JESUS IS BORN FOR A HUMANITY SEARCHING FOR FREEDOM AND PEACE

VATICAN CITY, DEC 25, 2002 (VIS) - John Paul II celebrated midnight mass in the Vatican Basilica for the solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord.

In the homily, the Pope said that "Jesus is born for a humanity searching for freedom and peace; he is born for everyone burdened by sin, in need of salvation, and yearning for hope. On this night God answers the ceaseless cry of the peoples: 'Come, Lord, save us!' His eternal Word of love has taken on our mortal flesh."

He continued "The Word has entered into time: Emmanuel. God-with-us, is born. In cathedrals and great Basilicas, as well as in the smallest and remotest churches throughout the world, Christians joyfully lift up their song: 'Today is born our Saviour'."

The Holy Father went on, "This is the icon of Christmas: a tiny newborn child, whom the hands of a woman wrap in poor cloths and lay in a manger. Who could imagine that this little human being is the 'Son of the Most High'? Only she, his Mother, knows the truth and guards its mystery. (...) We too - the men and women of the third millennium - are able to encounter Christ and to gaze upon him through the eyes of Mary. Christmas night thus becomes a school of faith and of life."

The Pope emphasized that "The Child laid in a lowly manger: this is God's sign. (...) It is a sign of hope for the whole human family; a sign of peace for those suffering from conflicts of every kind; a sign of freedom for the poor and oppressed; a sign of mercy for those caught up in the vicious circle of sin; a sign of love and consolation for those who feel lonely and abandoned." He concluded, "A small and fragile sign, a humble and quiet sign, but one filled with the power of God who out of love became man."

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"URBI ET ORBI": A CALL FOR PEACE

VATICAN CITY, DEC 25, 2002 (VIS) - At midday today, the Pope addressed the traditional Christmas message to the faithful present in St. Peter's Square and to impart the "Urbi et Orbi" blessing.

Some extracts of the message are given below:

"Christmas is a mystery of love! The love of the Father, who has sent into the world his only-begotten Son, to bestow on us the gift of his own life. (...) In the cold stable, wrapped in silence, the Virgin Mother, with prophetic intuition, already tastes the violent drama of Calvary, the traumatic struggle between darkness and light, between death and life, between hatred and love. The Prince of Peace, born today in Bethlehem, will give his life on Golgotha, so that love may reign on earth."
"Christmas is a mystery of peace! From the cave of Bethlehem there rises today an urgent appeal to the world not to yield to mistrust, suspicion and discouragement, even though the tragic reality of terrorism feeds uncertainties and fears. Believers of all religions, together with men and women of good will, by outlawing all forms of intolerance and discrimination, are called to build peace: in the Holy Land, above all, to put an end once and for all to the senseless spiral of blind violence, and in the Middle East, to extinguish the ominous smouldering of a conflict which, with the joint efforts of all, can be avoided; in Africa too, where devastating famines and tragic internal conflicts are aggravating the already precarious conditions of entire peoples, although here and there signs of hope are present; in Latin America, in Asia, in other parts of the world, where political, economic and social crises disturb the serenity of many families and nations. May humanity accept the Christmas message of peace!"

"Adorable mystery of the Incarnate Word! Together with you, O Virgin Mother, may we stop and reflect at the manger where the Child lies. (...) Teach us to recognize his face in the children of every race and culture. Help us to be credible witnesses of his message of peace and love, so that the men and women of our own time, still torn by conflicts and unspeakable violence, may also recognize in the Child cradled in your arms the one Saviour of the world, the endless source of that true peace for which every heart profoundly yearns."

The Pope extended Christmas greetings in 62 languages after the message.

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SERENITY, HARMONY AND LOVE IN ALL FAMILIES

VATICAN CITY, DEC 29 2002 (VIS) - Before celebrating the Angelus with the faithful congregated in Saint Peter's Square, the Pope spoke about today's feast dedicated to the Holy Family of Nazareth, "admirable model of human and supernatural virtues for all Christian families."

The Holy Father exclaimed, "How I would like to see the serenity, harmony and love of the home of Nazareth in today's families! With insisting prayer I ask the Lord that all Christian parents be aware of their irrefutable duty towards their children as well as towards society. We expect them to give true and efficacious evangelical witness.

John Paul II pointed out that "A united family, following the path of these principles, will be able to easily overcome the difficulties it will encounter. Within the faithful parental love, a gift to be nourished and safeguarded continuously, the children may find the best conditions to mature, helped by Jesus, who 'increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man'."

He continued: "We entrust today the families of the entire world to the Holy Family of Nazareth, especially those undergoing great suffering or difficulties. In a special way I would like to place under the particular protection of the Holy Virgin, Saint Joseph and the Child Jesus, the IV World Family Meeting, which will take place in Manila, Philippines, from January 22 to the 26. The theme chosen - 'The Christian Family: Good News for the Third Millennium' - expresses the mission of each Christian family and the trust the Church places in them. May this important appointment bring forth the hoped-for spiritual fruits for the Church and for all of humanity!"

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CLONING OF A HUMAN: CONDEMNATION BY THE SCIENTIFIC COMMUNITY

VATICAN CITY, DEC 28 2002 (VIS) - The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Joaquin Navarro-Valls, made the following declaration this morning regarding the announcement of the supposed cloning of a human being in the United States:

"The announcement, made without any proof, has already given rise to skepticism and moral condemnation by the international scientific community.

"The announcement itself is an expression of a brutal mentality, lacking any ethical or human consideration."

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CONSULTATION OF THE VATICAN ARCHIVES UP TO 1939

VATICAN CITY, DEC 28, 2002 (VIS) - Today, a notice was made public stating that from February 15, 2003 researchers will be allowed to consult the documents of the Vatican Secret Archive pertaining to the relations between the Holy See and Germany between 1922-1939, during the pontificate of Pope Pius XI.

The catalogues that may be viewed are the following: Extraordinary Ecclesiastic Affairs, Bavaria (1922-1939), Germany (1922-1939), Vatican Secret Archive, Archive of the Apostolic Nunciature of Berlin (1922-1930). This last archive was severely damaged in 1945 because of the Berlin bombings and the fire at the Palace of the Apostolic Nunciature. For this reason, the documents relative to the years from 1931 to 1934 were practically completely destroyed or disappeared.

The notice ends by mentioning that the documents pertaining to National Socialism and the condemnation of racism may be found in the Archive of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

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POPE TO CONFER EPISCOPAL ORDINATION ON TWELVE PRESBYTERS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 30 2002 (VIS) - According to a communique made public today by the Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff, John Paul II will confer episcopal ordination on the following twelve priests in the Vatican Basilica at 9 a.m. on Monday January 6, 2003, Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord:

1. Msgr. Paul Tschang In-Nam of the clergy of the diocese of Ch'ongiu, Korea, born October 30, 1949, ordained a priest December 17, 1976, elected titular archbishop of Amanzia and appointed apostolic nuncio in Bangladesh on October 19, 2002.

2. Msgr. Celestino Migliore of the clergy of the diocese of Cuneo, Italy, born July 1, 1952, ordained a priest June 25, 1977, elected titular archbishop of Canosa and appointed permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations Organization (U.N.) October 30, 2002.

3. Msgr. Pierre Nguyen Van Tot of the clergy of the diocese of Phu Cuong, Vietnam, born April 15, 1949, ordained a priest March 24, 1974, elected titular archbishop of Rusticiana and appointed apostolic nuncio in Benin and Togo on November 25, 2002.

4. Msgr. Pedro Lopez Quintana of the clergy of the archdiocese of Santiago de Compostela, Spain, born July 27, 1953, ordained a priest June 15, 1980, elected titular archbishop of Agropoli and appointed apostolic nuncio on December 12, 2002.

5. Msgr. Angelo Amato of Salesian Society of Saint John Bosco, born June 8, 1938, ordained a priest December 22, 1967, elected titular archbishop of Sila and appointed Secretary for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith December 19, 2002.

6. Msgr. Calogero La Piana, of the Salesian Society of Saint John Bosco, born January 27, 1952, ordained a priest August 8, 1981, elected bishop of Mazara del Vallo, Italy on November 15, 2002.

7. Msgr. Rene-Marie Ehuzu of the Congregation of Jesus and Mary, born April 12, 1944, ordained a priest September 30, 1972, elected Bishop of Abomey, Benin, on November 25, 2002.

8. Msgr. Jan Babjak of the Society of Jesus, born October 28, 1953, ordained a priest June 11, 1978, elected bishop of the Eparchy of Presov, Slovakia on December 11, 2002.

9. Msgr. Andraos Abouna of the Patriarchal Eparchy of Baghdad, Iraq, born March 23, 1943, ordained a priest June 5, 1966, elected titular bishop of Zenobia of the Chaldeans and appointed auxiliary of the Patriarchate of Babylonia of the Chaldeans, Iraq on November 6, 2002.

10. Msgr. Milan Sasik of the Congregation for the Mission, born September 17, 1952, ordained a priest June 6, 1976, elected titular bishop of Bononia and appointed apostolic administrator "ad nutum Sanctae Sedis" of the Eparchy of Mukacheve, Ukraine, on November 12, 2002.

11. Msgr. Giuseppe Nazzaro of the Order of Friars Minor, born December 22, 1937, ordained a priest June 29, 1965, elected titular bishop of Forma and appointed apostolic vicar of Alep of the Latin Rite, Syria, on November 21, 2002.

12. Msgr. Brian Farrell of the Legionnaires of Christ, born February 8, 1944, ordained a priest November 26, 1969, elected titular bishop of Abitine and appointed Secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity on December 19, 2002.

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

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

- Rev. Giancarlo Vecerrica bishop of Fabriano-Matelica (area 681, population 54,591, Catholics 53,641, priests 79, religious 126), Italy. The bishop-elect was born in 1940 in Tolentino, Italy, was ordained a priest in 1965 and until now was the secretary general of the curia of the diocese of Macerata-Tolentino-Recanati-Cingoli-Treia.

- Jean Daniel Pitteloud, lieutenant of the Pontifical Swiss Guards, with the grade as lieutenant colonel.

