HOLY FATHER'S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR FEBRUARY

VATICAN CITY, JAN 31, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father's general prayer intention for February is: "That all Christians, sensitive to the distressing condition of the peoples who are still suffering from hunger and thirst, may be moved to greater solidarity towards their brothers."

His mission intention is: "That the Church in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, while remaining open to dialogue with the followers of the other religions may remain faithful to its own exacting evangelizing mission."

JPII-PRAYER INTENTIONS;FEBRUARY;...;...;VIS;20030131;Word: 80;

CHURCHES ESTABLISH JOINT COMMISSION FOR THEOLOGICAL DIALOGUE

VATICAN CITY, JAN 31, 2003 - A communique was published this afternoon, stating that "Catholic and Oriental Orthodox representatives, delegated by their Churches as members of the Preparatory Committee for the Catholic Church-Oriental Orthodox Churches International Joint Commission for Dialogue, met January 27-29 under the chairmanship of Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, and Metropolitan Amba Bishoy of Damiette of the Coptic Orthodox Church."

"The meeting was held in Rome at the offices of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, in response to a letter from Cardinal Kasper, dated September 10, 2002 and addressed to all the heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches, inviting them to engage in an official dialogue with the Catholic Church. The Oriental Orthodox Churches are comprised of: Coptic Orthodox Church, Syrian Orthodox Church, Armenian Apostolic Church (Catholicosate of all Armenians), Armenian Apostolic Church (Catholicosate of Cilicia), Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and Eritrean Orthodox Church.

"In his opening address, Cardinal Kasper welcomed the participants by saying. 'I greatly appreciate your willingness to take part in this meeting, which hopefully may become a new and promising step in our journey towards full communion'. Referring to the work accomplished in the past, he stated: 'This meeting is not the first, nor will it be the last along the path of our ecumenical venture. Much has been achieved in previous years, and still more remains to be done in the years to come'."

"The Preparatory Committee officially established the rules of membership of the Catholic Church-Oriental Orthodox Churches International Joint Commission for Dialogue and set up the work plan, agenda, membership, procedures, methodologies and timetable for the Joint Commission. The first meeting of this Joint Commission is foreseen for the end of January 2004."

CON-UC;JOINT COMMISSION DIALOGUE;...;KASPER;VIS;20030131;Word: 300;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, JAN 31, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Archbishop Antonio Ciliberti of Matera-Irsina, Italy as metropolitan archbishop of Catanzaro-Squillace (area 1,604, population 249,426, Catholics 245,313, priests 195, permanent deacons 19, religious 290), Italy. The Holy Father accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese presented by Archbishop Antonio Cantisani upon having reached the age limit.

NER; RE;...;...;CILIBERTI; CANTISANI ;VIS;20030131;Word: 60;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, JAN 31, 2003 (VIS) - Today the Holy Father received in separate audiences:

- Rafic Hariri, prime minister of Lebanon, accompanied by his wife and an entourage.

- Five prelates from the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (Midwestern and Northern Regions II) on their "ad limina" visit:

- Archbishop Maurilo Sebastiao Ramos Krieger, S.C.I. of Florianapolis.

- Archbishop Alberto Taveira Correa of Palmas.

- Archbishop Jayme Henrique Chemello of Pelotas.

- Bishop Lino Vomboemmel, O.F.M., of Santarem.

- Bishop Aloisio Hilario de Pinho, F.D.P., of Jatai.

- Cardinal Michele Giordano, archbishop of Naples, Italy and an entourage.

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

AP; AL;...;...;...;VIS;20030131;Word: 100;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, JAN 30, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Msgr. Raffaello Funghini, dean of the Tribunal of the Roman Rota, accompanied by judges of the same tribunal.

- Five prelates from the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (Midwestern and Northern Regions II) on their "ad limina" visit:

- Cardinal Jose Freire Falcao, archbishop of Brasilia, accompanied by auxiliary Bishops Raimundo Damasceno Assis, Jesus Rocha and Joao Evangelisti Martins.

- Archbishop Washington Cruz of Goiania.

AP; AL;...;...;...;VIS;20030130;Word: 80;

TO ROMAN ROTA: NEVER FORGET THE SACRAMENTALITY OF MARRIAGE

VATICAN CITY, JAN 30, 2003 (VIS) - To start the juridical year the dean, judges, promoters of justice, defenders of the bond, officials and lawyers of the Roman Rota celebrate Mass in the Pauline Chapel in the Vatican, after which the Holy Father receives and addresses them, as Canon 1442 states, as "the supreme judge for the entire Catholic world."

In his talk today to the Rota, Pope John Paul noted that requests for marriage annulments comprise the greatest number of cases that this tribunal receives and he acknowledged the "profound crisis currently buffeting matrimony and the family," alluded to by Msgr. Raffaele Funghini, dean of the Roman Rota, in his opening remarks.

The Pope said that today there seems to be an "obfuscation" by those who contract marriage of "the sacramentality of marriage, ... its intimate meaning (and) its intrinsic supernatural value." He said he wished to emphasize "the special relationship that marriage of the baptized has with the mystery of God, a relationship which ... takes on the dignity of a sacrament."

He pointed out that "the link between secularization and the crisis of marriage and the family is far too evident," as is "the crisis on the meaning of God and the meaning of moral good and evil," which leads to obfuscation. We need, he said, "to rediscover the transcendent dimension that is intrinsic to the full truth about marriage and the family, overcoming every dichotomy which tends to separate the profane aspects from the religious ones, almost as if two kinds of marriage existed: one profane and the other sacred." He stressed that "transcendency is innate in the very essence of marriage," right from the start, from the creation of "man in God's image and likeness."

"Unfortunately," lamented the Holy Father, "by the effect of original sin, what is natural in the relationship between a man and woman risks being lived in a way not in conformity with the plan and will of God, and distancing oneself from God implies in itself a proportional dehumanization of all family relations." However, he noted, Jesus redeemed mankind and, through this redemption, "the union between a man and a woman ... is truly inserted in the same mystery of the covenant of Christ with the Church. ... The intrinsic link between marriage ... and the union of the Word Incarnate with the Church is seen in all of its salvific efficacy through the concept of sacrament." He stressed that "the human and the divine are interwoven in admirable fashion."

"Today's highly secularized mentality," remarked John Paul II, "tends to affirm the human values of the family institution, detaching them from the religious values and proclaiming them totally autonomous from God." He said that the question being asked too often today - "Why should one always remain faithful to one's spouse? - becomes an existential doubt in critical situations." Stating that conjugal difficulties are "in the end, problems of love," he said "the preceding question could be restated in this way: Why must one always love the other, even when many reasons, apparently justified, would induce them to leave the other?"

Many good answers can be given to this question, said the Pope, but if couples remember that marriage is "a reciprocal gift" given by God, they must then remember to turn to God in their troubles and to recognize that "God is faithful!" They must remember that "even in the harshest cases, it is God to Whom we must turn in the certainty of receiving help."

The Holy Father reminded his audience that "considering the sacramentality (of marriage) underscores the transcendent nature of your function. ... The religious sense must thus permeate all of your work. ... There is no space in the Church for a vision of marriage that is merely immanent and profane, simply because such a vision is not theologically and juridically sound."

He urged them to "take very seriously the obligation formally imposed by can. 1676" to "use pastoral means to induce the spouses, if at all possible, to convalidate the marriage and to restore conjugal living." There should be "a synergy involving the whole Church: pastors, jurists, experts in the sciences of psychology and psychiatry, and the other faithful."

In concluding, the Pope turned his attention to "several misunderstandings that can arise, both in the instance of admission to marriage and that of judging its validity. The Church does not refuse the celebration of marriage to those who are well disposed, even if imperfectly prepared from a supernatural point of view, as long as they have the correct intention of getting married according to the natural reality of conjugality."

Repeating that marriage is both a sacramental and a natural reality, he said "this truth must not be forgotten at the moment of defining the exclusion of sacramentality and the determining error concerning the sacramental dignity as eventual principles of nullity. For both figures it is decisive to bear in mind that a behavior of the couple about to be married that does not take into account the supernatural dimension of marriage, can make it null only if it damages the validity on the natural level in which is placed the sacramental sign itself."

AC;ROMAN ROTA; MARRIAGE;...;...;VIS;20030130;Word: 870;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, JAN 30, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Colorado Springs, U.S.A., presented by Bishop Richard Charles Hanifen, in accordance with Canon 401, para. 2 of the Code of Canon Law. He is succeeded by Coadjutor Bishop Michael John Sheridan.

RE;...;...;... ;VIS;20030130;Word: 60;

GIVE ME WISDOM, SO I MAY KNOW WHAT IS PLEASING TO GOD

VATICAN CITY, JAN 29, 2003 (VIS) - Pope John Paul II welcomed several thousand pilgrims to the weekly general audience, held in the Paul VI Hall this morning, and focussed his catechesis on the canticle "Lord, give me wisdom," found in the ninth chapter of the Book of Wisdom of Solomon. Solomon, said the Pope, "in biblical tradition, is considered the just and wise king par excellence."

He explained that the Book of Wisdom is "a writing of the Old Testament composed in Greek, probably in Alexandria, Egypt, on the threshold of the Christian era. ... This book proposes to us basically three paths of theological thought: blessed immortality as the final destination of the existence of the just; wisdom as a divine gift and guide for the life and choices of the faithful; the history of salvation, above all the fundamental event of the exodus from Egyptian oppression, as a sign of struggle between good and evil, that flows into full salvation and redemption."

King Solomon, stated the Holy Father, in a "dream-revelation, at the request of God, Who invited him to ask for a gift, answered: give your servant a gentle heart so that he will know how to render justice to his people and know how to distinguish good from evil."

And, as we see in the canticle today, said John Paul II, King Solomon implored: "'Give me wisdom. ... Send her forth from the holy heavens and from thy throne send her forth'." This wisdom, "he added, "is not just knowledge or talent or skill, but rather is a sharing in the mind of God Himself. In fact King Solomon asks the Lord to send forth the gift of wisdom so that he may learn what is pleasing to God."

"Without this wisdom," remarked the Holy Father, "we amount to nothing. But with it we are guided to holiness and righteousness. It allows us to understand history, helping us to look beyond mere appearances and to appreciate the deepest meaning of life. With Solomon, let us beg the Lord for His gift of wisdom, to enlighten our hearts and minds in the ways that are pleasing to Him."

