THE POPE RECEIVES IN AUDIENCE PRINCE VICTOR EMANUEL OF SAVOY

VATICAN CITY, DEC 23, 2002 (VIS) - The Director of the Press Office of the Holy See, Joaquin Navarro-Valls, made the following declaration:

"This morning, the Holy Father His Royal Highness Prince Victor Emanuel of Savoy with his wife and son in a private audience.

"John Paul II welcomed his guests to the Vatican and visited with them for approximately twenty minutes, in cordial dialogue exchanging greetings for Christmas and for the New Year.

"Prince Victor Emanuel thanked the Holy Father for this audience, defining it has an 'historical event' for his family.

"Afterwards, the Prince and his wife and son met with Cardinal Angelo Sodano, the Secretary of State."

OP;AUDIENCE SAVOY FAMILY;...;NAVARRO-VALLS;VIS;20021223;Word: 130;