OPENNESS, HONESTY, TRANSPARENCY MUST BE THE CHURCH'S HALLMARK

VATICAN CITY, APR 20, 2002 (VIS) - The bishops of Nigeria were welcomed by the Holy Father this morning as they complete their quinquennial "ad limina" visit. As he began his speech in English, the Pope noted that their "country boasts one of the largest Catholic populations in the whole of Africa and there is a steady increase in numbers." Moreover, he said "you are blessed with many vocations to the priesthood and religious life, which also allow you to send missionaries to other African nations."

"Through your leadership," he stated, "the Church is actively involved in Nigerian national life, constantly urging solidarity, the exercise of civic responsibility and the overcoming of tensions and conflict through dialogue and reconciliation ... as Nigeria continues along the path of transition from military rule to democratic government."

The Holy Father underscored the problems that plague Nigerian society, as the bishops outlined them in their reports: "the persistence of widespread poverty, often extreme, and the spread of moral and ethical indifference, from which arise crime, corruption and attacks on the sanctity of human life itself." He stressed the need to give a strong formation to the faithful through catechesis, Bible study, devout prayer and "a clear exposition of doctrine as found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church."

A laity that is strengthened in its Catholic identity, he observed, will be able to "respond to the challenge of playing an active role in public life, including the political sphere" and will also be "enabled to respond to the objections raised with increasing frequency by sects and new religious movements, of which there are many in your country." He urged them to pay special attention to the formation of children and young people.

Such preparation, the Pope added, will also strengthen the family, "threatened as it is in its fundamental aspects of unity and stability by practices such as polygamy, divorce, abortion and prostitution, by the spread of a contraceptive mentality and by irresponsible sexual activity that also increases the incidence of AIDS."

John Paul II then highlighted the bishops' "relationship with other Churches and Ecclesial Communities," and the need for "dialogue with the followers of African traditional religion and with Islam."

"Here I must also raise an important issue which I know is a source of grave concern to you and your people. There are certain parts of the country where proponents of Islam are acting with ever greater militancy, even to the point of imposing their understanding of Islamic law on entire States within the Nigerian Federation and denying other believers the freedom of religious expression. I strongly encourage and support your every effort to speak out courageously and forcefully in this regard: government leaders, both local and federal, as well as people of good will of all persuasions, must be reminded of the obligation of every government to ensure that the equality of all citizens before the law is never violated for religious reasons, whether openly or covertly."

Turning to another matter, the Pope encouraged the bishops "to ensure an ever more complete and permanent formation for your priests." Stressing that "the priesthood must never be seen as a means for improving one's lot in life or in terms of gaining prestige," he said: "Your lives and those of your priests should reflect an authentic evangelical poverty and detachment from the things and attitudes of the world, and the value of celibacy as a complete gift of self to the Lord and his Church must be carefully safeguarded. Behaviour which might give scandal must be carefully avoided, and you yourselves must diligently investigate accusations of any such behaviour, taking firm steps to correct it where it is found to exist. Here too, seminary formation is very important, for the convictions and practical training imparted to future priests are essential for the success of the Church's mission."

"Dear Brothers, Shepherds of God's Holy People," John Paul II concluded, "it is of the utmost importance that openness, honesty and transparency should always be the hallmark of everything that the Church does, in all her spiritual, educational and social undertakings, as well as in every aspect of her administration."

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JOHN PAUL II ORDAINS AS PRIESTS 20 DEACONS OF HIS DIOCESE

VATICAN CITY, APR 21, 2002 (VIS) - At 9 a.m. today, the fourth Sunday of Easter, the Pope presided at Holy Mass in the Vatican Basilica and conferred priestly ordination on twenty deacons of the diocese of Rome.
In his homily, the Holy Father urged the new priests to live the mystery of the Eucharist, about which he said: "Now you are ordained ministers as well as deacons of the Holy Church of God. But, from today on, by the grace of the sacrament that you are going to receive, you will be (ministers) in a new and singular way."

