BUILDING CHURCH AS FAMILY BENEFITS THE WHOLE OF SOCIETY

VATICAN CITY, APR 30, 2002 (VIS) - The second group of Nigerian bishops, in Rome for their "ad limina" visit, was welcomed today by the Holy Father. Addressing them in English, he said he shared their concern "for the peaceful development of your peoples, not only in terms of material advancement, but especially in genuine political freedom, ethnic harmony and respect for the rights of all citizens."

He highlighted two points of the bishops' National Pastoral Plan for Nigeria which, he said, could help achieve this development: the new evangelization and the Church's responsibility in civil society. Within this twofold context, the Pope especially emphasized building up the Church as family, saying: "When proclamation and catechesis succeed in building up the Church as family, the whole of society benefits: harmony between different ethnic groups is given a stronger foundation, ethnocentrism is avoided and reconciliation encouraged, greater solidarity and a sharing of resources among people, and life in society becomes ever more imbued with an awareness of the obligations which flow from respect for the God-given dignity of every human being."

The Holy Father went on to say that "honesty and openness to dialogue is a necessary Christian attitude both inside the community as well as outside, with other believers and with men and women of good will. An erroneous understanding of inculturation or ecumenism however, must not compromise the duty to evangelize."

"Moreover," he stated, "evangelization and integral human development - the development of every person and of the whole person - are intimately linked." He observed that "proclaiming Jesus Christ means to reveal to people their inalienable dignity. ... Precisely because people have been endowed with this extraordinary dignity they should not be reduced to living in sub-human social, economic, cultural or political conditions. This is the theological basis of the struggle for the defense of justice and social peace, for the promotion, liberation and integral human development of all people and of every individual."

John Paul II told the bishops that "the connection between evangelization and human development explains the Church's presence in the social sphere, in the arena of public and social life. ... Following Our Lord's example, she exercises her prophetic role on behalf of all people, especially the poor, the suffering, the defenseless; she becomes the voice of the voiceless, insisting that the dignity of the human person should always be at the center of local, national and international programs."

"Proclamation of the Good News," the Pope said in conclusion, "therefore involves the promotion of initiatives that contribute to the development and ennoblement of people in their spiritual and material existence. It also denounces and combats all that degrades or destroys the human person."

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CARDINAL ETCHEGARAY TO GO TO JERUSALEM ON SPECIAL MISSION

VATICAN CITY, APR 30, 2002 (VIS) - Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls made the following declaration:

"Due to his concern for peace in the Holy Land, for those Christian communities and for the Israeli and Palestinian people, John Paul II has decided to send Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, president emeritus of the Pontifical Councils for Justice and Peace and 'Cor Unum', on a special mission to Jerusalem. The cardinal will depart from Rome tomorrow, Wednesday May 1, and will stay in Jerusalem at the residence of Archbishop Pietro Sambi, the pontifical representative."

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PROGRAM OF POPE'S TRIP TO AZERBAIJAN AND BULGARIA

VATICAN CITY, APR 30, 2002 (VIS) - John Paul II will make an apostolic trip to Azerbaijan and Bulgaria from May 22 to 26, his 96th trip outside of Italy. Following is a summary of the most relevant events of the program.

On Wednesday May 22, at 8:40 a.m., the Holy Father will depart Rome from Fiumicino Airport and is scheduled to arrive in Baku, Azerbaijan at 4 p.m. That same afternoon he will visit the president of the Republic and will have a meeting with religious leaders of the country and representatives in politics, culture and art.

On Thursday May 23, he will celebrate Mass in the morning and in the afternoon he is scheduled to meet with the leader of the Muslims in the Caucasus, the Orthodox bishop of Baku and the president of the Jewish community. Later in the afternoon, he will travel to Sofia, Bulgaria.

On Friday May 24, he is scheduled to pay courtesy visits to the president of the Republic of Bulgaria and to His Holiness Patriarch Maxim. In the afternoon, he will meet with representatives of the Jewish Community.

On Saturday May 25, he will go on a pilgrimage to the monastery of St. John of Rila. In the afternoon, he is set to meet with the Grand Mufti and representatives of both the Muslim community and the Evangelical Churches.

On Sunday May 26, the Holy Father will celebrate Mass with beatifications. Before deparing for Rome at 7 p.m., he will participate in a gathering with young people.

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, APR 30, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father received today in separate audiences:

- Seven prelates from the Episcopal Conference of Nigeria on their "ad limina" visit:
- Bishop Senan Louis O'Donnell of Maiduguri.
- Bishop Joseph Bagobiri of Kafanchan.
- Bishop Martin Igwe Uzoukwu of Minna.
- Bishop James Naanman Daman of Jalingo.
- Bishop George Dodo of Zaria.
- Bishop Matthew Ishaya Audu of Lafia.
- Fr. Samuel Ebatikpo, diocesan administrator of Otukpo.
- Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.

Yesterday, April 29, the Holy Father received in audience Archbishop Pedro Rubiano Saenz of Bogota.

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DOCUMENT ABOUT THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE TO BE PRESENTED

VATICAN CITY, APR 30, 2002 (VIS) - On Thursday May 2, at 11:30 a.m., in the Holy See Press Office, there will be the presentation of the Apostolic Letter in the form of a "Motu Proprio" "'Misericordia Dei' On Certain Aspects of the Celebration of the Sacrament of Penance."

Cardinals Joseph Ratzinger and Jorge Arturo Medina Estevez, respectively prefects of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of Sacraments, and Archbishop Julian Herranz, president of the Pontifical Council for the Interpretation of Legislative Texts, will preside over the presentation.

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SOCIAL DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH: RESPONSE TO GREAT CHALLENGES

VATICAN CITY, APR 27, 2002 (VIS) - The Pope received at midday today in the Paul VI Hall 8,000 members of the Christian Associations of Italian Workers (ACLI) on the occasion of the organizational and planning conference that they are holding.

John Paul II reminded the leaders and members of ACLI that, in the face of "fast changes in society," they wanted to renew their commitment to "evangelize work and social life." He added that they were called to be "the 'worker bees' of the Church's social doctrine, the main road to respond to the great challenges of the contemporary age. Study social doctrine, spread it" and make proposals in which the human person is the center.

Speaking about the family, the Holy Father underlined that "what is needed are social policies on a family scale, policies of formation and work oriented toward balancing work time and time for taking care of the family. The decision to invest in dialogue among generations, forming and valuing young people, capable of giving flavor to and illuminating our society as salt of the earth and light of the world, is very important."

"Today," he continued, "you are called to extend the confines of your social action, in relation to new phenomena of immigration and globalization. ... The close link between the local and global dimension requires, in particular in more favored countries, more demanding ways of responsibility toward developing countries."

The Pope concluded by emphasizing that "this is the time for lay faithful who know how to recognize in the social reality and in work the hopes and distress of the people of our time, laity capable of bearing witness to 'values of the kingdom' with their lives, even when it may mean going against the current with respect to the logic of the world."

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POPE ASKS FOR "UNINTERRUPTED PRAYER" FOR PEACE IN HOLY LAND

VATICAN CITY, APR 28, 2002 (VIS) - Before reciting the Regina Coeli with the faithful who had come to St. Peter's Square for this noon prayer, Pope John Paul asked for a "chorus of uninterrupted prayer" for peace in the Holy Land.

"This Wednesday," he said, "starts the month of May, which is consecrated to Mary. Popular piety over the centuries has made this month a stupendous occasion to multiply initiatives of Marian devotion. Dearest brothers and sisters, we intensely live these days dedicated to the heavenly Mother of Our Lord. Let us recite, each day if possible, the holy rosary, either alone or in community. The rosary is a simple prayer, but profound and efficacious, for imploring graces in favor of families, communities and the entire world."

The Holy Father went on to say that "in the face of the international situation, where so many problems and needs emerge, and in particular in the light of the drama in the Holy Land that knows no end, we must turn with trust to the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin. We are certain that she can sustain the efforts of those who seek peace with sincerity and commitment. No one more than she, Queen of Peace, constantly watches over this difficult path of mankind."

"During the month of May," the Pope concluded, "may there be raised from every corner of the earth an uninterrupted chorus of prayer to heaven so that the initiatives of distension and dialogue in the Land of Christ and in every other place on the planet marked by violence and pain, will be affirmed."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, APR 27, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Appointed Bishop Anthony Meagher, auxiliary of Toronto, Canada, as metropolitan archbishop of Kingston (area 15,600, population 315,000, Catholics 102,650, priests 74, permanent deacons 11, religious 189), Canada. The archbishop-elect was born in Oshawa, Canada in 1940, was ordained a priest in 1972 and a bishop in 1997. The Pope accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese presented by Archbishop Francis John Spence, upon having reached the age limit.

- Appointed Bishop Paul-Andre Durocher, auxiliary of Sault Sainte Marie, Canada, as bishop of Alexandria-Cornwall (area 1,290, population 87,388, Catholics 56,050, priests 43, permanent deacons 18, religious 78), Canada. He accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese presented by Bishop Eugene Philippe LaRocque, upon having reached the age limit.

- Appointed Fr. Ronald P. Fabbro, C.S.B., superior general of the Congregation of Priests of St. Basil, as bishop of London (area 21,349, population 1,421,916, Catholics 455,013, priests 281, religious 521), Canada. The bishop-elect was born in Sudbury, Canada in 1950 and was ordained a priest in 1980. The Holy Father accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese presented by Bishop John Michael Sherlock, upon having reached the age limit.

- Appointed Fr. Richard Smith, of the clergy of the archdiocese of Halifax, Canada and vicar general of the same archdiocese, as bishop of Pembroke (area 20,000, population 131,812, Catholics 65,896, priests 75, permanent deacons 7, religious 180), Canada. The bishop-elect was born in Halifax, Canada in 1959 and was ordained a priest in 1987.

- Appointed Bishop Richard Grecco, auxiliary of London, Canada, as auxiliary of Toronto, Canada.

