MAN'S DIGNITY AND RIGHTS COME FROM GOD, NOT A CONSENSUS

VATICAN CITY, OCT 31, 2002 (VIS) - Pope John Paul this morning welcomed Benoit Cardon de Lichtbuer, the new ambassador from the Kingdom of Belgium to the Holy See, who gave the Pope his Letters of Credence.

"As you have noted," said the Pope in reply to the diplomat's speech, "Belgium has always had a role in the European project from its very origins and has always actively supported it in the successive stages of its development. ...The European Union today represents on the international scene an instance of dialogue and cooperation which constitutes an evident appeal for many people in the world who aspire to development and peace. I am happy to know that your country encourages and supports the process of expansion that is underway."

The Pope remarked that building Europe requires leaders with "will and determination, with the desire to build the Union on the common values aware of the Christian roots of different peoples which are an inescapable reality of European history and culture" and "a common treasure."

He pointed to the "serious tensions" that afflict the world today, saying there must be "great determination to efficaciously fight terrorism, to reduce oppositions among peoples through dialogue ... and to fight the many injustices that provoke resentment, hatred or violence." He thanked the ambassador for his country's "renewed attention" to many African nations "with whom you have strong economic and cultural ties. It is good that a country such as yours helps these young nations to overcome their internal crises and the conflicts which put them at odds."

John Paul II turned to the Church's great attention to and care for children, adolescents and young people, stating that "current realities show in an often dramatic fashion the need" to protect and educate them. "It is important to condemn with the greatest vigor sexual abuses with regard to young people. Audacious policies to support families must be pursued in order to help them in their educational task, especially in support of the institution of marriage. As a fundamental tie between a man and a woman, marriage allows the family to be a stable and well-balanced place for children to grow."

"Man, created by God and called to share in His divine life, has always been at the center of the Christian vision of the world and that is why the Church respects and defends life," affirmed the Holy Father. "How can she silence her great anxiety and reprobation in the face of laws recently voted on in different countries which legalize active euthanasia? He said that the "only true rampart" against the constant violations of man's dignity and his rights is "recognizing the sacred and inviolable nature of every human person."

Human dignity and human rights are God-given, said the pontiff, they do not come from a consensus by men. Society exposes itself to grave dangers, he added, if it does not recognize God as the author of life, human dignity and human rights.

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STATEMENT ON AUDIENCE OF PRESIDENT GISCARD D'ESTAING

VATICAN CITY, OCT 31, 2002 (VIS) - Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls made the following declaration this afternoon:

"On the occasion of his visit to Rome October 30-31, Valery Giscard d'Estaing, president of the European Convention, expressed the desire to be received by the Holy Father and to meet the cardinal secretary of state.

"Today, October 31, at the end of the morning he was received by Pope John Paul II and, afterwards, he met with Cardinal Angelo Sodano, His Holiness' secretary of state, together with Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, secretary for Relations with States.

"The president's visit was a propitious occasion for an exchange of viewpoints on Europe.
"During the meetings they spoke about the project of the future constitution and the interests of the community of believers in European countries, where they are in the majority, to see their identity and their specific contributions to the life of European societies respected as well as the statute whose benefits they have by virtue of national legislations."

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J0HN PAUL II RECEIVES HONORARY ROMAN CITIZENSHIP

VATICAN CITY, OCT 31, 2002 (VIS) - This morning John Paul II received the title of honorary citizen of Rome during a ceremony that took place in the Vatican in which Walter Veltroni, mayor of the city, and a group of administrators and representatives of Roman institutions participated.

The Pope recalled that he began to know and love the Eternal City after November 1946 when he came here to study. "The affectionate bond which began then has been reinforced during the last 24 years, during which I have felt daily the closeness and warmth of Rome's citizens."

"Rome," said the Holy Father, "heir to a thousand-year old culture in which the fruitful seed of the proclamation of the Gospel has been sown, does not only contain treasures from the past that must be cared for. It is conscious of having a fundamental duty to fulfill in the future at the service of mankind today and tomorrow."

After recalling that problems still exist, the Holy Father said: "Everyone must be commited to handing down to future generations the rich civil, moral and spiritual patrimony of Rome so that these new generations will be strengthened by it as they approach life with trust. The Church will continue in this field, as it always has done, to carry out its duty, respecting each sphere, always seeking favorable agreements on specific topics and problems with civil authorities through sincere dialogue."

"The bishop of Rome," he concluded, "is honored to be able to repeat today, with particular intensity of meaning, the words of the apostle Paul: 'Civis romanus sum' (I am a Roman citizen)."

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, OCT 31, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Archbishop Orlando Antonini, apostolic nuncio in Zambia and Malawi.
- Valery Giscard d'Estaing, former president of the Republic of France.
- Cardinal Zenon Grocholewski, prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education (of Seminaries and Institutes of Studies), accompanied by Archbishop Giuseppe Pittau and Msgr. Angelo Vincenzo Zani, respectively secretary and undersecretary of the same congregation.

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HOLY FATHER'S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR NOVEMBER

VATICAN CITY, OCT 31, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father's general intention for the month of November is: "For widows and widowers who often feel the pain of loneliness, that they may find comfort and support in the Christian community."

The Holy Father's mission intention for the month of November is: "That the active participation of Christians may encourage the spreading of the Gospel through mass media."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, OCT 31, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Erected the apostolic vicariate of Rodrigues (area 102, population 35,779, Catholics 32,612, priests 4, religious 11), Mauritius, with territory taken from the diocese of Port-Luis, Mauritius. He appointed Fr. Allen Harel of the clergy of Port-Luis as its first apostolic vicar. The bishop-elect was born in 1950 in Quatre Bornes, Mauritius and was ordained a priest in 1978.

- Appointed Fr. Esteban Maria Laxague, S.D.B., inspector vicar and director of the College of Don Bosco in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, as bishop of Viedma (area 89,000, population 125,230, Catholics 100,250, priests 20, religious 47), Argentina. The bishop-elect was born in 1957 in Coronel Pringles, Argentina and was ordained a priest in 1986.

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WALK IN THE WAY OF JUSTICE TO LIVE IN COMMUNION WITH GOD

VATICAN CITY, OCT 30, 2002 (VIS) - In this Wednesday's general audience, celebrated in St. Peter's Square, John Paul II spoke about the Canticle in Chapter 33 of the Book of Isaiah, "God will judge justly."

The Canticle begins with the announcement of God's "powerful and glorious entrance into human history. ... God's words are directed to those who are 'far off' and to those who are 'near', that is, to all nations of the earth, even the remotest, and to Israel, the people 'near' to the Lord due to the covenant."

The Holy Father indicated that "the greatest and most intense part of the Canticle is devoted to sanctity accepted and lived as a sign of imminent conversion and reconciliation with God." In order to "live in joyful communion with loyalty and sincerity, ... to fight the oppression of the poor and unjust wealth, ... to condemn political and judicial corruption, ... rejecting gifts in order to avert the application of the law."

Another condition to walk in communion with God, he continued, "is expressed with the significant gesture of 'closing one's ears' to suggestions that you commit bloody and violent acts." The last condition is expressed with the image of 'closing an eye', which in this case "is interpreted as an invitation to reject any complicity with evil."

John Paul II concluded by emphasizing that "he who chooses to follow this honest and just way of behavior will be able to enter the Lord's temple where he will receive the assurance of that exterior and interior well-being that God gives to those who are in communion with Him."

While greeting the faithful in different languages, the Holy Father recalled that the forthcoming celebrations of the solemnity of All Saints and of the commemoration of All Souls "invite all believers to consider the last and definitive realities that await us."

The Pope urged young people to have as their main objective "sanctity of life in order to prepare a future filled with blessings." To the sick he said: "May the example of the saints and their intercession help you to face with bravery the trials of life." Finally, he told newlyweds: "May the thought of our heavenly home ... guide your family to fidelity to Christ and to the full and reciprocal communion of love."

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STATEMENT ON WORK OF HOLY SEE, U.S. MIXED COMMISSION

VATICAN CITY, OCT 30, 2002 (VIS) - On October 18 the Holy See announced the creation of a mixed commission of the Holy See and of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, whose job was to revise the "Essential Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests, Deacons or Other Personnel" (Norms).

Holy See Press Office Director, Joaquin Navarro-Valls, made the following declaration at noon today on the work done by the Holy See-U.S. Bishops Mixed Commission:

"On October 28 and 29 the Mixed Commission of the Holy See and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops met in the Vatican for the revision of the 'Norms'.

"The suggestions outlined by the Mixed Commission will be brought to the general meeting of the U.S. episcopal conference which will be held in Washington from November 11 to 14.

"The document approved by the U.S. episcopal conference will then be sent to the Holy See for a further 'recognitio'."

The members representing the dicasteries of the Holy See are: Cardinal Dario Castrillon Hoyos, prefect of the Congregation for Clergy; Archbishop Julian Herranz, president of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts; Archbishop Tarcisio Bertone, secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith; Archbishop Francesco Monterisi, secretary of the Congregation for Bishops.

The members representing the United States episcopal conference are: Cardinal Francis Eugene George, O.M.I., archbishop of Chicago; Archbishop William Joseph Levada, archbishop of San Francisco; Bishop Thomas Doran of Rockford; Bishop Edward Lori of Bridgeport.

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EAST TIMOR: BUILD A MORE FRATERNAL AND UNITED SOCIETY

VATICAN CITY, OCT 30, 2002 (VIS) - This morning John Paul II received Bishops Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo, S.D.B., and Basilio do Nascimento, apostolic administrators of Dili and Baucau, East Timor, who just completed their "ad limina" visit.
At the beginning of his speech, the Pope entrusted once again the victims of violence in the country to divine mercy and he expressed "profound solidarity with all those who suffer the consequences of the drama that has afflicted your people."

"Praised be God," he said, "because in His kindness and providence He has allowed us to see the return of freedom and peace to your country, permitting you to dedicate yourselves now with all your energies to the service of a promising harvest."

"While we recall the enormous tragedy we cannot help but ask ourselves this question: How was the outbreak of such cruel and irrational violence possible? ... It may be useful for your ecclesiastical communities," he emphasized," to perform an act of purification as was done in the Holy Year."