On Saturday, December 28, the Holy Father appointed Bishop Nicola De Angelis, C.F.I.C., till today auxiliary of Toronto, Canada, as bishop of Peterborough (area 25,890, population 391,501, Catholics 85,101, priests 92, religious 110, permanent deacons 13), Canada. He succeeds Bishop James Leonard Doyle, whose renunciation to the pastoral government was accepted, in conformity with canon 401, paragraph 2 of the C.C.L.

On Friday, December 27, it was made public that the Holy Father:

- Appointed Msgr. Jesus Tomas Zarraga Colmenares bishop of San Carlos de Venezuela (area 14,800, population 265,837, Catholics 255,303, priests 27, religious 38), Venezuela. The bishop-elect was born in 1957 in Azaro (Venezuela), was ordained a priest in 1985 and until now was the parish priest and director of the diocesan Secretariat of social communications and for the pastoral social. He succeeds Bishop Antonio Arellano Dur n, whose renunciation from the pastoral care of the same diocese was accepted upon having reached the age limit.

- Appointed Rev. Isabelo Caiban Abarquez auxiliary bishop of Cebu (area 5,088, population 3,255,070, Catholics 2,815,836, priests 489, religious 1,459), Philippines. The bishop-elect was born in 1956 in Panlaan (Philippines), was ordained a priest in 1987 and until today was the rector of the "Saint Charles College Seminary" in the same archdiocese.

- Appointed Rev. Patricio Abella Buzon, S.D.B., bishop of Kabankalan (area 3,923, population 706,984, Catholics 636,286, priests 38, religious 27), Philippines. The bishop-elect was born in 1950 in San Nicol s (Philippines), his first profession was in 1967, was ordained a priest in 1976 and until now was the provincial superior of the Southern Salesian Province of the Philippines.

- Created the diocese of Acarigua-Araure (area 5,510, population 452,000, priests 16, religious 11), Venezuela, with a territory separate from the diocese of Guanare, having it depend upon the Metropolitan Church of Barquisimeto, and appointed Bishop Joaqu¡n Mor¢n Hidalgo, until now bishop of Valle de la Pascua (Venezuela), as the first bishop of Acarigua-Araure.

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THE CHURCH CONTINUES TO RAISE ITS PRAYER FOR PEACE

VATICAN CITY, DEC 21, 2002 (VIS) - This morning in the Clementine Hall, the Pope met with cardinals, members of the pontifical family, the Curia and the Roman prelature for the traditional exchange of Christmas greetings.

John Paul II began by saying that for him, this Christmas is "especially significant because it falls on the 25th year of my pontificate. It is this reason that urges me to have you participate in my 'thanks' to the Lord for the gifts that he has given me in this long period of time spent in the service of the Universal Church."

"Our gathering," he continued, "gives a particular tone because it takes place during the Year of the Rosary. ... In the apostolic letter 'Rosario Virginis Mariae' I underlined the anthropological value of this prayer, which, helping us in contemplating Christ, guides us to look at man and history in the light of the Gospel."

The Holy Father affirmed that we cannot forget that Christ's face "continues to have a sorrowful expression, of true passion, for the conflicts that stain so many regions of the world with blood, and for those that threaten to explode with renewed force. The situation in the Holy Land continues to be emblematic, as well as the 'forgotten' wars, that are no less devastating. Terrorism continues to reap victims and dig more graves. Faced by this horizon stained by blood, the Church does not cease to make itself heard, and, above all, continues to raise its prayer."

The Pope later referred to the beauty of creation which reflects a "ray of splendor of Christ's face", but also "the devastation man's neglect is capable of inflicting upon the environment. ... For this reason, I am happy to have been able to bear witness to the Church's commitment to the environment during this year, on different occasions."

In regards to relations with States, "I have reminded everyone," said John Paul II, "of the urgency to put the dignity of the human person and service to the common good at the center of national and international politics."

Speaking about the celebration of World Youth Day, held in July in Toronto, Canada, the Holy Father recalled "the presence of so many young people" without forgetting so many others "taken in by other messages or misguided by thousands of different proposals. It is up to young people to evangelize their peers."
Afterwards, the Pope recalled the progress made on the ecumenical front, despite "reasons for bitterness. But," he continued, "we must look at the lights rather than the shadows." He also recalled, along with the aforementioned joint Declaration with the Patriarch Bartholomew I, the visit made by the Delegation of the Greek Orthodox Church with a message from His Beatitude Christodoulos, archbishop of Athens and of all of Greece, and the meeting with the Romanian Orthodox Patriarch Teoctist with whom he signed a common declaration this past October.

"When will the Lord finally give us the joy of full communion with the Orthodox brothers?" he asked. "The answer lies in the mystery of Divine Providence. But faith in God does not exempt us from personal commitment. For this reason, the ecumenism of prayer and holiness must be intensified above all."

The last paragraphs of the Pontiff's speech were dedicated to holiness, "summit of the ecclesiastical landscape." The Holy Father also thanked God for this year's beatifications and canonizations: Pedro de San Jose Betancur, Juan Diego and the martyrs of Oaxaca during his apostolic trip to Guatemala City and Mexico City, and in Rome Padre Pio of Pietrelcina and St. Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer who inspired "public opinion's particular interest."

He concluded by saying: "My apostolic trip to Poland was also characterized by sanctity, for the dedication of the shrine of Divine Mercy in Krakow-Lagiewniki. On that occasion, I once again reminded our world, tempted by discouragement in the face of so many unresolved problems and threatening unknowns of the future, that God is 'full of mercy'. For those who trust in Him, nothing is definitively lost; everything can be rebuilt."

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GUARANTEE ACCESS TO ESSENTIAL MEDICINES

VATICAN CITY, DEC 21, 2002 (VIS) - Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, permanent observer to the World Trade Organization (WTO), spoke on December 20 in a meeting of the WTO dedicated to Aspects of the Rights of Intellectual Property related to Trade (TRIPS).

The archbishop recalled that when the 'Doha Declaration' on TRIPS and public health was approved, it "was considered a significant breakthrough in attempting to reconcile two important values for our world community: permitting governments to respond rapidly to urgent public health needs of their people ... assuring access to essential medicines at affordable prices and respecting the creativity and innovative possibilities offered by a rules-based international system for the protection of intellectual property."

"It was hoped," continued the prelate, "above all that it would constitute a victory for the poorest and those most vulnerable to health risks and suffering, especially in Africa."

After emphasizing this hope the archbishop expressed, however, the Holy See's concern that it has not been possible "to arrive, within the deadline set, at a consensus application of the Declaration for those countries that do not have the domestic capacity to produce their own medicines."

Archbishop Martin recalled John Paul II's words in his Message for the World Day of Peace 2003: "Promises made to the poor should be particularly binding" and "the failure to keep commitments in the sphere of aid to developing nations is a serious moral question."

"The protection of private property," he continued, "including intellectual property, is an important value, which we must respect. ... The very creative and innovative impetus which the intellectual property rights system offers - especially in the health sector -is there primarily to serve the common good of the human community."

The permanent observer concluded by stressing that "a positive decision on this question would have been an important sign from the World Trade Organization especially in the Christmas season. My delegation hopes that a sense of common responsibility will urge us all to ensure that what has been achieved in these days not to be lost, and that we can arrive at a positive decision for the good of our human family as early as possible."

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URBI ET ORBI BLESSING IN ST. PETER'S SQUARE

VATICAN CITY, DEC 21, 2002 (VIS) - This morning Joaquin Navarro-Valls, director of the Holy See Press Office, made the following declaration:

"Restoration work has been going on for some months on the interior of the facade of St. Peter's Basilica. This work also affects the Hall of Blessings, which, as is known, runs horizontally across the facade of the Basilica at the level of the central balcony.

"For this reason, this year the Holy Father will impart the 'Urbi et Orbi' Christmas blessing from St. Peter's Square and not from the central balcony."

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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."

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THE TRADITION OF CHRISTMAS GIFTS MUST NOT LOSE IT'S MEANING

VATICAN CITY, DEC 22, 2002 (VIS) - At noon today, the IVth Sunday of Advent, the Holy Father came to the window of his office in the Vatican Apostolic Palace to recite the Angelus with the faithful gathered in Saint Peter's Square.

Speaking about the Nativity Scene, the Pope said that it's "simplicity is in contrast with the image of Christmas, which is often proposed in an insistent way by advertising. Even the beautiful tradition of exchanging gifts for Christmas between parents and friends, affected by a certain consumeristic mentality, runs the risk of losing its true 'Christmas' spirit."

John Paul II continued, saying that the tradition of exchanging gifts is comprehended because "Jesus in person is God's Gift to humanity, our gifts wishing to be a reflection and an expression of this. For this reason, those acts of solidarity and welcome towards the poor and the needy should be favored."

While contemplating the Nativity scene, where "the Virgin and Saint Joseph await Jesus' birth", the Pope said that the conditions necessary to our preparation for Christmas are "interior silence and prayer, which allow the contemplation of the mystery being commemorated and one's readiness to welcome the Will of God."

He ended by saying "Mary and Joseph's 'yes' is complete and commits their entire being: spirit, soul and body." He exclaimed "May it be thus for us! May Jesus, who will make our Nativity Scene shine with joy, find a generous welcome in every Christian family, as what occurred in Bethlehem on the Holy Night."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 23, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Msgr. George Cosmas Zumaire Lungo, apostolic administrator of Chipata, as bishop of this same diocese (area 69,106, population 1,480,967, Catholics 274,007, priests 46, religious 179), Zambia. The bishop elect was born in Zumaire (Zambia) in 1960 and was ordained priest in 1985.

On Saturday, December 21, it was made public that the Holy Father:
- Appointed Fr. Melchor Sanchez de Toca y Alameda, as bureau chief for the Pontifical Council for Culture.

- Appointed Bishop Kevin McDonald of Northampton, Great Britain, as member of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue.

- Appointed the following prelates as members of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant Peoples: Archbishop Francesco Monterisi, secretary of the Congregation for Bishops; Archbishop Pier Luigi Celata, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue and Bishop Giampaolo Crepaldi, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.