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HOLY SEE ADDRESSES SEMINAR ON JUDICIAL SYSTEMS AND HUMAN RIGHTS

VATICAN CITY, APR 27, 2002 (VIS) - A Seminar sponsored by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe was held April 23-25 in Warsaw, Poland on the topic "Judicial Systems and Human Rights." Msgr. Ettore Balestrero represented the Holy See at this meeting and addressed the assembly on April 23. That speech was published today.

In opening remarks he noted that "judicial systems constitute a progressive conquest of civilization and of respect for human dignity. Therefore, they contribute to the cultural heritage of humanity and they have always been part of the cultural heritage of the Church." He went on to say that "the success of the rule of law cannot be separated from the recognition of and from respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, which no human institution can alter or eliminate. The defense and promotion of democracy therefore requires respect for human rights."
Msgr. Balestrero observed that "no single human right is safe if we do not commit ourselves to respect all human rights." He said that endangering or violating one right by claiming to protect others, is in fact, endangering all rights. He also stated that what counts in any juridical system is "justice, and beyond that, the human being."

"As far as access to justice is concerned," he said, "the Holy See underlines the need to avoid: abuses fueled by the desire to create scandals instead of seeking restoration of a denied right or compensation for a harm inflicted; high costs that make it more difficult for the poor to have access to justice." He stated the Holy See's conviction of the need for "the independence of judges and the impartial operation of the public judicial service."

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CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE WORLD OF SEAFARERS

VATICAN CITY, APR 29, 2002 (VIS) - John Paul II this morning welcomed the participants in the 15th Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant Peoples, who are meeting this year on the theme of the world of the sea and seafaring people.

In his talk, the Pope remarked that "this is a rather diversified social milieux where, even though there are numerous challenges, there is no lack of opportunity for evangelization. The increase of human mobility and the process of globalization have notably influenced the flow of migrants and tourists and the activity of seafaring people."

He spoke of the advantages and disadvantages of the phenomenon of globalization, noting that among the latter are "painful separations and complex and difficult situations. I am thinking for example, of seafaring people obliged to spend long periods away from their families, with stressful work rhythms. ... Nor can we forget those singular tourism offers of 'artificial paradises', where, for merely commercial reasons, populations and local cultures are exploited."

The Holy Father underscored the importance "of giving spiritual support to all those who make up the great family of seafarers. ... If there is the support of qualified pastoral agents, tourists can appreciate even more their vacations and cruises, because these will not just be solely pleasure trips." The Pope also stressed that "in every situation, it will be necessary to assure more just work conditions, conditions that respect individual and family needs. ... Adequate opportunities of cultivating one's own faith and religious practice must be proposed. That calls for imposing a pastoral ministry that is attentive to all the diverse conditions."

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ANGOLA: PUT INTO PRACTICE THE AGREEMENTS FOR TRUE PEACE

VATICAN CITY, APR 29, 2002 (VIS) - John Paul II received today the Letters of Credence of the new ambassador of Angola, Armindo Fernandes do Espirito Santo Vieira, to whom he expressed his joy that the country "has renewed the way for national harmony" after four decades of civil war.

After asking God to help "to put into practice the agreements which have been reached, thus obtaining a solution to the national problems," he said: "I express my most fervent desire that, thanks to the lively sense of solidarity and community life that are profound values of African culture, the obstacles and resistance in the search for the common good may be overcome rapidly and that a collective, unified and peaceful life may be established, in which all animosities are forgotten, the convictions of each person are respected and understanding is affirmed among all the different socio-political components, utilizing differences wisely for the common enrichment."

The Pope went on to say: "For that reason, it is important that leaders in public life do everything possible to promote building a better future for all their fellow countrymen, and in a special way for the disadvantaged."

The Holy Father recalled that the ambassador had expressed in his speech the hope that the Church would commit herself "in this phase of the implementation of a definitive peace and reconciliation among all Angolans." The Pope assured him that the Church, "with her educational institutions, will help to free people from the serious form of misery, which is the lack of cultural and religious formation. Through the Church's work in the field of health care, she wants to promote respect for human life and testimony to God's concern for the suffering."

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, APR 29, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father received in audience five prelates from the Episcopal Conference of Nigeria on their "ad limina" visit:
- Bishop Kevin J. Aje of Sokoto.
- Bishop Victor Adibe Chikwe of Abiara.
- Bishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji of Umuahia.
- Bishop Ayo-Maria Atoyebi of Ilorin.
- Bishop Joseph Sunday Ajomo of Lokocja.

On Saturday April 27, the Holy Father received in separate audiences:

- Six prelates from the Episcopal Conference of Nigeria on their "ad limina" visit:
- Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama of Jos.
- Bishop Patrick Francis Sheehan of Kano.
- Bishop Ephraim Silas Obot of Idah.
- Bishop Christopher Shaman Abba of Yola.
- Bishop Gregory O. Ochiaga of Orlu.
- Bishop Anthony Ekezia Ilonu of Okigwe.
- Archbishop Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya of Kisangani, Congo, president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar.
- Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.

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"THE CHURCH NEEDS CATHOLIC ACTION"

VATICAN CITY, APR 26, 2002 (VIS) - The Pope received at midday today in the Paul VI Hall 1,500 participants in the 11th National Assembly of Italian Catholic Action whom he thanked for their "love of the Church" and their "commitment to parish communities in ordinary life."

The Holy Father urged them to continue building "ties of communion and dialogue" among the people of God. He underlined the importance of "truly shaping Christian consciences through formation directed toward young people and adults, toward children and the elderly, to families and adolescents."

"The Church needs Catholic Action. The Church needs groups of lay people, faithful to their vocation and closely united to legitimate pastors who are willing to share, alongside them, the daily effort of evangelization in all environments. ... The Church needs lay people whose experience manifests in a concrete and daily way the greatness and joy of Christian life; ... lay people who do not reduce the faith to a private matter and do not hesitate to carry the leaven of the Gospel to the fabric of human relations and institutions."

John Paul II asked the members of Catholic Action to "put out into the deep, 'Duc in altum!'", and to be "a prophetic presence in the world, promoting those dimensions of life often forgotten and as a result so urgent, such as interior life and silence, responsibility and education, volunteerism and service, sobriety and fraternity, hope in tomorrow and love of life. Work effectively so that today's society recovers the true sense of man and his dignity, the value of life and family, of peace and solidarity, of justice and mercy."

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CELEBRATIONS PRESIDED OVER BY THE POPE: MAY - AUGUST

VATICAN CITY, APR 26, 2002 (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 May to August 2002.

MAY

- Sunday 5, Pastoral visit to the diocese of Ischia.

- Sunday 19, Pentecost Sunday: St. Peter's Square at 10 a.m., the canonization of Blesseds Alonso de Orozco, Ignazio da Santhia, Umile da Bisignano, Paulina do Coracao Agonizante de Jesus and Benedetta Cambiagio Frassinello.

- Wednesday 22 to Sunday 26, Solemnity of the Holy Trinity: Apostolic visit to Azerbaijan and Bulgaria.

- Thursday 30, Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ: In St. John Lateran at 7 p.m., Mass and procession to St. Mary Major, Eucharistic Benediction.

JUNE

- Sunday 16, Canonization of Blessed Pio da Pietrelcina in St. Peter's Square at 10 a.m.

- Saturday 29, Solemnity of St. Peter and Paul, Apostles: In the Vatican Basilica at 9:30 a.m., Mass and imposition of the palliums.

JULY

- Tuesday 23, start of apostolic trip to Toronto, Guatemala City and Mexico City (for the 17th World Youth Day, and the canonizations of Blessed Pedro de San Jose de Betancur and Blessed Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin).

AUGUST

- Friday 2, return to Rome from apostolic trip.

- Thursday 15, Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: 8 a.m. Mass at the Apostolic Palace in Castelgandolfo.

- Friday 16 to Monday 19, Apostolic trip to Poland.

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MAN, NOT MONEY OR TECHNOLOGY, IS PROTAGONIST OF DEVELOPMENT

VATICAN CITY, APR 26, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father has sent a Message to the young people of FUCI, the Italian Catholic University Federation, on the eve of their national congress on the theme "Solidarity in the Network of Interdependencies."

The Pope noted that their theme touches upon "the progressive intensification of relations among peoples, a phenomenon that is described today by the term 'globalization'. ... The growing interdependence among peoples, while it calls for a refusal of terrorism and violence as a practical way to build the essential conditions of justice and freedom, demands above all a strong moral, cultural and economic solidarity and a political organization of international society that can guarantee the rights of all peoples."

"The solution to the evil of underdevelopment and the dramatic situations in which millions of people live and die," wrote John Paul II, "is fundamentally of an ethical nature, and to it must correspond coherent economic and political choices. ... It is man who is the protagonist of development, not money or technology."
He said, in conclusion, that there must also be "a reform of international trade and the global financial system, but everyone is called to assume precise commitments according to their own possibilities, modifying when necessary, their own lifestyle in order to attain a development that is marked by fairness and solidarity."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, APR 26, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Fr. Patrick Daniel Koroma, director of National Charities, as bishop of Kenema (area 15,710, population 1,000,000, Catholics 20,490, priests 18, religious 35), Sierra Leone. The bishop-elect was born in 1950 into a Muslim family and was ordained a priest in 1977. The Holy Father accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese presented by Bishop John C. O'Riordan C.S.Sp., upon having reached the age limit.

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, APR 26, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father received today in separate audiences:

- Jaroslaw Kalinowski, vice-president of the Council of Ministers and the Ministry of Agriculture of Poland, accompanied by his wife and an entourage.
- Two prelates of the Episcopal Conference of Nigeria on their "ad limina" visit:
- Archbishop Peter Yariyok Jatau of Kaduna.
- Archbishop Anthony J.V. Obinna of Owerri.
- Carl A. Anderson, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus.
- Delegation of the Society of Swiss Students from the "Helvetia Romana" Association.

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SEX ABUSE: SOLIDARITY WITH VICTIMS, SEVERITY WITH OFFENDERS

VATICAN CITY, APR 25, 2002 (VIS) - At the end of the April 23-24 meeting in the Vatican with 12 cardinals from the United States, the presidency of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of the U.S., and a number of officials of the Roman Curia, a press conference was held in the Holy See Press Office. Pope John Paul had received the working group the morning of April 23 and he invited the American prelates to lunch yesterday to continue discussing the issues at hand.