Let us view wisdom as Solomon did, concluded the Pope: "I loved her and sought her from my youth, and I desired to take her for my bride, and I became enamored of her beauty."

AG;WISDOM;...;...;VIS;20030129;Word: 400;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, JAN 29, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Erected the ecclesiastical province of Samarinda (area 114,810, population 1,538,601, Catholics 100,000), taking territory from the ecclesiastical province of Pontianak, Indonesia. The new province will include as suffragans the dioceses of Banjarmasin, Palangkaraya and Tanjung Selor.

- Appointed Bishop Florentinus Sului Hajang Hau, M.S.F. of Samarinda, Indonesia as metropolitan archbishop of the same diocese.

- Appointed Fr. Harold Anthony Perera, director of studies at the National Major Seminary in Sri Lanka, as bishop of Ratnapura (area 4,968, population 1,766,800, Catholics 25,525, priests 27, religious 88), Sri Lanka. The bishop-elect was born in Bopitiya, Sri Lanka in 1951 and was ordained a priest in 1980.

- Appointed Fr. Abraha Desta, chancellor and secretary general of the Catholic Secretariat of the Eparchy of Adigrat, Ethiopia as apostolic vicar of Meki (area 156,000, population 5,474,070, Catholics 20,107, priests 29, religious 65), Ethiopia. The bishop-elect was born in 1951 in Medea-Sebea, Ethiopia and was ordained a priest in 1980.

ECE; NER;...;...;SULUI; PERERA; DESTA;VIS;20030129;Word: 160;

DOCUMENT ON CHRISTIAN REFLECTION ON THE NEW AGE

VATICAN CITY, JAN 29, 2003 (VIS) - On February 3 at 11:30 a.m. in the Holy See Press Office there will be a conference to present the document "Jesus Christ, Bearer of Living Water. A Christian Reflection on the 'New Age'."

Cardinal Paul Poupard, president of the Pontifical Council for Culture, and Archbishop Michael Louis Fitzgerald, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, will preside at the conference. These two councils produced the document. Joining them will be Fr. Peter Fleetwood of the secretariat of the Council of European Episcopal Conferences and Teresa Osorio Goncalves, an official of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue who coordinates a work group on sects and new religious movements.

OP;PRESENTATION VOLUME;...;POUPARD; FITZGERALD;VIS;20030129;Word: 130;

"PROGRESS" BETWEEN CATHOLICS AND ORIENTAL ORTHODOX CHURCHES

VATICAN CITY, JAN 28, 2003 (VIS) - Members of the Preparatory Committee charged with preparing the theological dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Churches were welcomed this morning in the Vatican by Pope John Paul.

The Pope extended greetings to the representatives of the Oriental Orthodox Churches, and to "my venerable Brothers, the heads of the Churches which you represent," saying he "recalled with gratitude the various opportunities I have had to meet them." He welcomed the Catholic members of the committee, "representing various communities from both East and West."

"Substantial ecumenical progress has already been made between the Catholic Church and the different Oriental Churches," affirmed the Holy Father. "Essential clarifications have been made with regard to traditional controversies about Christology, and this has enabled us to profess together the faith we hold in common. ... May your efforts to establish a Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue prove a major step forward towards full communion in truth and charity."

"Many of you come from the Middle East and surrounding countries," noted John Paul II. "Let us pray together that this region will be preserved from the threat of war and further violence. May our ecumenical endeavors always be directed to the building up of a 'civilization of love', founded on justice, reconciliation and peace."

AC;DIALOGUE CATHOLICS; ORTHODOX;...;...;VIS;20030128;Word: 230;

POPE TO PRESIDE MASS ON FEAST OF PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD

VATICAN CITY, JAN 28, 2003 (VIS) - Pope John Paul II will preside at the celebration of Mass on the feast of the Presentation of Our Lord - the Seventh Day of Consecrated Life - on February 1 at 5:30 p.m. in St. Peter's Basilica, according to a communique released today by the Office of the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff.

The Pope will preside at the blessing of the candles, the initial procession and the Liturgy of the Word. He will deliver a homily, lead the thanksgiving to the Lord for the gift of consecrated life and impart the final blessing.

Cardinal Eduardo Martinez Somalo, prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life will celebrate the Eucharistic liturgy. The secretary, under-secretary and bureau chiefs of the congregation will concelebrate, as will priests who are members of the board of directors of the Union of Superiors General.

OCL;PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD;...;...;VIS;20030128;Word: 160;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, JAN 28, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience five prelates from the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (Midwestern and Northern Regions II) on their "ad limina" visit:

- Archbishop Vicente Joaquim Zico, C.M., of Belem do Para, accompanied by Auxiliary Bishop Carlo Verzeletti.

- Bishop Jose da Silva Chaves of Uruacu.

- Bishop Manoel Pestana Filho of Anapolis.

- Bishop Jose Carlos de Oliveira, C.SS.R., of Rubiataba-Mozarlandia.

AL;...;...;... ;VIS;20030128;Word: 70;

LITURGICAL CELEBRATIONS PRESIDED OVER BY POPE: FEBRUARY - APRIL

VATICAN CITY, JAN 28, 2003 (VIS) - The Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff has made public the calendar of celebrations that are scheduled to be presided over by the Holy Father from February 1 to April 27, 2003:

FEBRUARY

- Saturday, 1, Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Seventh Day of Consecrated Life. In the Vatican Basilica at 5:30 p.m. blessing of candles and procession; Mass with members of the Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Society of Apostolic Life.

- Tuesday, 11, Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. In the Vatican Basilica at 4:30 p.m., Mass for the "Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi" and UNITALSI, presided in the name of the Holy Father by Cardinal Camillo Ruini. At the end of the celebration, the Holy Father will greet and bless the sick present in the basilica.

MARCH

- Wednesday, 5, Ash Wednesday. Mass and blessing and distribution of ashes in the Basilica of St. Sabina at 4:30 p.m.

- Friday, 7. Consistory for a number of causes of canonization in the Apostolic Palace at 11 a.m.

- Sunday, 9, First Sunday of Lent. In the Apostolic Palace, "Redemptoris Mater" Chapel at 6 p.m., beginning of spiritual exercises for the Roman Curia.

- Saturday, 15. At 9 a.m. in the "Redemptoris Mater" Chapel, conclusion of spiritual exercises.

- Sunday, 23, Third Sunday of Lent. At 9:30 a.m. in the Vatican Basilica, beatification of the following Servants of God: Pierre Bonhomme, Maria Dolores Rodriguez Sopena, Maria Caridad Brader, Juana Maria Condesa Lluch, Lazlo Batthyany-Strattman.

APRIL

- Sunday, 13, Palm Sunday; 18th World Youth Day. In St. Peter's Square at 10 a.m., blessing of the palms, procession and Mass.

- Thursday, 17, Holy Thursday. Chrism Mass in the Vatican Basilica at 9:30 a.m. At 5:30 p.m. in the Vatican Basilica the beginning of the Easter Triduum; Mass of the Last Supper.

- Friday, 18, Good Friday. Celebration of the Passion of Our Lord in the Vatican Basilica at 5 p.m. In the Colosseum at 9:15 p.m., the Way of the Cross.

- Saturday, 19, Holy Saturday. At 8 p.m. in the Vatican Basilica, Easter Vigil.

- Sunday, 20, Easter Sunday. Mass and "Urbi et Orbi" blessing at 10:30 a.m. in St. Peter's Square.

- Sunday, 27, Second Sunday of Easter. In St. Peter's Square at 10:30 a.m., beatification of the following Servants of God: Giacomo Alberione, Marco D'Aviano, Maria Cristina Brando, Eugenia Ravasco, Maria Domenica Mantovani, Guilia Salzano.

JPII-CALENDAR;FEBRUARY-APRIL;...;...;VIS;20030128;Word: 410;

HOLY FATHER ADDRESSES MEETING OF FAMILIES IN MANILA

VATICAN CITY, JAN 25, 2003 (VIS) - One of the principal celebrations of the Fourth World Meeting of Families, which started January 22 in Manila, took place this afternoon in the presence of delegates from 77 countries, the papal envoy, Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo, president of the Pontifical Council for the Family, and prelates from the Philippines and around the world.

A focal moment of the ceremony, which began at 6 p.m. local time (11 a.m. in Rome) and included a liturgy of the light and testimonials from families representing the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania, was a television linkup with Pope John Paul. The Pope blessed the candles that were used and led a brief prayer referring to light. Following the witnessing by families, the Holy Father addressed the assembly, estimated to be 2 million faithful.

John Paul II spoke in English to the families and his speech was also released in Italian, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese and Polish. At the end of his speech he said he was "pleased to announce that the Fifth World Meeting of Families will be held in Valencia, Spain, in 2006."

"My thoughts and prayers are with you, dear families of the Philippines and from throughout the world, as you gather in Manila for your Fourth World Meeting," began the Pope. "With great affection I greet all of you in the name of the Lord! On this occasion I also offer a prayerful greeting to all the families of the world which you represent."

"In the theological-pastoral session just concluded," he noted, "you discussed the theme: 'The Christian Family: Good News for the Third Millennium'. I chose these words with your World Meeting in mind, in order to highlight the sublime mission of the family."

John Paul II entreated Christian families "to proclaim joyfully to the whole world the wonderful treasure which you, as domestic churches, possess! Christian couples, in your communion of life and love, in your mutual self-giving and in your generous openness to children, become, in Christ, the light of the world."

"Above all," he urged, "be 'good news' for the third millennium by remaining faithful to your vocation. Whether you were married recently or many years ago, the Sacrament of Matrimony continues to be your own special way of being disciples of Jesus, contributing to the spread of the Kingdom of God and growing in the holiness to which all Christians are called."

The Pope told married couples to "accept fully and without reserve the love which, in the Sacrament of Matrimony, God first gave to you. ... Stand firm in the one conviction which can give meaning, strength and joy to your life: Christ's love will never abandon you, His covenant of peace with you will never fail."

"The grace which you received in marriage," he remarked, "remains with you through the years. Its source is in the pierced heart of the Redeemer. ... It is the grace of a selfless love which forgets the hurt it has suffered, a love faithful unto death, a love bursting with new life. It is the grace of a generous love, which believes all things, bears all things, hopes all things, endures all things, a love which has no end, a love which is greater than all else."

The Holy Father said he knew that "such a love is not always easy. Daily life is full of pitfalls, tensions, suffering and even fatigue. But on this journey you are not alone. Jesus is always present at your side, just as he was for the newlyweds at Cana in Galilee during a moment of difficulty."

