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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