POPE GREETS INTERNATIONNAL CATHOLIC CENTER FOR UNESCO

VATICAN CITY, MAY 10, 2002 (VIS) - The Pope today welcomed 40 participants in the 30th general assembly of the International Catholic Center for UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, who are meeting in Rome on the theme "Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue: A Chance for Mankind."

He recalled, in his talk to them in French, that 2002 "marks the 50th anniversary of the nomination of the Holy See's first permanent observer to UNESCO, Msgr. Roncalli, the future Blessed Pope John XXIII. Since then the Holy See follows with attention the activities of UNESCO" in its various domains.

"I am grateful," the Pope told them, "for the service you accomplish in the formation of Catholic experts, taking care to prepare them seriously and to root them in the faith." He encouraged the group in its mission of "spreading, through your initiatives and publications, specific knowledge and know-how."

"The great domains of education and culture, of communication and science, involve a fundamental ethical dimension. To give appropriate answers, it is important to acquire a just scientific knowledge, to guide a deep reflection and to propose the illumination of Christian humanism and universal moral values."

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