- Appointed the following prelates as members of the Committee of the Presidency of the Pontifical Council for the Family: Patriarch Angelo Scola of Venice; Archbishop George Pell of Sydney, Australia; Archbishop Vingt-Trois of Tours, France and Bishop Anders Arborelius of Stockholm, Sweden.

- Apppointed the following as members of the Pontifical Council for the Family: Francisco and Geraldine Padilla of the Philippines; Prof. Michael M. Waldstein and Susie Burnham Waldstein of Austria.

- Appointed the following as consultors of the same Pontifical Council: Msgr. Renzo Bonetti of the diocese of Verona, Italy; Fr. David Maria A. Jaeger, O.F.M., of the Custody of the Holy Land; Prof. Carl Albert Anderson, supreme knight of the Knights of Columbus, U.S.A.; Prof. Pedro Morande Court, dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences of the Catholic Pontifical University of Chile; Prof. Dina Nerozzi Frajese, lecturer at the University of Tor Vergata, Rome; Timothy T. O'Donnell, president of Christendom College, U.S.A and Antonia Willemsen, secretary of 'Aid to the Suffering Church', Germany.

- Gave his consent to the election, canonically carried out by the Synod of Bishops of the Coptic Catholic Church which met on December 19 in Cairo, Egypt, of Msgr. Antonios Aziz Mina, bureau chief of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, as auxiliary bishop of the Patriarchate of Alexandria of the Coptic Catholics [Catholics: 91,500; priests: 120; religious: 389], Egypt. The bishop-elect was born in Minya, Egypt in 1955 and was ordained a priest in 1978.

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, DEC 23, 2002 (VIS) - Today, the Holy Father received in separate audiences:

- His Royal Highness Prince Victor Emanuel of Savoy, with his wife and son.

- Archbishop Domenico Caloyera, emeritus of Izmir, Turkey.

On Saturday December 21, the Holy Father received in audience Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.

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DECREES FROM THE CONGREGATION FOR THE CAUSES OF SAINTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 20, 2002 (VIS) - This morning in the Clementine Hall, decrees relative to 18 Blesseds and Servants of God were promulgated in the presence of the Holy Father, members of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints and the postulators of the respective causes. Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins, prefect of the Congregation, read a speech detailing the lives of the future Blesseds and Saints.

The decrees concern the following causes:

HEROIC VIRTUES:

- Servant of God Carlo Gnocchi, Italian, diocesan priest and Founder of the "Pro Juventute" Foundation (1902-1956).

- Servant of God Marie Therese of St. Joseph, nee Anna Maria Tauscher van den Bosch, German, foundress of the Congregation of the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus (1855-1938).

- Servant of God Maria Crucified, nee Rosa Curcio, Italian, foundress of the Congregation of the Carmelite Sisters, Missionaries of St. Teresa of the Child Jesus (1877-1957).

- Servant of God Teresa of Calcutta, nee Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, Macedonian, foundress of the Missionaries of Charity, Congregation of Brothers, Sisters and Priests (1910-1997).

MIRACLES:

- Servant of God Giacomo Alberione, Italian, priest and founder of the "Pauline Family" (1884-1971).

- Servant of God Valentin Paquay, Belgian, priest of the Order of Friars Minor (1828-1905).

- Servant of God Bonifacia Rodriguez Castro, Spanish, foundress of the Congregation of Sisters, Servants of St. Joseph (1837-1905).

- Servant of God Giulia Salzano, Italian, foundress of the Congregation of the Catechist Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (1846-1929).

- Servant of God Mary of Jesus Crucified, nee Maria Petkovic, Croatian, foundress of the Congregation of the Daughters of Mercy (1892-1966).

- Servant of God Teresa of Calcutta, nee Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, Macedonian, foundress of the Congregation of the Missionaries of Charity, Congregation of Brothers, Sisters and Priests (1910-1997).

- Servant of God John Merz, Bosnian, lay person (1896-1928).

- Blessed Daniele Comboni, Italian, bishop and apostolic vicar of Central Africa and founder of the Institutes of the Combonian Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus and the Combonian Missionary Sisters "Pie Madri della Nigrizia" (1831-1881).

- Blessed Joseph Sebastian Pelczar, Polish, bishop of Przemysl of the Latins and founder of the Congregation of Sisters, Servants of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (1842-1924).

- Blessed Arnold Janssen, German, priest and founder of the Society of the Divine Word and of the Congregations of the Missionary Sisters, Servants of the Holy Spirit and of the Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration (1837-1909).

- Blessed Giuseppe Freinademetz, Italian, priest of the Society of the Divine Word (1852-1909).

- Blessed Maria De Mattias, Italian, foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters in Adoration of the Blood of Christ (1805-1866).

- Blessed Angela De la Cruz, nee Maria de los Angeles Guerrero Gonzalez, Spanish, foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Company of the Cross (1846-1932).

- Blessed Virginia Centurione Bracellia, Italian, widow and foundress of the Sisters of Our Lady of Refuge on Calvary (1587-1651).

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PREPARE YOUR HEARTS TO WELCOME THE CHILD JESUS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 20, 2002 (VIS) - Today the Pope received a group of girls and boys from Italian Catholic Action who came to greet him for Christmas.

Speaking about Christmas, John Paul II said that "the Child Jesus will reveal to us the infinite love of our Heavenly Father who never gets weary of looking for one of his children. From the manger of Bethlehem the beauty of the Kingdom of justice and peace will radiate in the world. Prepare your hearts to welcome Him! It is He who makes you happy."

"The slogan that guides you this year," he continued, "is: 'give a hand to everyone, everyone give a hand'. Hands are not used to collect material goods and to cling to them. On the contrary, it is necessary to learn to keep them open to accept the love of God: hands always ready to receive and to give one's love."

"Live like this," he concluded, "and suggest this way to your peers! In this way, you will offer a precious contribution to the renewal that Italian Catholic Action has undertaken."

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, DEC 20, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins, prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

Later this afternoon, he is scheduled to receive Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

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NEW AMBASSADOR OF SLOVAKIA PRESENTS CREDENTIALS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 19, 2002 (VIS) - This morning the Holy Father received the Letters of Credence of Dagmar Babcanova, the new ambassador of the Slovakian Republic to the Holy See.

In his speech, the Pope made it clear that the Catholic Church, to which many Slovakian citizens belong, "carries out their mission in full recognition of the sovereignty of the democratic State with which it intends to maintain a cordial and constructive dialogue in respect of their reciprocal competencies with the intention of contributing to the nation's well-being and progress."

"This dialogue," he continued, "has special significance in this phase in which Slovakia, after a severe period of persecution, is flourishing in freedom and wants to make authentic progress at all levels. It is important in this phase of tumultuous transformations that you do not give in to false hopes which find their root in practical materialism and excessive consumerism. I am confident that the Slovakian people, respecting the rich tradition of moral values which has always characterized them, know how to confront the dangers of a modernity deaf to the values of the spirit."

Referring to Slovakia joining the European Union, John Paul II said that it will mean "a very significant contribution of culture and values" to the new Europe. In addition, he added, for new generations it is a "concrete possibility to better use their own energies for the benefit of the common good. This is," he said, "my fervent desire."

The Pope emphasized that "tomorrow's society will be founded on young people. For this reason, it is necessary that the State offer them the indispensable help for their formation and for their entrance into the work force." In this sense, he affirmed, it is very important to facilitate "the formation of new and solid families, based on marriage and open to life. ... This was one of the objectives of the Agreement-base, signed between the Holy See and the Slovakian Republic in 2000." The Holy Father concluded by expressing the desire that "the new climate created by this agreement may foster better collaboration between the authorities of the State and the pastors of the Church to better serve the common good of the nation."

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CARDINAL RE TAKES POSSESSION OF TITLE OF SABINA-POGGIO MIRTET

VATICAN CITY, DEC 19, 2002 (VIS) - The Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff communicates that Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, will take possession of the title of the suburbicarian Church of Sabina-Poggio Mirteto on Sunday December 22, 2002 at 4 p.m. in the Cathedral of Poggio Mirteto.

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JOHN PAUL II RECEIVES THE DAUGHTERS OF ST. ANNE

VATICAN CITY, DEC 19, 2002 (VIS) - John Paul II received today in audience the religious that are participating in the general chapter of the Daughters of St. Anne, the congregation founded by Blessed Rosa Gattorno.

The Pope writes in his speech delivered to the superior, Sister Anna Maria Luisa Prandina, that the topic of reflection chosen for this chapter, "Fidelity to the Spirit, with Christ and Mother Rosa in order to enter into the 'processes of history' with paschal optimism", represents "a propitious occasion to recall the past with joy, to live the present with passion and to open oneself up to the future with faith."

"Your institute," continues the Holy Father, "has increased your missionary presence to the service of so many needy people, especially in the fields of education, human promotion, health care and assistance to the elderly."

Later, John Paul II reminds the sisters of the fundamental importance of prayer and of the Eucharist, "living presence of Christ among men." He urges them not to "get discouraged" despite "the shortage of religious personnel and the weakening of your vitality in Italy. Imitating your foundress," he concludes, "trust in God ... because your driving strength will come from Jesus and His Spirit, and this strength will make you improve your present activities and will bring you new apostolic and missionary goals."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

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

- Fr. Angelo Amato, S.D.B., ordinary professor of Theology at the Pontifical Salesian University, as secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, at the same time elevating him to the dignity of archbishop. The archbishop-elect was born in 1938 in Molfetta, Italy and was ordained a priest in 1967.

- Fr. Brian Farrell, bureau chief of the section for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, as secretary of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, at the same time elevating him to the dignity of bishop. The bishop-elect was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1944 and was ordained a priest in 1969.

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AUDIENCES

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

- Cardinal Ignace Moussa I Daoud, prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches.

- Msgr. Renato Volante, permanent observer of the Organizations of the United Nations for Food and Agriculture (F.A.O., I.F.A.D., P.A.M.).

- Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.