Speaking about young people and adults, the Holy Father affirmed that in order to discover "in an ever clearer way their vocation and an ever greater willingness to live it in fulfilling their mission, it is necessary that they take advantage of a complete catechesis on the truths of the faith and their concrete implications in life."

After stressing the importance of the education of families so that "parents are able to convey to their children that which they themselves have received," he referred to the duty of lay people to be present "with determination and intellectual creativity in privileged places of culture, ... in the fields of scientific and technical research, and artistic creation and humanistic reflection."

John Paul II urged "priests always to be men of faith and prayer which the world needs" and to give priority to the "spiritual service of the faithful who have been entrusted to their care, to lead them to Jesus Christ, whom they represent, being men of mission and dialogue." And he expressed his joy at the increase of priestly and religious vocations in their dioceses.

The Holy Father concluded by exhorting the people of East Timor to "commit themselves decidedly to building an ever more fraternal and united society, whose members share equally the virtue and responsibility of the new nation."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, OCT 30, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed:

- Fr. Carmelo Scampa, 'fidei donum' of the diocese of Cremona, Italy and secretary of the Midwest Region of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil, as bishop of Sao Luis de Montes Belos (area 42,601, population 265,913, Catholics 199,434, priests 17, permanent deacons 7, religious 68), Brazil. The bishop-elect was born in Scandolara Ripa d'Olio, Italy in 1944 and was ordained a priest in 1971.

- Msgr. Celestino Migliore, undersecretary of the Section for Relations with States of the Secretariat of State, as permanent observer of the Holy See to the Organization of the United Nations, with the dignity of archbishop. The archbishop-elect was born in 1952 in Cuneo, Italy and was ordained a priest in 1977.

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, OCT 30, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Cardinal Edmund Casimir Szoka, president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State and the Governatorate of Vatican City State.

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HOLY SEE ON EVENTS IN CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

VATICAN CITY, OCT 30, 2002 (VIS) - Joaquin Navarro-Valls, director of the Holy See Press Office, stated today that "the Secretariat of State, having been informed of the grave events that the populations of the Central Africa Republic are experiencing, hopes that they will know how to renounce the use of force, which leads only to ruin, and to respect the constitutional order.

"At the same time the secretariat encourages the international community to continue its work in favor of peaceful means and (encourages) the local Church to persevere in her exemplary action for fraternal and peaceful coexistence."

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MARY IS THE SAFE GUIDE OF THE CHURCH'S WAY

VATICAN CITY, OCT 29, 2002 (VIS) - Today at noon the Pope addressed participants in the seventh public session of the Pontifical Academies which is dedicated this year to reflections prepared by the International Marian and Immaculate Mary Pontifical Academies on the theme "Mary, 'bright dawn and safe guide' of the new evangelization."

In his speech, John Paul II said that "the theme of this session considers expressions with which I conclude the Apostolic Letter 'Novo Millenio Ineunte', entrusted to Mary, Mother of God and Mother of all creatures, the destiny of the new millennium and the way of the Church."

In order to learn to contemplate and love the face of Christ, underlined the Pope, "we must turn to Mary who, fully accepting God's plan, 'shaped' her Son in a singular way, guiding him step by step as he grew up. .... Mary is truly the bright dawn of the new evangelization, the sure guide of the Church's way in the third millennium."

The Pope encouraged them to continue to conduct "interdisciplinary research that develops mariological reflection, searching for new sources, as well as traditional ones, to obtain other suggestions for theological research."

After recalling that the 150th anniversary of the dogmatic proclamation of Mary's Immaculate Conception will be celebrated in 2004, John Paul II said that the two Marian Pontifical Academies "are called to offer all of their contributions so that this anniversary may be an occasion of a renewed theological, cultural and spiritual effort in order to communicate to the men and women of our time the most authentic meaning and message of this truth of faith."

As is custom during the public sessions, the Pope presented the award of the Pontifical Academies. This year he bestowed the prize on Rosa Cali for her doctoral thesis entitled "The Anti-mariological Texts in the exegesis of the Fathers of Nicea at Calcedonia." And he offered, "as a sign of appreciation and encouragement, a medal of his Pontificate to Fr. Stanislaw Bogusz Matula and Sister Philomena D'Souza, for their prestigious studies."

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ANNUAL MESSAGE TO HINDUS FOR THE FEAST OF DIWALI

VATICAN CITY, OCT 29, 2002 (VIS) - Made public today was the annual message sent by the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue to Hindus on the occasion of the feast of Diwali. Diwali, a moveable feast, is a celebration of renewal as Hindus believe that on this occasion the divine power has overcome the darkness of the world.

The 2002 Message was signed by Cardinal Francis Arinze when he was president of the pontifical council. On October 1, he was named prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of Sacraments.

The cardinal said that it was customary for him "to invite friends of different religions on the occasion of their respective feasts, to joint reflection on various aspects of our life, in society and in the world at large." He asked if religious festivals were not perhaps "expressions of the desire of human beings to conquer darkness by light, evil by good, untruth by truth and death by life?" He noted that Hindus and Christians attach great value to life in all its stages.

"Technology," wrote Cardinal Arinze, "has made great progress in our days. Life has perhaps become safer, easier and longer. ... But does technology help us to value human life? With the progress of technology life paradoxically seems to be more threatened than ever. ... Modern genetic science has become a tool in the hands of man. He can use it or abuse it. Tempted at times to become a manipulator of life, or even an agent of death, man needs to rediscover his fundamental place in creation, namely, that he is created by God and God is the sole Creator of all that exists."
The cardinal's closing remarks were dedicated to the inter-religious meeting held this past January in Assisi. He underscored how the participants, from different religious traditions, "made a common commitment in favor of promoting each single life and the whole of life. ... Only to the degree that ethical and religious considerations will prevail in the whole of society can we hope that the principle of respect for life will be enshrined in society's attitudes and laws."

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PAPAL MESSAGE TO MISSIONARIES OF MARIANHILL

VATICAN CITY, OCT 29, 2002 (VIS) - A Message by the Holy Father to the Missionaries of Marianhill on the occasion of their General Chapter was published today. The Pope, writing in English, recalls that the "Congregation is the fruit of the many gifts bestowed by God on your founder, Abbot Franz Pfanner."

"In accordance with the theme chosen for your General Chapter, 'Revisiting our identity and spirituality as a new era dawns'," he notes, "your path into the future is the path of a genuine renewal of your consecrated life, in a new season of spiritual and apostolic growth." He observes that they proclaim the Gospel of Christ in "an increasingly globalized world which in many ways is troubled by a 'crisis of identity' and by 'ambiguous thinking'."

"In the new era that is unfolding," writes the Pope, "you must be true missionaries and true saints, for holiness is at the very heart of your vocation. As your founder knew, holiness must be actively sought for and prayed for. ... In fidelity to the Benedictine-Trappist tradition on which your consecrated life is founded, your missionary apostolate will flourish and produce fruit to the degree that it is firmly rooted in the tenet 'Ora et Labora'." This tenet, he says, will help "you achieve ... 'the equilibrium of the contemplative missionary, the witness who remains immersed in prayer even while grappling with his urgent active commitment'."

The Holy Father concludes: "In a world where human drama is too often marked by poverty, division and violence, following Christ demands that consecrated persons respond courageously to the Spirit's call to a continual conversion, in order to give new vigor to the prophetic dimension of their vocation."

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, OCT 29, 2002 (VIS) - Today the Holy Father received in audience Archbishop Paolo Romeo, apostolic nuncio in Italy.

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NEW WEB SITE OF THE VATICAN APOSTOLIC LIBRARY PRESENTED

VATICAN CITY, OCT 29, 2002 (VIS) - This morning in the Holy See Press Office, the new web site of the Vatican Apostolic Library was presented. The site is the result of collaboration between the Holy See and Hewlitt-Packard.

Participants in the press conference included Cardinal Jorge Maria Mejia, librarian of Holy Roman Church, Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, secretary of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See, Frs. Raffaele Farina and Ambrogio Piazzoni, prefect and vice-prefect of the Library, and Nicola Aliperti, administrator delegate from Hewlitt-Packard Italy.

Cardinal Mejia explained that on the Vatican web site (www.vatican.va) there will now be a special new site for the Apostolic Library, fully accessible to the public, where the following five sections can be found: 1. History and Structure 2. Catalogue 3. Services 4. Treasures of the Library 5. Other information.

With these new sections, the cardinal explained, "We wanted to provide access to practical information (hours, services, offices, background, criteria for admission, etc.) and to reproductions and photocopies. In addition, it seemed necessary to briefly describe our history and to exhibit some of our bibliographic and artistic treasures."

Fr. Raffaele Farina made reference to the new features of the library's present computer system. He explained that since the year 2000, projects have been under way to digitize and catalogue descriptions of the graphic material (prints, illustrations and drawings) of the Print Library and the numismatic material (coins and medals) of the Numismatic Library.

In addition, the data base, he added, offers a public catalogue which contains descriptions of books and magazines, prints, illustrations, drawings, copper engravings, photographs, coins and medals and even musical scores, recordings and CDs, for a total of 700,000 bibliographic entries. Presently the manuscripts are being digitally catalogued. Descriptions of these manuscripts will be available shortly on the web with respective illustrative materials.

The prefect of the Library concluded by indicating that "the Library's internal network offers experts the opportunity to make bibliographic consultations in all the principal European languages. It also allows them to access the sources of Latin Patrology, classical Greek and Latin texts and some periodicals, as well as the entire collection of the 'Osservatore Romano.' These services can be consulted shortly by users of the network which connects the Roman Curia's dicasteries."

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UNIVERSITIES: PLACES OF AUTHENTIC CHRISTIAN WISDOM

VATICAN CITY, OCT 25, 2002 (VIS) - This afternoon in the Vatican Basilica, Cardinal Zenon Grocholewski, prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education, presided at a Eucharistic celebration on the occasion of the beginning of the academic year of the ecclesiastical universities. The Pope delivered the homily and imparted the final blessing.

The Holy Father reminded professors and students that they were called "to pay constant attention in order to interpret the signs of the times in relation to the central Sign of divine Revelation, Christ the Lord. In particular, (universities) are called to lend themselves in an ever-renewed way to the service of unity of the Church. This unity, open to the Catholic dimension by its nature, finds here in Rome the ideal environment to be believed, studied and served."

