PAPAL MESSAGE, GIFT TO NEW ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY

VATICAN CITY, FEB 28, 2003 (VIS) - Yesterday afternoon in the cathedral of Canterbury, His Grace Rowan Douglas Williams, was solemnly enthroned as the new archbishop of Canterbury. Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity represented the Holy See at this ceremony for the new primate of All England and president of the Anglican Communion.

Also in attendance were Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, archbishop of Westminster, and the Catholic co-presidents of the two official organisms of dialogue with the Anglican Communion: The Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC) and the International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission (IARCCUM).

A meeting was held today between Archbishop Williams of Canterbury and Cardinal Kasper, who presented the former with a Message from Pope John Paul II as well as a pectoral cross from the Pope to mark this occasion.

The Holy Father, in his Message, offered "sentiments of joy and cordial esteem" to Archbishop Williams as well as "prayerful best wishes" on the occasion of his enthronement.

"You begin your ministry as Archbishop of Canterbury," notes the Pope, "at a painful and tense moment in history, a moment nonetheless marked by hope and promise. Marred by long-standing and seemingly relentless conflicts, the world stands on the brink of yet another war. The dignity of the human person is being threatened and undermined in various ways. Whole populations, especially the most vulnerable, are living amidst fear and danger. At times the ardent and legitimate human longing for freedom and security manifests itself through the wrong means, means which themselves are violent and destructive. It is precisely amidst these tensions and difficulties of our world that we are called to serve."

"In recent decades," John Paul II observed, "our predecessors have developed an increasingly close relationship, even bonds of affection, through constructive dialogue and close communication. ... Despite disagreements and obstacles, we are still on that path, and irrevocably committed to it."

He concludes his Message by affirming that "we are both aware that overcoming divisions is no easy task, and that full communion will come as a gift of the Holy Spirit. That same Spirit prods and guides us even now to continue to seek a resolution in remaining areas of doctrinal disagreement, and to engage more profoundly in common witness and mission."

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POPE THANKS ST. PETER'S CIRCLE FOR UNSTINTING CHARITY

VATICAN CITY, FEB 28, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father today welcomed 30 members of the presidency of St. Peter's Circle, and thanked them for their assistance during liturgical celebrations in St. Peter's Basilica, their cooperation in the new evangelization in Rome and their solidarity with the poor, marginalized, ill and needy. He also noted that their spiritual director, Bishop Ettore Cunial, is celebrating the 50th anniversary of his episcopal ordination.

Members of St. Peter's Circle for the past 130 years have dedicated themselves to professing their faith through works of charity and assistance, such as volunteering in soup kitchens in Rome. They meet annually on or near the February 22 feast of the Chair of Peter and present their financial offering, Peter's Pence, to the Holy Father to assist him in his ministry to the Universal Church.

John Paul II pointed out "the well known and growing needs of the apostolate, of the ecclesial community, especially in mission lands, the requests for help that come from populations, individuals and families that live in precarious conditions. So many await support from the Apostolic See that often they do not find elsewhere."

"Seen this way, Peter's Pence is a true and real participation in evangelization," the Pope said, and "a concrete sharing in the concerns of the Universal Church."

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ITALIAN VOLUNTEER GROUP UNITALSI CELEBRATES CENTENARY

VATICAN CITY, FEB 28, 2003 (VIS) - Made public today was Pope John Paul's Message to Msgr. Luigi Moretti, spiritual director of the National Italian Union for the Transport of the Sick to Lourdes and International Shrines, on the occasion of UNITALSI's national meeting in Rimini, Italy, to celebrate its 100th anniversary. The Message was dated February 26.

The Pope said it was "meaningful that this anniversary falls in the Year of the Rosary, given that the origins of UNITALSI are tied to the Marian Shrine of Lourdes. It was precisely in that place, blessed with Mary's presence, that your founder, Giovanni Battista Tornassi, found light and comfort. He had gone to the grotto at Massabielle with the intention of taking his life, following a physical and spiritual suffering that had wasted him away, but he was struck by the loving and disinterested work of the volunteers. He also had a clear awareness of his own vocation to serve those who suffer, a vocation that was supported and encouraged by the secretary of the bishop who led that pilgrimage, Father Angelo Roncalli, the future Pope John XXIII, today elevated to the honor of the altars."

The Holy Father expressed his appreciation to the UNITALSI volunteers, saying that, thanks to them, many people have gone to Lourdes and received from Mary "light and comfort" for their pain and trials.

Urging them to persevere in their work, he asked them "to proceed with generosity, disinterest and a spirit of service. Learn from the school of the Gospel to be workers of peace, justice and mercy wherever the Lord calls you. Answer God's love, strong in the awareness that He loved you first." He also asked them to do everything in the spirit of charity, rooted in prayer and the sacraments.

MESS;ANNIVERSARY UNITALSI;...;MORETTI;VIS;20030228;Word: 300;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, FEB 28, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences six prelates from the Episcopal Conference of Romania on their "ad limina" visit:
- Bishop Ioan Sisestean of Maramures of the Romanians.

- Bishop Virgil Bercea of Oradea Mare of the Romanians.