"Be 'good news for the third millennium'," exhorted the Pope, "by bearing convincing and consistent witness to the truth about the family. The family founded on marriage is a patrimony of humanity, a great good of priceless value, necessary for the life, development and the future of peoples. According to the plan of creation established in the beginning, the family is the setting in which the human person, made in the image and likeness of God, is conceived and born, grows and matures."

He told his audience that he was "grateful for the testimonies which you have given this evening, and which I have carefully followed. They bring to mind my own experiences as a priest, as Archbishop of Krakow and in the nearly twenty-five years of my papacy. As I have often said, the future of humanity passes by way of the family."

John Paul II again urged Christian families "to show by your daily lives that despite numerous difficulties and obstacles marriage is able to be fully lived out as a meaningful experience and as 'good news' for the men and women of today. Be leaders in the Church and in the world."

In concluding, the Pope told couples that "if you wish to be 'good news for the third millennium', do not forget that family prayer is a sure way to remain united in a way of life in harmony with God's will. When I proclaimed the Year of the Rosary several months ago, I recommended this Marian devotion as a prayer of the family and for the family. By reciting the Rosary, families 'place Jesus at the center, they share His joys and sorrows, they place their needs and their plans in His hands, they draw from Him the hope and the strength to go on'."

The Pope then imparted his Apostolic Blessing and told couples to "make the Gospel the guiding light of your families."

AC;MEETING FAMILIES;...;MANILA;VIS;20030127;Word: 900;

TELEGRAM FOR DEATH OF SENATOR GIOVANNI AGNELLI

VATICAN CITY, JAN 25, 2003 (VIS) - Following is the telegram of condolences sent by Pope John Paul to Cardinal Severino Poletto, archbishop of Turin, upon the death of Senator Giovanni Agnelli yesterday morning in Turin at the age of 81:

"Having learned the sad news of the death of Senator Giovanni Agnelli, I entrust to you the task of conveying to his wife Marella and family members the expression of my deep participation in their sorrow due to this grave loss. In remembering such a prominent protagonist in important moments in Italian history who knew how to give of himself with generous entrepreneurship for the good and economic and social development of the country, I raise fervent prayers for the repose of the soul of the illustrious and mourned attorney and I invoke from divine goodness eternal peace for his soul while I impart a special, heartfelt and comforting apostolic blessing on his family members and all those who mourn his loss."

TGR;DEATH AGNELLI;...;...;VIS;20030127;Word: 170;

CATHOLIC CHURCH, ANCIENT EASTERN CHURCHES MEET IN ROME

VATICAN CITY, JAN 27, 2003 (VIS) - The following communique was published today by the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity:

"The Catholic Church and the Ancient Eastern Churches - Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate of Egypt, Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch, Armenian Apostolic Church (Seat of Etchmiadzine and of Antelias in Lebanon), Orthodox Church of Ethiopia, Orthodox Church of Eritrea, Malankar Orthodox Syrian Church - begin a second phase of dialogue on January 27, 28 and 29, 2003 in Rome, during a meeting that will take place at the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. During the first phase of this dialogue, Pope John Paul II and the authorities of these Churches signed important declarations of Christological accord. The present meeting has a preparatory character and intends to establish themes and methods for future dialogue. On Tuesday January 28, members of the preparatory committee will be received in audience by the Pope.

"The Ancient Churches were separated from the Church of Rome and from Byzantium in response to the Council of Chalcedon in 451."

CON-UC;ANCIENT CHURCHES EAST;...;...;VIS;20030127;Word: 200;

POPE FOCUSSES ANGELUS REMARKS ON THE FAMILY, LEPERS, PEACE

VATICAN CITY, JAN 26, 2003 (VIS) - Appearing at his study window at noon today, Pope John Paul addressed the pilgrims assembled in St. Peter's Square, reminding everyone of the just-concluded Fourth Meeting of Families in Manila, the Philippines. He said that the meeting's theme, "The Christian Family: Good News for the Third Millennium," was "very significant," adding that "the faithful union of a man and a woman, blessed by Christ's grace, constitutes an authentic Gospel of life and hope for mankind."

"In the Apostolic Exhortation 'Familiaris consortio', I wrote that the future of society goes through the family," the Pope recalled. "But what family are we talking about? Certainly not the unauthentic one based on individual egoism. Experience shows that such a 'caricature' of the family has no future and cannot give a future to any society."

He explained that "the family is, rather, 'good news' in the measure in which it welcomes and makes its own the perennial vocation that God gave at the start of mankind. This primary life project is also shared, thank God, by many non-Christian couples. The family thus appears today as a privileged path of dialogue among diverse religions and cultures, and therefore as a path of reconciliation and peace."

The Holy Father then prayed the angelus with the faithful, after which he remarked on today's celebration of the World Day of Lepers as well as the day of peace marked by the young boys and girls of Catholic Action in Rome.

On the former, he noted that 2003 "marks the centenary of the birth of Raoul Follereau, whose name is forever linked to the fight against leprosy, poverty and marginalization. How current is his appeal which invites us all to earmark resources not for bellicose arsenals but rather for the fight against misery and illness!"

John Paul II was then joined by two young people from Catholic Action, who released doves from his window "as a message of fraternity and hope." Catholic Action dedicates the last Sunday of January to peace.

ANG;FAMILIES; LEPROSY; PEACE;...;...;VIS;20030127;Word: 350;

LET THE SPIRIT GUIDE US ON THE PATH OF ECUMENISM

VATICAN CITY, JAN 25, 2003 (VIS) - At 6 p.m. today, feast of the conversion of St. Paul, the Holy Father was joined by representatives of other Churches and ecclesial communities of Rome to celebrate second vespers at St. Paul's Outside-the-Walls Basilica, thus concluding the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. He welcomed the representatives as "beloved brothers and sisters, ... united by the one Baptism in the Lord Jesus Christ."

The Pope began his homily by noting that the theme of the week of prayer, "We have this treasure in earthen vessels," was taken from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians. He remarked that "All Christians are thus called to press forward on their earthly pilgrimage without letting themselves be overwhelmed by difficulties or afflictions, in the certainty that they will overcome all obstacles thanks to the help and the power which come from on high."

"As Christians," he went on, "we know that we are called to bear witness before the world to the 'glorious Gospel' which Christ has given to us. In His name, let us unite our efforts in order to be at the service of peace and reconciliation, justice and solidarity, especially at the side of the poor and the least of the earth."

Pointing to the "many abundant fruits" that God "has lavished on the path of ecumenism," John Paul II recalled the interreligious Day of Prayer for World Peace held in Assisi one year ago, his various meetings with leaders of other Churches this past year, especially those of Orthodox Churches, and with Archbishop George Carey of Canterbury, "at the conclusion of his mandate."
"At the same time," the Pope commented, "we cannot fail to acknowledge realistically the difficulties, the problems and at times the disappointments which we still encounter. At times we sense a certain weariness, a lack of fervor, while still experiencing that pain that we are not yet able to share the Eucharistic banquet."

"In the present situation of ecumenism," the Holy Father underscored, "it is important to realize that only the Spirit of God is in a position to give us full visible unity. That is why we need to stress the importance of spiritual ecumenism, ... (though) this does not mean in any way lessening, or downplaying theological dialogue, which has borne abundant fruits in recent decades. ... Spiritual ecumenism opens our eyes and our hearts to the understanding of revealed truth, and enables us to recognize it and welcome it, thanks also to the insights of other Christians."

He then remarked on the "encouraging signs of a promising revival of spiritual life" in ecclesial communities of both East and West. "Nor should we overlook," he added, "the instances in which the clergy of other Churches attend Catholic Universities: guests at our seminaries, they take part in student life in accordance with the ecclesial discipline in force."

Pope John Paul, in concluding remarks about the path of ecumenism, said: "Let us continue then with courage and patience along this path, trusting in the power of the Spirit! It is not for us to set time frames or deadlines; the Lord's promise is enough for us."

HML;PRAYER CHRISTIAN UNITY;...;...;VIS;20030127;Word: 530;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, JAN 27, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Cardinal Joachim Meisner, archbishop of Cologne, Germany, accompanied by Bishop Anton Schlembach of Speyer, Germany.

- Five prelates from the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (Southern Region I) on their "ad limina" visit:

- Archbishop-Bishop Fares Maakaroun of Nossa Senhora do Paraiso em Sao Paulo of the Greek Melkites.

- Bishop Paulo Antonino Mascarenhas Roxo of Mogi das Cruzes.

- Bishop Fernando Mason, O.F.M. Conv., of Caraguatatuba.

- Bishop Luciano Bergamin, C.R.L., of Nova Iguacu.

- Mons. Otavio Dorigon, diocesan administrator of Limeira.

AP; AL;...;...;...;VIS;20030127;Word: 90;

EXCOMMUNICATION OF 7 WOMEN "ORDAINED" IN AUSTRIA IS CONFIRMED

VATICAN CITY, JAN 27, 2003 (VIS) - The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith published the following decree today in Italian, English and German. The decree was dated December 21, 2002 and was approved by Pope John Paul II in an audience granted to Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, prefect of the congregation, on December 20, 2002. Following are highlights:

"On June 29, 2002, Romulo Antonio Braschi, founder of a schismatic community, attempted to ordain the following Catholic women to the priesthood: Christine Mayr-Lumetzberger, Adelinde Roitinger, Gisela Forster, Iris Muller, Ida Raming, Pia Brunner and Dagmar Braun Celeste, who on that occasion identified herself as Angela White.

"Citing the previous interventions of the Bishop of Linz and of the Austrian Episcopal Conference, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith published a statement on July 10, 2002, warning the above-mentioned persons that they would be punished with excommunication if by July 22, 2002, they had not acknowledged the nullity of their 'ordination' and asked forgiveness for the scandal caused to the faithful. As they gave no indication of amendment, this Congregation punished the aforementioned persons with excommunication, reserved to the Apostolic See, in the Decree dated August 5, 2002, expressing the hope that they might be moved to conversion. The Decree also confirmed that the 'ordaining' bishop was already excommunicated insofar as he is a schismatic.

"In a letter dated August 14, 2002, they asked that the Decree of Excommunication be revoked, and then, on September 27, 2002, with reference to canons 1732-1739 CIC, they made recourse against the Decree."