Participants in the press conference included Cardinal James Stafford, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, archbishop of Washington, Bishop Wilton Gregory, president of the U.S. episcopal conference, and Press Office Director, Joaquin Navarro-Valls. At the start of the conference at 10 p.m., a three-page final communique, written in English, was released. Following are excerpts:

"The meeting was called with three goals in mind:
- on the part of the American Bishops, to inform the Holy See about the difficulties which they have faced in recent months,
- on the part of the Roman Dicasteries, to hear directly from the American Cardinals and the chief officials of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops a general evaluation of the situation,
- and together to develop ways to move forward in addressing these issues."

"The participants first of all wish to express their unanimous gratitude to the Holy Father for his clear indications of direction and commitment for the future. In communion with the Pope they reaffirm certain basic principles:

"1) The sexual abuse of minors is rightly considered a crime by society and is an appalling sin in the eyes of God, above all when it is perpetrated by priests and religious whose vocation is to help persons to lead holy lives before God and men.

"2) There is a need to convey to the victims and their families a profound sense of solidarity and to provide appropriate assistance in recovering faith and receiving pastoral care.

"3) Even if the cases of true pedophilia on the part of priests and religious are few, all the participants recognized the gravity of the problem. In the meeting, the quantitative terms of the problem were discussed, since the statistics are not very clear in this regard. Attention was drawn to the fact that almost all the cases involved adolescents and therefore were not cases of true pedophilia.

"4) Together with the fact that a link between celibacy and pedophilia cannot be scientifically maintained, the meeting reaffirmed the value of priestly celibacy as a gift of God to the Church.

"5) Given the doctrinal issues underlying the deplorable behavior in question, certain lines of response have been proposed:

"a) the Pastors of the Church need clearly to promote the correct moral teaching of the Church and publicly to reprimand individuals who spread dissent and groups which advance ambiguous approaches to pastoral care;

"b) a new and serious Apostolic Visitation of seminaries and other institutes of formation must be made without delay, with particular emphasis on the need for fidelity to the Church's teaching, especially in the area of morality, and the need for a deeper study of the criteria of suitability of candidates to the priesthood.

"c) it would be fitting for the Bishops of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to ask the faithful to join them in observing a national day of prayer and penance, in reparation for the offenses perpetrated and in prayer to God for the conversion of sinners and the reconciliation of victims.

"6) All the participants ... see the present time as a moment of grace. ... We cannot underestimate, in the words of the Holy Father, 'the power of Christian conversion, that radical decision to turn away from sin and back to God,' ... At the same time, as His Holiness also stated, 'People need to know that there is no place in the priesthood and religious life for those who would harm the young."

"Again in the Holy Father's words, 'neither should we forget the immense spiritual, human and social good that the vast majority of priests and religious in the United States have done and are still doing'."

"As part of the preparation for the June meeting of the American Bishops, the United States participants in the Rome meeting presented to the Prefects of the Roman Congregations the following proposals:

"1) We propose to send the respective Congregations of the Holy See a set of national standards which the Holy See will properly review ('recognitio'), in which essential elements for policies dealing with the sexual abuse of minors in Dioceses and Religious Institutes in the United States are set forth.

"2) We will propose that the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops recommend a special process for the dismissal from the clerical state of a priest who has become notorious and is guilty of the serial, predatory, sexual abuse of minors.

"3) While recognizing that the Code of Canon law already contains a judicial process for the dismissal of priests guilty of sexually abusing minors, we will also propose a special process for cases which are not notorious but where the Diocesan Bishop considers the priest a threat for the protection of children and young people, in order to avoid grave scandal in the future and to safeguard the common good of the Church.

"4) We will propose an Apostolic Visitation of seminaries and religious houses of formation, giving special attention to their admission requirements and the need for them to teach Catholic moral doctrine in its integrity.

"5) We will propose that the Bishops of the United States make every effort to implement the challenge of the Holy Father that the present crisis 'must lead to a holier priesthood, a holier episcopate, and a holier Church'."

"6) We propose that the Bishops of the United States set aside a day for prayer and penance throughout the Church in the United States, in order to implore reconciliation and the renewal of ecclesial life."

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SYMPOSIUM OF EUROPEAN BISHOPS: YOUTH IN A CHANGING EUROPE

VATICAN CITY, APR 25, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father received today in audience participants in the 10th Symposium of European Bishops which is taking place in Rome and was organized by the Council of Episcopal Conferences of Europe, whose president is Bishop Amedee Grab.

After recalling that the theme of the symposium is "Youth of a Changing Europe. Laboratory of Faith," the Pope indicated that "in the face of the void of values and deep existential questions that speak to today's society, we must proclaim and bear witness that Christ has taken on Himself the questions, the hopes and even the dramas of humanity of all times."

"There is great urgency," he continued, "for Europe to encounter this God Who loves man and is present in all human trials and difficulties. For this reason, it is indispensable that believers are willing to bear witness to their faith with their life."

John Paul II urged the young people present to follow Christ "faithfully with enthusiasm and perseverance. Don't allow him to be marginalized. The Gospel is indispensable in order to renew our culture; it is indispensable to construct a future of true peace in Europe and the world. Beloved young people, this contribution is up to you. Don't hesitate, therefore, to say yes to God who calls you."

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MESSAGE TO THE PRIESTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

VATICAN CITY, APR 25, 2002 (VIS) - Following are excerpts from the Message released last night by the American cardinals and the presidency of Conference of Catholic Bishops of the United States to the priests in their country:

"We, the Cardinals of the United States and the Presidency of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, gathered with our brother Cardinals of the Roman Curia around the Successor of Peter, wish to speak a special word to you, our brother priests who give yourselves so generously from day to day in service of God's people.

"At our meeting, you have been very much in our minds and hearts, for we know the heavy burden of sorrow and shame that you are bearing because some have betrayed the grace of Ordination by abusing those entrusted to their care.

"We regret that episcopal oversight has not been able to preserve the Church from this scandal. The entire Church, the Bride of Christ, is afflicted by this wound - the victims and their families first of all, but also you who have dedicated your lives to "the priestly service of the Gospel of God" (Rom 15:16).

"To all of you we express our deep gratitude for all that you do to build up the Body of Christ in holiness and love. We pledge to support you in every possible way through these troubled times, and we ask that you stay close to us in the bond of the priesthood as we make every effort to bring the healing grace of Christ to the people whom we serve.

"We are in complete harmony with the Holy Father when he said in his Address yesterday: "Neither should we forget the immense spiritual, human and social good that the vast majority of priests and religious in the United States have done and are still doing."

"As we look to the future, let us together beg the eternal High Priest for the grace to live this time of trial with courage and confidence in the Crucified Lord. ... From the house of the Successor of Peter, who has confirmed us in our faith, we wish in turn to confirm you in the humble and exalted service of the Catholic priesthood to which we have been called. Peace be with you!"

...;MESSAGE PRIESTS USA;...;...;VIS;20020425;Word: 390;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, APR 25, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Sees, France, presented by Bishop Yves-Marie Guy Dubigeon, in conformity with canon 401, para. 2, of the Code of Canon Law. He is succeeded by Coadjutor Bishop Jean-Claude Boulanger of the same diocese.

- Accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Inchon, Korea, presented by Bishop William J. McNaughton, upon having reached the age limit. He is succeeded by Coadjutor Bishop Boniface Choi Ki-san of the same diocese.

NER;...;...;DUBIGEON; MCNAUGHTON;VIS;20020425;Word: 100;

HOLY FATHER GREETS PILGRIMS FROM NAPLES, GENOA AND TURIN

VATICAN CITY, APR 25, 2002 (VIS) - In the Paul VI Hall this morning the Pope welcomed 4,000 Italian pilgrims, including a group of lay ministers from the diocese of Naples, representatives of the Salesian Work of Genoa-Sampierdarena, celebrating its 130th anniversary, and "The Students of Heaven," a community of young singers from Turin.

He thanked the lay leaders from Naples for their service to the Church, remarking that in their work they are "collaborators of the priest, but above all, servants of Jesus. I invite you, therefore, to cultivate an intimate friendship with Him, recognizing in Him a true friend Who is always at your side, in good times and difficult ones."

John Paul II, in remarks to the pilgrims from Genoa, reminded them that it was precisely from Sampierdarena that "the first (Salesian) missionaries left, with the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, for the Americas. ... Think of the apostolic ardor of these intrepid evangelizers and work so that the Sampierdarena Institute continues to be a window open wide to the world."

Addressing the young singers from Turin, the Pope observed that they, "for many years have been committed to witnessing to the Gospel of life with the universal language of song and music." He told them "to communicate to all whom you meet a message of hope, proposing always the authentic Gospel vision of reality."

AC;ITALIAN PILGRIMS;...;...;VIS;20020425;Word: 240;

FIRST VOLUME OF THE RUSSIAN CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA PUBLISHED

VATICAN CITY, APR 23, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father received this morning Archbishop Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz, metropolitan archbishop of the diocese of the Mother of God in Moscow, Russia, who presented to him, along with a group of academics and professors, the first volume of the Russian Catholic Encyclopedia.

After thanking Archbishop Kondrusiewicz for the initiative of "offering to the Russian people this significant gift that illustrates the tradition, life and doctrine of the Catholic Church," the Pope greeted the pastors and the faithful of the Russian Federation.

"The encyclopedia that you have prepared," he said, "is an important contribution that Catholics want to offer to Russian- speakers who want to study in depth the treasures that God has given to men through the Church. With this work, the Catholic community, present in Russia for many centuries, reaffirms its will to collaborate with the great Russian culture in order to weave together with it a worthy and fruitful dialogue, in benefit of the people that express it."

John Paul II said he hoped that the effort in the preparation of the volume "will contribute to deepening the reciprocal knowledge and esteem among those who live Christ's Gospel in your beloved country."