"The unity of the ecclesial body," he continued, "preserves itself and is built through the bond of peace, in truth and charity. Therefore, it is necessary for your universities to be places of authentic Christian wisdom, in which everyone commits himself to work on a coherent synthesis between faith and life, between the theoretical and the practical."

In order to carry out this duty, John Paul II concluded, "may the saints be your teachers, especially the Doctors of the Church and those who spent their lives studying and teaching. They are, in the highest sense, the 'generation who searches for the face of God' and precisely for having been passionate contemplatives of the face of God, they knew how to convey to others the luminous reflections of truth, beauty and charity that come from Him."

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POPE WELCOMES MEMBERS OF INSTITUTE FOR HUMAN SCIENCES

VATICAN CITY, OCT 26, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father today welcomed 30 members of the Institute for Human Sciences, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of its founding, and he expressed his "personal appreciation" for their work which has included "the organization of eight memorable colloquia at Castelgandolfo."

"Today, 20 years after its establishment," said the Pope, the Institute "has amply lived up to the vision of its founders. The events of 1989 and the quickened pace of Europe's unification have shown the need for precisely the kind of disciplined analysis, broad-ranging discussion and concrete proposals to which the Institute is dedicated."

He added that "In these years, the Institute has made a significant contribution to a more responsible shaping of the political, economic, social and cultural future of the continent. I express my hope that in the years ahead it will continue to emphasize the 'human' dimension of the immense possibilities and challenges opening up before mankind at the dawn of the new millennium. In the end, any solution to the grave crises which face contemporary society, and any effort to create a future more worthy of man must be based on an appreciation of the innate dignity and the spiritual grandeur of each human being."

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BRAZILIAN BISHOPS: DILIGENT MINISTRY FOR YOUTHS IS NECESSARY

VATICAN CITY, OCT 26, 2002 (VIS) - This morning the Holy Father met with prelates from regions 1 through 4 of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil at the end of their "ad limina" visit.

In his speech in Portuguese, the Pope encouraged the bishops to confront the current challenges while dedicating their "best energies, with renewed missionary zeal, to the growth of the Kingdom of God in this world."

After stressing the "religious awakening" of young people in their dioceses, John Paul II urged them to "form the faithful in a firm and coherent faith; only a new and effective discovery of Christ, as the cornerstone upon which the life of all of society is built, will allow them to not fear any type of difficulty. ... An increase in the quality of Christian life is necessary, in order that they bear witness to their faith clearly. ... Let no one feel excluded from this apostolic plan!"

The Pope highlighted that "the Church needs holy priests; holy religious who are distinguished by their exclusive consecration within their specific foundational charism in order to carry out the work of evangelization with generosity and sacrifice in the fundamental mission which has been entrusted to them, following the example of Mother Paulina, foundress of the Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, whom I canonized last May. Today more than ever, the Church needs lay saints as well."

Referring to movements, lay associations and new realities in their particular churches, the Holy Father called attention to the "risk of a certain timidity or short-sightedness toward the transcendental value which the group phenomenon takes on today in the life of the Church." And he recalled that "the criteria for being part of the Church, for an adequate inclusion of those new realities, must always be respected and examined by diocesan authority, in accordance with pastoral needs, not only of the particular Church itself but also of the universal Church."

John Paul II urged the bishops to warn the faithful against initiatives that attempt to transform the National Council of the Laity into a conference as a parallel instance to the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil; "an autonomous organism represented by lay people, without reference to the hierarchical communion with the bishops."

"A diligent and attentive pastoral care of young people, called to bear witness to Christian values in the new millennium, is necessary," he added. Joined to the "thorny problem of guiding minors who are deprived of dignity and innocence, are the problems related to insertion into the job force; the increase in juvenile crime, conditioned greatly by endemic poverty and by the lack of family stability, as well as the deleterious activity of some of the mass media; internal migration to big cities in search of better standards of life; the worrying implication of young people in the world of drugs and prostitution. These are all factors that continue to be significant in your pastoral attention."

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POPE HIGHLIGHTS SOLID AND RICH FAITH OF SLOVAKIAN PEOPLE

VATICAN CITY, OCT 28, 2002 (VIS) - This morning the Holy Father met with Rudolf Schuster, president of the Slovakian Republic, who came to Rome on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the independence of his country.

In his speech, John Paul II emphasized the "deep devotion" of the Slovakian people to the Successor of Peter, a devotion which since the times of Cyril and Methodius "has spread and become even deeper." And he added: "The faith of the Slovakian people is solid and rich due to the work of brilliant and generous shepherds who have known how to be close to their faithful in good times and bad."

After referring to the confidence with which Slovakia looks at Europe, he said: "I am sure that the future entry of your country into the European Union, which will be of benefit to Slovakia, will also contribute to the well-being and stability of the whole continent."

The Pope affirmed that "today we observe the exchange of the instruments of ratification of the accord, signed in Bratislava on August 21, 2002, on religious assistance for the Catholic faithful in the Armed Forces of the country. This is one of the consequences of the basic Accord that came about in November of 2000 between the Holy See and Slovakia."

"The Church," he continued, "is not looking for privileges or favors, on the contrary, it only asks to be able to carry out its mission, respecting the laws that govern civil co-existence," and "to maintain a cordial and constructive dialogue" with the institutions of the State. This dialogue "becomes so much more useful," keeping in mind that the Catholic Church went through "a hard period of persecution during the Communist regime."

The Holy Father concluded by emphasizing that "the importance of the Church's activity manifests itself above all in the present circumstances in which the young democracy must confront problems related to the inheritance of Marxist ideology, as well as the tumultuous process of modernization, the phenomenon of unemployment and the consequent danger, for those who find themselves in need, of getting involved in illegal activities."

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FAITHFUL URGED TO CONTEMPLATE CHRIST THROUGH THE ROSARY

VATICAN CITY, OCT 27, 2002 (VIS) - At noon today, Pope John Paul appeared at the window of his study which overlooks St. Peter's Square and, before reciting the Angelus, addressed the faithful who had gathered there.

Noting that October 2002 through October 2003 is a special Year of the Rosary, the Pope said: "In such a way I desired to place the 25th year of my pontificate under the sign of this prayer. The most important reason for reproposing the custom of the Rosary is that it is a valid means to promote among the faithful that commitment to contemplate the face of Christ to which I invited everyone following the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000."

"The unsurpassable model of Christian contemplation," the Holy Father added, "is the Virgin Mary. From conception up to the resurrection and ascension of Jesus into heaven, His mother kept the eyes of her immaculate heart fixed on her divine Son: an astonished glance, a penetrating glance, a sorrowful glance, a radiant glance."

He added that the Rosary helps unite us to Christ and "exhorts us to rediscover the beauty of reciting the Rosary in the family: 'the family that prays together, stays together'."

The Pope asserted that "the Rosary is a prayer oriented by its nature to peace. In this year of the Rosary, Christians are called to keep their eyes fixed on Christ, Prince of Peace, so that thoughts and deeds of justice and peace prevail in hearts and among peoples. Let us invoke today the intercession of Our Lady who is so loved by the Russian people who, in these days, have suffered so much. As we pray for the victims of the recent painful event, we ask Mary that similar deeds never happen again."

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CARDINAL CASTRILLON CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF PRIESTHOOD

VATICAN CITY, OCT 26, 2002 (VIS) - Made public today was John Paul II's Letter to Cardinal Dario Castrillon Hoyos on the occasion of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination on October 26. The Letter was written in Latin and dated September 10.

Cardinal Castrillon was born in Medellin, Colombia on July 4, 1929, and was ordained a priest in 1952 and a bishop in 1971 and became a cardinal in 1998. In February of that same year, he was appointed prefect of the Congregation for Clergy and since April of 2000 he has been the president of the Pontifical Commission "Ecclesia Dei."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, OCT 28, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Bishop Edgar de Jesus Garcia Gil, auxiliary of Cali, Colombia, as bishop of Montelibano (area 11,000, population 273,000, Catholics 206,700, priests 31, religious 51), Colombia.

It was made public on October 26 that the Holy Father:

- Accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Antigonish, Canada, presented by Bishop Colin Campbell, in accordance with Canon 401, para. 2, of the Code of Canon Law.

- Appointed Fr. Donald Lapointe, moderator of the parish of St. Thomas in Compton, Canada, as auxiliary of Saint-Jerome (area 2,156, population 420,576, Catholics 390,576, priests 182, permanent deacons 18, religious 455), Canada. The bishop-elect was born in 1936 in Disraeli, Canada and was ordained a priest 1964.

- Appointed Msgr. Robert Harris, episcopal vicar for the Anglophone sector of the archdiocese of Montreal, Canada, as auxiliary of the Sault Sainte Marie (area 196,603, population 392,315, Catholics 218,850, priests 117, permanent deacons 109, religious 247), Canada. The bishop-elect was born in 1944 in Montreal and was ordained a priest in 1969.

- Appointed Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, as his special envoy to the celebrations of the Third National Eucharistic Congress which will take place in Dassa-Zoume, Benin from November 22 to 24, 2002.

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, OCT 28, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father received today in separate audiences:

- Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo, S.D.B., apostolic administrator "sede vacante et ad nutum Santae Sedi" of Dili, West Timor, on his "ad limina" visit.
- Bishop Basilio do Nascimento, apostolic administrator "sede vacante et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis" of Baucau, West Timor, on his "ad limina" visit.
- The rector, seminarians and guests (bishops, priests, and laity) of the Pontifical German-Hungarian College on the occasion of the 450th anniversary of the founding of the German College on October 28, 1552. The Hungarian College was joined to it in 1580.

On Saturday October 26, the Holy Father received in separate audiences:

- Atis Sjanits, ambassador of Latvia, on his farewell visit.
- Four prelates from the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (North East I-IV) on their "ad limina" visit:
- Bishop Alfredo Schaffler of Parnaiba, accompanied by Bishop emeritus Joaquim Rafino do Rego.
- Bishop Pedro Brito Guimares of Sao Raimundo Nonato.
- Msgr. Francisco Bezerra Neto, diocesan administrator of Picos.
- Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.

