POPE SIGNS VENICE DECLARATION

VATICAN CITY, JUN 11, 2002 (VIS) - Yesterday afternoon, John Paul II signed simultaneously with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople the "Venice Declaration" which concluded the symposium entitled "The Adriatic. A sea in danger, unity of purpose," sponsored by the patriarch. A special television connection between Venice and Rome made the simultaneous signing possible. Scientists, environmental and ecological experts and representatives from different religions participated in the symposium which took place during a 6-day cruise along the Adriatic coast.

"This connection," the Pope said, "thanks to which we can jointly sign the final declaration of the symposium, gives voice to the unity of purpose that the very theme of this event has evoked. Our gathering, although it is at a distance, allows us to express together the common will of safeguarding creation, to support and sustain every initiative that truly improves, cares for and preserves the earth which God gave us so that we would conserve it with wisdom and love."

At the end of his greeting, John Paul II recalled the Day of Prayer for Peace in the world which was celebrated in Assisi last January and in which Patriarch Bartholomew also participated, saying: "I believe our exchanges are truly gifts from God who indicates to us in this way that the spirit of collaboration is capable of finding new expressions to make concrete and solid the witness to communion, which the world expects of us."

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