"Jesus," he continued, "does not only make you participants in the mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven, He also expects from you greater faithfulness and conformity to the apostolic ministry that has been entrusted to you. ... He demands from you a more rigorous poverty and the humility of a servant who makes himself last of all. He asks you to be perfect 'as your Heavenly Father is perfect'. In a word, the Lord wants you to be saints."

John Paul II reminded the priests that "another essential aspect of the mystery ... is the sacrament of reconciliation, intimately related to the Eucharist." He went on to say: "Be holy ministers of divine mercy. Live above all for you yourselves the marvelous grace of reconciliation as a deep obligation and a gift always awaited. ... God counts on the faithful availability of each one of you in order to work extraordinary miracles of love in the hearts of believers. ... Prepare yourselves well for this ministry! It requires an adequate and constant spiritual, theological, liturgical and pastoral formation. ... For that, the wisdom and the example of the saints will help you."

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HOLY SEE ON BISHOP EXPELLED FROM RUSSIAN FEDERATION

VATICAN CITY, APR 20, 2002 (VIS) - Joaquin Navvarro-Valls, director of the Holy See Press Office, made the following declaration this afternoon regarding Bishop Jerzy Mazur, S.V.D, who has been expelled from the Russian Federation:

"Friday evening, April 19, 2002, at Sheremetievo-2 Airport in Moscow, Bishop Jerzy Mazur, S.V.D., of the Catholic diocese of St. Joseph of Irkutsk, in Eastern Siberia, was denied entry into the Russian Federation upon his early afternoon arrival from Warsaw, and was made to reboard a flight for Warsaw. No explanation was provided to Bishop Mazur regarding the measure taken towards him.

"The Secretary of State and the Pontifical Representation in Moscow immediately intervened along with the Russian authorities, asking for an explanation and requesting the return of the entrance visa to the prelate.

"What happened to Bishop Mazur, several days after what happened to the Italian priest Stefano Caprio, of St. Rosario at Vladimir and Ivanovo (Archdiocese of the Mother of God in Moscow), represents a serious violation of the commitments undertaken by the Russian governing authorities, signatories of the final document of the Conference for Security and Cooperation in Europe (Vienna, January 15, 1989). In fact, in the "Principles" Section, article 16, it was ratified that "the participating States, among other things, ... will respect the right of religious communities to build and maintain freely accessible places of worship or meeting; to organize themselves according to their own hierarchal and institutional structure; to choose, nominate and replace their own personnel in accordance with the respective requirements and their own norms as well as any agreement freely accepted by them and the state." We hope, therefore, for a prompt review of the measure taken and that Bishop Mazur can soon return to his faithful in East Siberia."

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TRANSMIT VALUES AND MORALS THROUGH THE MEDIA

VATICAN CITY, APR 20, 2002 (VIS) - Made public today was a message from the Pope addressed to the president of the Catholic Union of the Italian Press, Emilio Rossi, who has organized a meeting entitled "Youth and the Media of Communication."

In the message dated April 18, John Paul II writes that television "frequently is the main point of reference for youth" and for this reason, "it is necessary to create products that, while respecting pedagogical dynamics and ethical values, take into account the sensitivity and the educational requirements of young people."

"What are necessary," he continues, "are programs that promote the growth of the person, a sense of well-being, and the capacity to correctly face all the most difficult aspects of our existence, without trauma and distortions. Above all, it is necessary to transmit through the media values and models that cause the fundamental truths to emerge about human beings and about the big questions they ask themselves. Among these, we must point out in a special way the religious truths aimed at furnishing appropriate answers to the deeper demands that accompany the growth and development of the person."

The Holy Father highlights that "one of the principle paradigms of civilization and progress is to pay attention to young people in the field of the media of communication; it entails a passionate task to which all must contribute according to their own role and their own strengths."