AP; AL;...;...;...;VIS;20021028;Word: 130;

HOLY SEE AND LATVIA RATIFY ACCORD SIGNED IN 2000

VATICAN CITY, OCT 25, 2002 (VIS) - This morning in the Vatican's Treaty Room, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of state, and Andris Berzins, prime minister of the Republic of Latvia, exchanged instruments of ratification of the Accord between the Holy See and Latvia, which was signed in Riga on November 8, 2000.

High ranking Church and civil officials were present at the signing ceremony. Among those in attendance for the Holy See were Cardinal Janis Pujats, archbishop of Riga, Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran and Msgr. Celestino Migliore, respectively secretary and under-secretary for Relations with States, and Archbishop Peter Stephan Zurbriggem, apostolic nuncio in Latvia.

Representing Latvia were Ingrida Labucka, justice minister, Atis Sjanits, ambassador of Latvia and councilor to the prime minister for foreign affairs, Aivars Maldups, secretary of state and Dace Rutka, from the embassy of Latvia to the Holy See.

In remarks made to those present, Cardinal Sodano recalled the November 2000 signing in Riga of the Accord between the Holy See and Latvia "on several important matters: the juridical statute of the Catholic Church in Latvia; the internal structure and government of the Church; cooperation in areas of mutual concern such as, for example, education, and religious assistance to the Catholic faithful in the armed services and in prisons." The cardinal stated that "with today's ceremony of the exchange of instruments of ratification, this Accord comes into effect."

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, OCT 25, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Andris Berzins, prime minister of the Republic of Latvia, and an entourage.
- Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams, apostolic nuncio in Zimbabwe.
- Six prelates from the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (Northeast I-IV) on their "ad limina" visit:
- Bishop Fernando Panico, M.S.C., of Crato.
- Bishop Aldo di Cillo Pagotto, S.S.S., of Sobral.
- Bishop Jacinto Furtado de Brito Sobrinho of Crateus.
- Bishop Jose Haring, O.F.M., of Limoeiro do Norte, accompanied by Bishop emeritus Manuel Edmilson da Cruz.
- Bishop Eduardo Zielski of Campo Maior.

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ARCHBISHOP FOLEY ADDRESSES CATHOLIC OBSTETRICIANS

VATICAN CITY, OCT 25, 2002 (VIS) - Archbishop John Foley, president of the Pontifical Council of Social Communications, addressed the Second International Meeting of Catholic Obstetricians today in Rome. He congratulated participants for being "faithful adherents to and indeed apostles of the teaching of the Catholic Church on the sacredness of human life at all stages of its development."

The archbishop said that "as Catholic obstetricians you are more on the front line of media interest than any other Catholic professionals," precisely because of the "issues in which the media have such an intense interest: abortion, contraception, stem cell research, artificial insemination, either by a husband or donor, intrauterine surgery, and indeed a host of others."

He noted that worldwide there "is diminishing respect for motherhood," and that "even in Catholic countries, the birth rate is falling rapidly. ... We must also face the fact that artificial contraception is widely used, even by Catholics apparently without misgivings. Objectively, of course, they are wrong."

"To combat the morally noxious environment in which we live," said Archbishop Foley, "we must promote an environment - especially a media environment - in which human life is respected at every stage of its development" and one "of sexual responsibility and, therefore, of sound family life."

CON-CS;OBSTRETICIANS;...;FOLEY;VIS;20021025;Word: 200;

PRESENTATION OF WEB SITE OF VATICAN APOSTOLIC LIBRARY

VATICAN CITY, OCT 25, 2002 (VIS) - The new web site of the Vatican Apostolic Library will be presented at a press conference on Tuesday October 29 at 11:30 a.m. in the Holy See Press Office. The web site is the result of collaboration between the Holy See and Hewlett-Packard.

Participants in the conference include: Cardinal Jorge Maria Mejia, librarian of Holy Roman Church, Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, secretary of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See, and Fr. Raffaele Farina, prefect of the library.

OP;VATICAN LIBRARY;...;MEJIA;VIS;20021025;Word: 100;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, OCT 25, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Fr. Luis Castro Medellin, M.S.F., vicar for Religious and Consecrated Life of the diocese of Zamora, Mexico, as bishop of Tacambaro (area 14,624, population 373,663, Catholics 367,152, priests 88, religious 142), Mexico. The bishop-elect was born in Mineral de La Noria, Mexico in 1938 and was ordained a priest in 1963.
NER/.../CASTROVIS 20021025 (60)

ARCHBISHOP CORDES TO TRAVEL TO UGANDA TOMORROW

VATICAN CITY, OCT 24, 2002 (VIS) - Archbishop Paul Josef Cordes, president of the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum," will travel to Uganda from October 25 to 30 "to stimulate attention within and beyond the Church about this country, devastated by AIDS," according to a communique made public today. In February 2001, the Holy Father donated 500,000 euros to projects sponsored by local Catholic NGOs and the Missionaries of Charity of Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

Among the priorities of the initiatives financed by "Cor Unum" are the following: "To give orphans a family, to educate and build schools, health education to prevent AIDS, professional formation, especially for young people that have been in prisons for minors; the foundation of a house for children who are terminally ill with AIDS to be run by the Missionaries of Charity of Mother Teresa of Calcutta."

On October 25 in Kampala, Archbishop Cordes will visit a center of professional formation for boys who have been released from juvenile prisons. The next day he will inaugurate a house of the Missionaries of Mother Teresa for 60 children with AIDS. He will also go to an orphanage. On Sunday October 27 he will participate in a diocesan celebration in Kampala. On the 28th, he will go to Gulu, in the north of the country, where "the Church is committed to the reestablishment of the conditions for peace, threatened by the war that for 15 years has bloodied this region which borders Ruanda."

The president of "Cor Unum" will meet on October 29 with members of the Uganda Episcopal Conference and with Caritas and on October 30, he will visit the shrine of Namugongo which was built where the Ugandan martyrs were killed.

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HOLY FATHER WELCOMES NEW AMBASSADOR FROM HUNGARY

VATICAN CITY, OCT 24, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father this morning welcomed Gabor Erdody, Hungary's new ambassador to the Holy See, and in his talk to him in French, highlighted the progress that Hungary made after "the painful ruptures caused in the last century by two world wars and the dark years of communist power."

The Pope also recalled Hungary's long ties with the Apostolic See, noting that "during the Jubilee Year (Hungary) solemnly celebrated the millennium of the foundation of the Nation and its Baptism under King Stephen I, an exceptional occasion to show national unity and to recall how it drew from its religious roots the strength to build a society where everyone is recognized and respected, and has the possibility of participating in the country's democratic life."

"Hungary is engaged," remarked the Pope, "in a great movement of reform and rebuilding the life of the nation in all its components. Among these is the family, the basic cell of social life, which must be supported and helped, especially when economic difficulties attack the most deprived among them." He mentioned the Church's contributions to helping society in general and families in particular.

John Paul II affirmed that "the future of a people is prepared in the attention it gives to the youngest and to their education. It is especially necessary to transmit to youth the civic, moral and spiritual values that have forged the soul of the Hungarian people over generations, while preparing them to live in a world that is open and secularized, and marked by individualism and an attraction for material goods."

The Pope then turned to Hungary's "renewed economic, political and cultural ties with all of its European neighbors," noting its candidacy for future membership in the European Union. The Pope praised the "prospect of enlargening the Union" and re-establishing European unity, "so long shattered by the Yalta partition and the closing by the Soviet bloc. The free circulation of goods, the dialogue of cultures and the exchange of spiritual riches among nations, these alone can help vanquish fears."

He dedicated remarks to Hungary's sensitivity to minorities, be they Hungarians who live and work abroad or immigrants who come to Hungary to work. Care must be given in all instances, he underscored, to give immigrants the best possible life and to give them "attention and respect."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, OCT 24, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Appointed Archbishop Antonio Canizares Llovera of Granada, Spain as metropolitan archbishop of Toledo (area 19,333, population 558,721, Catholics 557,235, priests 462, religious 1214), Spain. He accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese presented by Archbishop Francisco Alvarez Martinez upon having reached the age limit.

- Appointed Fr. Jean-Claude Hertzog, vicar general of the archdiocese of Bordeaux, France as auxiliary of the same archdiocese (area 10,000, population 1,288,311, Catholics 966,000, priests 336, religious 87). The bishop-elect was born in Bordeaux in 1935 and was ordained a priest in 1962.

NER; RE; NEA;CANIZARES; ALVAREZ; HERTZOG VIS 20021024 (90);...;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, OCT 24, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Bishop Charles Caruana of Gibraltar on his "ad limina" visit.
- Bishop Pavlo Vasylyk of Kolomyia-Chernivtsi, Ukraine.
- Seven prelates from the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (Northeast I-IV) on their "ad limina" visit:
- Archbishop Jose Antonio Aparecido Tosi Marques of Fortaleza, accompanied by Auxiliary Bishops Plinio Jose Luz de Silva, Sergio da Rocha and Jose Bezerra Coutinho, emeritus of Estancia.
- Bishop Ramon Lopez Carrozas, O. of M., of Bom Jesus do Gurgueia.
- Bishop Adelio Giuseppe Tomasin, P.S.D.P., of Quixada.
- Bishop Francisco Javier Hernandez Arnedo, O.A.R., of Tiangua.

AP; AL;...;...;...;VIS;20021024;Word: 100;

PRAY THE ROSARY FOR PEACE IN THE WORLD AND IN FAMILIES

VATICAN CITY, OCT 23, 2002 (VIS) - Following today's general audience catechesis in Italian, and summaries in five languages, Pope John Paul greeted the pilgrims present in St. Peter's Square in Dutch, Czech, Slovakian, Hungarian and Lithuanian.

He welcomed faithful from the Netherlands as they celebrate the 150th anniversary of the institution of the diocese of Breda, noting that the theme of their pilgrimage is "The Faith of Our Baptism." He exhorted them "to pray ceaselessly for priestly vocations so that your parishes continue to be privileged places in which the faithful can receive the gift of salvation through the indispensable service of the ordained ministry."

In greeting pilgrims from Lithuania and the Czech Republic, the Pope spoke of the Rosary, and said: "In this Year of the Rosary which we have just begun, I invite you to rediscover the efficacy of the prayer of the Rosary for peace in the world and in families, and "to rediscover communion with the Virgin Mary through this noble prayer."