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GENERAL AUDIENCE: WE EAGERLY AWAIT CHRIST'S COMING

VATICAN CITY, DEC 18, 2002 (VIS) - In the last general audience of 2002, celebrated today in the Paul VI Hall, the Holy Father dedicated his catechesis to Christmas.

John Paul II recalled that "the liturgy of Advent, full of constant calls to eagerly await the Messiah, helps us to understand fully the value and significance of the mystery of Christmas. It is not only about commemorating the historical event which took place more than 2000 years ago in a little town in Judea. It is necessary rather to understand that our life must be an 'advent', a vigil of the definitive coming of Christ. In order to prepare ourselves to welcome the Lord ... we must learn how to recognize Him in the events of daily life."

"In the liturgy of these days," he continued, "the Church presents us with three 'guides' - Isaiah, John the Baptist, and Mary - who show us how we should prepare to meet this divine 'guest' of humanity."

In the first place, the Pope said, Isaiah "urges all to be vigilant in prayer in order to recognize the 'signs' of the Messiah's coming. John the Baptist, herald of the Messiah, is 'a voice in the desert who cries out', preaching 'a baptism of conversion for the forgiveness of sins'. It is the only condition to recognize the Messiah who is already present in the world. Finally, Mary guides us toward Bethlehem in this novena of preparation for Christmas. Mary is the woman of the 'yes', as opposed to Eve, who makes God's project her own without any reservations. In this way, she becomes a bright light for our steps and the highest model from whom we draw inspiration."

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2002: MORE THAN 400,000 FAITHFUL IN GENERAL AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, DEC 18, 2002 (VIS) - According to a communique from the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household, more than 400,000 people participated in 46 general audiences celebrated on Wednesdays in St. Peter's Square or in the Paul VI Hall in 2002.

Today's general audience was the last one for the year. During the 24 years of his pontificate, John Paul II has met with almost 17 million people in 1064 audiences.

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TO PILGRIMS: WELCOME GOD IN DAILY LIFE

VATICAN CITY, DEC 18, 2002 (VIS) - At the end of the catechesis of today's general audience, John Paul II greeted the many pilgrims gathered in the Paul VI Hall. He addressed in a special way the faithful of Croatia, the nation who gave the Vatican the Christmas tree that is in St. Peter's Square.

The tree, which came from a national park in the region of Gorski kotar, Croatia is 28 meters high and weighs 7 tons, and is decorated with traditional Croatian hearts.

"I thank you," the Pope said, "for this gift of the Christmas tree, offered as a sign of the profound bond that has united the Croatian people to the Holy See of Peter for fourteen centuries. I thank especially all those who were involved in coming up with the idea of the tree which was proposed four years ago in the Croatian Episcopal Conference after my pastoral visit to Zagreb, Marija Bistrica, Split and Sonin."

"In the next few days," he continued, "this gift from Croatia will remind visitors to this hall and pilgrims who will come to St. Peter's Square of the mystery of the Incarnation which illuminated the horizons of humanity with new hope. May the light of that hope help the men and peoples of our time to recognize Emmanuel - God with us - in the Child born in Bethlehem, and to welcome Him in our daily life in order to continue faithfully along our way on the paths of history."

Later, John Paul II addressed a group of Italian pilgrims from the region of Molise which suffered the effects of an earthquake this past November in which 54 children died. "While I assure you of my constant prayers for you and your families," he exclaimed, "I encourage you to look to the future with faith and hope. I hope that the attention and solidarity of the whole nation for your communities does not cease."

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IN MEMORIAM

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

- Bishop Adolfo Gerstner, emeritus of Concordia, Argentina on December 4 at the age of 81.

- Archbishop Eduardo Pena Picher, military ordinary in Peru, on November 30 at the age of 82.

- Bishop Dante Sandrelli, emeritus of Formosa, Argentina on December 8 at the age of 80.

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, DEC 18, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father received today in audience Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo, president of the Pontifical Council for the Family.

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TRUTH, JUSTICE, LOVE AND FREEDOM: CONDITIONS FOR PEACE

VATICAN CITY, DEC 17, 2002 (VIS) - This morning in the Holy See Press Office, Archbishop Renato R. Martino, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, presented John Paul II's Message for the 36th World Day of Peace. Its theme is: "Pacem in terris": A Permanent Commitment.

Bishop Giampaolo Crepaldi and Msgr. Frank J. Dewane, respectively secretary and undersecretary of the dicastery, also participated in the press conference alongside Archbishop Martino.

Archbishop Martino affirmed that after the Pope stated in the message that "the world to which John XXIII wrote was then in a profound state of disorder", he recalls that only two years before in 1961 the Berlin Wall had been built and the world was dealing with the Cuban Missile Crisis. "In this historical context ... 'Pacem in terris' was a break through because it reaffirmed the fundamental value of peace as an aspiration of people all over the world to live in security, justice and hope." Blessed John XXIII identified the "essential conditions for peace: truth, justice, love and freedom."

"The connection that the Holy Father perceives between the awareness of spiritual values (the Pope also talks about 'spiritual sensitivity') and the public and political consequences that this awareness can have seems very relevant to me," he continued. "This relationship has historically demonstrated its relevance especially in the sphere of human rights."

The president of the council said that the Pope refers to "working out a concept of the common good, a classical principle of social doctrine, at a global level, proposing the concept of 'universal common good'."

Archbishop Martino added that John Paul II emphasized "overcoming the separation between moral and political exigencies at all national and international levels. ... The problem of peace, correctly understood, cannot ignore questions related to moral principles, especially those connected to the affirmation of dignity and human rights."

"If the new name for peace is development, disarmament for development should become more necessary every day. ... Hunger cannot be eliminated while so many thousands of millions of dollars are spent on military expenditures in the world."

The message of the Holy Father concludes "with an invitation to cultivate an adequate culture and spirituality of peace," said Archbishop Martino. "In the Christian outlook, peace not does only concern national and international institutes. ... Each of us in our own professional environment must feel the serious duty to increase peace with personal acts of peace."

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HOLY SEE-THURINGIA AGREEMENT: THEOLOGY FACULTY OF ERFURT

VATICAN CITY, DEC 17, 2002 (VIS) - On December 16 in the apostolic nunciature in Berlin, Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, apostolic nuncio in Germany and Bernhard Vogel, president-minister of the Free State of Thuringia, exchanged the instruments of ratification of the agreement signed on November 19, 2002 between the Holy See and Thuringia in order to incorporate the faculty of Theology of Erfurt to the state university in the same city. The agreement went into effect that same day according to Article 9 of the document.

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WORLD DAY OF PEACE 2003: "PACEM IN TERRIS"

VATICAN CITY, DEC 17, 2002 (VIS) - Today John Paul II's Message for the 36th World Day of Peace to be celebrated on January 1, 2003 was made public. The message is dated December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Following are excerpts from the document:

"1. Almost forty years ago, on Holy Thursday, 11 April 1963, Pope John XXIII published his epic Encyclical Letter 'Pacem in Terris'. Addressing himself to 'all men of good will', my venerable predecessor ... summed up his message of 'peace on earth' in the first sentence of the Encyclical: 'Peace on earth, which all men of every era have most eagerly yearned for, can be firmly established and sustained only if the order laid down by God be dutifully observed.'

"2. The world to which John XXIII wrote was then in a profound state of disorder. The twentieth century had begun with great expectations for progress. Yet within sixty years, that same century had produced two World Wars, devastating totalitarian systems, untold human suffering, and the greatest persecution of the Church in history. Only two years before 'Pacem in Terris', in 1961, the Berlin Wall had been erected in order to divide and set against each other not only two parts of that City but two ways of understanding and building the earthly city. ... Moreover, just six months before the Encyclical ... the world had come to the brink of a nuclear war during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The road to a world of peace, justice and freedom seemed blocked. Humanity, many believed, was condemned to live indefinitely in that precarious condition of 'cold war'. ... Available atomic arsenals meant that such a war would have imperiled the very future of the human race.

"3. Pope John XXIII did not agree with those who claimed that peace was impossible. With his Encyclical, peace ' in all its demanding truth ' came knocking on both sides of the Wall and of all the other dividing walls. ... With the profound intuition that characterized him, John XXIII identified the essential conditions for peace in four precise requirements of the human spirit: truth, justice, love and freedom.

"4. The end of colonialism and the rise of newly independent States, the protection of workers' rights, the new and welcome presence of women in public life, all testified to the fact that the human race was indeed entering a new phase of its history, one characterized by 'the conviction that all men are equal by reason of their natural dignity.' ... Seeing the growth of awareness of human rights that was then emerging within nations and at the international level, Pope John XXIII caught the potential of this phenomenon and understood its singular power to change history. ... The road to peace, he taught in the Encyclical, lay in the defence and promotion of basic human rights. ... Inspired by the conviction that every human being is equal in dignity, and that society therefore had to adapt its form to that conviction, human rights movements ... were instrumental in replacing dictatorial forms of government with more democratic and participatory ones. They demonstrated in practice that peace and progress could only be achieved by respecting the universal moral law written on the human heart.

"5. Because the world was becoming increasingly interdependent and global, the common good of humanity had to be worked out on the international plane. ... One of the consequences of this evolution was the obvious need for a public authority, on the international level, with effective capacity to advance the universal common good; an authority which could not, the Pope immediately continued, be established by coercion but only by the consent of nations. ... Not surprisingly therefore John XXIII looked with hope and expectation to the United Nations Organization, which had come into being on June 26, 1945. He saw that Organization as a credible instrument for maintaining and strengthening world peace. ... Not only is it clear that Pope John XXIII's vision of an effective international public authority at the service of human rights, freedom and peace has not yet been entirely achieved, but there is still in fact much hesitation in the international community about the obligation to respect and implement human rights. This duty touches all fundamental rights, excluding that arbitrary picking and choosing which can lead to rationalizing forms of discrimination and injustice. Likewise, we are witnessing the emergence of an alarming gap between a series of new 'rights' being promoted in advanced societies ' the result of new prosperity and new technologies ' and other more basic human rights still not being met, especially in situations of underdevelopment. I am thinking here for example about the right to food and drinkable water, to housing and security, to self-determination and independence ' which are still far from being guaranteed and realized. Peace demands that this tension be speedily reduced and in time eliminated. ... A greater awareness of universal human duties would greatly benefit the cause of peace, setting it on the moral basis of a shared recognition of an order in things which is not dependent on the will of any individual or group.