The Pope concludes by directing a call to leaders and institutions to make it possible that "respect for the rights of minors may be considered as a primary and essential criteria in the assessment of the media of communication. I invite all parents to educate carefully at home as well as a contributing member in society. To the agents of communication, in particular to editors and producers, I urge you to invest in projects appropriate for minors, keeping in mind young people's demands."

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AGENDA FOR MEETING IN VATICAN WITH U.S. CARDINALS

VATICAN CITY, APR 22, 2002 (VIS) - Following is the agenda and the list of participants of the April 23-24 meeting in the Vatican between United States cardinals and members of the Roman Curia:

On April 23 and 24, in the Bologna Hall of the Apostolic Palace, there will be, as previously announced, an interdicasterial meeting with United States cardinals and with the presidency of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of the United States.

The meeting follows talks that took place recently in the Vatican with representatives of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of the United States, with a view to the assembly that this same episcopal conference will hold in Dallas from June 13 to 15.

The Holy Father will closely follow the work, compatible with his previously arranged appointments, including Wednesday morning's general audience.

The following will participate in the meeting:

1. Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Secretary of State, President.

United States Cardinals:
2. Cardinal Bernard Francis Law, Archbishop of Boston.
3. Cardinal Roger Michael Mahony, Archbishop of Los Angeles.
4. Cardinal Anthony Joseph Bevilacqua, Archbishop of Philadelphia. 5. Cardinal William Henry Keeler, Archbishop of Baltimore.
6. Cardinal Adam Joseph Maida, Archbishop of Detroit.
7. Cardinal Francis Eugene George, Archbishop of Chicago.
8. Cardinal Theodore Edgar McCarrick, Archbishop of Washington.
9. Cardinal Edward Michael Egan, Archbishop of New York.
10. Cardinal James Aloysius Hickey, Archbishop emeritus di Washington.
11. Cardinal Avery Dulles.

Conference of Catholic Bishops of the United States:
12.Bishop Wilton Daniel Gregory, President.
13.Bishop William Stephen Skylstad, Vice President.
14.Msgr. William P. Fay, secretary general.

United States Cardinals of the Curia:
15. Cardinal William Wakefield Baum, Archbishop emeritus of Washington, Major Penitentiary emeritus.
16. Cardinal Edmund Casimir Szoka, Archbishop emeritus of Detroit and President of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State.
17. Cardinal James Francis Stafford, Archbishop emeritus of Denver and President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity.

Heads of Dicastery of the Roman Curia:
18. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
19. Cardinal Eduardo Martinez Somalo, prefect of the Congregation for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
20. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.
21. Cardinal Jorge Arturo Medina Estevez, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of Sacraments.
22. Cardinal Dario Castrillon Hoyos, prefect of the Congregation for Clergy.
23. Cardinal Zenon Grocholewski, prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education.
24. Archbishop Julian Herranz, president of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts.

The meetings will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will continue until 12:30 p.m. They will reconvene at 4:30 p.m. and end at 7:30 p.m., according to the following schedule:

Tuesday April 23

Opening prayer of Adsumus; Welcome by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Secretary of State; Speech by the president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops; Speeches by United States Cardinals, in order of diaconate; Speech by the Holy Father; Recitation of the Regina Coeli and conclusion of the morning sessions.

Speeches by Cardinal Castrillon Hoyos and the heads of dicasteries; Resumption of speeches by United States Cardinals, and concluding prayer.

Wednesday April 24
Prayer of Adsumus; Presentation of the proposals of the preceding day, by the president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops; Open floor for discussion; Recitation of the Regina Coeli and conclusion of the morning sessions.

Final meeting.

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CHRISTIAN UNITY ESSENTIAL TO PROCLAIMING CHRIST TO THE WORLD

VATICAN CITY, APR 22, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father this morning welcomed 85 participants in a meeting of The Bible Societies and remarked that the Societies "exist to open the inexhaustible riches of Sacred Scripture to all who will listen, and that is a noble Christian service, for which I give thanks to God."

He noted that "for many years your Societies have been engaged in translating and distributing the text of Scripture, an essential part of proclaiming Christ to the world. For it is not just words which we must speak: it is the Word of God Himself!"