"The request for revocation and the recourse were examined by the 'Sessione Ordinaria' of the Congregation on the 4th and 18th of December 2002. ... In the course of these meetings the Members arrived at the collegial decision to confirm the Decree of Excommunication. In the case under consideration, in fact, hierarchical recourse is not possible, as it concerns a Decree of Excommunication issued by a Dicastery of the Holy See acting in the name of the Supreme Pontiff."

" ... The case under consideration does not involve a 'latae sententiae' penalty, which is incurred 'ipso facto' when a delict expressly established by the law is committed. It concerns instead a 'ferendae sententiae' penalty, imposed after the guilty party has been duly warned (cf. cann. 1314; 1347 1 CIC)."

"The particular gravity of the offenses committed is evident, which can be seen from various aspects.

"a) There is first of all the issue of schism: the above-mentioned women were 'ordained' by a schismatic bishop ... and thereby made themselves accomplices in schism."
"b) In addition there is the doctrinal aspect, namely, that they formally and obstinately reject a doctrine which the Church has always taught and lived, and which was definitively proposed by Pope John Paul II, namely, 'that the Church has no authority whatsoever to confer priestly ordination on women' (Apostolic Letter 'Ordinatio sacerdotalis', n. 4)."

"Moreover, by denying this doctrine, ... they are at odds with the doctrine on the Magisterium of the Successor of Peter, ... and they thereby fail to recognize that the teachings of the Supreme Pontiff on doctrines to be held definitively by all the faithful are irreformable.

"The refusal to comply with the penal precept established by this Congregation is further aggravated by the fact that some of the above-mentioned women have been gathering round them members of the faithful, in open and divisive disobedience to the Roman Pontiff and diocesan bishops. In view of the gravity of this contumacy (cf. can. 1347 CIC), the penalty imposed is not only just, but also necessary, in order to protect true doctrine, to safeguard the communion and unity of the Church and to guide the consciences of the faithful.

"The above-mentioned Members of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith therefore confirm the Decree of Excommunication issued on August 5, 2002, specifying once again that the attempted priestly ordination of the aforementioned women is null and invalid (cf. can. 1024 CIC) and therefore all those actions proper to the Order of Priesthood performed by them are also null and invalid (cf. cann. 124; 841 CIC). In consequence of the excommunication, they are forbidden to celebrate sacraments or sacramentals, to receive the sacraments and to exercise any function in an ecclesiastical office, ministry or assignment (cf. can. 1331 1 CIC)."

"At the same time, it is hoped that, sustained by the grace of the Holy Spirit, they might discover the path to conversion and so return to the unity of faith and to communion with the Church, a communion broken by their action."

CDF;DECREE; EXCOMMUNICATIONS;...;RATZINGER;VIS;20030127;Word: 750;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, JAN 27, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Fr. Pascal Roland, professor at the St. Sulpice Seminary in Issy-les-Moulineaux, France as bishop of Moulins (area 7,381, population 344,721, Catholics 284,000, priests 114, permanent deacons 19, religious 397), France. The bishop-elect was born in Chatou, France in 1951 and was ordained a priest in 1979.

On Saturday January 25 it was made public that the Holy Father:

- Appointed Bishop Francisco Robles Ortega of Toluca, Mexico as metropolitan archbishop of Monterrey (area 17,886, population 4,720,00, Catholics 4,500,000, priests 455, permanent deacons 6, religious 957), Mexico. The archbishop-elect was born in Mascota, Mexico in 1949 and was ordained a priest in 1976. The Holy Father accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese presented by Cardinal Adolfo Antonio Suarez Rivera upon having reached the age limit.

- Accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Lichinga, Mozambique, presented by Bishop Louis Gonzaga Fereira da Silva, S.J. upon having reached the age limit.

- Appointed Bishop Michel Christian Cartateguy, S.M.A., auxiliary of Niamey, Niger as bishop of the same diocese (area 200,000, population 5,000,000, Catholics 18,500, priests 30, religious 87). He accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Niamey, Niger presented by Bishop Guy Romano, C.SS.R., in accordance with Canon 401, para. 2, of the Code of Canon Law.

- Appointed Fr. John Hsane Hgyi, rector of the National Theological Major Seminary in Yangon, Myanmar as auxiliary of the diocese of Pathein (area 25,328, population 4,572,766, Catholics 66,946, priests 54, religious 158), Myanmar. The bishop-elect was born in 1953 in Pyingadoe Mayanchaung, Myanmar and was ordained a priest in 1982.

RE; NER; NEA;...;...;...;VIS;20030127;Word: 260;

WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY: THE MEDIA AT THE SERVICE OF PEACE

VATICAN CITY, JAN 24, 2003 (VIS) - Made public today was Pope John Paul's Message for the 37th World Communications Day which will be celebrated on June 1, 2003 on the theme: "The Communications Media at the Service of Authentic Peace in the Light of 'Pacem in Terris'." The Message, dated today, the feast of St. Francis de Sales, patron of journalists, was published in English, Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese and German.

Following are excerpts:

"In the dark days of the Cold War, Blessed Pope John XXIII's Encyclical Letter 'Pacem in Terris' came as a beacon of hope to men and women of good will. Declaring that authentic peace requires 'diligent observance of the divinely established order (Pacem in Terris, 1), the Holy Father pointed to truth, justice, charity and freedom as the pillars of a peaceful society.

"Pope John XXIII had the media especially in mind when he called for 'fairness and impartiality' in the use of 'instruments for the promotion and spread of mutual understanding between nations' afforded by science and technology."

"Today, ... peace, justice and social stability are still lacking in many parts of the world. Terrorism, conflict in the Middle East and other regions, threats and counter-threats, injustice, exploitation, and assaults upon the dignity and sanctity of human life, both before and after birth, are dismaying realities of our times. Meanwhile, the power of the media to shape human relationships and influence political and social life, both for good and for ill, has enormously increased."

"Media and Truth. The fundamental moral requirement of all communication is respect for and service of the truth. ... The mass media have an inescapable responsibility in this sense, since they constitute the modern arena in which ideas are shared and people can grow in mutual understanding and solidarity. This is why Pope John XXIII defended the right 'to freedom in investigating the truth and - within the limits of the moral order and the common good - to freedom of speech and publication' as necessary conditions for social peace.

"In fact, the media often do render courageous service to the truth; but sometimes they function as agents of propaganda and disinformation in the service of narrow interests, national, ethnic, racial, and religious prejudices, material greed and false ideologies of various kinds. It is imperative that the pressures brought to bear on the media to err in such ways be resisted first of all by the men and women of the media themselves, but also by the Church and other concerned groups.

"Media and Justice. ... The global outreach of the media carries with it special responsibilities in this regard. While it is true that the media often belong to particular interest groups, private and public, the very nature of their impact on life requires that they must not serve to set one group against another - for example, in the name of class conflict, exaggerated nationalism, racial supremacy, ethnic cleansing, and the like. Setting some against others in the name of religion is a particularly serious failure against truth and justice, as is discriminatory treatment of religious beliefs, since these belong to the deepest realm of the human person's dignity and freedom."

"Media and Freedom. Freedom is a precondition of true peace as well as one of its most precious fruits. The media serve freedom by serving truth: they obstruct freedom to the extent that they depart from what is true by disseminating falsehoods or creating a climate of unsound emotional reaction to events. Only when people have free access to true and sufficient information can they pursue the common good and hold public authority accountable. If the media are to serve freedom, they themselves must be free and correctly use that freedom. Their privileged status obliges the media to rise above purely commercial concerns and serve society's true needs and interests. Although some public regulation of the media in the interests of the common good is appropriate, government control is not. Reporters and commentators in particular have a grave duty to follow the demands of their moral conscience and to resist pressures to 'adapt' the truth to satisfy the demands of wealth or political power."

"Media and Love. ... Blessed Pope John XXIII expressed this simple but profound thought ... 'True peace among nations must depend not on the possession of an equal supply of weapons, but solely upon mutual trust'.

"The communications media are key actors in today's world, and they have an immense role to play in building that trust. Their power is such that in a few short days they can create the positive or negative public reaction to events which suits their purposes. Reasonable people will realize that such enormous power calls for the highest standards of commitment to truth and goodness. In this sense the men and women of the media are especially bound to contribute to peace in all parts of the world by breaking down the barriers of mistrust, fostering consideration of the point of view of others, and striving always to bring peoples and nations together in mutual understanding and respect - and beyond understanding and respect, to reconciliation and mercy!"

"Challenging as all this is, it is by no means asking too much of the men and women of the media. For by vocation as well as by profession they are called to be agents of truth, justice, freedom, and love, contributing by their important work to a social order 'founded on truth, built up on justice, nurtured and animated by charity, and brought into effect under the auspices of freedom'."

MESS;MEDIA; PEACE;...;WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY;VIS;20030124;Word: 940;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, JAN 24, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Appointed the following as auxiliaries of the archdiocese of Chicago (area 3,653, population 5,803,000, Catholics 2,394,000, priests 1,693, permanent deacons 618, religious 4,673), U.S.A:

- Fr. Francis J. Kane, of the clergy of the same archdiocese and pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Wilmette, U.S.A. Bishop-elect Kane was born in 1942 in Chicago and was ordained a priest in 1969.

- Fr. Thomas J. Paprocki, of the clergy of the same archdiocese and pastor of St. Constance Parish in Chicago. Bishop-elect Paprocki was born in 1952 in Chicago and was ordained a priest in 1978.

- Fr. Gustavo Garcia-Siller, M.Sp.S., superior of the Christ the Priest Vicariate of the Missionaries of the Holy Spirit in California. Bishop-elect Garcia was born in San Luis Potosi, Mexico in 1956 and was ordained a priest in 1984.

- Accepted the resignation from the office of auxiliary of the archdiocese of Chicago, U.S.A., presented by the following prelates upon having reached the age limit: Bishop Raymond E. Goedert, Bishop John R. Gorman and Bishop Thaddeus J. Jakubowski.

- Appointed Bishop Javier Lozano Barragan, president of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Ministry, as his special envoy to the celebration of the 11th World Day of the Sick which will take place on February 11, 2003 in Washington, D.C.

NEA; RE; NA;...;...;...;VIS;20030124;Word: 210;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, JAN 24, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:
- Seven prelates from the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (Southern Region I) on their "ad limina" visit:

- Bishop Luiz Antonio Guedes of Bauru.

- Bishop Orani Joao Tempesta of Rio Preto, apostolic administrator "sede vacante et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis" of the territorial Abbey of Claraval.

- Bishop Francisco Jose Zugliani of Amparo.

- Bishop Eduardo Benes de Sales Rodriguez of Lorena.

