COSTA RICA: TRUST IN THE PACIFYING STRENGTH OF THE GOSPEL

VATICAN CITY, NOV 30, 2001 (VIS) - The Pope received this morning the prelates of the Episcopal Conference of Costa Rica, at the conclusion of their "ad limina" visit.

John Paul II told them that "Costa Rica's great democratic tradition of dialogue and tolerance is a precious legacy which must lead to a renewed faith in the peaceful strength of the Gospel, in an historical moment in which this value, indispensable to nations and to all of mankind, seems to be threatened and almost impossible to bring about."

After recalling that in their report the bishops emphasized the particular attention which they give to the clergy, the Holy Father underscored that "the bishop's personal relationship, friendly and close, with his priests is irreplaceable, in order to encourage them in their vocation, direct them in their activity, enliven in them apostolic zeal, and, if necessary, paternally correct them, with goodness and promptness."
The Pope noted that despite the spread of "a lifestyle based upon exclusively material criteria, ... the renewal of a profound religious spirit in the country is nonetheless appreciated. ... Therefore, it is extremely important to decisively undertake an evangelizing action that is not only directed to all sectors of society, but which contributes to increasing in the faithful the joy of believing and of celebrating their faith, their responsibility to be members of the body of Christ. ... For this it is necessary to give a decisive impulse to catechesis."

After referring to the "great hopes" placed in the laity, John Paul II spoke of the "pressing need to attentively care for the solid formation in spiritual life and in Christian criteria that the lay faithful must implement in the milieux of the family, society, politics, work, and culture. Of great help will be the closeness and promotion of movements or specific associations, which encourage the reciprocal support of their members, an easier integration of the new generations and a more organized and stable carrying out of their commitments."

"You have also shown," the Pope added, "your concern for the situation of the family in your country. ... In this regard, it is necessary to constantly revitalize the pastoral ministry of the family so that will adequately prepare youth to form a new home; and will accompany married couples in the difficulties that can arise, helping them to welcome children with joy, to educate them with tenderness, and to pass the faith on to them."

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PAPAL TRIBUTE TO INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR MIGRATIONS

VATICAN CITY, NOV 30, 2001 (VIS) - Made public yesterday afternoon was Pope John Paul's Letter to Ambassador Brunson McKinley, director general of the International Organization for Migrations, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of its founding. In his Letter, written in English and dated November 22, the Pope praised the IOM's service to migrants over the last half century.

"Although it was founded to deal with the problems of migration in one part of the world and only for a limited time," wrote the Holy Father, "The IOM gradually adapted its structures and activities to deal with the challenges of migration through the world in an enduring way." He pointed out that "the Holy See, as an Observer, has followed with great interest the IOM's broadening commitment through the last half century."

The Pope noted that "Today migration is taking place in all kinds of ways, and the intermingling of people from different cultures means that great efforts must be made to help immigrants to become positively integrated in this new milieu." In particular, he recalled "the Organization's invaluable contribution to the battle against trafficking in human beings by helping the victims of this reprehensible trade to be restored to their freedom and dignity."

"In these troubled times," John Paul II concluded, "the challenges before you are larger than ever, not least in seeking to supplement the legislation of individual nations with the introduction of international norms capable of preventing unilateral decisions which do particular harm to the weakest countries. The Church stands with you in spreading awareness of the fundamental truth that, beyond all differences, all men and women are brothers and sisters in the one human family."

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HOLY FATHER WELCOMES PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION

VATICAN CITY, NOV 30, 2001 (VIS) - Holy See Press Office Director, Joaquin Navarro-Valls, made the following declaration about the audiences granted today to Romano Prodi, president of the European Commission, by Pope John Paul, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of state, and Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, secretary for Relations with States:

"The talks regarded the priorities of the European Union, in particular the process of reform of the Union Treaties, and its being broadened to include new members.

"At the same time, the contribution that Churches in Europe can offer was underlined, as was the need for a suitable juridical recognition of them, within the arrangement of the Union.

"Lastly, the commitment of the European Union in the fight against terrorism and the search for a just peace in the Middle East was discussed."