Addressing Hungarian and Italian pilgrims, the Holy Father noted that "today we celebrate the memory of St. John of Capistrano who gave his life for Christian Hungary," adding that this Franciscan priest had committed himself to saving souls. "May his glorious Gospel witness sustain you young people in the daily commitment of fidelity to Christ, encourage you who are ill to follow Christ on the path of trials and suffering and help you newlyweds to make your families places of living encounters with the love of God and our brothers."

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GENERAL AUDIENCE: PRAYER TO GOD IN TIMES OF TRIAL

VATICAN CITY, OCT 23, 2002 (VIS) - In this Wednesday's general audience, celebrated in St. Peter's Square, the Pope spoke about "Psalm 85: Prayer to God in times of trial."

The Holy Father affirmed that Psalm 85 opens with "an intense call that the supplicant directs to the Lord trusting in His love," adding that in the middle "there is a hymn that links sentiments of thanksgiving with a profession of faith in the works of salvation that God shows to His people."

"Going against every idolatrous temptation, the supplicant proclaims the absolute oneness of God. Later, the bold hope that one day 'all peoples' will adore the God of Israel is expressed. This marvelous prospect finds its fulfillment in the Church of Christ, because He has sent His apostles to teach 'all nations'. No one can offer full liberation but the Lord upon whom all creatures depend and to whom we must turn in adoration. He reveals His admirable works which bear witness to His absolute authority in creation and in history."

After emphasizing that in the second verse the Latin translation uses the word 'holy' while referring to the faithful, John Paul II said that the "the Christian 'saint' opens himself up to the universality of the Church and prays with the Psalmist: 'All nations will come together to prostrate themselves before you, Lord, and to give glory to your name'. And St. Augustine comments: 'All people are one people and are unified in the Lord. ... Before they were separate peoples, numerous peoples; now they are one people."

"In this universal light," concluded the Pope, "our liturgical prayer becomes a breath of praise and a hymn of glory to the Lord in the name of all creatures."

AG;PSALM 85;...;...;VIS;20021023;Word: 290;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, OCT 23, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Bishop Franz Lackner O.F.M. Cap., provincial minister of the Franciscan Brothers Minor in Austria, as auxiliary of Graz-Seckau (area 16,386, population 1,202,800, Catholics 939,120, priests 523, religious 946, permanent deacons 51), Austria. The bishop-elect was born in 1956 in Feldbach, Austria and was ordained a priest in 1991.

NEA;...;...;LACKNER ;VIS;20021023;Word: 70;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, OCT 23, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father received today in audience Cardinal Camillo Ruini, his vicar general for the diocese of Rome, accompanied by Archbishop Cesare Nosiglia, vice gerent and auxiliary for the Eastern section, and auxiliary Bishops Enzo Dieci (Northern pastoral section), Armando Brambilla, delegate for religious assistence in hospitals, pious gilds and associations of Rome, Vincenzo Apicella (Western pastoral section), Salvatore Fisichella, major rector of the Pontifical Lateran University, Luigi Moretti (Central pastoral section), prelate general secretary of the vicariate of Rome and Paolo Schiavon (Southern pastoral section).

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MEMBERS OF U.S., HOLY SEE MIXED COMMISSION NAMED

VATICAN CITY, OCT 23, 2002 (VIS) - On October 18 the Holy See announced the creation of a mixed commission of the Holy See and of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, whose job is to revise the "Essential Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests, Deacons or Other Personnel" (Norms) and the "Bishops' Charter for the Protection of CHildren and Young People" (Charter).

The names of the members of this commission were published today.

The members representing the dicasteries of the Holy See are: Cardinal Dario Castrillon Hoyos, prefect of the Congregation for Clergy; Archbishop Julian Herranz, president of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts; Archbishop Tarcisio Bertone, secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith; Archbishop Francesco Monterisi, secretary of the Congregation for Bishops.

The members representing the United States episcopal conference are: Cardinal Francis Eugene George, O.M.I., archbishop of Chicago; Archbishop William Joseph Levada, archbishop of San Francisco; Bishop Thomas Doran of Rockford; Bishop Edward Lori of Bridgeport.

...;MEMBERS MIXED COMMISSION;...;...;VIS;20021023;Word: 180;

SEVENTH PUBLIC SESSION OF PONTIFICAL ACADEMIES TO BE HELD

VATICAN CITY, OCT 22, 2002 (VIS) - On the morning of October 29 in the Vatican, the seventh session of the Pontifical Academies will be celebrated in the Holy Father's presence. The session will be dedicated to "Mary, 'bright dawn and safe guide' of the new evangelization." The president of the Council of Coordination among the Pontifical Academies is Cardinal Paul Poupard.

During the session, the Pope will award the prize of the Pontifical Academies, which is given periodically to a person - university student or artist - or to an institution whose research, work or activity contributes to the development of the religious sciences, Christian humanism or its artistic expressions.

...;SESSION PONTIFICAL ACADEMIES;...;POUPARD;VIS;20021022;Word: 120;

MASS IN ST. PETER'S TO OPEN ACADEMIC YEAR

VATICAN CITY, OCT 22, 2002 (VIS) - On Friday, October 25 in St. Peter's basilica, Pope John Paul II will deliver the homily and impart his apostolic blessing during a concelebrated Mass for the start of the academic year of ecclesiastical universities. Cardinal Zenon Grocholewski, prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education, will preside at this Eucharistic celebration which is scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m.

OCL;MASS ACADEMIC YEAR;...;...;VIS;20021022;Word: 70;

INVITE THE FAITHFUL TO ACCEPT CHURCH TEACHINGS

VATICAN CITY, OCT 19, 2002 (VIS) - This morning the Pope received prelates from the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (Northeast region V) who just completed their "ad limina" visit.

John Paul II told the bishops that "the Gospel preached with fidelity by pastors, as 'teachers of faith' and defenders of the truth which sets people free, is something that will always lay the groundwork, as the common denominator, for each one of our meetings. I know well the difficulties that you encounter in carrying out your pastoral ministry: the lack of jobs, homes, ... problems with basic education, ... social inequality and the aggressive presence of sects."

"One cannot think about the challenges of the Church in Brazil by limiting oneself to certain questions - important but circumstantial - related to local politics, to the unjust seizure of land, and to the environment. To claim a participatory political model for the Church where decisions are voted on by a 'base', limited to society's poor and outcasts, not taking into account the presence of all the members of the People of God, would spoil the original redeeming sense urged by Christ."

The Holy Father emphasized that it is a "fundamental duty of the bishop, as pastor, to invite the members of the local Churches entrusted to him, to fully accept the teaching of the Church, respecting questions of faith and morality. ... A clear and unanimous teaching on questions will not cease to influence in a positive way in the necessary return to the sacrament of Reconciliation, which unfortunately today - even in the Catholic regions of your country - has been somewhat abandoned."

Referring later to the sacrament of Baptism, "the first sacrament of Christian initiation," the Pope said that it must "be seen above all as a 'free gift from God the Father'."

"Another indispensable duty of your priestly ministry," he continued, "consists in reaffirming the vital role of the Eucharist as 'font and center of all Christian life'. ... The shortage of priests and their unequal distribution, as well as the worrisome drop in the number of those who attend Sunday Mass regularly is a constant challenge for your Churches. It is evident that this situation prompts a provisional solution, in order not to leave the community abandoned, with the risk of progressive spiritual empoverishment."

The Holy Father ended by highlighting that "to look after priests is a very demanding service, especially when the fruits of pastoral work take a long time in coming, with the possible temptation to be discouraged or sad. Many pastors have the impression of working not in an evangelical vineyard but in an arid prairie. ... In the face of the enormous mission that has been entrusted to us, never allow yourselves to be overcome by fatigue or discouragement, because the Risen Lord walks with you and makes your efforts fruitful."

AL;...;...;BRAZIL;VIS;20021021;Word: 480;

CULTURAL PATRIMONY AND ARTISTIC-CULTURAL DIALOGUE

VATICAN CITY, OCT 19, 2002 (VIS) - This morning John Paul II received participants in the plenary assembly of the Pontifical Commission for the Cultural Patrimony of the Church, headed by its president, Archbishop Francesco Marchisano.

The theme which is being addressed in the plenary is: "Cultural patrimony for the territorial identity and for artistic-cultural dialogue among people."

After emphasizing that "the cultural patrimony of the Church constitutes favorable ground for fruitful intercultural comparison," the Pope said: "In this sense, it is more important than ever to guarantee the juridical protection of this patrimony with appropriate orientation and order which takes into account the religious, social and cultural demands of the local populations."

"With time," he continued, "one realizes how important it is to collaborate actively with administrations and civil institutions in order to create together, each one according to his own jurisdiction, effective synergies operating in defense and safeguard of the universal artistic patrimony."

The Pope emphasized that the "organic nature of the Church's patrimony does not allow for the separation of its aesthetic contemplation from its religious finality followed by pastoral action."

The Holy Father concluded by asking participants in the plenary to intensify through their work "a productive dialogue with contemporary artists, promoting with all the media an encounter and embrace between the Church and art."

AC;ART; CULTURE;...;MARCHISANO;VIS;20021021;Word: 230;

POPE GREETS PILGRIMS IN ROME FOR BEATIFICATIONS

VATICAN CITY, OCT 21, 2002 (VIS) - Pope John Paul this morning in the Paul VI Hall welcomed the many pilgrims who came to Rome for yesterday's beatification ceremony in St. Peter's Square, saying that the Church presents the six new Blesseds "as models to imitate and powerful intercessors to God."

In English, the Pope greeted the pilgrims from Uganda and other regions of Africa and the world who came to celebrate the beatification of two young Ugandan catechists, Blesseds Daudi Okelo and Jildo Irwa. He called them "a shining example of fidelity to Christ, commitment to Christian living and selfless dedication to the service of neighbor." He noted that they set out to evangelize "fully accepting the difficulties and dangers they knew awaited them."

Of Bishop Andrea Giacinto Longhin of the diocese of Treviso, Italy, the Holy Father noted the "great attention he devoted to the formation of clergy," exhorting priests, in his spiritual testament, to "become, please become saints!" He added that this Capuchin religious was an "ever attentive and thoughtful father" to priests, and to his entire flock, "especially the most humble and the poorest."