"6. Nevertheless it remains true that, despite many difficulties and setbacks, significant progress has been made over the past forty years towards the implementation of Pope John's noble vision. ... it is surely significant that, in the forty years since 'Pacem in Terris', much of the world has become more free, structures of dialogue and cooperation between nations have been strengthened, and the threat of a global nuclear war, which weighed so heavily on Pope John XXIII, has been effectively contained. ... That there is serious disorder in world affairs is obvious. Thus the question to be faced remains: What kind of order can replace this disorder, so that men and women can live in freedom, justice, and security? ... the problem of order in world affairs, which is the problem of peace rightly understood, cannot be separated from issues of moral principle. This is another way of saying that the question of peace cannot be separated from the question of human dignity and human rights. That is one of the enduring truths taught by Pacem in Terris, which we would do well to remember and reflect upon on this fortieth anniversary. Is this not the time for all to work together for a new constitutional organization of the human family, truly capable of ensuring peace and harmony between peoples, as well as their integral development?
"7. Precisely because human beings are created with the capacity for moral choice, no human activity takes place outside the sphere of moral judgment. Politics is a human activity; therefore, it too is subject to a distinctive form of moral scrutiny. This is also true of international politics. ... Perhaps nowhere today is there a more obvious need for the correct use of political authority than in the dramatic situation of the Middle East and the Holy Land. Day after day, year after year, the cumulative effect of bitter mutual rejection and an unending chain of violence and retaliation have shattered every effort so far to engage in serious dialogue on the real issues involved. The volatility of the situation is compounded by the clash of interests among the members of the international community. Until those in positions of responsibility undergo a veritable revolution in the way they use their power and go about securing their peoples' welfare, it is difficult to imagine how progress towards peace can be made.

"8. There is an unbreakable bond between the work of peace and respect for truth. Honesty in the supply of information, equity in legal systems, openness in democratic procedures give citizens a sense of security, a readiness to settle controversies by peaceful means, and a desire for genuine and constructive dialogue, all of which constitute the true premises of a lasting peace. ... The negative repercussions on peace resulting from commitments made and then not honored must be carefully assessed by State and government leaders. ... If at all times commitments ought to be kept, promises made to the poor should be considered particularly binding. ... The suffering caused by poverty is compounded by the loss of trust. The end result is hopelessness. The existence of trust in international relations is a social capital of fundamental value.

"9. In the end, peace is not essentially about structures but about people. ... Gestures of peace spring from the lives of people who foster peace first of all in their own hearts. ... Gestures of peace are possible when people appreciate fully the community dimension of their lives. ... Gestures of peace create a tradition and a culture of peace. ... Religion has a vital role in fostering gestures of peace and in consolidating conditions for peace. It exercises this role all the more effectively if it concentrates on what is proper to it: attention to God, the fostering of universal brotherhood and the spreading of a culture of human solidarity.

"10. Blessed Pope John XXIII was a man unafraid of the future. ... he did not hesitate to summon the leaders of his time to a new vision of the world. This is the legacy that he left us. On this World Day of Peace 2003, let us all resolve to have his same outlook: trust in the merciful and compassionate God who calls us to brotherhood, and confidence in the men and women of our time because, like those of every other time, they bear the image of God in their souls. It is on this basis that we can hope to build a world of peace on earth.
At the beginning of a new year in our human history, this is the hope that rises spontaneously from the depths of my heart: that in the spirit of every individual there may be a renewed dedication to the noble mission which Pacem in Terris proposed forty years ago to all men and women of good will. ... The fortieth anniversary of Pacem in Terris is an apt occasion to return to Pope John XXIII's prophetic teaching. Catholic communities will know how to celebrate this anniversary during the year with initiatives which, I hope, will have an ecumenical and interreligious character.

MESS;WORLD DAY PEACE 2003;...;...;VIS;20021217;Word: 1640;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 17, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Appointed Fr. Michael Apochi as bishop of Otukpo (area 9,600, population 1,520,000, Catholics 454,000, priests 48, religious 30), Nigeria. The bishop-elect was born in 1960 in Ichama District, Nigeria and was ordained a priest in 1986.

- Appointed Msgr. Gabriele Giordano Caccia, nunciature councillor of the Secretariat of State, as councillor for General Affairs.

- Appointed Fr. Francesco Borgia Tran Van Kha, study assistant of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of Sacrament, as bureau chief of the same congregation.


NER; NA;...;...;APOCHI; GIORDANO; TRAN ;VIS;20021217;Word: 40;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, DEC 17, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Archbishop Jean-Pierre Ricard of Bordeaux, France, president of the French Episcopal Conference, accompanied by Bishop Georges Pontier of La Rochelle and Msgr. Stanislas Lalanne, respectively vice-president and secretary general of the same conference.

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FILL HEARTS WITH JOY IN PREPARATION FOR CHRISTMAS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 15, 2002 (VIS) - Today, the third Sunday in Advent, traditionally called Gaudete (Joy) Sunday, the Holy Father celebrated Mass in the Paul VI Hall for the community of the Roman parish of St. John Nepomucene Neumann.

The Pope affirmed in the homily that "in the face of the difficulties of life, uncertainties and fears for the future and the temptation to get discouraged and disappointed, the Word of God once again puts forth the 'joyful proclamation' of salvation. ... May this joy, precursor of the joy of Christmas which is near, penetrate our hearts and every sphere of our existence."

After recalling that the parish, founded two years ago, "still does not have a suitable cultural center", John Paul II said: "Precisely on this third Sunday in Advent, the diocese celebrates a day of prayer and awareness so that all areas of the city, especially those on the outskirts, may have a church with the necessary facilities in order to carry out liturgical, formative and pastoral activities. I hope," he added, "that you also may be able to realize this project as soon as possible, without losing the missionary style that in these years has made your parochial life lively and dynamic."

The Holy Father urged the parishioners to take special care of children and adolescents "so that they do not want for attention, friendship and faith. Support families, in particular those that are young and those that are poor or experiencing difficulties."

Referring at the end to St. John Nepomucene, "this figure of missionary Bishop and extraordinary pioneer of the Gospel in North America in the second half of the nineteenth century", he concluded: "Imitate his zeal for proclaiming the Gospel and his ardent love for the Church and for those in need."

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FOCSIV: LOVE FOR NEIGHBOR KNOWS NO BOUNDS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 14, 2002 (VIS) - This morning John Paul II received participants in the annual assembly of the Federation of Christian Organizations for International Volunteer Service (FOCSIV) which celebrates the 30th anniversary of its founding this year.

The Pope recalled that since its beginnings, FOCSIV has been characterized by promoting the development of the poor thanks to the work of thousands of volunteers who, "since 1972 till today, have been sent to so-called third world countries by the different organizations that make up the Federation."

"What characterizes your worthy Federation, called to work together with so many other organizations of assistance and human promotion, is the Christian inspiration that guides it and sustains its activities in so many parts of the world."

After emphasizing that Christians are called to bear witness to the "provident compassion of our Heavenly Father", he added: "Love for our neighbor, which knows no bounds, needs to be nourished in the hearth of divine charity. This means dedicating much time to prayer, listening attentively and constantly to the Word of God and above all living an existence centered on the mystery of the Eucharist."

"The secret to the efficacy of all your projects," the Holy Father underlined, "is therefore constant reference to Christ. Many of your friends, who have distinguished themselves as authentic and generous promoters of the Gospel, have born witness to this even to the point of sacrificing their lives. Following their example," he concluded, "continue with confidence. Furthermore, intensify your apostolic zeal in order to respond to the needs of those who are forced to live in conditions of discomfort and neglect."

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DECREE OF RECOGNITION: NORMS ON ABUSE OF MINORS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 16, 2002 (VIS) - Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, sent a letter to Bishop Wilton Daniel Gregory, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, in which he communicates the decree of "recognitio" for the "Essential Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests of Deacons."

In the letter, written in English and dated December 8, Cardinal Re expresses his "renewed and sincere appreciation for the pastoral concern and resolve with which the bishops of the United States have addressed the distressing situation caused by such aberrant crimes."

"The Holy See," he continues, "is fully supportive of the bishops efforts to combat and to prevent such evil. The universal law of the Church has always recognized this crime as one of the most serious offenses which sacred ministers can commit, and has determined that they be punished with the most severe penalties, not excluding - if the case so requires - dismissal from the clerical state. Moreover, the Holy Father in the year 2001 already had determined that this crime should be included among the most serious delicts ('graviora delicta') of clerics, to underscore the Holy See's aversion to this betrayal of the trust which the faithful rightly place in Christ's ministers, and to ensure that the guilty will be appropriately punished. He therefore gave to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith a special competence in this matter, applicable for the whole Church, establishing a particular procedure to be followed."

The prefect recalls that "the Holy See is spiritually united to the victims of abuse and to their families, and encourages particular concern for them on the part of the bishops, priests and the whole Catholic community. This closeness is now once again confirmed through the approval of the present 'Essential Norms' ... [which] in their present formulation are intended to give effective protection to minors and to establish a rigorous and precise procedure to punish in a just way those who are guilty of such abominable offenses."

"At the same time, by ensuring that the true facts are ascertained, the approved Norms protect inviolable human rights - including the right to defend oneself - and guarantee respect for the dignity of all those involved, beginning with the victims. Moreover, they uphold the principle, fundamental in all just systems of law, that a person is considered innocent until either a regular process or his own spontaneous admission proves him guilty."

"The genuine ecclesial communion between the Episcopal Conference and the Apostolic See, demonstrated once again in these painful circumstances, prompts us all to pray earnestly to God that from the present crisis might emerge, as the Holy Father has stated: 'a holier priesthood, a holier episcopate, and a holier Church'. In this way, the bonds of communion which unite the bishops with their priests and deacons, and the faithful with their pastors, will be further strengthened."