AC;RUSSIAN CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA;...;KONDRUSIEWICZ;VIS;20020423;Word: 210;

DECREES OF THE CONGREGATION FOR THE CAUSES OF SAINTS

VATICAN CITY, APR 23, 2002 (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, 19 decrees were promulgated relative to 22 Blesseds and Servants of God. Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins, prefect of the Congregation, read a discourse on the lives of the future blesseds and saints.

The 19 causes are:

MIRACLES

- Blessed Guiseppe Maria Rubio y Peralta (1864-1929), Spanish, professed priest of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).
- Blessed Orsola Ledochowska (1865-1939), nee Giulia Maria, Austrian, foundress of the Congregation of the Ursuline Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Agony.
- Blessed Genoveffa Torres Morales (1870-1956), Spanish, foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Sarcred Heart of Jesus and of the Holy Angels, called "The Angelicas."
- Blessed Maria Maravillas di Gesu (1891-1974), nee Maria Maravillas Pidal y Chico de Guzman, Spanish, professed nun of the Order of the Discalced Carmelites.
- Venerable Servant of God Andrea Giacinto Longhin (1863-1936), Italian, of the Order of the Friars Minor Capuchins, bishop of Treviso.
- Venerable Servant of God Pierre Bonhomme (1803-1861), French, priest of the diocese of Cahors and founder of the Congregation of Sisters of Our Lady of Calvary.
- Venerable Servant of God Marco Da Aviano (1631-1699), ne Carlo Domenico Cristofori, Italian, professed priest of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchins.
- Venerable Servant of God Gabrielle Maria Allegra (1907-1976), nee Elena de Chappotinde Neuville, Italian, professed priest of the Order of Friars Minor.
- Venerable Servant of God Maria Della Passione (1839-1904), French, foundress of the Institute of Franciscan Missionaries of Maria.
- Venerable Servant of God Maria Dolores Rodriguez Sopena y Ortega (1848-1918), Spanish, foundress of the Congregation of Sisters of the Dolores Sopena Catechist Institute.
- Venerable Servant of God Carita Brader (1860-1943), nee Maria Giuseppa Carolina, Swiss, foundress of the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Immaculate Mary.

MARTYRS

- Martyrdom of the servants of God Pietro Vitchev, Paolo Djidjo and Giosafat Chichkov, professed priests of the Congregation of Augustinians of the Assumption, killed in hatred for the faith on November 11, 1952 in Bulgaria.
- Martyrdom of the servants of God Davide Okelo and Gildo Irwa, lay catechists, killed in hatred for the faith on October 18 and 19, 1918 in Uganda.

HEROIC VIRTUES

- Servant of God Guiseppe Morgera (1844-1898), Italian, priest of the diocese of Ischia.
- Servant of God Gioacchino Da Canicatti (1831-1905), ne Gaetano La Lomia, Italian, professed priest of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchins.
- Servant of God Matilde Del Sacro Cuore Tellez Robles (1841-1902), Spanish, foundress of the Congregation of the Daughters of Mary Mother of the Church.
- Servant of God Guila Salzano (1846-1929), Italian, foundress of the Congregation of the Catechist Sisters of the Sacred Heart.
- Servant of God Marianna Saltini, widow Testi (1889-1957), called "Mamma Nina," Italian, foundress of the Institute of the Daughters of Saint Francis of Carpi.
- Servant of God Speranza di Gesu (1893-1983), nee Maria Giuseppa Alhama y Valera, Spanish, foundress of the Congregation of the Hand Maidens of Merciful Love and of the Sons of the Merciful Love.

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NEW COMMITTEE TO ASSIST CONGREGATION IN ENGLISH TRANSLATIONS

VATICAN CITY, APR 23, 2002 (VIS) - Made public yesterday afternoon was a Message from the Holy Father to Cardinal Jorge Arturo Medina Estevez, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, on the occasion of the inaugural meeting of the 'Vox Clara' Committee, recently established by the congregation.

The Pope recalls in his Message that the Vox Clara Committee "has been established to assist and advise the Congregation .... in fulfilling its responsibilities with regard to the English translations of liturgical texts. Representing the different continents as its does, the committee reflects the international character of the English language. This makes available to the Holy See the great wealth of pastoral experience drawn from different cultures."

Noting that "the 'lex orandi' conforms to the 'lex credendi'," the Pope goes on to say that "fidelity to the rites and texts of the Liturgy is of paramount importance for the Church and Christian life." He encourages the Committee in its task "of ensuring that the texts of the Roman Rite are accurately translated in accordance with the norms of the Instruction 'Liturgiam Authenticam'."

In closing, John Paul II asks Pastors of the Church "to make available to the faithful ... the vernacular translations of the 'editio tertia' of the 'Missale Romanum'." He says he is "pleased to learn that members of the Vox Clara Committee have generously pledged to assist the Holy See in expediting the revision and 'recognitio' of these translations by the Congregation."

MESS;VOX CLARA COMMITTEE;...;CCD; MEDINA;VIS;20020423;Word: 260;

NO PLACE IN PRIESTHOOD FOR THOSE WHO WOULD HARM YOUNG

VATICAN CITY, APR 23, 2002 (VIS) - The meeting this morning in the Vatican with Pope John Paul, 12 United States cardinals and a number of members of the Roman Curia began with an opening prayer and a welcome by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of state. The president of the United States episcopal conference addressed the meeting, as did the U.S. cardinals.

Pope John Paul then spoke. "I greatly appreciate the effort you are making," he told the American cardinals, "to keep the Holy See, and me personally, informed regarding the complex and difficult situation which has arisen in your country in recent months. ... You have come to the house of the Successor of Peter. ... The door of this house is always open to you. All the more so when your communities are in distress."

"Like you," the Pope continued, "I too have been deeply grieved by the fact that priests and religious, whose vocation it is to help people live holy lives in the sight of God, have themselves caused such suffering and scandal to the young. Because of the great harm done by some priests and religious, the Church herself is viewed with distrust, and many are offended at the way in which the Church's leaders are perceived to have acted in this matter. The abuse which has caused this crisis is by every standard wrong and rightly considered a crime by society; it is also an appalling sin in the eyes of God. To the victims and their families, wherever they may be, I express my profound sense of solidarity and concern."

"It is true," he stated, "that a generalized lack of knowledge of the nature of the problem and also at times the advice of clinical experts led Bishops to make decisions which subsequent events showed to be wrong. You are now working to establish more reliable criteria to ensure that such mistakes are not repeated. ... While recognizing how indispensable these criteria are, we cannot forget the power of Christian conversion. ... Neither should we forget the immense spiritual, human and social good that the vast majority of priests and religious in the United States have done and are still doing."

"A great work of art may be blemished, but its beauty remains; and this is a truth which any intellectually honest critic will recognize." The Pope then expressed his personal "wholehearted" thanks to Catholic communities in the U.S., to teachers in Catholic universities and schools, and to American missionaries in all parts of the world.

"The abuse of the young," John Paul underscored, "is a grave symptom of a crisis affecting not only the Church but society as a whole. It is a deep-seated crisis of sexual morality, even of human relationships, and its prime victims are the family and the young. In addressing the problem of abuse with clarity and determination, the Church will help society to understand and deal with the crisis in its midst."

"It must be absolutely clear to the Catholic faithful, and to the wider community, that Bishops and superiors are concerned, above all else, with the spiritual good of souls. People need to know that there is no place in the priesthood and religious life for those who would harm the young. They must know that Bishops and priests are totally committed to the fullness of Catholic truth on matters of sexual morality."

The Holy Father told those assembled: "We must be confident that this time of trial will bring a purification of the entire Catholic community, a purification that is urgently needed if the Church is to preach more effectively the Gospel of Jesus Christ in all its liberating force."

"God alone is the source of holiness," declared the Pope. "It is to him above all that we must turn for forgiveness, for healing and for the grace to meet this challenge with uncompromising courage and harmony of purpose."

The Holy Father concluded; "I beg the Lord to give the Bishops of the United States the strength to build their response to the present crisis upon the solid foundations of faith and upon genuine pastoral charity for the victims, as well as for the priests and the entire Catholic community in your country. And I ask Catholics to stay close to their priests and Bishops, and to support them with their prayers at this difficult time."

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OPENNESS, HONESTY, TRANSPARENCY MUST BE THE CHURCH'S HALLMARK

VATICAN CITY, APR 20, 2002 (VIS) - The bishops of Nigeria were welcomed by the Holy Father this morning as they complete their quinquennial "ad limina" visit. As he began his speech in English, the Pope noted that their "country boasts one of the largest Catholic populations in the whole of Africa and there is a steady increase in numbers." Moreover, he said "you are blessed with many vocations to the priesthood and religious life, which also allow you to send missionaries to other African nations."

"Through your leadership," he stated, "the Church is actively involved in Nigerian national life, constantly urging solidarity, the exercise of civic responsibility and the overcoming of tensions and conflict through dialogue and reconciliation ... as Nigeria continues along the path of transition from military rule to democratic government."

The Holy Father underscored the problems that plague Nigerian society, as the bishops outlined them in their reports: "the persistence of widespread poverty, often extreme, and the spread of moral and ethical indifference, from which arise crime, corruption and attacks on the sanctity of human life itself." He stressed the need to give a strong formation to the faithful through catechesis, Bible study, devout prayer and "a clear exposition of doctrine as found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church."

A laity that is strengthened in its Catholic identity, he observed, will be able to "respond to the challenge of playing an active role in public life, including the political sphere" and will also be "enabled to respond to the objections raised with increasing frequency by sects and new religious movements, of which there are many in your country." He urged them to pay special attention to the formation of children and young people.

Such preparation, the Pope added, will also strengthen the family, "threatened as it is in its fundamental aspects of unity and stability by practices such as polygamy, divorce, abortion and prostitution, by the spread of a contraceptive mentality and by irresponsible sexual activity that also increases the incidence of AIDS."

John Paul II then highlighted the bishops' "relationship with other Churches and Ecclesial Communities," and the need for "dialogue with the followers of African traditional religion and with Islam."