The Holy Father then spoke of Blessed Marcantonio Durando, a member of the Congregation of the Mission, or Vincentians, whose confreres called him "the St. Vincent of Italy, who glowed with extraordinary charity that he knew how to infuse into every work he undertook," from community service to missionary work to founding the Nazarene Sisters.

John Paul II welcomed the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, whose foundress, French-born Mary of the Passion, was beatified. "May you be able," he said in French, "to study more deeply the rich spirituality of your foundress and help young people to discover the joy of giving themselves entirely to God."

Lastly, the Pope greeted the pilgrims, especially the Sisters of St. Francis de Sales who came for the beatification of Liduina Meneguzzi. He said that "the most lively and concrete dimension transparent in Sister Liduina's life was a deeply missionary soul. In Africa she was 'everything to everyone' in charity, helping the wounded, encouraging the afflicted and consoling the dying."

AC;BEATIFICATION PILGRIMS;...;...;VIS;20021021;Word: 360;

SIX SERVANTS OF GOD FROM ITALY, FRANCE AND UGANDA BEATIFIED

VATICAN CITY, OCT 20, 2002 (VIS) - Today, World Mission Sunday, the Pope celebrated the Eucharist in St. Peter's Square and beatified the following Servants of God: Daudi Okelo (1902-1918) and Jildo Irwa (1906-1918), lay people; Italian Bishop Andrea Giacinto Longhin (1863-1936) of the Order of the Friars Minor Capuchins; Marcantonio Durando (1801-1880), priest of the Congregation of the Mission and Founder of the Nazarene Sisters; Mary of the Passion (nee Helene Marie de Chappotin de Neuville) (1839-1904), foundress of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Mary and Liduina Meneguzzi (1901-1941), virgin, sister of the Institute of San Francis de Sales (Salesians).

At the beginning of the Mass, the Holy Father thanked Cardinal Bernardin Gantin, dean of the College of Cardinals, for his wishes on behalf of everyone for the recent anniversary of his election to the See of Peter.

In his homily, John Paul II said that the young Ugandan catechists Daudi Okelo and Jildo Irwa, killed because of hatred of the faith in October of 1918, "are for the Christian community examples of holiness and virtue and models and intercessors for catechists around the world, especially in places where people continue to suffer for defending the faith and sometimes face social isolation and even personal danger."

The Pope spoke about Blessed Longhin, who was bishop of the diocese of Treviso, Italy for 32 years, highlighting that "in an age marked by dramatic and painful events he showed himself to be a father to priests and a faithful pastor to the people, always one with them, especially in moments of difficulty and danger."

The Holy Father said that in the school of St. Vincent de Paul, Blessed Durando "knew how to recognize in the humanity of Christ the greatest expression, and at the same time, most accessible and disarming, of God's love for man."

"Prayer and the Eucharist," he affirmed of Blessed Chappotin de Neuville, "were the center of her missionary commitment, because for her adoration and the mission merged on the same path. Nourished by the Scriptures and the Fathers of the Church, mystical and active, passionate and intrepid, she gave herself with an intuitive and bold willingness to the universal mission of the Church."

The Pope indicated that Blessed Meneguzzi "dedicated her life to the service of her poorest brothers and sisters and those who suffered, in particular, in the hospital of the mission of Dire Dawa in Ethiopia. With fervent apostolic ardor, she tried to help others to get to know Jesus, Our Savior."

After concluding the Mass and before praying the Angelus, John Paul II greeted the Italian, French, and Ugandan delegations which participated in the beatification. He recalled also "the many missionaries - priests, religious and lay people - who spend their energy in the service of Christ, sometimes paying with their blood." Finally, he thanked "those who collaborate with them through missionary work and contribute effectively in this way to building the Kingdom of God in the world."

HML;BEATIFICATIONS;...;...;VIS;20021021;Word: 500;

CONTEMPLATE CHRIST'S FACE, EFFECTIVE KEY TO CATECHESIS

VATICAN CITY, OCT 19, 2002 (VIS) - John Paul II wrote a Message to Cardinal Fiorenzo Angelini, president emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Ministry, on the occasion of the Sixth Annual International Congress of the International Institute of Research on the Face of Christ.

"While zealously and intelligently encouraging the contribution of so many illustrious experts, researchers, theologians, writers and artists in studying Christ's countenance," writes the Pope, "the International Institute of Research makes a significant contribution to the presentation of Christ's human and divine character which facilitates knowledge in terms of theological reflection as well as pastoral action."

The Holy Father goes on to explain that the first point, "the study of the Face of Christ, delineated in the Psalms and in the Prophets and described with rich expression in the New Testament, becomes a path and introduction to an even deeper Christological and anthropological knowledge." Referring to pastoral action, John Paul II emphasizes that "the Church, teacher of humanity, recognizes in the face of Christ Who suffers and rises from the dead, the face ... of man to whom Christ offers redemption and salvation." Contemplating Christ in this way is a means of proposing once again "the theology lived by the saints which is the brightest witness of truly following Jesus and the most valid help in our time for an effective Christian catechesis."

At the end of the Message, the Pope recalls the "ecumenical content" of this reflection since "in the search ... for these virtues, the East and the West meet and integrate."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, OCT 21, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed:

- Msgr. Manuel da Rocha Felicio, president of the General Secretariat for Clergy of the diocese of Viseu, Portugal, as auxiliary of the patriarchate of Lisbon (area 3,735, population 2,205,077, Catholics 1,894,315, priests 600, permanent deacons 30, religious 1,788), Portugal. The bishop-elect was born in 1947 in Mamouros, Portugal and was ordained a priest in 1973.

- Msgr. Charles Scicluna as promoter of Justice at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

It was made public on Saturday October 19 that the Holy Father appointed:

- Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, as his special envoy to the solemn celebrations of the 1950th anniversary of the arrival of St. Thomas the Apostle in India and of the 450th anniversary of the beginning of St. Francis Xavier's mission. These celebrations will take place in Ernakulam, India on November 16 and 17, 2002.

- Msgr. Paul Tschang In-Nam, nunciature counsellor, as apostolic nuncio in Bangladesh, elevating him to the dignity of archbishop. The archbishop-elect was born in Seoul, Korea in 1949 and was ordained a priest in 1976.

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, OCT 21, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father received today in separate audiences:

- Archbishop Georg Eder of Salzburg, Austria.
- Three prelates from the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (Northeast I-IV) on their "ad limina" visit:
- Archbishop Celso Jose Pinto da Silva of Teresina.
- Bishop Augusto Alves da Rocha of Oeiras-Floriano.
- Bishop Jose Doth de Oliveira of Iguatu.

On Saturday October 19, the Holy Father received in separate audiences:
- Mikhail Sergeevic Gorbaciov.
- Archbishop Fortunato Baldelli, apostolic nuncio in France.
- Pedro Jose Rivera Saavedra, ambassador of Bolivia, on his farewell visit.
- Cardinal Francis Arinze, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of Sacraments.

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ARCHBISHOP MARTINO SPEAKS ON CULTURE, DEVELOPMENT AT U.N.

VATICAN CITY, OCT 21, 2002 (VIS) - On October 17, Archbishop Renato Martino, head of the Holy See Observer Delegation to the United Nations to the 57th session of the General Assembly, spoke before the Second Committee during the debate on Item 88c on Culture and Development.

The archbishop, who is also the president-elect of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, highlighted the Report by the director general of UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, noting that it is part of the ongoing discussions on Item 88c. He said the Report "outlines the principles concerning the impact of culture on the relevance, success and sustainability of development policies. ... These principles must be based upon the recognition of the human dignity, the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms and respect for cultural differences and uniqueness."

"This echoes the statement," Archbishop Martino affirmed, "made by the Holy See during the recent World Summit on Sustainable Development: 'The fact that the earth and all its resources are part of the 'common heritage of all humanity' creates the understanding which fosters interdependence, stresses responsibility and underlines the importance of the principle of global solidarity. This reality becomes the foundation of sustainable development by directing the moral imperatives of justice, international cooperation, peace, security, and the desire to enhance the spiritual and material well-being of present and future generations'."

He asserted that committee discussions "must focus on finding the means to allow culture to complement development as development must complement culture."

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IN MEMORIAM

VATICAN CITY, OCT 21, 2002 (VIS) - In recent weeks the following prelates died:

- Bishop Desiderio Elso Collino, emeritus of Lomas de Zamora, Argentina, on October 4 at age 76.
- Bishop James Collins, C.SS.R., emeritus of Miracema do Tocantins, Brazil, on October 4 at age 81.
- Archbishop Italo Severino Di Stefano, emeritus of San Juan de Cuyo, Argentina, on October 11 at age 79.
- Bishop Jean Huard of Tournai, Belgium on October 4 at age 74.
- Bishop Angelo Kim Nam-Sou, emeritus of Suwon, Korea, on June 1 at age 79.
- Archbishop Philip Francis Smith, O.M.I., emeritus of Cotabato, Philipines on September 30 at age 77.
- Bishop Marcos Zuluaga Arteche, C.M.F., former auxiliary of the apostolic vicariate of Darien, Panama on October 1 at age 83.

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THEOLOGICAL COMMISSION EXCLUDES ORDAINING WOMEN AS DEACONS

VATICAN CITY, OCT 18, 2002 (VIS) - Following is a communique released by the International Theological Commission in response to a media article on women being ordained as deacons:

"The general secretary of the International Theological Commission, Fr. Georges Cottier, O.P., has responded to certain questions about the Commission's study of the diaconate raised in the October 8 issue of 'La Croix'. Fr. Cottier stated that the Commission's study has not concluded that the possibility that women could be ordained to the diaconate remains open, as asserted by La Croix, but rather tends to support the exclusion of this possibility."

"The Commission of theologians ... presented two important indications which emerge from study of the matter. In the first place, the Commission observed that the deaconesses mentioned in the tradition of the early Church cannot simply be assimilated to ordained deacons. In support of this conclusion, Fr. Cottier noted that both the rite of institution and the functions exercised by deaconesses distinguished them from ordained deacons.