"The Holy See, moreover, together with the bishops of the United States, feels duty-bound in justice and in gratitude to reaffirm and defend the good name of the overwhelming majority of priests and deacons who are and have always been exemplary in their fidelity to the demands of their vocation but have been offended or unjustly slandered by association. As the Holy Father has said, we cannot forget 'the immense spiritual, human and social good that the vast majority of priests and religious in the United States have done and are still doing'. Indeed, it appears necessary to devote every available resource to restoring the public image of the Catholic priesthood as a worthy and noble vocation of generous and often sacrificial service to the People of God."

"As regards religious priests and deacons I would ask the representatives of the Episcopal Conference to continue to meet with the representatives of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men to examine more closely the various aspects of their particular situation, and to forward to the Holy See whatever agreements they may reach."

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ANGELUS: A SIGN OF HOPE THROUGH CHRISTIAN FAMILIES

VATICAN CITY, DEC 15, 2002 (VIS) - After his encounter with the community of the Roman parish of St. John Nepomucene Neumann, John Paul II appeared at the window of his study at noon to pray the Angelus with the numerous pilgrims gathered below in St. Peter's Square.

Among those present were many children who came with figurines of the Baby Jesus to be blessed by the Pope, as is customary on the third Sunday in Advent.

"Your joy," said the Holy Father addressing the children, "is in harmony with the spirit of joy typical of the third Sunday in Advent. Christmas," he continued, "is par excellence the feast of the family because God, being born into a human family, chose it as the first community consecrated by his love."

Finally the Pope recalled the celebration of the 4th World Meeting with Families on January 22 and 26 of 2003 in Manila, Philippines. Previous meetings were held in Rome (1994), Rio de Janeiro (1997) and again in Rome during the Jubilee Year. "The next meeting," he affirmed, "will help to promote once again the Gospel of the Family in the third millennium. ... The world needs a sign of hope to come from Christian families."

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, DEC 16, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Stjepan Mesic, president of the Republic of Croatia, accompanied by his wife and an entourage.

- Archbishop Giuseppe Lazzarotto, apostolic nuncio in Ireland.

On Saturday December 14, the Holy Father received in separate audiences:

- Archbishop Antonio Mennini, representative of the Holy See to the Russian Federation.

- Archbishop Marc Ouellet of Quebec, Canada.

- Tayaab Siddiqui, ambassador of Pakistan, on his farewell visit.

- Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 16, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father, accepting the request of the French Episcopate, reorganized the French ecclesiastical provinces.

A) He erected the following provinces:

- Marseille, immediately subject to the Holy See, elevating the archdiocese to the level of metropolitan Church and assigning to it as suffragans the archdioceses of Aix and Avignon, metropolitan sees, and the dioceses of Ajaccio, Digne, Frejus-Toulon, Gap, Nice. He appointed Archbishop Bernard Panafieu as metropolitan archbishop.

- Clermont, elevating it to level of metropolitan Church and assigning to it as suffragans the dioceses of Le Puy-en-Velay, Moulins, Saint-Flour. He appointed Bishop Hippolyte Simon as metropolitan archbishop.

- Dijon, elevating it to the level of metropolitan Church and assigning it as suffragans the archdioceses of Sens, metropolitan see, and the dioceses of Autun, Nevers, and the prelature of the "Mission de France" or Pontigny. He appointed Bishop Michel Coloni as metropolitan archbishop.

- Montpellier, elevating it to the level of metropolitan Church and assigning to it as suffragans the dioceses of Carcassonne, Mende, Nimes and Perpignan-Elne. He appointed Bishop Guy Thomazeau as metropolitan archbishop.

- Poitiers, elevating it to the level of metropolitan Church and assigning to it as suffragans the dioceses of Angouleme, La Rochelle, Limoges and Tulle. He appointed Bishop Albert Rouet as metropolitan archbishop.

B) He assigned as suffragans:

- the dioceses of Aire, Agen, Bayonne and Perigueux to the metropolitan Church of Bordeaux.

- the dioceses of Annecy, Belley-Ars, Grenoble, Saint-Etienne, Valence, Viviers, and the archdiocese of Chambery, Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne and Tarentaise, metropolitan see, to the metropolitan Church of Lyon.

- the dioceses of Amiens, Beauvais, Chalons, Langres, Soissons and Troyes to the metropolitan Church of Reims.

- the dioceses of Angers, Laval, Le Mans, Lucon, Nantes, Quimper, Saint-Brieuc and Vannes to the metropolitan Church of Rennes.

- the archdioceses of Albi and Auch, metropolitan sees, and the dioceses of Cahors, Montauban, Pamiers, Rodez, Tarbes and Lourdes to the metropolitan Church of Toulouse.

- the archdiocese of Bourges, metropolitan see, and the dioceses of Blois, Chartres and Orleans to the metropolitan Church of Tours.

C) He confirmed as suffragans:

- the dioceses of Belfort-Montbeliard, Nancy, Saint-Claude, Saint-Die and Verdun to the metropolitan Church of Besancon.

- the dioceses of Arras and Lille to the metropolitan Church of Cambrai.

- the dioceses of Creteil, Evry-Corbeil-Essonnes, Meaux, Nanterre, Pontoise, Saint-Denis and Versailles to the metropolitan Church of Paris.

- the dioceses of Bayeax, Coutances, Evreux, Le Havre and Sees to the metropolitan Church of Rouen.

D) He confirmed the archdiocese of Strasbourg and the diocese of Metz as "immediate subiectae Sanctae Sedi".

On Saturday December 14, it was made public that the Holy Father:
- Accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Ngozi, Burundi presented by Bishop Stanislas Kaburungu, in accordance with Canon 401, para. 2, of the Code of Canon Law. Bishop Gervais Banshimiyubusa, coadjutor of the same diocese, will succeed him.

- Appointed Fr. Joachim Ntahondereye, professor of moral theology at the Major Seminary in Gitega, Burundi, as bishop of Muyinga (area 5,767, population 959,920, Catholics 525,027, priests 31, religious 122), Burundi. The bishop-elect was born in 1953 in Camzai, Burundi and was ordained in 1980.

- Appointed Msgr. Jair Ferreira Pena, Frs. Miguel Vasco Costa de Salis Amaral and Fernando Jose Monteiro Guimaraes, C.SS.R., as consultors of the Congregation of the Causes of Saints.

ECE; RE; NER; NA;...;...;...;VIS;20021216;Word: 510;

THE POPE RECEIVES CHRISTMAS CONCERT ARTISTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 13, 2002 (VIS) - This morning John Paul II received in audience the artists who will perform tomorrow, December 14, in the traditional "Christmas in the Vatican" concert in the Paul VI Hall.

After expressing his appreciation and gratitude to all who collaborated in this event, the Pope recalled that the purpose of "this artistic date is to contribute to the efforts of the diocese of Rome toward the construction of new churches with adjacent parochial facilities in peripheral areas of the city."

"You have done so much already," he continued, "with a spirit of Christian solidarity, participating in a concrete way in the program of the new evangelization that involves all believers."

At the end, the Holy Father expressed once again his "sincere thanks" to the artists "in the name of the parish communities who will benefit from your generosity."

AC;CHRISTMAS CONCERT;...;...;VIS;20021213;Word: 160;

TO GROUP OF AMBASSADORS: PEACE IS EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY

VATICAN CITY, DEC 13, 2002 (VIS) - This morning the Holy Father collectively received the Letters of Credence of nine ambassadors to the Holy See. While the Pope addressed all the diplomats in French, he gave each of them a discourse in which specific issues in their country were raised.

The new ambassadors are: Fode Maclean Dabor of Sierra Leone; Marcia Gilberts-Roberts of Jamaica; Praveen Lal Goyal of India; Albert Owusu-Sarpong of Ghana; Helga Hernes of Norway; Emmanuel Kayitana Imanzi of Ruanda and Jean-Pierre Razafy-Andriamihaingo of Madagascar.

"Peace is one the most precious goods for individuals persons, peoples, and States. ... Without peace there cannot be the true development of individuals or families, of society or the economy. Peace is everyone's responsibility, to desire peace is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength."

After emphasizing that in order to achieve peace, order and international law must be respected, he said: "In addition, we must consider the fundamental value of common and multilateral action to resolve conflicts on different continents."

The Holy Father affirmed that "misery and injustice are the root of violence and contribute to the duration and development of local and regional conflicts. I am thinking in particular," he continued, "of those countries in which hunger increases in endemic proportions. The international community is called to do what is possible so that these afflictions are done away with little by little, especially with human and material means which help people that are in most need. Greater support to the organization of local economies would undoubtedly permit indigenous populations to be in charge of their future."

"Poverty," he added, "weighs heavily on the world today, putting political, economic and social stability in danger. .. We must recognize everyone's right to have what is necessary to live and to be able to benefit from a portion of the national wealth." In this way, the Pope made an urgent appeal to the international community "so that the double question is posed once again on the distribution of the planet's wealth and equitable technical and scientific assistance to poor countries which are the duties of rich countries. Development assistance requires formation in all spheres."

CD;LETTERS CREDENCE;...;...;VIS;20021213;Word: 370;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, DEC 13, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Cardinal Bernard Francis Law, archbishop of Boston, U.S.A.

- Archbishop Lorenzo Baldisseri, apostolic nuncio in Brazil.

- Archbishop Giovanni d'Aniello of Paestum, Italy, pontifical representative of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

AP;...;...;...;VIS;20021213;Word: 50;

DECLARATION ON CARDINAL BERNARD FRANCIS LAW

VATICAN CITY, DEC 13, 2002 (VIS) - Following is the declaration made by Cardinal Bernard Francis Law, archbishop of Boston, U.S.A. after his audience with John Paul II this morning:

"I am profoundly grateful to the Holy Father for having accepted my resignation as Archbishop of Boston.

"It is my fervent prayer that this action may help the Archdiocese of Boston to experience the healing, reconciliation and unity which are so desperately needed.

"To all those who have suffered from my shortcomings and mistakes I both apologize and from them beg forgiveness.