"Here I must also raise an important issue which I know is a source of grave concern to you and your people. There are certain parts of the country where proponents of Islam are acting with ever greater militancy, even to the point of imposing their understanding of Islamic law on entire States within the Nigerian Federation and denying other believers the freedom of religious expression. I strongly encourage and support your every effort to speak out courageously and forcefully in this regard: government leaders, both local and federal, as well as people of good will of all persuasions, must be reminded of the obligation of every government to ensure that the equality of all citizens before the law is never violated for religious reasons, whether openly or covertly."

Turning to another matter, the Pope encouraged the bishops "to ensure an ever more complete and permanent formation for your priests." Stressing that "the priesthood must never be seen as a means for improving one's lot in life or in terms of gaining prestige," he said: "Your lives and those of your priests should reflect an authentic evangelical poverty and detachment from the things and attitudes of the world, and the value of celibacy as a complete gift of self to the Lord and his Church must be carefully safeguarded. Behaviour which might give scandal must be carefully avoided, and you yourselves must diligently investigate accusations of any such behaviour, taking firm steps to correct it where it is found to exist. Here too, seminary formation is very important, for the convictions and practical training imparted to future priests are essential for the success of the Church's mission."

"Dear Brothers, Shepherds of God's Holy People," John Paul II concluded, "it is of the utmost importance that openness, honesty and transparency should always be the hallmark of everything that the Church does, in all her spiritual, educational and social undertakings, as well as in every aspect of her administration."

AL;...;...;NIGERIA;VIS;20020422;Word: 690;

JOHN PAUL II ORDAINS AS PRIESTS 20 DEACONS OF HIS DIOCESE

VATICAN CITY, APR 21, 2002 (VIS) - At 9 a.m. today, the fourth Sunday of Easter, the Pope presided at Holy Mass in the Vatican Basilica and conferred priestly ordination on twenty deacons of the diocese of Rome.
In his homily, the Holy Father urged the new priests to live the mystery of the Eucharist, about which he said: "Now you are ordained ministers as well as deacons of the Holy Church of God. But, from today on, by the grace of the sacrament that you are going to receive, you will be (ministers) in a new and singular way."

"Jesus," he continued, "does not only make you participants in the mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven, He also expects from you greater faithfulness and conformity to the apostolic ministry that has been entrusted to you. ... He demands from you a more rigorous poverty and the humility of a servant who makes himself last of all. He asks you to be perfect 'as your Heavenly Father is perfect'. In a word, the Lord wants you to be saints."

John Paul II reminded the priests that "another essential aspect of the mystery ... is the sacrament of reconciliation, intimately related to the Eucharist." He went on to say: "Be holy ministers of divine mercy. Live above all for you yourselves the marvelous grace of reconciliation as a deep obligation and a gift always awaited. ... God counts on the faithful availability of each one of you in order to work extraordinary miracles of love in the hearts of believers. ... Prepare yourselves well for this ministry! It requires an adequate and constant spiritual, theological, liturgical and pastoral formation. ... For that, the wisdom and the example of the saints will help you."

HML;PRIESTLY ORDINATIONS;...;...;VIS;20020422;Word: 300;

HOLY SEE ON BISHOP EXPELLED FROM RUSSIAN FEDERATION

VATICAN CITY, APR 20, 2002 (VIS) - Joaquin Navvarro-Valls, director of the Holy See Press Office, made the following declaration this afternoon regarding Bishop Jerzy Mazur, S.V.D, who has been expelled from the Russian Federation:

"Friday evening, April 19, 2002, at Sheremetievo-2 Airport in Moscow, Bishop Jerzy Mazur, S.V.D., of the Catholic diocese of St. Joseph of Irkutsk, in Eastern Siberia, was denied entry into the Russian Federation upon his early afternoon arrival from Warsaw, and was made to reboard a flight for Warsaw. No explanation was provided to Bishop Mazur regarding the measure taken towards him.

"The Secretary of State and the Pontifical Representation in Moscow immediately intervened along with the Russian authorities, asking for an explanation and requesting the return of the entrance visa to the prelate.

"What happened to Bishop Mazur, several days after what happened to the Italian priest Stefano Caprio, of St. Rosario at Vladimir and Ivanovo (Archdiocese of the Mother of God in Moscow), represents a serious violation of the commitments undertaken by the Russian governing authorities, signatories of the final document of the Conference for Security and Cooperation in Europe (Vienna, January 15, 1989). In fact, in the "Principles" Section, article 16, it was ratified that "the participating States, among other things, ... will respect the right of religious communities to build and maintain freely accessible places of worship or meeting; to organize themselves according to their own hierarchal and institutional structure; to choose, nominate and replace their own personnel in accordance with the respective requirements and their own norms as well as any agreement freely accepted by them and the state." We hope, therefore, for a prompt review of the measure taken and that Bishop Mazur can soon return to his faithful in East Siberia."

OP;RUSSIA; EXPULSION BISHOP;...;NAVARRO-VALLS;VIS;20020422;Word: 300;

TRANSMIT VALUES AND MORALS THROUGH THE MEDIA

VATICAN CITY, APR 20, 2002 (VIS) - Made public today was a message from the Pope addressed to the president of the Catholic Union of the Italian Press, Emilio Rossi, who has organized a meeting entitled "Youth and the Media of Communication."

In the message dated April 18, John Paul II writes that television "frequently is the main point of reference for youth" and for this reason, "it is necessary to create products that, while respecting pedagogical dynamics and ethical values, take into account the sensitivity and the educational requirements of young people."

"What are necessary," he continues, "are programs that promote the growth of the person, a sense of well-being, and the capacity to correctly face all the most difficult aspects of our existence, without trauma and distortions. Above all, it is necessary to transmit through the media values and models that cause the fundamental truths to emerge about human beings and about the big questions they ask themselves. Among these, we must point out in a special way the religious truths aimed at furnishing appropriate answers to the deeper demands that accompany the growth and development of the person."

The Holy Father highlights that "one of the principle paradigms of civilization and progress is to pay attention to young people in the field of the media of communication; it entails a passionate task to which all must contribute according to their own role and their own strengths."

The Pope concludes by directing a call to leaders and institutions to make it possible that "respect for the rights of minors may be considered as a primary and essential criteria in the assessment of the media of communication. I invite all parents to educate carefully at home as well as a contributing member in society. To the agents of communication, in particular to editors and producers, I urge you to invest in projects appropriate for minors, keeping in mind young people's demands."

MESS;YOUTH; MEDIA COMMUNICATION;...;ROSSI;VIS;20020422;Word: 330;

AGENDA FOR MEETING IN VATICAN WITH U.S. CARDINALS

VATICAN CITY, APR 22, 2002 (VIS) - Following is the agenda and the list of participants of the April 23-24 meeting in the Vatican between United States cardinals and members of the Roman Curia:

On April 23 and 24, in the Bologna Hall of the Apostolic Palace, there will be, as previously announced, an interdicasterial meeting with United States cardinals and with the presidency of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of the United States.

The meeting follows talks that took place recently in the Vatican with representatives of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of the United States, with a view to the assembly that this same episcopal conference will hold in Dallas from June 13 to 15.

The Holy Father will closely follow the work, compatible with his previously arranged appointments, including Wednesday morning's general audience.

The following will participate in the meeting:

1. Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Secretary of State, President.

United States Cardinals:
2. Cardinal Bernard Francis Law, Archbishop of Boston.
3. Cardinal Roger Michael Mahony, Archbishop of Los Angeles.
4. Cardinal Anthony Joseph Bevilacqua, Archbishop of Philadelphia. 5. Cardinal William Henry Keeler, Archbishop of Baltimore.
6. Cardinal Adam Joseph Maida, Archbishop of Detroit.
7. Cardinal Francis Eugene George, Archbishop of Chicago.
8. Cardinal Theodore Edgar McCarrick, Archbishop of Washington.
9. Cardinal Edward Michael Egan, Archbishop of New York.
10. Cardinal James Aloysius Hickey, Archbishop emeritus di Washington.
11. Cardinal Avery Dulles.

Conference of Catholic Bishops of the United States:
12.Bishop Wilton Daniel Gregory, President.
13.Bishop William Stephen Skylstad, Vice President.
14.Msgr. William P. Fay, secretary general.

United States Cardinals of the Curia:
15. Cardinal William Wakefield Baum, Archbishop emeritus of Washington, Major Penitentiary emeritus.
16. Cardinal Edmund Casimir Szoka, Archbishop emeritus of Detroit and President of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State.
17. Cardinal James Francis Stafford, Archbishop emeritus of Denver and President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity.

Heads of Dicastery of the Roman Curia:
18. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
19. Cardinal Eduardo Martinez Somalo, prefect of the Congregation for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
20. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.
21. Cardinal Jorge Arturo Medina Estevez, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of Sacraments.
22. Cardinal Dario Castrillon Hoyos, prefect of the Congregation for Clergy.
23. Cardinal Zenon Grocholewski, prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education.
24. Archbishop Julian Herranz, president of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts.

The meetings will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will continue until 12:30 p.m. They will reconvene at 4:30 p.m. and end at 7:30 p.m., according to the following schedule:

Tuesday April 23

Opening prayer of Adsumus; Welcome by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Secretary of State; Speech by the president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops; Speeches by United States Cardinals, in order of diaconate; Speech by the Holy Father; Recitation of the Regina Coeli and conclusion of the morning sessions.

Speeches by Cardinal Castrillon Hoyos and the heads of dicasteries; Resumption of speeches by United States Cardinals, and concluding prayer.

Wednesday April 24
Prayer of Adsumus; Presentation of the proposals of the preceding day, by the president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops; Open floor for discussion; Recitation of the Regina Coeli and conclusion of the morning sessions.

Final meeting.

OP;MEETING; US CARDINALS;...;...;VIS;20020422;Word: 550;

CHRISTIAN UNITY ESSENTIAL TO PROCLAIMING CHRIST TO THE WORLD

VATICAN CITY, APR 22, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father this morning welcomed 85 participants in a meeting of The Bible Societies and remarked that the Societies "exist to open the inexhaustible riches of Sacred Scripture to all who will listen, and that is a noble Christian service, for which I give thanks to God."