"Furthermore, Fr. Cottier noted that the Commission's study reaffirmed the unity of the sacrament of Holy Orders. The distinction between the ministry of bishops and priests, on the one hand, and that of deacons, on the other hand, is nonetheless embraced within the unity of the sacrament of Holy Orders.

"Fr. Cottier stated that 'it belongs to the Magisterium to pronounce with authority on the question, taking into account the historical and theological research presented by the study of the International Theological Commission'. ...

"The International Theological Commission devoted over five years of research to the topic of the history and theology of the diaconate before approving the text of its study at its recently concluded meeting. The study was produced at the request of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith."

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THE PRIEST, PASTOR AND LEADER OF THE PARISH COMMUNITY

VATICAN CITY, OCT 18, 2002 (VIS) - This afternoon in the Holy See Press Office, Cardinal Dario Castrillon Hoyos and Archbishop Csaba Ternyak, respectively prefect and secretary of the Congregation for Clergy, presented the Instruction "The Priest, Pastor and Leader of the Parish Community."

The Introduction of the document, which was published in Italian, Spanish, English, German and Polish, includes the Holy Father's speech to participants in the plenary assembly of the congregation on November 23, 2001. The first part tackles the topic of common and ordained priesthood and the central elements of the ministry and life of priests. The second part talks about the parish and the office of parish priest, and the current challenges in parish pastoral care. It concludes with a prayer of the parish priest to Mary Most Holy.

Cardinal Castrillon affirmed that this Instruction follows a series of documents such as the "Directory on the ministry and life of Priests" (1994), the Interdicasterial Instruction "Ecclesiae de mysterio" (1997) and the Circular Letter "The Priest and the Third Christian Millennium, Teacher of the Word, Minister of the Sacraments and Leader of the Community," published on the occasion of the Great Jubilee.

"The main objective of this Instruction," he said, "is to define for the community and the clergy the role of pastor and sacramental leader, who from the parish encourages and leads (the people) to Christ, the Way to the Father."

The prefect emphasized that this document will help parish priests "to live out better their pastoral duties and to collaborate effectively for the good of the community so that the same community discovers once again the irreplaceable importance of the parish priest."

Referring to the first part of the text, which is doctrinal in nature, Cardinal Castrillon stated that the parish priest is "a man of communion, with the local Church and with the universal Church. Therefore, he must be a model of adherence to the Magisterium of the Church and he must truly feel like a father to the community and to each one of its members. He is an authentic leader of souls."

Regarding priestly identity, he said that "it must be searched for in pastoral grace which derives from having received the Sacrament of Orders. ... One must be able to recognize it by his way of being, of doing things and expressing himself, by his lifestyle and his way of introducing himself externally as well."

"A priest does not simply 'work' as a priest," he exclaimed. "He 'is' a priest! ... A parish priest is a priest whom everyone encounters naturally in their life. He is one who lives immersed among the people, in neighborhoods, among the everyday problems of all kinds of people," in all environments.

The cardinal prefect concluded by affirming that the Instruction "could help so that the ministry of the pastor as leader of the community and his specific function of pastoral governing do not disappear or become unnatural in the midst of other structures that would like to, or in fact do, take their place, even if they may be valid and respectable structures."

For his part, Archbishop Ternyak emphasized that all priests must study the reference texts and authorized guides in depth for their life and their ministry. He also said that they should include them in programs of permanent formation.

The purpose of the document, he added, is "to define the role of 'sacramental leader' of the parish priest. It does not intend to undervalue in any way the active role of the lay faithful in the parish community."

"This document," he concluded, "is also a tribute to the many parish priests in the whole world who carry out their ministry faithfully and silently, despite difficulties, misunderstandings and humiliation."

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ADDRESS TO COUNCIL PLENARY FOCUSSES ON FAMILY, COUPLES IN CRISIS

VATICAN CITY, OCT 18, 2002 (VIS) - Pope John Paul this morning addressed the participants of the 15th Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Council for the Family which is currently underway in Rome on the theme "Pastoral Ministry for the Family and Couples in Difficulty."

The Pope highlighted the need for prayer, the Sacraments and spiritual guidance in the life of couples, saying this is all the more important "when lifestyles proliferate ... that place into doubt the value of matrimony, even believing it to be impossible for spouses to give themselves reciprocally in joyous fidelity. ... A badly understood sexual education also harms family life."

"How important it is," said John Paul II, whose 1981 document, "Familiaris Consortio," was the inspiration for the theme of the plenary, "to promote family support for couples, especially young ones, with the help of families that are spiritually and morally sound! This is a fruitful and necessary apostolate, especially at this historic moment."

The Pope's closing remarks were dedicated to the importance of dialogue within families, between parents and children, especially in the formative years. If parents do not find the time to talk with their children, he said, the children "will seek models and lifestyles elsewhere, that often are false and harmful for the dignity of man and for true love. Banalyzing sex in a society saturated with eroticism, and the lack of reference to ethical principles, can ruin the lives of children, adolescents and young people."

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AUDIENCES

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

- Archbishop Pierre Christophe, apostolic nuncio in Uganda.
- Archbishop Alain Paul Lebeaupin, apostolic nuncio in Ecuador.
- Bishop Affonso Felippe Gregory of Imperatriz, Brazil on his "ad limina" visit.
- Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
- Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.

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HOLY SEE REPLIES TO NORMS WRITTEN BY U.S. BISHOPS

VATICAN CITY, OCT 18, 2002 (VIS) - Made public today was a Letter from Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, to Bishop Wilton Gregory, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, in answer to the "Essential Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests, Deacons or Other Church Personnel" ("Norms") written by the American bishops.

The American bishops asked for a "recognitio" of this document, which had been approved at the plenary meeting of the USCCB in Dallas on June 13-15.

Following are excerpts from Cardinal Re's Letter, dated October 14, 2002:
"The Holy See, above all, would like to convey full solidarity with the Bishops of the United States in their firm condemnation of sexual misdeeds against minors and is deeply concerned about the distressing situation that has arisen in recent months in the Church in the United States. Likewise, the Holy See wishes to encourage the efforts of the Episcopal Conference in assisting the Bishops to address these difficult problems.

"The sexual abuse of minors is particularly abhorrent. Deeply moved by the sufferings of the victims and their families, the Holy See supports the American Bishops in their endeavor to respond firmly to the sexual misdeeds of the very small number of those who minister or labor in the service of the Church. But such a very small number cannot overshadow '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' (Pope John Paul II, Address to the Cardinals and to the Presidency of the Episcopal Conference of the United States, April 23, 2002).

"The Apostolic See likewise acknowledges the efforts which the Bishops of the United States have made through the 'Norms' and the guidelines contained in the Bishops' Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People ('Charter') to protect minors and to avoid future recurrences of these abuses. Such efforts should also help to preserve or restore the trust of the faithful in their pastors.

"Despite these efforts, the application of the policies adopted at the Plenary Assembly in Dallas can be the source of confusion and ambiguity, because the Norms and Charter contain provisions which in some aspects are difficult to reconcile with the universal law of the Church."

"For these reasons, it has been judged appropriate that before the 'recognitio' can be granted, a further reflection on and revision of the Norms and the Charter are necessary. In order to facilitate this work, the Holy See proposes that a Mixed Commission be established, composed of four bishops chosen from the Episcopal Conference of the United States, and four representatives from those Dicasteries of the Holy See which have direct competence in the matter: the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Congregation for Bishops, the Congregation for Clergy, and the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts."

Bishop Gregory, in a reply to the cardinal prefect, dated October 15, said, in part: "The Bishops of the United States are profoundly grateful to the Holy See, both for the fraternal solicitude that has been shown to the Church in the United States at this difficult time and for the gracious consideration that has been given to our request.

"In view of the issues that Your Eminence raises in your letter to me regarding the best way for us to pursue effectively the 'recognitio' of our proposed Norms, I am happy to accept, on behalf of our Episcopal Conference, the suggestion of the Apostolic See that a Mixed Commission be established in order to reflect further on and consider revision of certain aspects of the Charter accepted by the Bishops in Dallas and the Norms proposed to the Holy See for 'recognitio'."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, OCT 18, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Appointed Msgr. Tommaso Ghirelli, episcopal vicar of the diocese of Bologna, Italy, as bishop of Imola (area 820, population 140,000, Catholics 135,000, priests 133, permanent deacons 9, religious 177), Italy. The bishop-elect was born in Forli, Italy in 1944 and was ordained a priest in 1969. The Holy Father accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese presented by Bishop Guiseppe Fabiani, upon having reached the age limit.

- Appointed Msgr. Cataldo Naro, lecturer of Church History in the Faculty of Theology at St. John the Baptist in Sicily, as archbishop of Monreale (area 1,509, population 190,000, Catholics 185,000, priests 150, religious 343), Italy. The archbishop-elect was born in San Cataldo, Italy in 1951 and was ordained a priest in 1974.

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POPE ANNOUNCES 5 NEW MYSTERIES OF ROSARY, YEAR OF THE ROSARY

VATICAN CITY, OCT 16, 2002 (VIS) - During today's weekly general audience held in St. Peter's Square, Pope John Paul signed an apostolic letter dedicated to the Rosary, announced that he had added five new mysteries to this eight-century old prayer and said that October 2002 to October 2003 would be the Year of the Rosary. Today also marked the 24th anniversary of the election of Pope John Paul to the papacy.

Tradition has it that St. Dominic spread the practice of praying the Rosary as a devotion to Mary in the 13th century. The image of Our Lady of the Rosary from the shrine of the same name in Pompeii was brought to Rome for today's audience by 1,500 pilgrims from this Italian town near Naples.

At the start of his catechesis today, the Holy Father repeated words he spoke last August during a trip to his native Poland: "Most holy Mother, ... obtain for me strength of body and spirit so that I may fulfill to the end the mission entrusted to me by the Risen One. To you I give the fruits of my life and my ministry; to you I entrust the destiny of the Church; ... In you I trust. ... 'Totus tuus, Maria! Totus tuus!' Amen."

"Very shortly," announced the Pope, "I will sign the Apostolic Letter 'Rosarium Virginis Mariae' (The Rosary of the Virgin Mary). In addition, together with this document, dedicated to the prayer of the Rosary, I am proclaiming the year that goes from October 2002 to October 2003 the Year of the Rosary."