"The urgency of this task," the Pope stated, "demands that we commit ourselves to the cause of Christian unity, for division among the disciples of Christ has certainly impaired our mission. Your meeting therefore draws together members of different Churches and Ecclesial Communities. ... Whatever differences remain between us, the promotion of the Bible is one point where Christians can work closely together for the glory of God and the good of the human family."

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RESTORE HOLY SITES TO PRAYER, PILGRIMS, GOD AND MAN!

VATICAN CITY, APR 21, 2002 (VIS) - Following the priestly ordination this morning in St. Peter's Basilica of 20 deacons of the diocese of Rome, Pope John Paul greeted the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square for the recitation of the Regina Coeli.

He reminded the pilgrims that "following a significant tradition, today, the fourth Sunday of Easter, we celebrate the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. This Sunday is also called Good Shepherd Sunday because in the Gospel Jesus gives Himself this eloquent biblical title. ... I invite everyone to raise to God a chorus of prayer, especially on this Day, for a flowering of numerous and holy vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life among the People of God."

The Holy Father then spoke of the Middle East, saying "our prayers also continue insistently for the situation in the Holy Land from where, unfortunately, worrisome news and scenes of destruction continue to arrive. These are images that are stronger than any appeal and they induce one to try everything, at all levels, so that this Land, blessed by God, will come out of the spiral of hatred and violence as soon as possible.

"In particular," he stated, "every day I spiritually visit Bethlehem, and the Basilica of the Nativity, where I lived unforgettable moments during the course of my Jubilee pilgrimage. For almost 20 days now the basilica and connected buildings have been the theatre of clashes, blackmail and unbearable exchanges of accusations. May that place, and all the holy sites, be immediately restored to prayer and pilgrims, to God and to man!"

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, APRIL 22, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed the following as members of the Pontifical Council of Justice and Peace: Archbishops George Pell of Sydney, Australia, and Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya of Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo; Bishops Amedee Grap of Chur, Switzerland, Reinhard Marx of Trier, Germany, Olivier de Berrauger of Saint-Denis, France, Leon Tharmaraj of Kottar, India, and Antonio Ledesma of Ipil, the Phillipines; Silvio Marcus Helmons of Belgium, Tomas Raga Gil of Spain, Raymond Ranjeva of Madagascar, Onno Ruding of the Netherlands, Andrea Riccardi of Italy, Maria E. Diaz de Pfennich of Mexico, and Mary Yuen Mee-Yin of Hong Kong.

On Saturday April 20, it was made public that the Holy Father erected the apostolic exarchate for the Catholic Greek-Melkites living in Argentina with its see in Cordoba. He also appointed Fr. Georges Haddad S.M.S.P. as first exarch of the newly-erected exarchate, assigning him the titular see of Mira of the Greek-Melkites. The bishop-elect was born in 1957 in Beirut, Lebanon and was ordained a priest in 1983.

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, APR 22, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Four prelates from the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria, on their "ad limina" visit:
- Archbishop John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan of Abuya.
- Bishop Athanasius Atule Usuh of Makurdi.
- Bishop Vincent Valentine Egwuchukwu Ezeonyia of Aba.
- Bishop John Moore, apostolic vicar of Bauchi.
- Cardinal Lubomyr Husar, archbishop major of Lviv of the Ukrainians, with Auxiliary Bishops Stanislaw Padewski, O.F.M.Cap., Ihor Vozniak, C.SS.R., and Hlib Lonchyna, M.S.U.

On Saturday April 20, the Holy Father received in separate audiences:

- Archbishop Jozef Wesolowski, apostolic nuncio in Kazakhstan and Tadjikistan.
- Two prelates from the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria, on their "ad limina" visit:
- Bishop Hilary Paul Odili Okeke of Nnewi.
- Bishop Joseph Egerega, apostolic vicar of Bomadi.
- Bishop Joseph Edra Ukpo of Ogoja.
- Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.

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