He noted that "for many years your Societies have been engaged in translating and distributing the text of Scripture, an essential part of proclaiming Christ to the world. For it is not just words which we must speak: it is the Word of God Himself!"

"The urgency of this task," the Pope stated, "demands that we commit ourselves to the cause of Christian unity, for division among the disciples of Christ has certainly impaired our mission. Your meeting therefore draws together members of different Churches and Ecclesial Communities. ... Whatever differences remain between us, the promotion of the Bible is one point where Christians can work closely together for the glory of God and the good of the human family."

AC;...;...;BIBLE SOCIETIES;VIS;20020422;Word: 180;

RESTORE HOLY SITES TO PRAYER, PILGRIMS, GOD AND MAN!

VATICAN CITY, APR 21, 2002 (VIS) - Following the priestly ordination this morning in St. Peter's Basilica of 20 deacons of the diocese of Rome, Pope John Paul greeted the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square for the recitation of the Regina Coeli.

He reminded the pilgrims that "following a significant tradition, today, the fourth Sunday of Easter, we celebrate the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. This Sunday is also called Good Shepherd Sunday because in the Gospel Jesus gives Himself this eloquent biblical title. ... I invite everyone to raise to God a chorus of prayer, especially on this Day, for a flowering of numerous and holy vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life among the People of God."

The Holy Father then spoke of the Middle East, saying "our prayers also continue insistently for the situation in the Holy Land from where, unfortunately, worrisome news and scenes of destruction continue to arrive. These are images that are stronger than any appeal and they induce one to try everything, at all levels, so that this Land, blessed by God, will come out of the spiral of hatred and violence as soon as possible.

"In particular," he stated, "every day I spiritually visit Bethlehem, and the Basilica of the Nativity, where I lived unforgettable moments during the course of my Jubilee pilgrimage. For almost 20 days now the basilica and connected buildings have been the theatre of clashes, blackmail and unbearable exchanges of accusations. May that place, and all the holy sites, be immediately restored to prayer and pilgrims, to God and to man!"

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, APRIL 22, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed the following as members of the Pontifical Council of Justice and Peace: Archbishops George Pell of Sydney, Australia, and Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya of Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo; Bishops Amedee Grap of Chur, Switzerland, Reinhard Marx of Trier, Germany, Olivier de Berrauger of Saint-Denis, France, Leon Tharmaraj of Kottar, India, and Antonio Ledesma of Ipil, the Phillipines; Silvio Marcus Helmons of Belgium, Tomas Raga Gil of Spain, Raymond Ranjeva of Madagascar, Onno Ruding of the Netherlands, Andrea Riccardi of Italy, Maria E. Diaz de Pfennich of Mexico, and Mary Yuen Mee-Yin of Hong Kong.

On Saturday April 20, it was made public that the Holy Father erected the apostolic exarchate for the Catholic Greek-Melkites living in Argentina with its see in Cordoba. He also appointed Fr. Georges Haddad S.M.S.P. as first exarch of the newly-erected exarchate, assigning him the titular see of Mira of the Greek-Melkites. The bishop-elect was born in 1957 in Beirut, Lebanon and was ordained a priest in 1983.

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, APR 22, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Four prelates from the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria, on their "ad limina" visit:
- Archbishop John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan of Abuya.
- Bishop Athanasius Atule Usuh of Makurdi.
- Bishop Vincent Valentine Egwuchukwu Ezeonyia of Aba.
- Bishop John Moore, apostolic vicar of Bauchi.
- Cardinal Lubomyr Husar, archbishop major of Lviv of the Ukrainians, with Auxiliary Bishops Stanislaw Padewski, O.F.M.Cap., Ihor Vozniak, C.SS.R., and Hlib Lonchyna, M.S.U.

On Saturday April 20, the Holy Father received in separate audiences:

- Archbishop Jozef Wesolowski, apostolic nuncio in Kazakhstan and Tadjikistan.
- Two prelates from the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria, on their "ad limina" visit:
- Bishop Hilary Paul Odili Okeke of Nnewi.
- Bishop Joseph Egerega, apostolic vicar of Bomadi.
- Bishop Joseph Edra Ukpo of Ogoja.
- Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.

AL; AP;...;...;...;VIS;20020422;Word: 110;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, APR 19, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Nine prelates from the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria on their "ad limina" visit:
- Bishop Joseph Effiong Ekuwem of Uyo.
- Bishop Emmanuel Otteh of Issele-Uku.
- Bishop Francis Emmanuel Ogbonna Okobo of Nsukka.
- Bishop Simon Akwali Okafor of Awka, accompanied by Auxiliary Bishop Solomon Amanchukwu Amatu.
- Bishop Gabriel Leke Abegunrin of Osogbo.
- Bishop Richard Anthony Burke of Warri, accompanied by Auxiliary Bishop John 'Oke Afareha.
- Bishop Alfred Adewale Martins of Abeokuta.
- Fr. Giacomo Bini O.F.M., general minister of the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor.

This after he will receive Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

AL; AP;...;...;...;VIS;20020419;Word: 120;

PRESENT PRIESTLY VOCATION IN ITS ENTIRETY

VATICAN CITY, APR 19, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father sent a letter to Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcotte, archbishop of Montreal, Canada, on the occasion of the congress concerning the pastoral care of vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life which is taking place from April 18 to 22 in Rome.

In the letter made public today and dated April 12, the Pope recalls that "the theme of the congress - 'Vocation: Gift from God' - expresses well the fundamental dimension of the priestly or religious vocation, and inspires all the participants to live the days of the congress in a fervent climate, invoking the light and strength of the Holy Spirit."

"The census of apostolic efforts in Canada" shows that "some seminaries are being filled with candidates for the priesthood, and that certain religious congregations have many vocations, thanks to, among other things, the vocational fecundity of more recent communities and ecclesial movements."

"Apropos of the call to the priestly ministry, I want to underline that it cannot be considered a call among many others; in fact, the fulfillment and development of all other vocations depends on it. A priest represents Christ in his roles as Master, Shepherd, Priest and Spouse."

John Paul II affirms that the Lord's voice "is frequently drown out by other calls that unfortunately distract the spirit of the youth, and also by some ideas about the priesthood and priestly ministry that do not conform to the faith and Church tradition. In the face of this, capillary pastoral action is necessary, capable of presenting this vocation in its entirety and of offering useful help to those who are the object of the Lord's invitation."

JPII-LETTER;VOCATIONS;...;MONTREAL; TURCOTTE;VIS;20020419;Word: 280;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, APR 19, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Appointed Msgr. Joseph (Joy) Kalathiparambil, vicar general of the archdiocese of Verapoly, India as bishop of Calicut (area 12,505, population 8,770,634, Catholics 23,526, priests 96, religious 707), India. The bishop-elect was born in 1952 in Vaduthala, India and was ordained a priest in 1978. The Holy Father also accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese presented by Bishop Maxwell Valentine Noronha, upon having reached the age limit.

- Appointed Archbishop Jules Mikhael Al-Jamil, apostolic visitor of the Syrian faithful resident in Western Europe, as the procurator general of the Syrian Patriarchate in Rome.

NER; NA;...;...;KALATHIPARAMBIL; AL-JAMIL;VIS;20020419;Word: 100;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, APR 18, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Seven prelates from the Catholics Bishops' Conference of Nigeria on their "ad limina" visit:
- Bishop Michael Patrick Olatunji Fagun of Ekiti.
- Bishop Julius Babtunde Adelakun of Oyo.
- Bishop Anthony Okonkwo Gbuji of Enugu.
- Bishop Francis Folorunsho Clement Alonge of Ondo.
- Bishop Michael Nnachi Okoro of Abakaliki.
- Bishop Camillus Archibong Etokudoh of Ikot-Ekpene.
- Bishop Albert Ayinde Fasina Ijebu-Ode.
- Jul Bushati, ambassador of Albania, on his farewell visit.
- Bonaventure Ndong-Ekomie, ambassador of Gabon, on his farewell visit.

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IN MEMORIAM

VATICAN CITY, APR 18, 2002 (VIS) - The following prelate died in recent weeks:

- Bishop Edward Cornelius O'Leary, emeritus of Portland in Maine, U.S.A., on April 2 at the age of 81.

...;IN MEMORIAM;...;... ;VIS;20020418;Word: 30;

GENERAL AUDIENCE: BEAR WITNESS TO THE SALVATION OF THE WORLD

VATICAN CITY, APR 17, 2002 (VIS) - In this Wednesday's general audience celebrated in St. Peter's Square, John Paul II spoke about the hymn of the prophet Isaiah, "Joy of the redeemed people," that concludes the part of the Bible known as "the book of Emmanuel."

The Pope emphasized that certain themes are evoked in this hymn such as "salvation, trust, joy, divine action, the presence among the people of the 'Holy One of Israel', an expression that indicates the transcendent 'holiness' of God, as well as His loving and active closeness, which the people of Israel can count on."

In the first part of the hymn, the theme of salvation is predominant and the psalmist "is certain that at the root of liberation and of hope divine grace is found."

"Salvation given by God, Who is capable of causing joy to bloom and inspiring trust even in the dark day of trial, is represented by the image of water, a classic image in the Bible, which is the "grace of the Holy Spirit." He added that "unfortunately, humanity frequently abandons this source that quenches the thirst of the whole being of the person."

The Holy Father affirmed that the second part "is a continual call to joyful praise in the Lord's honor. ... At the center of praise, there is the unique profession of faith in God the Savior Who is at work in history and is close to His creatures, sharing their vicissitudes."

"Salvation, obtained (from God), must be born witness to in the world, in such a way that all of humanity go to those sources of peace, joy and freedom."

In his greetings at the end of the general audience, the Pope addressed in a special way a group of priests from Vietnam who have recently completed their studies in Europe and are returning to their country: "Dear priests, tell your brothers and sisters in the faith that I pray for them every day; I pray for peace and progress in all the nation."

AG;HYMN ISAIAH;...;...;VIS;20020417;Word: 350;

RESPECT HUMAN RIGHTS AND HUMANITARIAN LAW IN THE MIDEAST

VATICAN CITY, APR 17, 2002 (VIS) - Msgr. Leo Boccardi, Holy See permanent representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), addressed the 387th session of the Permanent Council, which took place in Vienna on April 11, on the dramatic evolution of events in the Holy Land.