John Paul II then asked: "For the demanding, but extraordinarily rich task of contemplating the face of Christ together with Mary, is there a better instrument than the prayer of the Rosary? ... Repeating the invocation 'Ave Maria', we can more deeply reflect on the essential events of the mission of the Son of God on earth, which have been transmitted to us by the Gospel and Tradition. In order for this synthesis of the Gospel to be more complete and to offer greater inspiration, in the Apostolic Letter 'Rosarium Virginis Mariae', I proposed adding five more mysteries to those currently contemplated in the Rosary, and I called them 'the mysteries of light'."

These mysteries, he underscored, focus on Jesus' public life: His Baptism in the Jordan, the wedding feast of Cana, His proclamation of the Kingdom of God, His institution of the Eucharist and the Transfiguration.

"Mary, Queen of the Rosary," the Holy Father concluded his catechesis, "whom we see here in the image venerated in Pompeii, lead the children of the Church to the fullness of union with Christ in His glory!"

The Pope them summarized his catechesis and announcements in French, English, German, Spanish and Portuguese, and greeted the numerous pilgrims present in Dutch, Croatian, Czech, Hungarian, Slovakian, Romanian, Italian and Polish.

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, OCT 17, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Fr. Robert J. Hermann, vicar general of the archdiocese of St. Louis, U.S.A., as auxiliary of the same archdiocese. The bishop-elect was born in 1934 in St. Louis and was ordained a priest in 1963.

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, OCT 17, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Five prelates from the Episcopal Conference of Brazil (Northeast V) on their "ad limina" visit:
- Bishop Xavier Gilles de Maupeou d'Ableiges of Viana.
- Bishop Gianfranco Masserdotti, M.C.C.I., of Balsas.
- Bishop Franco Cuter, O.F.M.Cap., of Grajau.
- Bishop Jose Belisario da Silva, O.F.M., of Bacabal, accompanied by Bishop emeritus Henrique Johannpotter, O.F.M.
- Bishop Wilton Daniel Gregory of Belleville, U.S.A., president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, accompanied by Bishop William Stephen Skylstad of Spokane, vice president, and Msgr. William P. Fay, secretary.

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APOSTOLIC LETTER ON THE HOLY ROSARY

VATICAN CITY, OCT 16, 2002 (VIS) - During this morning's general audience celebrated in St. Peter's Square, the Pope signed the Apostolic Letter "Rosarium Virginis Marie" on the Holy Rosary. It is dated today, which marks the beginning of the 25th year of John Paul II's pontificate, and has been published in Italian, French, English, Spanish, Portuguese and Polish.

Following are excerpts from the document:

INTRODUCTION. "Numerous predecessors of mine attributed great importance to (the Rosary of the Virgin Mary). Worthy of special note in this regard is Pope Leo XIII who on September 1, 1883 promulgated the Encyclical 'Supremi Apostolatus Officio', a document of great worth, the first of his many statements about this prayer, in which he proposed the Rosary as an effective spiritual weapon against the evils afflicting society. ... I myself have often encouraged the frequent recitation of the Rosary. From my youthful years this prayer has held an important place in my spiritual life. ... The Rosary has accompanied me in moments of joy and in moments of difficulty."

"In continuity with my reflection in the Apostolic Letter 'Novo Millennio Ineunte', in which, after the experience of the Jubilee, I invited the people of God to 'start afresh from Christ', I have felt drawn to offer a reflection on the Rosary, as a kind of Marian complement to that Letter and an exhortation to contemplate the face of Christ in union with and at the school of his Most Holy Mother. To recite the Rosary is nothing other than to contemplate with Mary the face of Christ. As a way of highlighting this invitation, prompted by the forthcoming 120th anniversary of the aforementioned Encyclical of Leo XIII, I desire that during the course of this year the Rosary should be especially emphasized and promoted in the various Christian communities. I therefore proclaim the year from October 2002 to October 2003 the Year of the Rosary."

"The most important reason for strongly encouraging the practice of the Rosary is that it represents a most effective means of fostering among the faithful that commitment to the contemplation of the Christian mystery."

"A number of historical circumstances also make a revival of the Rosary quite timely. First of all, the need to implore from God the gift of peace. The Rosary has many times been proposed by my predecessors and myself as a prayer for peace. ... Consequently, one cannot recite the Rosary without feeling caught up in a clear commitment to advancing peace, especially in the land of Jesus, still so sorely afflicted and so close to the heart of every Christian. A similar need for commitment and prayer arises in relation to another critical contemporary issue: the family, the primary cell of society, increasingly menaced by forces of disintegration on both the ideological and practical planes, so as to make us fear for the future of this fundamental and indispensable institution and, with it, for the future of society as a whole."
I. CONTEMPLATING CHRIST WITH MARY. "Mary constantly sets before the faithful the 'mysteries' of her Son, with the desire that the contemplation of those mysteries will release all their saving power. ... The Rosary, precisely because it starts with Mary's own experience, is an exquisitely contemplative prayer."

"The Rosary is both mediation and supplication. Insistent prayer to the Mother of God is based on confidence that her maternal intercession can obtain all things from the heart of her Son."

"The history of the Rosary shows how this prayer was used in particular by the Dominicans at a difficult time for the Church due to the spread of heresy. Today we are facing new challenges. Why should we not once more have recourse to the Rosary, with the same faith as those who have gone before us? The Rosary retains all its power and continues to be a valuable pastoral resource for every good evangelizer."

II. MYSTERIES OF CHRIST, MYSTERIES OF HIS MOTHER. "Of the many mysteries of Christ's life, only a few are indicated by the Rosary in the form that has become generally established with the seal of the Church's approval. The selection was determined by the origin of the prayer, which was based on the number 150, the number of the Psalms in the Psalter. I believe, however, that to bring out fully the Christological depth of the Rosary it would be suitable to make an addition to the traditional pattern which, while left to the freedom of individuals and communities, could broaden it to include the mysteries of Christ's public ministry between his Baptism and his Passion."

"Consequently, for the Rosary to become more fully a 'compendium of the Gospel', it is fitting to add, following reflection on the Incarnation and the hidden life of Christ (the joyful mysteries) and before focusing on the sufferings of his Passion (the sorrowful mysteries) and the triumph of his Resurrection (the glorious mysteries), a meditation on certain particularly significant moments in his public ministry (the mysteries of light). ... In proposing to the Christian community five significant moments ' 'luminous' mysteries ' during this phase of Christ's life, I think that the following can be fittingly singled out: (1) his Baptism in the Jordan, (2) his self-manifestation at the wedding of Cana, (3) his proclamation of the Kingdom of God, with his call to conversion, (4) his Transfiguration, and finally, (5) his institution of the Eucharist, as the sacramental expression of the Paschal Mystery. Each of these mysteries is a revelation of the Kingdom now present in the very person of Jesus."

III. FOR ME, TO LIVE IS CHRIST. "The Rosary is simply a method of contemplation. As a method, it serves as a means to an end and cannot become an end in itself. All the same, as the fruit of centuries of experience, this method should not be undervalued. In its favor one could cite the experience of countless Saints. This is not to say, however, that the method cannot be improved. Such is the intent of the addition of the new series of 'mysteria lucis'. ... These suggestions, while respecting the well-established structure of this prayer, are intended to help the faithful to understand it in the richness of its symbolism and in harmony with the demands of daily life. Otherwise there is a risk that the Rosary would not only fail to produce the intended spiritual effects, but even that the beads, with which it is usually said, could come to be regarded as some kind of amulet or magic object, thereby radically distorting their meaning and function."

The mysteries of the Rosary "neither replace the Gospel nor exhaust its content. The Rosary, therefore, is no substitute for 'lectio divina', on the contrary, it presupposes and promotes it. Yet, even though the mysteries contemplated in the Rosary, even with the addition of the 'mysteria lucis', do no more than outline the fundamental elements of the life of Christ, they easily draw the mind to a more expansive reflection on the rest of the Gospel, especially when the Rosary is prayed in a setting of prolonged recollection."

"The Rosary can be recited in full every day, and there are those who most laudably do so. In this way it fills with prayer the days of many a contemplative, or keeps company with the sick and the elderly who have abundant time at their disposal. ... According to current practice, Monday and Thursday are dedicated to the 'joyful mysteries', Tuesday and Friday to the 'sorrowful mysteries', and Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday to the 'glorious mysteries'. Where might the mysteries of light be inserted? If we consider that the 'glorious mysteries' are said on both Saturday and Sunday, and that Saturday has always had a special Marian flavour, the second weekly meditation on the 'joyful mysteries', mysteries in which Mary's presence is especially pronounced, could be moved to Saturday. Thursday would then be free for meditating on the 'mysteries of light'."

"This indication is not intended to limit a rightful freedom in personal and community prayer, where account needs to be taken of spiritual and pastoral needs and of the occurrence of particular liturgical celebrations which might call for suitable adaptations. What is really important is that the Rosary should always be seen and experienced as a path of contemplation."

CONCLUSION. "The grave challenges confronting the world at the start of this new Millennium lead us to think that only an intervention from on high, capable of guiding the hearts of those living in situations of conflict and those governing the destinies of nations, can give reason to hope for a brighter future. The Rosary is by its nature a prayer for peace, since it consists in the contemplation of Christ, the Prince of Peace, the one who is 'our peace'."

"The Rosary is also, and always has been, a prayer of and for the family. ... We need to return to the practice of family prayer and prayer for families, continuing to use the Rosary. ... The family that prays together stays together. ... Many of the problems facing contemporary families, especially in economically developed societies, result from their increasing difficulty in communicating. Families seldom manage to come together, and the rare occasions when they do are often taken up with watching television."

"At times parents suffer acute disappointment at the failure of their children to resist the seductions of the drug culture, the lure of an unbridled hedonism, the temptation to violence, and the manifold expressions of meaninglessness and despair. To pray the Rosary for children, and even more, with children ... is admittedly not the solution to every problem, but it is a spiritual aid which should not be underestimated."

"At the start of the twenty-fifth year of my Pontificate, I entrust this Apostolic Letter to the loving hands of the Virgin Mary, prostrating myself in spirit before her image in the splendid Shrine built for her by Blessed Bartolo Longo, apostle of the Rosary."

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