"To the bishops, priests, deacons, religious and laity, with whom I have been privileged to work in our efforts to fulfill the Church's mission, I express my deep gratitude. My gratitude extends to so many others with whom I have been associated in serving the common good; these include those from the ecumenical, Jewish, and wider interreligious communities as well as public officials and others in the civil society.

"The particular circumstances of this time suggest a quiet departure. Please keep me in your prayers."

...;DECLARATION;...;LAW;VIS;20021213;Word: 180;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 13, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father:
- Appointed Fr. Gianfranco Todisco, P.O.C.R., parish priest of the Marian Shrine of Montalto Uffugo in Cosenza, Italy, as bishop of Melfi-Rapolla-Venosa (area 1,316, population 91,000, Catholics 90,000, priests 51, permanent deacons 11, religious 108), Italy. The bishop-elect was born in Naples, Italy in 1946 and was ordained a priest in 1970. He succeeds Bishop Vincenzo Cozzi whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese the Holy Father accepted upon having reached the age limit.

- Appointed Msgr. Ronald William Gainer, judicial vicar of the diocese of Lexington, U.S.A., as bishop of the same diocese (area 42,520, population 1,436,583, Catholics 47,583, priests 68, permanent deacons 33, religious 164). The bishop-elect was born in Pottsville, U.S.A., in 1947 and was ordained a priest in 1973.

- Appointed Msgr. Ignatius Wang, chancellor of the archdiocese of San Francisco, U.S.A. as auxiliary bishop of the same archdiocese (area 2,620, population 1,760,000, Catholics 422,500, priests 384, permanent deacons 72, religious 1,072). The bishop-elect was born in 1934 in Beijing, China and was ordained a priest in 1959.

- Accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the archdiocese of Boston, U.S.A. presented by Cardinal Bernard Francis Law, in accordance with Canon 401, para. 2, of the Code of Canon Law.

- He appointed Bishop Richard Gerard Lennon, auxiliary of the archdiocese of Boston, U.S.A. as apostolic administrator.

NER; RE; NEA;...;...;...;VIS;20021213;Word: 240;

THE POPE MEETS WITH PRESIDENT OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL

VATICAN CITY, DEC 12, 2002 (VIS) - Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls made the following declaration in the late morning:

"Today, Thursday December 12, the Holy Father John Paul II received Moshe Katsav, president of the State of Israel.

"Later the same head of state met with Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of State. Ambassador Yosef N. Lamdan, representing Israel, was present during the meeting. Msgr. Pietro Parolin, undersecretary for Relations with States, was present on behalf of the Secretariat of State.

"In the above-mentioned meetings, current relations between Israel and the Holy See were examined in light of the "Fundamental Agreement" of 1993. Particular attention was paid to the opportunity to intensify collaboration in the cultural sphere.

"In regards to the dramatic situation in the Holy Land, there was an in-depth discussion in which both parties expressed their point of view. The Holy See's position favoring the existence and collaboration between two States, Israel and Palestine with the need to reach a swift conclusion of the current conflict, was expressed again to the illustrious guest. In particular, an appeal was made for free access to Bethlehem during the upcoming Christmas celebrations."

OP;VISIT PRESIDENT ISRAEL;...;NAVARRO-VALLS;VIS;20021212;Word: 210;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, DEC 12, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Moshe Katsav, president of the State of Israel, and an entourage.

- Delegation from the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Catherine, virgin and martyr, on the occasion of the 450th anniversary of their foundress' birth.

- Sellapan Ramanathan Nathan, president of the Republic of Singapore, and an entourage.

AP;...;...;...;VIS;20021212;Word: 40;

PRESENTATION OF POPE'S MESSAGE FOR WORLD DAY OF PEACE

VATICAN CITY, DEC 12, 2002 (VIS) - On Tuesday December 17 at 11:30 a.m. in the Holy See Press Office, there will be a presentation of the Pope's Message for the celebration of the 36th World Day of Peace on January 1, 2003. Its theme is: "Pacem in terris: A Permanent Commitment."

The following prelates will speak during the press conference: Archbishop Renato Raffaele Martino, Bishop Giampaolo Crepaldi and Msgr. Frank J. Dewane, respectively president, secretary and undersecretary of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.

OP;MESSAGE PEACE;...;MARTINO;VIS;20021212;Word: 90;

DECLARATION ON AUDIENCE WITH PRESIDENT OF SINGAPORE

VATICAN CITY, DEC 12, 2002 (VIS) - Joaquin Navarro-Valls, director of the Holy See Press Office, made the following declaration today at midday:

"Today, Thursday December 12, the Holy Father received in audience S.R. Nathan, president of Singapore.

"After the pontifical audience, the same head of State met with Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, secretary for Relations with States.

"These conversations allowed for an exchange of opinions on the happy state of relations between the Church and the State and on initiatives of cooperation on cultural issues.

"The necessity for a faithful inter-religious dialogue, which would contribute to the peace and stability of the region and the world, was discussed."

OP;AUDIENCEPRESIDENT SINGAPORE;...;NAVARRO-VALLS;VIS;20021212;Word: 120;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 12, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Appointed Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina and Archbishop Eusebio Oscar Schei of Sao Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil as counselors of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.

- Appointed Archbishop Pedro Lopez Quintana of Santiago de Compostela, Spain, advisor for the General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, to the office of Apostolic Nuncio.

NA; NN;...;...;... ;VIS;20021212;Word: 60;

THE LORD DOES NOT ABANDON US DESPITE OUR SINS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 11, 2002 (VIS) - In this Wednesday's general audience celebrated in the Paul VI Hall, the Pope spoke about the Canticle of the prophet Jeramiah, "The people's cry in times of hunger and war", which is read in the Liturgy of Praise on Friday which is the day the Lord died.

"The context in which this lamentation occurs," said the Holy Father, "is represented by an affliction which frequently affects the land of the Near East: drought. To this natural disaster is added the "tragedy of war. ... Unfortunately the description is tragically true to life in so many regions of our planet."

John Paul II affirmed that the second part of the Canticle is a "collective supplication to God. ... In addition to the sword and hunger, there is in fact a greater tragedy, that of the silence of God who does not reveal himself anymore and seems to have locked Himself up in heaven, as if he were displeased by man's behavior." This makes humanity feel "alone, abandoned, deprived of peace, salvation, and hope. The people, left to themselves, feel lost and overcome by terror."

"Is it not perhaps this existential solitude that is the deep font of so much dissatisfaction which we observe in these days? So much insecurity and so many thoughtless reactions come from having abandoned God, the rock of salvation."

The Pope indicated that at a certain point in the Canticle, the people return to God and "recognize their own sin most of all, with a short but heartfelt confession of guilt." Therefore, it is revealed that "God's silence was provoked by man's rejection. If the people convert and return to the Lord, God will be willing to go meet and embrace them."

"Together with the Israelites," he concluded, "we also can be sure that the Lord does not abandon us forever but rather He makes His face shine on us after each purifying trial."

AG;CANTICLE JEREMIAH;...;...;VIS;20021211;Word: 330;

JOHN PAUL II PRESIDES AT MASS FOR ROMAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 11, 2002 (VIS) - Yesterday afternoon in St. Peter's Basilica, John Paul II presided at the annual mass for students who attend Roman universities. Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the Pope's vicar for the diocese of Rome and president of the Italian Episcopal Conference, celebrated the Eucharist.

The homily, given by the Holy Father, focused on the Book of Consolation of Isaiah who prophesies "Christ's birth, a consoling announcement for all humanity" when the "'Lord's glory will be revealed and every man will see'."

In this context, the Pope spoke about the "glory of God and of man", recalling that since the times of Nebuchadnezzar "nothing withstands God. Only He with his omnipotence ... guides the destiny of man and history." Afterward, while reflecting on current times, he said: "How fragile are the powers that tried to impose their dominion! Science, technology, and culture, when they show pretensions of omnipotence, prove to be grass that dries out quickly, like a flower that withers away."

The prophet's words, continued the Pontiff, "do not mortify human liberty." On the contrary, they favor "the authentic promotion of man." In this way, "the pastoral care for university students that the Church ... promotes in centers of study and scientific research offers a great help."

Recalling his university experience, the Holy Father said that he learned through "daily contact with students and professors that an integral development that prepares students for life is necessary. Also necessary is an education that teaches them to assume responsibly their role in the family and society, with professional as well as human and spiritual competence . From those years, which have left a mark on my life, I learned useful lessons which I reflected upon in the book on Christian ethics entitled 'Love and Responsibility' and in the dramatic work on marriage 'The Jeweler's Shop'."

The Pope concluded by mentioning the Gospel read during the mass about the shepherd that leaves the flock to look for the one lost sheep. "God's omnipotence," he said, "... is full of mercy. It is a loving authority which is partial to the weakest and humblest. God does not consider humanity an anonymous mass, on the contrary he dwells on each individual and personally takes care of each person. Christ is the true shepherd who gathers his flock under his arm."

AC;MASS UNIVERSITY STUDENTS;...;...;VIS;20021211;Word: 400;

ADVERTISING MUST CONTRIBUTE TO THE WELL-BEING OF INDIVIDUALS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 11, 2002 (VIS) - Archbishop John P. Foley, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, spoke yesterday afternoon at the Monaco World Summit in Montecarlo on "Corporate Responsibility, Dignity and Human Rights."

The archbishop recalled that his dicastery has published various documents in the last few years on ethics in advertising, communications and in internet. These documents have stressed the "three principles for ethics in all types of communication: truth, the dignity of the human person and the common good."

"The dignity of the human person can be enhanced or harmed by advertising and indeed by all means of communication. How often have we seen advertisements which treat individuals - especially women - as objects, very often sex objects? How often have we perceived that advertising seeks not a positive contribution to an individual's well-being but a greater contribution to the bottom line? Individuals come to be viewed as numbers to be delivered, not as human beings to be served."

"The human person and the human community are the end and the measure of the use of the communications media; communication should be by persons to persons for the integral development of persons. Integral development ... requires attention to the 'inner dimension', a dimension which is at least moral if not religious and spiritual. ... Individuals have irreducible dignity and importance, and they may never be sacrificed to collective interests."