A communique issued yesterday afternoon with Msgr. Boccardi's speech noted that Israel is one of the Mediterranean Partners for Cooperation of the OSCE. This same communique said that the Holy See's intervention attained broad adhesion from States participating in the conference.

Msgr. Boccardi reiterated "the Holy See's recently reconfirmed position, regarding the continuing conflict in the Holy Land. This position is articulated in the five following points:
1. Unequivocal condemnation of terrorism, from whatever side it may come.
2. Disapproval of the conditions of injustice and humiliation imposed on the Palestinian people, as well as reprisals and retaliation, which only make the sense of frustration and hatred grow.
3. Respect for the United Nations Resolutions by all sides.
4. Proportionality in the use of legitimate means of defense.
5. The duty for the parties in conflict to protect the Holy places, which are of the greatest importance to the three monotheistic religions and a patrimony of all of humanity.

He noted that "the Holy See is in close contact with, among others, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and the religious communities of Bethlehem, and has conveyed to them the Holy Father's complete solidarity in this sorrowful moment."

The Holy See delegate stated that "Pope John Paul II has stressed that no political or religious leader can remain silent and inactive. Denunciation must be followed by practical acts of solidarity that will help everyone to rediscover mutual respect and return to frank negotiation."

He recalled the recent experience of religious leaders in Assisi and the "Commitment to Peace" that they signed, that was subsequently send to heads of States and Governments. "The Holy See hopes that the aforementioned initiatives will effectively encourage those who have the responsibility and the possibility to take the necessary action, however difficult it might be, to demand scrupulous respect for human rights and humanitarian law and to urge the parties in conflict towards agreements which are fair and honorable for everyone."

DELSS;MIDEAST;...;VIENNA; BOCCARDI;VIS;20020417;Word: 370;

APPEAL FOR CLIMATE OF PEACE AND RECONCILIATION IN VENEZUELA

VATICAN CITY, APR 17, 2002 (VIS) - At the end of today's general audience in St. Peter's Square, Pope John Paul made an appeal for a return to a climate of peace and reconciliation in Venezuela, following recent episodes of violence in that country.

In Spanish, he said: "The serious events lived in these past days by the people of Venezuela move me to appeal to the authorities and to the citizens of that beloved nation so that they might put all their efforts into creating a climate of peaceful coexistence in which a spirit of reconciliation prevails. May they, while putting aside all temptation for revenge or violence, walk with a spirit of fraternity, solidarity and collaboration toward higher goals of justice, respect for the law and authentic progress for all."

AG;APPEAL VENEZUELA;...;...;VIS;20020417;Word: 140;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, APR 17, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Fr. Joseph Suren Gomes S.D.B., as bishop of Krishnagar (area 8,640, population 7,358,890, Catholics 59,345, priests 47, permanent deacons 1, religious 346), India. The bishop-elect was born in 1944 in Ashnabad, India and was ordained a priest in 1974.

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"I DESIRE TO SERVE THE CHURCH WITH EVERY FIBER OF MY BEING"

VATICAN CITY, APR 17, 2002 (VIS) - The following declaration, published today in Rome, was released yesterday afternoon, April 16, by Cardinal Bernard Francis Law, archbishop of Boston, in his diocese:

"For the past few days I have been in Rome to seek counsel and advice. The focus of my meetings was the impact of the (Fr.) Shanley and other sexual abuse cases upon public opinion in general and specifically upon the members of the Archdiocese. The fact that my resignation has been proposed as necessary was part of my presentation.

"I had the opportunity to meet with several officials of the Holy See. The Holy Father graciously received me.

"The Pope and those others with whom I met are very conscious of the gravity of the situation. It is clear to me that the primary emphasis of the Holy See, like that of the Church in the Archdiocese, is upon the protection of children.

"As a result of my stay in Rome, I return home encouraged in my efforts to provide the strongest possible leadership in ensuring, as far as is humanly possible, that no child is ever abused again by a priest of this Archdiocese.

"It is my intent to address at length the record of the Archdiocese's handling of these cases by reviewing the past in as systematic and comprehensive way as possible, so that legitimate questions which have been raised might be answered. The facilities of Boston Catholic Television and 'The Pilot' (the weekly newspaper of the Archdiocese of Boston) will assist in making this record available.

"In the meantime, as I wrote my brother priests last Friday, 'my desire is to serve this Archdiocese and the whole Church with every fiber of my being. This I will continue to do as long as God gives me the opportunity'."

...;STATEMENT; CARDINAL LAW;...;BOSTON;VIS;20020417;Word: 320;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, APR 15, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Bishop Adolfo Gonzalez Montes, of Avila, Spain as bishop of Almeria (area 8,774, population 512,843, Catholics 482,843, priests 168, religious 472), Spain. He also accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese presented by Bishop Rosendo Alvarez Gaston, upon having reached the age limit.

On Saturday April 13, it was made public that the Holy Father appointed Bishop Karl Josef Romer, auxiliary of Sao Sebastiao de Janeiro, Brazil, as secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Family.

NER; NA;...;...;GONZALEZ; ROMER;VIS;20020415;Word: 90;

U.S. CARDINALS TO MEET IN VATICAN APRIL 23-24

VATICAN CITY, APR 16, 2002 (VIS) - The following communique was released early this afternoon:

"A work meeting will take place in the Vatican on April 23 and 24 with participants including the cardinals of the United States of America and the prefects of the Congregations for Clergy, Cardinal Dario Castrillon Hoyos, for the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger and for Bishops, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.

"The purpose of this meeting: an examination of the problems that have arisen in the Church in the United States following the scandals connected with pedophilia, and an indication of guidelines aimed at restoring security and serenity to families and confidence to the clergy and the faithful."

...;CARDINALS; ROME MEETING;...;...;VIS;20020416;Word: 120;

DISRESPECT FOR HOLY SITES VIOLATES INTERNATIONAL NORMS

VATICAN CITY, APR 16, 2002 (VIS) - Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, Holy See permanent observer to the Office of the United Nations in Geneva, addressed the 58th session of the Human Rights Commission on April 12 on the occasion of a debate on religious freedom. The commission has been meeting in Geneva since March 18.

The nuncio, in his speech published today, expressed the Holy See's thoughts on two questions concerning religious freedom within democratic societies. First, he noted that "respect for religious freedom means, today, welcoming the contribution of religious believers as vital for the construction of a lasting peace."

Secondly, he remarked on "the question of religious minorities, especially where a particular religious tradition is dominant. ... The position of the Holy See regarding such situations was set out by Vatican Council II which affirms: ... 'If because of the circumstances of a particular people, special civil recognition is given to one religious community in the constitutional organization of a State, the right of all citizens and religious communities to religious freedom must be recognized and respected as well'."

Archbishop Martin then turned to a "question of particular interest today: respect of places of worship amd holy sites in times of conflict." He affirmed that "the Holy Sites in Jerusalem and the Holy Land have a special significance for the three monotheistic traditions - indeed for the whole of humanity. Disrespect for or misuse of these sites constitutes a violation of international norms - as well as bilateral agreements."
In concluding remarks, he stated: "Any long-term solution to the crisis in the Middle East must indeed address the question of respect for and unrestricted access to the religious sites, sacred to each tradition. This is also a dimension of religious freedom. It is a precondition for fostering a climate of dialogue between religions in the Middle East in the service of peace."

DELSS;RELIGIOUS FREEDOM;...;GENEVA; MARTIN;VIS;20020416;Word: 320;

JOHN PAUL II PHONES FRIARS IN CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY

VATICAN CITY, APR 16, 2002 (VIS) - During his visit yesterday afternoon with Latin Patriarch Michel Sabbah of Jerusalem, Pope John Paul telephoned the Franciscan friars at the basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem, expressing his solidarity with them and thanking them for their "Christian witness."

The custos of the basilica, Fr. Ibrahim Faltas, received a phone call from Patriarch Sabbah, who told him the Pope was by his side and wished to speak to him, with a message for all the friars. Scores of Franciscans have been in this church since it was occupied by an estimated 200 Palestinians in early April and under siege since by Israeli troops.

The news of the phone call was confirmed last evening by Holy See Press Office Director, Joaquin Navarro-Valls, in a brief statement: "The Holy Father, early yesterday afternoon, telephoned the Franciscan friars in the basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Speaking with Fr. Ibrahim, the Pope thanked them for their Christian witness and sent them his apostolic blessing in these moments of special difficulty."

OP;POPE PHONE CALL; BETHLEHEM;...;SABBAH;VIS;20020416;Word: 180;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, APR 16, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father accepted the resignation from the office of auxiliary of the diocese of Mainz, Germany, presented by Bishop Franziskus Eisenbach, in accordance with Canons 411 and 401, para. 2, of the Code of Canon Law.

RE;...;...;EISENBACH ;VIS;20020416;Word: 40;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, APR 16, 2002 (VIS) - Today the Holy Father received in audience eight prelates of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria on their "ad limina" visit:
- Archbishop Brian David Usanga of Calabar.
- Archbishop Felix Alaba Adeosin Job of Ibadan.
- Archbishop Patrick Ebosele Ekpu of Benin City.
- Archbishop Anthony Olubunmi Okogie of Lagos.
- Archbishop Albert Kanene Obiefuna of Onitsha accompanied by his coadjutor Bishop Valerian Okeke.
- Bishop Alexius Obabu Makozi of Port-Harcourt.
- Bishop Joseph Edra Ukpo of Ogoja.

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SHOW ALL THE VIGOR AND APPEAL OF CHRIST'S MESSAGE

VATICAN CITY, APR 13, 2002 (VIS) - John Paul II received this morning the prelates from the Episcopal Conference of Bolivia who have just completed their "ad limina" visit.

In his address, the Pope emphasized that although there is great hope that priestly and religious vocations will increase in the country, it is necessary "to insist tirelessly on prayer to the 'Lord of the harvest'" so that He send more laborers.