- Bishop Gorgonio Alves da Encarnacao Neto, C.R., of Itapetininga.

- Bishop Jose Luiz Bertanha, S.V.D., of Registro.

- Bishop Salvatore Paruzzo of Ourinhos.

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

This afternoon the Holy Father is scheduled to receive in audience Archbishop Angelo Amato, secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

AL; AP;...;...;...;VIS;20030124;Word: 120;

CANONICAL NORMS ARE INSPIRED BY A REALITY THAT TRANSCENDS THEM

VATICAN CITY, JAN 24, 2003 (VIS) - This morning the Pope received participants in an academic day organized by the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the promulgation of the Code of Canon Law.

John Paul II said that "in these twenty years the Church's need for the new Code has been noted. Fortunately, debate about the law has now been overcome. However, it would be naive to ignore what remains to be done in order to consolidate a true juridical-canonical culture in the present circumstances of history, and an ecclesiastical procedure which is attentive to the instrinsical pastoral dimension of the laws of the Church."

The idea of writing a new Code was that pastors and the faithful would have "a clear normative instrument that had the essential aspects of the juridical order. However, it would be simplistic and misleading to view the law of the Church as a mere collection of legislative texts with the vision of juridical positivism. The canonical norms are inspired by a reality that transcends them."

"The new Code of Canon Law - and this criteria is also valid for the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches - must be interpreted and applied with this theological vision. In this way, certain interpretive reductions that impoverish science and canonical procedure, distancing them from their true ecclesiastical horizon, are avoided. This happens, obviously, especially when the canonical norm is put at the service of interests foreign to the faith and Catholic morality."

The Holy Father warned about "a dangerous reductionism that attempts to interpret and apply the ecclesiastical laws, separating them from the doctrine of the Magisterium. If this were to happen, the doctrinal pronouncements would have no disciplinary value, and only the formally legislative acts would have to recognized." However, he continued, "the juridical dimension, being theologically intrinsic to the ecclesiastical realities, can be the object of magisterial teachings, including definitive teachings."

One of the "most significant new aspects" of the two codes, he added, "is the norm that the two texts contain on the duties and rights of the faithful." The personal dimension allows one "to understand better the specific and irreplaceable service that the ecclesiastical hierarchy must lend for the recognition and protection of the rights of the individuals and communities in the Church."

The Pope recalled that the laws, procedures and canonical sanctions "thus acquire their true sense, a sense of authentic pastoral service." This service, he concluded, "sometimes can be misunderstood and challenged: precisely then it becomes more necessary in order to prevent decisions which cause and even unconsciously favor real injustice."

AC;CODE OF CANON LAW;...;...;VIS;20030124;Word: 450;

BISHOPS OF BRAZIL: SECTS, EVANGELIZATION, INCULTURATION, LITURGY

VATICAN CITY, JAN 23, 2003 (VIS) - Pope John Paul met this morning with prelates from Brazil's Southern Region I, who have just completed their quinquennial "ad limina" visit. He framed his remarks on popular devotions, the Eucharist, authentic liturgy and inculturation in Brazil's multi-ethnic society in the context of today's modern society which is both "dramatic and fascinating," and marked by materialism and secularism, yet also by a longing for spiritual values.

The Pope noted that the people of Brazil "are traditionally anchored in the perennial principles of Christianity but have submitted to negative influences of various types," including sects, which are widespread throughout the country and stronger in some areas. He asked: "Is this not perhaps a concrete sign of an unsatisfied aspiration to the supernatural?" He said that this is "an authentic challenge" for pastors who must "renew the style of welcome within ecclesial communities and revitalize the stimulus to a new and courageous evangelization."

"Many times," the Holy Father added, "there is a great lack of religious formation with a consequent indecision about the need for faith in Christ and in adherence to the Church He instituted. There is a tendency to represent religions and various spiritual experiences as levelled down to a minimum common denominator, so that they seem almost equivalent, with the result that every person feels free to pursue indifferently one of the many paths proposed for salvation." This too requires a new, courageous and far-reaching evangelization.

John Paul II turned his attention to the 14th National Eucharistic Congress that had taken place in Brazil and he highlighted the importance of the Eucharist in the life of all Christians. "It is the supreme spiritual good of the Church," he said, "and must be at the center of the pastoral ministry to spread its supernatural strength in all Christian spheres such as evangelization, catechesis and multiple charitable activities as well as a commitment to social renewal and justice in favor of everyone, starting with respect for life and the rights of each person and a commitment in favor of the family."

However, explained the Pope, "to give its full efficacy to the Eucharistic sacrifice, it must always be marked by the worthy and genuine celebration of the mystery, according to the doctrine and directives of the Church, as I have recalled on diverse occasions." Speaking of the Eucharistic celebration - the proclamation of the Word, prayers, rites and all ecclesial symbolism of liturgy - he said that "any manipulation of these elements negatively effects the pedagogy of faith" whereas a correct and authentic liturgy "builds the faith and life of the faithful."

Pope John Paul went on to emphasize the need to observe the Lord's Day, the importance of both collective but especially personal prayer and that liturgy be "a dialogue between God and His people."
Liturgy, stressed the Pope, "must be disciplined only by competent authorities, demanding of everyone a great and respectful fidelity to the authentic rites and texts. An erroneous application of the value of creativity and spontaneity in the celebrations, even if typical of the many manifestations of life of your people, must never alter rites and texts and, above all, the feeling of the mystery being celebrated in the liturgy."

The Holy Father said he recognized that Brazil was a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural society and that each ethnic group, each culture, had an important role to play and contribution to make to the nation as well as to the Church and its "ad gentes" mission. Focussing on the afro-Brazilian culture, he said this brings us "to the delicate question of inculturation, especially in liturgical rites, terminology and in the musical and bodily expressions typical of the afro-Brazilian culture." Whether inculturation involves vestments, songs, language, ceremonies or liturgical objects, there must be "a rigorous application of a serious and profound discernment about its compatibility with the Truth revealed by Jesus Christ."

Authentic Catholic liturgy, he stated, must not be transformed by or confused with "the pantheon of spirit and divinities of African cults. ... The Church views these cults with interest but considers harmful the concrete relativism of a common practice of both (rites) or of a mixture between them as if they had the same value, and (sees it) a danger to the identity of the Catholic faith."

AL;...;...;BRAZIL;VIS;20030123;Word: 720;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, JAN 23, 2003 (VIS) - Today the Holy Father received in separate audiences:

- Archbishop Peter Erdo of Esztergom-Budapest, Hungary.

- Seven prelates from the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (Southern Region I) on their "ad limina" visit:

- Bishop Fernando Antonio Figueiredo, O.F.M., of Santo Amaro.

- Bishop Jacyr Francisco Braido, C.S., of Santos, accompanied by emeritus Bishop David Picao.

- Bishop Joviano de Lima Junior, S.S.S., of Sao Carlos.

- Bishop Jose Moreira de Melo of Itapeva.

- Bishop Carmo Joao Rhoden, S.C.I., of Taubate.

- Bishop David Dias Pimental of Sao Joao da Boa Vista.

Yesterday the Holy Father received in separate audiences:

- Archbishop Tarcisio Bertone, S.D.B., of Genoa, Italy.
- Archbishop Alfio Rapisarda, apostolic nuncio in Portugal.

AL; AP;...;...;...;VIS;20030123;Word: 130;

AUDIENCE FOCUSSES ON WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY

VATICAN CITY, JAN 22, 2003 (VIS) - Pope John Paul's weekly general audience, held in the Paul VI Hall, focussed on the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity which began January 18 and ends January 25 when the Pope will preside at vespers at St. Paul's Outside-the-Walls Basilica. Christian Unity has been a hallmark of the Holy Father's pontificate for the past nearly quarter century.

"The Lord founded one Church and one Church only," he said, citing the Vatican Council II decree on ecumenism, "Unitatis Redintegratio." "However, many Christian communions present themselves to men as the true inheritors of Jesus Christ; all indeed profess to be followers of the Lord but they differ in mind and go their different ways, as if Christ Himself were divided."

The Pope remarked that "the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity offers us the opportunity to pray together, with one voice and one heart, for the precious gift of unity. To borrow an image from St. Paul, we may say that this gift comes to us 'in earthen vessels'. It is therefore fragile and must be handled with utmost care."

"Notwithstanding the sublime nature and the greatness of this gift," explained John Paul II, "human weakness has caused it to not be totally welcomed and valued. In the past, relations between Christians have been sometimes marked by opposition and, in several cases, by reciprocal hatred. All this - as the Vatican Council justly recalled - constitutes a 'scandal' for the world and 'damage' to the preaching of the Gospel."

The Pope asked that Christians always and everywhere make efforts "to overcome every barrier through incessant prayer, by persevering in dialogue and with fraternal and concrete cooperation in favor of the poorest and most needy."

The Holy Father dedicated closing remarks to the petrine ministry and its role in Christian Unity, citing both "Lumen Gentium" and his encyclical "Ut Unum Sint": "It seemed useful to me to propose a common reflection on the ministry of the Bishop of Rome, constituted as 'the perpetual and visible principle and foundation of unity' with an end to finding 'a way of exercising the primacy which, while in no way renouncing what is essential to its mission, is nonetheless open to a new situation."

AG;CHRISTIAN UNITY;...;...;VIS;20030122;Word: 380;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, JAN 22, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed:

- Bishop Odilon Guimaraes Moreira, auxiliary of Vitoria, Brazil as bishop of Itabira-Fabriciano (area 8,724, population 800,000, Catholics 600,000, priests 54, religious 88), Brazil.

- Bishop Augusto Jose Zini Filho, auxiliary of Sao Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil as bishop of Limeira (area 4,958, population 1,325,000, Catholics 1,010,000, priests 83, religious 160), Brazil.

- Fr. Assis Lopes, rector of the Major Seminary in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil as auxiliary of the archdiocese of Sao Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The bishop-elect was born in Rio de Janeiro in 1934 and was ordained a priest in 1968.