- Bishop Florentin Crihalmeanu of Cluj-Gherla of the Romanians.

- Bishop Martin Roos of Timisoara, accompanied by Msgr. Laszlo Attila Ardai, diocesan administrator of Satu Mare.

- Bishop Anton Cosa of Chisinau, Moldova.

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PRESS OFFICE: NO PLANS NOW FOR PAPAL TRIP TO MONGOLIA

VATICAN CITY, FEB 28, 2003 (VIS) - Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls told journalists this morning that "the president of the Republic of Mongolia, during his encounter in the Vatican on June 5, 2000, invited the Holy Father to visit his country. The inauguration of the Catholic cathedral in the capital city was put forth as a possible motive for the trip. At the moment there is neither a program nor a date for such a trip by the Holy Father."

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MESSAGE FROM PONTIFICAL COMMISSION FOR HISPANIC-AMERICAN DAY

VATICAN CITY, FEB 28, 2003 (VIS) - Made public today was the annual Message from the presidency of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America on the occasion of Hispanic-American Day which is traditionally celebrated in early March in the dioceses of Spain and is dedicated to their sister churches in Latin America. This day will be celebrated on Sunday, March 2, 2003.

The Message is customarily dated January 6, feast of the Epiphany. It is signed by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, commission president, and Bishop Cipriano Calderon, vice president.

The Message starts by underscoring the missionary mandate that Jesus gave His disciples, quoting Pope Paul VI: "Evangelization is the grace and vocation proper to the Church, her deepest identity. She exists in order to evangelize, that is to say, in order to preach and teach, to be the channel of the gift of grace, to reconcile sinners with God and to perpetuate Christ's sacrifice in the Mass, which is the memorial of His death and glorious resurrection."

It points out that the Church needs evangelizers to fulfill this mission, stating that all baptized are called to this mandate and that "it is up to priests, by their special vocation and nature, to realize this mission in Christ's name." It underscores the priority of prayers for vocations in Latin America and thanks the Churches of Spain that have "generously answered the needs of our brother peoples in Latin America," encouraging them to continue in their "affective and effective solidarity"

COM-AL;HISPANIC-AMERICAN DAY;...;RE;VIS;20030228;Word: 250;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, FEB 28, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Fr. Matthew Man-oso Ndagoso, rector of the Good Shepherd Major Seminary of Kaduna, Nigeria, as bishop of Maiduguri (area 132,000, population 5,2000,000, Catholics 100,000, priests 28, religious 42), Nigeria. The bishop-elect was born in Lot, Nigeria in 1960 and was ordained a priest in 1986. The Holy Father accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese presented by Bishop Senan Louis O'Donnell, O.S.A., upon having reached the age limit.

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POPE RECEIVES AZNAR OF SPAIN AND KHATAMI OF IRAN

VATICAN CITY, FEB 27, 2003 (VIS) - The following declaration by the Holy See Press Office Director, Joaquin Navarro-Valls, was released this afternoon concerning the visit to the Holy Father by Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar and by Seyyed Mohammad Reza Khatami, vice president of Iran's Islamic Consultative Assembly:

"This morning, February 27 2003, the Holy Father received in a private audience Jose Maria Aznar, prime minister of Spain who afterwards met with Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of state, who received him together with Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, secretary for Relations with States.

"In this cordial conversation, which lasted a half hour, they agreed that the situation that has been created in Iraq is serious and that there must be a solution. The Holy Father hopes that all parties involved - without exception - will make just decisions and undertake peaceful initiatives that are efficacious and that conform to justice, inspired by international law and ethical principles.

"The head of the Spanish government explained the path of action followed up to now by Spain in the face of the Iraqi crisis, illustrating, in particular, the danger of terrorism and, therefore, the need for a common action on the part of the United Nations Organization. On these matters a convergence of positions with the Holy See was noted. And lastly, they examined several aspects of the European reality, with particular attention to the Constitutional Treaty of the European Union.

"In the late morning His Holiness received Seyyed Mohammad Reza Khatami, vice president of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Afterwards he was received by Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano and by Archbishop Tauran of Relations for States.

"The talks allowed for an exchange of opinions on the need to safeguard peace in the Middle East region. On this very serious subject, Vice President Khatami brought a message from President Mohamad Khatami to the Holy Father. There was then a productive dialogue concerning the living conditions and activities of the Catholic communities in the country."

OP;AZNAR; KHATAMI;...;...;VIS;20030227;Word: 350;

AUDIENCES

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

- Jose Maria Aznar Lopez, president of the government of Spain, and an entourage.

- Three prelates from the Episcopal Conference of Romania, on their "ad limina" visit:

- Archbishop Ioan Robu of Bucarest.

- Bishop Alexandru Mesian of Lugoj of the Romans.

- Bishop Jozsef Tempfli of Oradea Mare of the Latins.
- Seyyed Mohammad Reza Khatami, vice-president of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran, and an entourage.