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TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEATH OF CARDINAL SEPER

VATICAN CITY, NOV 30, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father received today in the Paul VI Hall 1,000 participants in the international symposium promoted by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, on the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the death of Croatian Cardinal Franjo Seper, former prefect of the same dicastery.

In his discourse in Croatian and Italian, the Pope emphasized Cardinal Seper's role "in the life of the Church of Zagabria, in particular from 1954 to 1968, in a very delicate period for relations between Church and State. ... His ministry also had a profoundly ecumenical character. He was actively committed to the promotion of the unity of Christians."

Cardinal Seper's activity during these years," he continued, "was not limited to the care of his diocese and of the Church in his country. He participated in the preparations of Vatican Council II."

John Paul II noted that the deceased cardinal was "rooted in the local Church and at the same time had a sense of belonging to the universal Church."

"With his example," he concluded, "Cardinal Seper continues to be for the faithful an invitation to trust pastors, listening to their teaching and welcoming with generous readiness the pastoral directives given by them in harmony with the head of the episcopal college, the successor of Peter."

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HOLY SEE DELEGATION IN ISTANBUL FOR FEAST OF ST. ANDREW

VATICAN CITY, NOV 30, 2001 (VIS) - A delegation from the Holy See, led by Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, is in Istanbul for the liturgical celebrations today of the feast of St. Andrew, patron of the ecumenical patriarchate. The patriarchate sends a delegation to the Church of Rome every year for the June 29 feast of its patrons, Sts. Peter and Paul.

The Holy See delegation will meet with His Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch and archbishop of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, and will hold talks with the synodal commission charged with relations with the Catholic Church.

As he does every year on this occasion, Pope John Paul II has sent a Message to Patriarch Bartholomew. The Message, written in French, is dated November 22.

"In jointly celebrating Andrew and Peter," wrote the Pope, "we show our common desire to transmit together the apostolic faith to the men and women of our time, who too often allow themselves to be overcome by religious indifference, which leads to a loss of the meaning of life. ... The divisions that persist and the acrimony that sometimes is seen among Christians weakens the strength of our Christian preaching which proclaims love for God and our neighbor."
John Paul II thanked the patriarch for "responding favorably to the Catholic Church's request for collaboration and for encouraging initiatives by the Orthodox Churches, which foresee participation by the Church of Rome." He stressed that "The Catholic Church is ready to do all in its power to promote the development of relations with the Orthodox Churches," adding that the difficulties encountered in "the theological dialogue must be analyzed and overcome."

In closing remarks, the Holy Father stated: "Lately, terrorism and wars, with all the weight of death and destruction that they bear, have engendered an anxiety that paralyzes populations and upsets the normal course of civil life. To beg God's protection on all peoples and to reawaken men's consciences, I judged it opportune to call all believers to a day of fasting and of prayer for peace next January 24. The Lord will hear the prayer, that we raise with one heart, for the salvation of all of mankind."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, NOV 30, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Appointed Fr. Dorylas Moreau, pastor of St. Patrick's in Riviere-du-Loup in the diocese of Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatiere, as bishop of Rouyn-Noranda (area 23,000, population 58,946, Catholics 56,913, priests 31, religious 96), Canada. The bishop-elect was born in Kamouraska, Canada in 1947, and ordained to the priesthood in 1972. He succeeds Bishop Jean-Guy Hamelin, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese the Holy Father accepted, in accordance with the age limit.

- Appointed Fr. Jose S. Vasquez, of the clergy of the diocese of San Angelo, Texas, U.S.A., pastor of Saint Joseph Parish in the same diocese, as auxiliary bishop of Galveston-Houston (area 23,257, population 4,442,230, Catholics 908,190, priests 437, permanent deacons 292, religious 779), U.S.A. The bishop-elect was born in Stamford, in 1957, and ordained to the priesthood in 1984.

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, NOV 30, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father received today in separate audiences:

- Romano Prodi, president of the European Commission, accompanied by his wife, and an entourage.
- Cardinal Theodore Edgar McCarrick, archbishop of Washington, U.S.A.
- Cardinal Sergio Sebastiani, president of the Prefecture for Economic Affairs of the Holy See, with Bishop Franco Croci, secretary of the same prefecture.

This evening he is scheduled to receive Archbishop Tarcisio Bertone, emeritus of Vercelli, Italy, secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

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