NER; NEA;...;...;GUIMARAES; ZINI; LOPES ;VIS;20030122;Word: 90;

TELEGRAM FOR EARTHQUAKE IN MEXICO

VATICAN CITY, JAN 22, 2003 (VIS) - The following telegram was sent by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of state, in the name of Pope John Paul II to Archbishop Giuseppe Bertello, apostolic nuncio in Mexico, for the earthquake that struck the states of Colima and Jalisco last evening, local time:

"The Holy Father, John Paul II, deeply distressed upon learning the sad news of the earthquake in the state of Colima, which has produced so many victims and injured and such grave material damage, offers prayers for the eternal repose of the souls of those who died and raises his fervent prayers so that the Lord may grant His consolation to those affected by this tragedy and that He may inspire in everyone sentiments of solidarity to overcome adversity, encouraged by moral values always open to hope. In addition, I ask Your Excellency to convey the Holy Father's condolences to the family members and to express to those who have been injured his paternal solicitude and sentiments of closeness, at the same time as he encourages institutions and men of good will to provide effective help in these difficult moments with a generous spirit and Christian charity, while he sends his consoling and heartfelt apostolic blessing as a sign of affection to the beloved Mexican people."

TGR;EARTHQUAKE MEXICO;...;SODANO; BERTELLO;VIS;20030122;Word: 220;

FOURTH WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES STARTS TOMORROW IN MANILA

VATICAN CITY, JAN 21, 2003 (VIS) - The Fourth World Meeting of Families, promoted by the Pontifical Council for the Family, starts tomorrow in Manila, the Philippines on the theme chosen by Pope John Paul, "The Christian Family: Good News for the Third Millennium." The Pope's special envoy to the five-day encounter is Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo, council president.

The three previous meetings took place in 1994 in Rome, 1997 in Rio de Janeiro and again in Rome during the Jubilee Year 2000. A communique from the pontifical council states that massive numbers of participants are expected at the encounter, whose logistics are being taken care of by the archdiocese of Manila. Delegates from 75 countries have registered: The largest number is expected to come from the Philippines.

January 22-24 will be dedicated to an International Pastoral Theological Congress on the theme of the world encounter. A separate congress for children and young people, expected to draw 1,000 people, will be held at the same time.

On Saturday, January 25 Eucharistic celebrations will be held for diverse language groups in 16 churches in Manila. That same afternoon there will be the encounter of witnessing and testimonials and the festival of families, including a live television linkup with Pope John Paul in Rome, who will address the families present in Manila.

Cardinal Lopez Trujillo will preside at the concluding Eucharistic celebration on Sunday, January 26.

CON-F;ENCOUNTER FAMILIES;...;LOPEZ TRUJILLO;VIS;20030121;Word: 200;

POPE TO CONCLUDE THE WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY

VATICAN CITY, JAN 21, 2003 (VIS) - On Saturday January 25 at 6 p.m. in the basilica of St. Paul's Outside-the-Walls, the Pope will preside at a celebration of second vespers for the Solemnity of the Conversion of St. Paul in conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity whose theme is: "A treasure in earthen vessels."

According to a communique from the Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff, representatives from other churches and ecclesiastical communities present in Rome will participate in the celebration. In addition, the clergy and faithful of the diocese of Rome have been specially invited.

OCL;VESPERS; CHRISTIAN UNITY;...;...;VIS;20030121;Word: 110;

JOHN PAUL II BLESSES BABY LAMBS ON FEAST OF ST. AGNES

VATICAN CITY, JAN 21, 2003 (VIS) - This morning in the Apostolic Palace, following a centuries-old tradition, Pope John Paul blessed several lambs whose wool will be used to make the palliums bestowed on new metropolitan archbishops on the June 29 feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles.

In a 1978 document, "Inter Eximina Episcopalis," Pope Paul VI restricted use of the pallium to the Pope and to metropolitan archbishops. In 1984 John Paul II decreed that the pallium would be conferred on the metropolitans on the June 29th solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul.

The custom of blessing the lambs takes place every year on the January 21 liturgical memory of St. Agnes, a virgin who suffered martyrdom about 305 A.D. and whose symbol is a lamb. She is buried in the basilica named for her in Rome on the Via Nomentana and after the papal blessing the lambs are brought to this basilica.

The lambs are raised by the Trappist Fathers of the Abbey of the Three Fountains and the palliums are made by the Sisters of St. Cecelia from the newly-shorn wool.

JPII-BLESSING LAMBS;ST AGNES;...;...;VIS;20030121;Word: 200;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, JAN 21, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience eight prelates from the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (Southern Region I) on their "ad limina" visit:

- Bishop Luiz Eugenio Perez of Japoticabal, accompanied by Coadjutor Bishop Fernando Antonio Bronchini.

- Bishop Moacyr Jose Vitti of Piracicaba.

- Bishop Ireneu Danelon, S.D.B., of Lins.

- Bishop Ercilio Turco of Osasco.

- Bishop Joseph Mahfouz, O.L.M., of Nossa Senhora do Libano em Sao Paulo of the Maronites.

- Bishop Luiz Gonzaga Bergonzini of Guarulhos.
- Bishop Jose Maria Liborio Camino Saracho of Presidente Prudente.

AL;...;...;...;VIS;20030121;Word: 90;

TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NEW CODE OF CANON LAW

VATICAN CITY, JAN 21, 2003 (VIS) - The Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts has organized an academic day on January 24 entitled, "Twenty years of canonical experience 1983-2003," in order to commemorate the twenty year anniversary of John Paul's promulgation of the new Code of Canon Law which Blessed John XXIII considered the disciplinary culmination of the Second Vatican Council.

The day will be celebrated in the New Synod Hall in the Vatican and will be presided by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of State. After Archbishop Julian Herranz, president of the dicastery, greets participants, the deans of the seven faculties of Canon Law in Rome will speak.

In the late morning, the Holy Father will receive participants in audience.

...;CANON LAW DAY;...;...;VIS;20030121;Word: 130;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, JAN 21, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Appointed Fr. Jorge Alberto Ossa Soto, vicar general and rector of St. Pius X Major Seminary in Istmina-Tado, Colombia as bishop of Florencia (area 15,441, population 260,000, Catholics 225,000, priests 47, religious 70), Colombia. The bishop-elect was born in El Carmen de Viboral, Colombia in 1956 and was ordained a priest in 1982.

- Appointed Fr. Joseph Boishu, delegate for the Formation of Lay People and for New Ministries for the archdiocese of Rennes, France as auxiliary bishop of Reims (area 6,931, population 597,522, Catholics 565,022, priests 175, permanent deacons 20, religious 363), France. The bishop-elect was born in 1939 in La Guerche, France and was ordained a priest in 1966. The Holy Father accepted the resignation from the office of auxiliary of the same diocese presented by Bishop Francois Gourgouillon in conformity with Canon 411 and Canon 401, para. 2, of the Code of Canon Law.

NER; RE; NEA;...;...;OSSA; BOISHU; GOURGOUILLON;VIS;20030121;Word: 150;

PROMOTING ECUMENISM MUST BE A CONSTANT CONCERN

VATICAN CITY, JAN 18, 2003 (VIS) - Fifteen members of the administrative council of the Catholic Committee for Cultural Collaboration were welcomed this morning by the Holy Father who expressed his appreciation for the work "of ecclesial support for the Orthodox Churches and the ancient Churches of the East" that the members of this consultative body have been undertaking for years.

He noted that their activities include "giving scholarships to Orthodox candidates presented by their own ecclesial authorities; sending books and literature, especially theological and patristic, to Orthodox seminaries and libraries; promoting special projects in these seminaries and in institutes of formation."

The Pope added that the presence of Orthodox scholarship candidates "expresses an efficacious synergy which helps activate a basic element of the ecumenical commitment: the exchange of gifts among the Churches in their complementarity."

"At the beginning of the new millennium," affirmed the Holy Father in conclusion, "in this period of transition between what has been accomplished and what we are called to accomplish in order to promote the ecumenical path up to the point of reaching full communion, we have an inescapable duty: ... That of favoring capillary reception of the results already reached in the various ecumenical initiatives, not losing the occasion to underline that promoting the ecumenical commitment must be a constant concern in the work of formation."

AC;CULTURAL EXCHANGE; ORTHODOX;...;...;VIS;20030120;Word: 230;

PRIESTS MUST BE HOLY AND EDUCATORS OF HOLINESS

VATICAN CITY, JAN 18, 2003 (VIS) - Today the Holy Father received superiors and students from the diocesan seminary of Rome, "Almo Collegio Capranica," on the occasion of the feast of its patroness, St. Agnes, on January 21.

The Pope told the students that "the lesson that we can learn from St. Agnes is heroic constancy in the faith 'usque ad effusionem sanguinis'. This young martyr invites us to persevere with fidelity in our mission, even to the point of sacrificing our life if necessary. It calls for an interior disposition that must be fed daily with prayer and a serious ascetic program."

"Priests," he continued, "called to be enlighhtened guides and coherent examples of Christian life for the People of God, cannot fall short of the faith that the Lord and His Church place in them. They must be holy and they must be educators of holiness with their teaching, but even more with their witness. This is the 'martyrdom' to which God calls them, a martyrdom which, even though it does involve violent bloodshed, always requires that bloodless but 'heroic constancy in the faith' which characterizes the existence of the true disciples of Christ."

AC;...;...;ALMO COLLEGIO CAPRANICA;VIS;20030120;Word: 210;

WITNESS CEASELESSLY TO THE BEAUTY OF MARRIAGE, THE FAMILY

VATICAN CITY, JAN 20, 2003 (VIS) - The Pope today welcomed 300 members of Les Equipes Notre Dame (Teams of Our Lady), which is an international movement of married couples founded in France and dedicated to promoting the spiritual life of couples through prayer and study. He thanked them for the fruits generated worldwide by their movement and encouraged them to "witness ceaselessly and in an explicit manner to the greatness and beauty of human love, marriage and the family."

He noted that the movement is celebrating the centenary of the birth of its founder, Fr. Henri Caffarel who, he said, "showed the greatness and beauty of the vocation to marriage and ... underscored the call to holiness linked to conjugal and family life" and developed a specific spirituality for married couples.

"In the face of the threats that weigh on the family and the factors that make it so fragile, the theme of your (world meeting in Rome), 'Couples called by Christ to the New Covenant,' is especially opportune," remarked the Holy Father. "By their entire life, Christian spouses receive the mission to show, in a visible way, God's unfailing covenant with the world. The Christian faith presents marriage as the Good News: a reciprocal and total relation that is unique and indissoluble, between a man and a woman, who are called to give life."

The Pope highlighted the importance of the Eucharist in the life of a married couple and invited couples to draw their strength from it. He also underscored the importance of "teams participating ever more actively in ecclesial life, especially by being close to young people, who are awaiting the Christian message about human love, which is both demanding and exalting."