...;ETHICS; ADVERTISING;...;MONACO; FOLEY;VIS;20021211;Word: 240;

50TH ANNIVERSARY OF HOLY SEE'S PERMANENT MISSION AT UNESCO

VATICAN CITY, DEC 11, 2002 (VIS) - Today a message that John Paul II wrote on November 25 to Msgr. Francesco Follo, permanent observer of the Holy See to United Nations Scientific, Educational and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Holy See's permanent mission to the same organization, was made public.

The Holy Father begins by recalling Blessed John XXIII, Pope Angelo Roncalli, who was the first permanent observer of the Holy See to UNESCO. He goes on to talk about the history of UNESCO, created immedietly after World War II, and to praise "the noble mission" which it carries out, seeking the "mutual knowledge of cultures" and the "promotion of their institutional dialogue by all sorts of initiatives at the international level."

"For its part, the Catholic Church," concludes the Pope, " ... wishes to continue encouraging with determination the peaceful encounter of human beings through their cultures and the consideration of the religious and spiritual dimension of individuals which is part of their history."

MESS;ANNIVERSARY UNESCO;...;FOLLO;VIS;20021211;Word: 170;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 11, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Appointed Fr. Bishop Gilio Felicio, auxiliary of Sao Salvador da Bahia, Brazil, as bishop of Bage (area 35,554, population 380,183, Catholics 304,146, priests 34, permanent deacons 1, religious 120), Brazil.

- Appointed Fr. Dominique Marie Jean Denis You, fidei donum in the archdiocese of Sao Salvador da Bahia, Brazil, as auxiliary bishop of the same archdiocese (area 5,277, population 3,327,498, Catholics 2,661,998, priests 243, permanent deacons 44, religious 1,670). The bishop-elect was born in Gassin, France in 1955 and was ordained a priest in 1981.

- Appointed Fr. Jan Babjak, S.J., professor of Eastern Spirituality in the Faculty of Theology at the University of Trnava, Slovakia, as bishop of the eparchy of Presov (Catholics 175,000, priests 263, permanent deacons 1, religious 167). The bishop-elect was born in Hazine nad Cirichou, Slovakia in 1953 and was ordained a priest in 1978. He succeeds Bishop Jan Hirka whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same eparchy the Holy Father accepted upon having reached the age limit.

NER; NEA; RE;...;...;...;VIS;20021211;Word: 160;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, DEC 11, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Cardinal Camillo Ruini, vicar general for the diocese of Rome, accompanied by Bishop Vincenzo Apicella, auxiliary of Rome for the pastoral care of the Western section, and by Fr. Danilo Bislacco, C.SS.R., parish priest of St. John Nepomuceno Neuman, and two coadjutors.

AP;...;...;...;VIS;20021211;Word: 60;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 10, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Accepted the resignation from the office of auxiliary of the archdiocese of Miami, U.S.A., presented by Bishop Gilberto Fernandez in accordance with canons 411 and 401, para. 2, of the Code of Canon Law.

- Appointed Bishop Kevin Michael Britt, auxiliary of Detroit, U.S.A., as coadjutor bishop of Grand Rapids (area 17,592, population 1,167,900, Catholics 158,050, priests 146, priests 18, religious 318), U.S.A.

- Appointed Fr. Pierre-Andre Dumas, rector of the Major Interdiocesan Seminary of Port-au-Prince, Haiti as auxiliary bishop of the same archdiocese (area 5,500, population 3,500,000, Catholics 2,500,000, priests 235, permanent deacons 4, religious 853). The bishop-elect was born in Saint Jean du Sud, Haiti in 1962 and was ordained a priest in 1991.

- Appointed Fr. Simon Saint-Hillien, C.S.C., permanent secretary of the Episcopal Conference, as auxiliary bishop of the archdiocese of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The bishop-elect was born in Gonaives, Haiti in 1951 was ordained a priest in 1980.

- Appointed Archbishop Tarcisio Bertone, S.D.B., emeritus of Vercelli, Italy and secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, as metropolitan archbishop of Genoa (area 966, population 831, 553, Catholics 773,325, priests 729, permanent deacons 21, religious 2001), Italy.

RE; NEC; NEA; NER;...;...;...;VIS;20021210;Word: 200;

BRAZILIAN BISHOPS: PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO CONSECRATED LIFE

VATICAN CITY, DEC 10, 2002 (VIS) - This morning the Pope received a group of prelates from the Northeast Region III of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil who just completed their "ad limina" visit.

Speaking about consecrated persons, the Holy Father said that "modern society must see in these men and women the harmony that exists between the human and the divine, between visible and invisible things."

"What we see today throughout the national geography," he affirmed, "is the fruit of the hidden, silent and worthy labor of many lay men and women and so many religious who have contributed and continue to contribute to the building of the Christian soul of the Brazilian."

After emphasizing that "many religious communities of active and contemplative life are without a doubt a great resource of the Churches" over which the bishops preside, John Paul II said: "The Church cannot but express joy and appreciation for everything that the religious have done through universities, schools, hospitals and other works and institutions. ... I ask God to abundantly reward all religious communities for their collaboration."

Referring to those who work in the media, the Pope stressed the importance that "they are not led by ideologies contrary to the Magisterium of the Church, and that they are committed to maintaining unity with the seat of Peter."

The Holy Father encouraged the heads of the congregations and institutes of the different Brazilian dioceses to "offer a human, intellectual and spiritual formation to novices, a formation that allows for a conversion of their entire being to Christ in order that consecration shapes ever more their oblation to the Father. The activities and programs of the National Conference of Religious," he added, "must be defined above all 'by respect and distinct obedience to the Successor of Peter and the directives' of the Apostolic See."

"As a conference and also as individual pastors," he indicated, "you will undoubtedly examine with objectivity and respect the scarcity of vocations that is being seen in many institutes, while others continually flourish. It is an essential part of your ministry," he said to the prelates, "to help and guide the observance of vows. ... Care of the religious life is especially urgent when discussing vocational identity."

The Pope concluded by recalling that "the renewal of religious life will depend on growth in God's love. ... The only effective way of discovering the identity of one's vocation is hard but consoling; it is a path of sincere and personal conversion, with humble recognition of one's own imperfections and sins. Confidence in the strength of Christ's resurrection will help to overcome all aridity and frailty, to eliminate the feeling of disappointment experienced on certain occasions."

AL;...;...;BRAZIL;VIS;20021210;Word: 460;

HOLY FATHER RECALLS HIS PILGRIMAGE TO KRAKOW IN AUGUST

VATICAN CITY, DEC 7, 2002 (VIS) - Today the Holy Father received in audience a group of faithful from the archdiocese of Krakow, with whom he recalled his pilgrimage to his native Poland this past August.

After reminiscing about his three-day stay in Krakow, the Pope said that his experiences "were re-awakened in a particular spiritual and theological context. They were continually inscribed in the immense mystery of Divine Mercy which we tried to study in depth, letting ourselves be carried with faith by the exceptional 'genius loci'."

John Paul II said that when he dedicated the Shrine of Divine Mercy, he was "aware that this place had a particular eloquence for the modern world. I did not hesitate in defining it as the world center of devotion to Divine Mercy, although I know that in different places around the world many shrines exist where Saint Faustina's message is spread, and where the faithful obtain so much grace."

"I cannot fail to mention Kalwaria Zebrzydowska," he added, "the shrine and its paths, which has also been a sign of Divine Mercy for four hundred years, thanks to Mary who was the first to participate in the fruits of the death and resurrection of her Son. I pray that in this shrine the faithful, looking toward Mary, learn to live the hope which we will find fulfilled in the house of the Father."

The Pope concluded by asking those present to convey his greetings to the inhabitants of Krakow, of the region of Malopolska and to all his compatriots: "Convey my gratitude for the spirit of prayer and the unforgettable atmosphere of faith that we lived during those days of the pilgrimage."

AC;DIVINE MERCY;...;...;VIS;20021209;Word: 300;

RIGHT TO RELIGIOUS FREEDOM LINKED TO ALL OTHER BASIC RIGHTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 7, 2002 (VIS) - Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, secretary for Relations with States and head of the Holy See delegation to the 10th Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, spoke yesterday afternoon in Oporto, Portugal, during the first day of the two-day OSCE meeting. His discourse focussed on respect for religious freedom, which he called a "test for observing fundamental human rights."

In opening remarks, the archbishop noted that "by being actively involved in reflections on current themes such as terrorism, trafficking in human persons, tolerance and discrimination, the OSCE has shown yet again its vocation to form a space of freedom, justice and stability in the perspective of a global understanding of security, specific to our organization."

"Over the past months," he added, "our delegations have often observed that no State, no democracy can work without a certain consensus on the basic values of human existence, among which (are) religious convictions." He stated that he wished to express some concerns of the Holy See on this subject.

"In the year that has just ended," remarked Archbishop Tauran, "there has been an alarming deterioration of the conditions of exercising the right to freedom of religion, in violation of the commitments undertaken by this Organization. In certain countries which are represented here, laws restricting religious freedom have been adopted or are being adopted. Leaders of communities of believers, including a Catholic bishop, have been expelled from the country where they exercise their apostolate or are forbidden from rejoining their faithful."

"Such attitudes," he underscored, "often adopted in an arbitrary manner, show a mistrust with regard to religious facts, a poor knowledge of the role of religion in civil societies, a contempt of international commitments freely signed and a discrimination towards believers." The international commitments, he said, include the documents of the Helsinki process, in particular the final Vienna document of 1989.

"In addition," affirmed Archbishop Tauran, "when, for historical reasons, one religious denomination is the majority denomination and certain rights and privileges are given to it, that could only be to the detriment of the basic freedoms of other denominations present on the national territory."

In his closing remarks, the archbishop quoted from Pope John Paul's speech to the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See in January 1989: "'The right to freedom of religion is so closely linked to other basic rights that one could justly say that respect for religious freedom is like a 'test' for the observance of other basic rights'."

DELSS;RELIGIOUS FREEDOM;...;OPORTO;VIS;20021209;Word: 420;