The Holy Father said that it is necessary to take special care with "the formation of the candidates to the priesthood and the consecrated life; the shortage of calls to proclaim and give testimony to the Gospel never justifies not demanding due suitability for this crucial mission of the Church. As a result, a solid theological preparation and deep spirituality must be offered to them so that they understand and accept with joy the demands of the ministry and consecration, giving proof that they are capable of 'spending' their entire life for Christ."

"I invite you," he went on, "to continue to instill courage in your seminarians and priests, without being afraid of presenting and demanding unequivocally the requirements which the Church, inspired by the model of the Good Shepherd, asks of its ordered ministers. I think of the necessary priestly fraternity, without any form of antagonism, prejudice or discrimination; of the indispensable obedience and communion, without reticence, to the Bishop, to whom they must offer their entire availability with joy and generosity; of the sincere and effective appreciation of celibacy and of detachment from material goods."

The Pope expressed gratitude for the "contribution to the service of the Kingdom of God in Bolivia" of the numerous consecrated individuals. Also, he said, the presence of many committed lay people is "a sign of vitality. ... Your willingness to promote catechism or encourage community prayer meetings and the reading of the Word of God, deserves sincere recognition by the Shepherds who, in turn, will have to make a great effort to endow them with theological, liturgical and spiritual formation, appropriate of the duties to which they are assigned." The specific vocation of the laity "has a decisive importance in modern society, in which, as is happening in Bolivia, fast and profound transformations are taking place which require respect for ethical principles and the illumination of evangelical values in order that the temporal realities are ordered according to God."

"As in other parts of Latin America, in Bolivia you are worried about the proselytizing advance of the sects. ... However, the firmness of the faith and the complete trust in the strength of the truth itself to win hearts is a beautiful resource to inspire appropriate pastoral activities. One of them is precisely to proclaim incessantly Christ's message in a way understandable to all, ... and, at the same time, showing all its vigor and appeal."
After referring to "difficult moments in the country, due to a delicate social situation, with different conflicts and outbreaks of violence," the Holy Father affirmed: "With you I appeal to all Bolivian believers, based in the faith they profess and in the hope of Christ which encourages them, to become champions of a society free from selfish partisanship, from any form of violence or lack of respect for human rights, especially the right to life."

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JOHN PAUL II BEATIFIES SIX SERVANTS OF GOD

VATICAN CITY, APRIL 15, 2002 (VIS) - At 10 a.m. today, the third Sunday of Easter, the Pope celebrated the Eucharist in St. Peter's Square, and beatified the following Servants of God: Gaetano Errico (1791-1860); Lodovico Pavoni (1784-1849); Luigi Variara (1875-1923); Maria del Transito de Jesus Sacramentado (1821-1885); Artemide Zatti (1880-1951); Maria Romero Meneses (1902-1977).

The Holy Father spoke about each one of the new Blesseds. Of Gaetano Errico, priest and founder of the Congregation of the Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, he said: "In an era marked by great political and social changes, in the face of the spiritual rigor of the Jansenists, he proclaimed the greatness of the mercy of God." He was "truly a martyr of the confessional," in which he used to spend entire days.

"Endowed with an especially sensitive soul," Blessed Lodovico Pavoni, priest and founder of the Congregation of the Sons of Mary Immaculate, "committed himself with all his strength to helping poor and abandoned young people, and especially deaf-mutes. He worked in various fields, from education to publishing, with original apostolic institutions to brave innovative activities."

John Paul II recalled that Blessed Luigi Variara, priest of the Society of St. Francis de Sales, went to Colombia from Italy. "From the first moment, he dedicated his youthful energy and the richness of his gifts, to the service of lepers." He founded a group of young consecrated women, "some of whom were even lepers or daughters of lepers," who would become the Congregation of the Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

"Artemide Zatti, a Salesian coadjutor, left his family from the diocese of Reggio Emilia in search of a better life in Argentina, where he discovered his vocation to the Salesians, which took shape as a passionate service, competent and full of love, to the sick."

The Pope said that the Nicaraguan nun, Maria Romero Meneses of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, "received her formation for the religious life in El Salvador and spent the majority of her life in Costa Rica. ... With a passionate love for God and unlimited trust in the help of the Virgin Mary, she was an exemplary religious, apostle and mother of the poor, who, without excluding anyone, were her favorites."

Mother Maria del Transito de Jesus Sacramentado Villegas, foundress of the Franciscan Missionary Tertiary Sisters, is the "first Argentinian woman who achieved the honor of the altars. ... She sought intimacy with Christ in the contemplative life. She did not give up when, because of illness, she had to abandon the monasteries she was in, rather she continued with trust and abandon in the will of God, which she continued to seek incessantly."

HML;BEATIFICATION;...;...;VIS;20020415;Word: 450;

POPE LAUDS CITIZENS MISSION FOR LATIN AMERICAN IMMIGRANTS

VATICAN CITY, APR 13, 2002 (VIS) - Pope John Paul, on the occasion of the Citizens Mission for the Latin American community in Rome, today welcomed members of that community, including cardinals, bishops, priests, religious and lay people as well as leaders of the Rome diocesan office for migrations.

In his talk to them in Spanish, the Pope observed how, in their communities of origin "faith in Christ the Savior has deeply marked personal and family life, as well as the culture of your countries. Zealously preserve, witnessing to it here, in the land to which you migrated, the devotion to your legacy of faith and culture, rich in spiritual values and religious traditions that are expressed in song and celebrations, in dance and in dress, in pilgrimages and in popular devotions to images of the Lord, the Virgin Mary and your patron saints, as you have shown with great joy and unity during this mission."

The Holy Father reminded them that "the Catholic faith ... is the greatest treasure that each of you possess within your most intimate selves and which gives cohesion to your unity and solidarity."

He recalled that the Mission gave special attention to young people and he renewed "the Lord's invitation at the center of the next World Youth Day to 'be the salt of the earth and the light of the world'."

"The Mission," he went on, "was able to take advantage of the efficacious support of the pastoral centers that for some years now have functioned in the city and that care for the spiritual and human needs of immigrants, promoting catechesis, liturgical and sacramental celebrations, and offering all types of help necessary for facing the difficulties that a migrant encounters in order to meet his primary needs, from work to a home to health services."

John Paul II expressed the hope that such pastoral centers, which he said had arisen within generous and welcoming parishes, "will multiply, favoring the necessary integration of your ethnic communities with the Christian and civil communities in Rome."

AC;MIGRANTS; ROME;...;...;VIS;20020415;Word: 350;

DECLARATION FROM ISLAMIC-CATHOLIC LIAISON COMMITTEE

VATICAN CITY, APR 15, 2002 (VIS) - Following is the entire text of a declaration released this afternoon by the Islamic-Catholic Liaison Committee and signed by Bishop Michael Fitzgerald, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue and by Prof. Dr. Hamid A. al-Rifaie, president of the International Islamic Forum for Dialogue. The original text is English.

"What has happened and is still happening in the Holy Land cannot leave anyone indifferent. Muslims, Christians and Jews, along with all peace-loving persons and men and women of good will, are called to common action in order to put an end to this terrible tragedy and to work together towards establishing a just and lasting peace. Accordingly:

"1. We call for an immediate cease-fire, and the withdrawal of the war machine, so as to save human lives, especially those of innocent people, in particular children, women and the elderly.

"2. We appeal for an end to the destruction of property, whether dwellings or other buildings, and the uprooting of plantations and the destruction of other means of livelihood.

"3. We appeal for respect for the rights of civilians in a war situation; nobody should be prevented from access to water, food, medical care, and all the necessities of life. We condemn the denial of such access being used as an arm in the conflict.

"4. We appeal for respect for the sacred character of the Holy Places whose indemnity should be guaranteed.

"5. We are convinced that violence breeds violence. The circle of violence must be stopped. We attest and assert that dialogue is the only way out of the present impasse. We therefore call for negotiations that will lead to a just and lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike, allowing them to live in freedom, security and peace within their own respective independent States.

"6. As believers in the One and Only God, we Christians and Muslims recognize that peace is first of all a gift from the Almighty. Hence we call for constant prayer for peace, and support all initiatives in this line, as well as other initiatives from within the region or elsewhere in favour of a peaceful solution to the conflict."

OP;MIDEAST;...;ISLAMIC-CATHOLIC LIAISON;VIS;20020415;Word: 370;

OUR ERA NEEDS TO RECEIVE GOD'S FORGIVENESS

VATICAN CITY, APRIL 15, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father received at midday today in the Paul VI Hall the pilgrims who came to Rome to participate in the beatifications of the Servants of God Gaetano Errico, Lodovico Pavoni, Luigi Variara, Maria del Transito de Jesus Sacramentado, Artemide Zatti and Maria Romero Meneses.

After emphasizing that Blessed Errico was an "apostle of God's merciful love and martyr of the confessional," he said: "How much our era needs those who proclaim the mercy and forgiveness of God to sinners, in particular through the Sacrament of Penance!"

He went on to say that Blessed Pavoni knew how to develop "an educational method that is based on the means that are typical of 'preventive pedagogy', such as religion and reason, love and mildness, vigilance and knowledge."

Referring to Blessed Variara, who lived in Colombia, John Paul II emphasized that that country could find in him "a help in order to overcome the hard situation which it has endured for so many years and to set out toward a more fraternal and united society."

The Pope asked that the "joyous service to the sick" of Blessed Zatti encourage in "all health care professionals a renewed spirit of service to the sick which brings their nature as a person, having certain inalienable rights, to the forefront."

"Sister Maria Romero's service to poor, with creativity and effectiveness, draws us to her. ... May this service, which gives so much honor to the Church of Christ, never be lacking!"

The Holy Father concluded by expressing his desire that the testimony of Mother Maria del Transito de Jesus Sacramentado serve as an example to so many of her fellow Argentinian countrymen who at the present moment must continue their life as Christians and citizens with enthusiasm, without falling into the temptation of despondency or, what would be worse, a spirit of rivalry or revenge."

AC;EXAMPLES BLESSEDS;...;...;VIS;20020415;Word: 320;