John Paul II told his guests that he thanked God "for the fruits of your movement worldwide," but added that his prayers also accompanied those homes and couples in difficulty. "I desire to express my spiritual closeness to separated people, the divorced and the divorced and remarried who, as baptized persons, are called, in respect of the Church's rules, to participate in Christian life."

AC;MARRIAGE;...;OUR LADY'S TEAMS;VIS;20030120;Word: 350;

ROME CELEBRATES DIOCESAN DAY OF THE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

VATICAN CITY, JAN 19, 2003 (VIS) - Following the Angelus prayer recited with pilgrims assembled in St. Peter's Square, the Holy Father greeted the administrators, teachers, students and parents of Rome's Catholic schools who are celebrating today the Diocesan Day of the Catholic School on the theme "Family, School, Community. Together for Educating to a Project of Life."

Noting the "integral vision of the human person that Catholic schools offer to young people," John Paul II thanked "all those who live and work in Catholic schools," and said he "hopes that every family will have the concrete possibility to choose this type of school for its own children. I express appreciation for the quality of service that is given and for the tenacity and spirit of sacrifice with which current difficulties are being faced. I encourage everyone to pursue this precious mission which is well inserted in the diocesan pastoral program on the theme of vocations."

ANG;CATHOLICS SCHOOLS;...;...;VIS;20030120;Word: 160;

THE CHURCH CELEBRATES WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY

VATICAN CITY, JAN 19, 2003 (VIS) - Pope John Paul, addressing the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square below his apartment window before praying the Angelus with them, noted that yesterday began the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. This is celebrated each year from January 18 to 25, except, as the Pope said, in the southern hemisphere where it is celebrated near Pentecost.

"This year," he explained, "the theme is 'A treasure as in earthen vessels', taken from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians. In our hearts gleams the awareness of divine glory which shines brightly on the face of Christ; we, however, carry this treasure 'in earthen vessels', that is, in the fragility of our human condition so that 'it appears that the extraordinary power comes from God and not from us'."

The Holy Father stated that today's reflections for the week of prayer for unity come from the same text of St. Paul and say: "'We are afflicted in every way but not crushed'. Yes, we are oppressed by divisions and there are many barriers which still separate us! But we are not crushed because the Lord's glory, which shines on us, continues to lead us to purification and reciprocal pardon and infuses light and strength on the prayer that together we raise to God so that He will heal the wounds of our division."

The Pope reminded the faithful that on January 25 he will close the week of prayer by presiding at the celebration of vespers in the basilica of St. Paul's Outside-the-Walls.

ANG;CHRISTIAN UNITY;...;...;VIS;20030120;Word: 260;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, JAN 20, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father erected the Military Ordinariate in Slovakia and appointed Bishop Frantisek Rabek, auxiliary of Nitra, Slovakia, as military ordinary.

On Saturday January 18 it was made public that the Holy Father appointed Archbishop Tarcisio Bertone of Genoa, Italy, as a member of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

ECE; NER; NA;...;...;... ;VIS;20030120;Word: 60;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, JAN 20, 2003 (VIS) - Today the Holy Father received in separate audiences:

- Five prelates from the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (Southern Region I) on their "ad limina" visit:

- Bishop Decio Pereira of Santo Andre, accompanied by Auxiliary Bishop Airton Jose dos Santos.

- Bishop Fernando Legal, S.D.B., of Sao Miguel Paulista.

- Bishop Osvaldo Giuntini of Marilia.

- Bishop Antonio Gaspar of Barretos.

- Archbishop Celestino Migliore, apostolic nuncio and permanent observer to the United Nations.

On Saturday January 18 the Holy Father received in separate audiences:

- Three prelates from the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (Southern Region I) on their "ad limina" visit:

- Bishop Antonio Celso Queiroz of Catanduva.

- Bishop Emilio Pignoli of Campo Limpo.

- Bishop Amaury Castanho of Jundiai.

- Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of state, accompanied by family members.

AL; AP;...;...;...;VIS;20030120;Word: 140;

FINNISH ECUMENICAL DELEGATION: REAL BUT INCOMPLETE COMMUNION

VATICAN CITY, JAN 20, 2003 (VIS) - This morning the Pope received members of an ecumenical delegation from Finland who came to Rome to celebrate the feast of their patron, St. Henrik.

John Paul II recalled that the "Second Vatican Council committed the Catholic Church 'irrevocably to following the path of the ecumenical venture, thus heeding the Spirit of the Lord Who teaches people to interpret carefully the 'signs of the times'."

"This is an invitation," he continued, "that I have embraced throughout my Pontificate. At this time, we recognize a new ecumenical moment in which we can acknowledge a real, if still incomplete, communion. The Joint Declaration of the Doctrine of Justification is a concrete sign of this new situation as a 'brotherhood rediscovered'."
The Holy Father expressed the hope that "by building on this brotherhood we can further promote a shared spirituality which will assist us in our pilgrimage towards full communion."

AC;ECUMENISM;...;DELEGATION FINLAND;VIS;20030120;Word: 160;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, JAN 17, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Bishop Tomislav Koljatic Maroevic, auxiliary of Concepcion, Chile, as bishop of Linares (area 15,110, population 395,574, Catholics 323,670, priests 57, permanent deacons 15, religious 146), Chile. He accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese presented by Bishop Carlos Marcio Camus Larenas upon having reached the age limit.

NER; RE;...;...;KOLJATIC; CAMUS ;VIS;20030117;Word: 60;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, JAN 17, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience:

- Seven prelates from the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (Southern Region I) on their "ad limina" visit:

- Archbishop Gilberto Pereira Lopes of Campinas.

- Archbishop Jose Lambert, C.S.S., of Sorocaba.

- Archbishop Arnaldo Ribeiro of Ribeirao Preto.

- Bishop Diogenes Silvas Matthes of Franca, accompanied by Coadjutor Bishop Caetano Ferrari.

- Bishop Antonio de Sousa of Assis, C.S.S., accompanied by Coadjutor Bishop Mauricio Grotto de Camargo.

- Cardinal Camillo Ruini, vicar general for the Diocese of Rome and president of the Italian Episcopal Conference.

AL;...;...;...;VIS;20030117;Word: 80;

LEAD AN EXEMPLARY LIFE IN FULL ADHERENCE TO CHRIST

VATICAN CITY, JAN 17, 2003 (VIS) - This morning John Paul II received members of the Inspectorate of Public Safety in the Vatican as is customary at the beginning of the new year. During the encounter, he thanked them for their service and "faithful protection."

"This is a good occasion," said the Pope, "to renew the expression of my esteem and recognition for the work that you carry out in a discreet and effective manner, sometimes sacrificing also the understandable desires of your families. May God reward you."

The Holy Father recommended that their "daily activity, in contact with the crowds of pilgrims and visitors who are going to see the Successor of Peter, be a stimulus to deepen ever more your faith. May being close to the tombs of the Apostles be a constant call to lead an exemplary life inspired in full adherence to Christ." He concluded by saying: "Be sure of this: faithfulness to your own religious and moral convictions and the coherent application of the principles of the Gospel constitute a source of true peace and intimate joy."

AC;...;...;VATICAN INSPECTORATE;VIS;20030117;Word: 190;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, JAN 16, 2003 (VIS) - Today the Holy Father received in separate audiences:

- Cardinal Frederic Etsou-Nzabi-Bamungwabi, C.I.C.M., archbishop of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

- Bishop Jorge Enrique Jimenez Carvajal, C.I.M., of Zipaquira, Colombia, president of the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM).

AP;...;...;... ;VIS;20030116;Word: 40;

NOTE ON THE PARTICIPATION OF CATHOLICS IN POLITICAL LIFE

VATICAN CITY, JAN 16, 2002 (VIS) - Made public today by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith was a Doctrinal Note On Some Questions Regarding the Participation of Catholics in Political Life. It is addressed to the bishops of the Catholic Church and to all the lay faithful called to participate in the public and political life of democratic societies.

The Note, dated November 24, 2002, Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe, is signed by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger and Archbishop Tarcisio Bertone, S.D.B., respectively prefect and secretary of the dicastery. The text has been published in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German and Portuguese and consists of four chapters and a conclusion.
Following are excerpts from the document:

"I. A CONSTANT TEACHING. The commitment of Christians in the world has found a variety of expressions in the course of the past 2000 years. One such expression has been Christian involvement in political life. ... Among the saints, the Church venerates many men and women who served God through their generous commitment to politics and government. Among these, Saint Thomas More, who was proclaimed Patron of Statesmen and Politicians, gave witness by his martyrdom to 'the inalienable dignity of the human conscience'. ... He taught by his life and his death that 'man cannot be separated from God, nor politics from morality'. ... By fulfilling their civic duties, 'guided by a Christian conscience', in conformity with its values, the lay faithfully exercise their proper task of infusing the temporal order. ... The present Note does not seek to set out the entire teaching of the Church on this matter, which is summarized in its essentials in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, but intends only to recall some principles proper to the Christian conscience, which inspire the social and political involvement of Catholics in democratic societies."

"II. CENTRAL POINTS IN THE CURRENT CULTURAL AND POLITICAL DEBATE. A kind of cultural relativism exists today, evident in the conceptualization and defense of an ethical pluralism, which sanctions the decadence and disintegration of reason and the principles of the natural moral law. Furthermore, it is not unusual to hear the opinion expressed in the public sphere that such ethical pluralism is the very condition for democracy."

"Such relativism, of course, has nothing to do with the legitimate freedom of Catholic citizens to choose among the various political opinions that are compatible with faith and the natural moral law, and to select, according to their own criteria, what best corresponds to the needs of the common good. Political freedom is not ' and cannot be ' based upon the relativistic idea that all conceptions of the human person's good have the same value and truth. ... If Christians must 'recognize the legitimacy of differing points of view about the organization of worldly affairs', they are also called to reject, as injurious to democratic life, a conception of pluralism that reflects moral relativism. Democracy must be based on the true and solid foundation of non-negotiable ethical principles, which are the underpinning of life in society. ... The democratic structures on which the modern state is based would be quite fragile were its foundation not the centrality of the human person. It is respect for the person that makes democratic participation possible."

