.

The Holy Father, speaking in Ukrainian, affirmed that the existence in that country of "three venerable rites - Byzantine, Latin, and Armenian - testifies to the universal dimension of the Church present in diverse cultures and visibly manifests the mystery of communion which unites all believers in Christ. May there not be therefore any rivalry among you, but rather reciprocal respect and love."

"I exhort you," he continued, "to share, in an attitude of reciprocal exchange of gifts, your spiritual treasures and to welcome that which can complete, enrich, and strengthen your experience of the Christian life and your witness."

John Paul II emphasized the "important task and great responsibility" of announcing Christ. "Do not spare efforts in ensuring for yourselves and for the young generations a deepened human, spiritual, and cultural formation, which enables you to give to everyone the reason for the hope which is in you.

"A cruel atheist regime," he added "sought with force for many decades to uproot Christ from the Ukrainian land: several generations were educated without Christ or even against Him. Today in your land one can freely speak about God."

The Pope exhorted all of the Christians of the country - Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants - "with sincere recognition of the grace proper to each Church," to give "to the Ukrainian people the possibility to know Christ! Give them the possibility to see their Saviour!"

Before concluding the audience, the Holy Father greeted all of the Polish-speaking pilgrims in their language. After recalling "the wonderful days which I was able to spend among you in Kiev and Leopoli," he thanked God in a special way "for the Spirit of fraternal love which united us in those days. May this Spirit accompany you always. Do not extinguish His inspirations."

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, NOV 19, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father received today in separate audiences:

- Three prelates of the Episcopal Conference of El Salvador, on the occasion of their "ad limina" visit:
- Archbishop Fernando Saenz Lacalle of San Salvador, with Auxiliary Bishop Gregorio Rosa Chavez.
- Bishop Jose Oscar Barahona Castillo of San Vicente.
- Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.

On Saturday, November 17, the Holy Father received in separate audiences:

- Members of the Collegial Presidency of Bosnia-Herzegovina, accompanied by an entourage. - Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.

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