"Scientific progress has resulted in advances that are unsettling for the consciences of men and women and call for solutions that respect ethical principles in a coherent and fundamental way. ... John Paul II, continuing the constant teaching of the Church, has reiterated many times that those who are directly involved in lawmaking bodies have a 'grave and clear obligation to oppose' any law that attacks human life. For them and for every Catholic, it is impossible to promote such laws or to vote for them. ... In this context, it must be noted also that a well-formed Christian conscience does not permit one to vote for a political program or an individual law which contradicts the fundamental contents of faith and morals. The Christian faith is an integral unity, and thus it is incoherent to isolate some particular element to the detriment of the whole of Catholic doctrine."

"When political activity comes up against moral principles that do not admit of exception, compromise or derogation, the Catholic commitment becomes more evident and laden with responsibility. In the face of fundamental and inalienable ethical demands ... what is at stake is the essence of the moral law, which concerns the integral good of the human person. This is the case with laws concerning abortion and euthanasia (not to be confused with the decision to forgo extraordinary treatments, which is morally legitimate). Such laws must defend the basic right to life from conception to natural death. In the same way, it is necessary to recall the duty to respect and protect the rights of the human embryo. Analogously, the family needs to be safeguarded and promoted, based on monogamous marriage between a man and a woman, and protected in its unity and stability in the face of modern laws on divorce: in no way can other forms of cohabitation be placed on the same level as marriage, nor can they receive legal recognition as such."

"Regarding the education of their children, it is an inalienable right recognized also by the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. In the same way, one must consider society's protection of minors and freedom from modern forms of slavery (drug abuse and prostitution, for example). In addition, there is the right to religious freedom and the development of an economy that is at the service of the human person and of the common good, with respect for social justice, the principles of human solidarity and subsidiarity. ... Finally the question of peace must be mentioned. ... Peace is always 'the work of justice and the effect of charity'. It demands absolute and radical rejection of violence and terrorism and requires a constant and vigilant commitment on the part of all political leaders."

"III. PRINCIPLES OF CATHOLIC DOCTRINE ON THE AUTONOMY OF THE TEMPORAL ORDER AND ON PLURALISM. While a plurality of methodologies reflective of different sensibilities and cultures can be legitimate in approaching such questions, no Catholic can appeal to the principle of pluralism or to the autonomy of lay involvement in political life to support policies affecting the common good which compromise or undermine fundamental ethical requirements. ... The appeal often made to 'the rightful autonomy of the participation of lay Catholics' in politics needs to be clarified. ... For Catholic moral doctrine, the rightful autonomy of the political or civil sphere from that of religion and the Church ' but not from that of morality - is a value that has been attained and recognized by the Catholic Church and belongs to the inheritance of contemporary civilization. ... The right and duty of Catholics and all citizens to seek the truth with sincerity and to promote and defend, by legitimate means, moral truths concerning society, justice, freedom, respect for human life and the other rights of the person, is something quite different. The fact that some of these truths may also be taught by the Church does not lessen the political legitimacy or the rightful 'autonomy' of the contribution of those citizens who are committed to them, irrespective of the role that reasoned inquiry or confirmation by the Christian faith may have played in recognizing such truths. ... It would be a mistake to confuse the proper autonomy exercised by Catholics in political life with the claim of a principle that prescinds from the moral and social teaching of the Church."

"Living and acting in conformity with one's own conscience on questions of politics is not slavish acceptance of positions alien to politics or some kind of confessionalism, but rather the way in which Christians offer their concrete contribution so that, through political life, society will become more just and more consistent with the dignity of the human person. ... Those who, on the basis of respect for individual conscience, would view the moral duty of Christians to act according to their conscience as something that disqualifies them from political life, denying the legitimacy of their political involvement following from their convictions about the common good, would be guilty of a form of intolerant secularism."

"IV. CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING PARTICULAR ASPECTS. In recent years, there have been cases within some organizations founded on Catholic principles, in which support has been given to political forces or movements with positions contrary to the moral and social teaching of the Church on fundamental ethical questions ... [that] are not compatible with membership in organizations or associations which define themselves as Catholic. ... It is insufficient and reductive to think that the commitment of Catholics in society can be limited to a simple transformation of structures, because if at the basic level there is no culture capable of receiving, justifying and putting into practice positions deriving from faith and morals, the changes will always rest on a weak foundation. ... In a society in which truth is neither mentioned nor sought, every form of authentic exercise of freedom will be weakened, opening the way to libertine and individualistic distortions and undermining the protection of the good of the human person and of the entire society."

"In this regard, it is helpful to recall a truth which today is often not perceived or formulated correctly in public opinion: the right to freedom of conscience and, in a special way, to religious freedom, taught in the Declaration 'Dignitatis humanae' of the Second Vatican Council, is based on the ontological dignity of the human person and not on a non-existent equality among religions or cultural systems of human creation. ... The teaching on freedom of conscience and on religious freedom does not therefore contradict the condemnation of indifferentism and religious relativism by Catholic doctrine; on the contrary, it is fully in accord with it."

"V. CONCLUSION. The principles contained in the present Note are intended to shed light on one of the most important aspects of the unity of Christian life; coherence between faith and life, Gospel and culture, as recalled by the Second Vatican Council."

CDF;CATHOLICS; POLITICS;...;RATZINGER;VIS;20030116;Word: 1690;

POPE EXCHANGES GREETINGS WITH CITY AND REGIONAL LEADERS

VATICAN CITY, JAN 16, 2003 (VIS) - Pope John Paul met this morning with the administrators of both the city and province of Rome, and the region of Lazio for the traditional January exchange of New Year greetings. Earlier in the morning he had received the mayor of Rome and the presidents of the province and the region.

The Pope noted in his talk that "precisely when the dangers of conflicts among nations and cultures grow, emerges the clear and urgent mission of love, and therefore of peace, reciprocal understanding and reconciliation that is proper to Christianity and that thus corresponds to the historical vocation of Rome, the center of Catholicism."

The Holy Father highlighted some of the issues facing not only Rome and Italy but other nations as well, naming, for example, "the crisis of many families, from the scarceness of births to the consequent ageing of the population." He remarked that there must be collaboration between the Church and civil institutions, in particular in creating "a renewed awareness of the importance and sacredness of family ties, as well as the joy that accompanies the birth and education of children." He underscored that "the family founded on matrimony must be a privileged object of social politics. ... Equally important is our reciprocal collaboration regarding the formation of young generations."

John Paul II emphasized the attention that public administrators must give to the economic sector, with special reference to jobs and unemployment. He added that "the high number of immigrants that have been able in recent months to regularize their work situation confirms that there is a dynamism in our society that needs to be better understood and made use of."

The Pope dedicated closing remarks to the great need for society to care for its weakest members and to show "solidarity to those who are in situations of suffering" and needy of good health care.

AC;REGIONAL GOVERNMENTS;...;...;VIS;20030116;Word: 310;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, JAN 15, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Erected the eparchy of Idukki of the Siro-Malabars, India with territory taken from the eparchy of Kothamangalam, making it a suffragan of the Metropolitan Church of Ernakulam-Angamaly of the Siro-Malabars.

- Appointed Fr. Mathew Anikizhikattil, rector of the Major Seminary of the eparchy of Kothamanglam of the Siro-Malabars as bishop of Idukki. The bishop-elect was born in Kunchithanny, India in 1942 and was ordained a priest in 1971.

- Erected the eparchy of Muvattupuzha of the Siro-Malankars (population 6,600,000, Catholics 18,120, priests 37, religious 97), India with territory taken from the eparchy of Tiruvalla of the Siro-Malankars, making it a suffragan of the Metropolitan Church of Trivandrum of the Siro-Malankars.

- Appointed Bishop Thomas Mar Koorilos Chakkalapadickal, auxiliary of the eparchy of Tiruvalla of the Siro-Malankars, as bishop of the eparchy of Muvattupuzha.

- Appointed Fr. Jose Soares Filho, O.F.M.Cap., general bursar of his order in Rome, as coadjutor bishop of Carolina (area 18,252, population 148,000, Catholics 115,000, priests 8, permanent deacons 1, religious 13), Brazil. The bishop-elect was born in Itapetim, Brazil in 1956 and was ordained a priest in 1991.

- Accepted the resignation from the office of Auxiliary of the diocese of Eger, Hungary presented by Bishop Endre Kovacs, O.Cist., upon having reached the age limit.

ECE; NER; NEC; RE;...;...;...;VIS;20030115;Word: 190;

CARDINAL LOPEZ TRUJILLO IS LEGATE TO WORLD FAMILY ENCOUNTER

VATICAN CITY, JAN 15, 2003 (VIS) - Made public today was Pope John Paul's Letter to Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo, president of the Pontifical Council for the Family, naming him as his special legate for the celebrations of the Fourth World Encounter of Families, to be held in Manila, the Philippines, from January 23 to 26.

The letter was written in Latin, and dated December 27, 2002. Also published today were the names of those who will be part of the pontifical mission: Msgr. Hernando M. Coronel, secretary general of the Episcopal Conference of the Philippines, and Fr. Gregory Ramon D. Gaston of the archdiocese of Manila.

JPII-LETTER;PAPAL LEGATE;...;LOPEZ TRUJILLO;VIS;20030115;Word: 120;

GENERAL AUDIENCE CATECHESIS FOCUSSES ON PSALM 119

VATICAN CITY, JAN 15, 2003 (VIS) - During this morning's weekly general audience held in the Paul VI Hall, Pope John Paul II continued his catechesis on the Psalms, focussing on verses 145-152 of Psalm 118 and noting that it is the longest Psalm in the psalter.

The Pope remarked that Psalm 118, "composed of 22 stanzas, corresponding to the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet, is a great celebration of God's word as the source of wisdom, life and truth." He added that "in Psalm 118, the words of the prayer and the Word of the Lord form together a constellation which is like the north star of the faith and the trust of the psalmist. His prayer constitutes a dialogue that begins at dawn and continues throughout the day, especially in the difficulties of existence."

"We will entrust our meditation," he went on, "to a great Father of the Church, St. Ambrose. ... Commenting at length on this Psalm, he invites the believer to anticipate dawn, to go to meet the sun of justice: 'Christ will be the first light to shine in the secret of your heart. It is He Who will make the light of the morning shine for you if you meditate on His Word. Let us welcome this call to begin each day by praying to the Lord, that He will come near us and lead us."

"We too welcome St. Ambrose's call," the Holy Father concluded, "and every morning we open our glance to daily life, in its joys and its nightmares, invoking God to stay near us and guide us with His word which infuses serenity and grace."

The Pope summarized his catechesis in French, English, German, Spanish, Portuguese and Polish and greeted the pilgrim groups present in those languages.

AG;PSALM 118;...;...;VIS;20030115;Word: 300;