AL; AP;...;...;... ;VIS;20030227;Word: 80;

CONSISTORY FOR CAUSES OF CANONIZATION SET FOR MARCH 7

VATICAN CITY, FEB 27, 2003 (VIS) - On Friday, March 7, in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace, during the Sixth Hour, there will be an ordinary public consistory for the canonization of 12 Blesseds, according to an announcement today from the Office of the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff. The notification, dated February 22, feast of the Chair of Peter, was given by mandate of the Holy Father.

The 12 causes of canonization are for the following Blesseds:
1. Pedro Poveda Castroverde, priest, martyr, founder of the Teresian Association;

2. Jozef Sebastian Pelczar, bishop, founder of the Congregation of the Servants of the Sacred Heart of Jesus;

3. Daniele Comboni, bishop, founder of the Congregation of the Combonian Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus and the Combonian Holy Mother Missionary Sisters of Nigrizia;

4. Arnold Janssen, priest, founder of the Society of the Divine Word, the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters, Servants of the Holy Spirit and the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration;

5. Jose Maria Rubio y Peralta, priest, of the Society of Jesus;

6. Joseph Freinademetz, priest, of the Society of the Divine Word;

7. Urszula Ledochowska, nee Julia Maria, virgin, foundress of the Ursuline Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Agony;

8. Genoveva Torres Morales, virgin, foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and of the Holy Angels;

9. Maria de Mattias, virgin, foundress of the Congregation of the Adoring Sisters of the Blood of Christ;

10. Angela de la Cruz, nee Maria de los Angeles Guerrero Gonzalez, virgin, foundress of the Sisters of the Company of the Cross;

11. Virginia Centurione Bracelli, widow, foundress of the Sisters of Our Lady of Refuge on Mt. Calvary;

12. Maria Maravillas de Jesus, nee Pidal y Chico de Guzman, virgin, of the Order of Discalced Carmelites.

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PROGRAM FOR ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES

VATICAN CITY, FEB 26, 2003 (VIS) - A prayer service, procession and Eucharistic liturgy will mark the start of Lent next week with Pope John Paul taking part in the Ash Wedsnday services on March 5.

At 5 p.m. there will be a prayer service in the church of St. Anselm on the Aventine Hill, and then a penitential procession to the basilica of St. Sabina in which cardinals, archbishops, bishops, the Benedictine monks of St. Anselm's and the Dominican Fathers of St. Sabina and a number of faithful will take part.
The Holy Father will preside at the Liturgy of the Word in St. Sabina's Basilica, deliver a homily and officiate at the rite of the blessing and imposition of ashes. At the end of Mass he will impart the apostolic blessing. Cardinal Jozef Tomko will celebrate the Eucharistic Liturgy.

OCL;ASH WEDNESDAY;...;...;VIS;20030226;Word: 150;

PSALM 150: A SIMPLE AND CONSTANT CALL TO PRAISE GOD

VATICAN CITY, FEB 26, 2003 (VIS) - The catechesis of today's general audience in the Paul VI Hall in the presence of 6,500 pilgrims, was dedicated to Psalm 150, which Pope John Paul called "a text of marvelous simplicity and transparency." He said "we must only let ourselves be drawn by its insistent appeal to praise the Lord."

He noted that the Psalm asks us to praise God "in His sanctuary" and "in His mighty firmament." God is thus both "far from our horizon" and yet "close to us. ... Between heaven and earth, therefore, is almost established a channel of communication in which the action of the Lord and the hymn of praise of the faithful meet. The liturgy unites two shrines, the earthly temple and infinite heaven, God and man, time and eternity."

"It is necessary," the Pope affirmed, "to discover and constantly live the beauty of prayer and the liturgy. We must pray to God not only with theologically exact formulas, but also in a beautiful and dignified way.

"In this regard, the Christian community must examine its conscience so that the beauty of music and song return even more to liturgy. We must purify worship from an aberration of styles, of careless forms of expression, of slipshod music and texts that are barely in harmony with the greatness of the act we celebrate."

John Paul II said that "Psalm 150 is a festive hymn, a great 'alleluia' sung to the Lord. Every living being is invited to join in the song of praise. All men and women are called to sing a hymn of gratitude to the Creator for the gift of their existence."

The Pope remarked that "St. Augustine sees the various musical instruments as symbols representing the saints: God's holy people are the trumpets, the cymbals, the tympani, the strings, the flutes, all the instruments that produce a harmony of beautiful sounds. Every spirit that praises God is a voice raised in song: this is the music most pleasing to our Creator."

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TELEGRAM FOR THE DEATH OF ALBERTO SORDI

VATICAN CITY, FEB 26, 2003 (VIS) - The following telegram was sent in the Holy Father's name by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of State, to Aurelia Sordi, sister of the Italian actor Alberto Sordi who died on Monday, February 24:

"Upon the sad news of the death of your beloved brother Alberto, the Supreme Pontiff wishes to convey to you and your family members his lively participation in your sorrow for this grave loss. In remembering the valuable protagonist in the world of entertainment, His Holiness prays for him and invokes from Divine Goodness eternal peace for his soul while he imparts the comforting apostolic blessing on you and all those who mourn his loss."

TGR;DEATH SORDI;...;SODANO;VIS;20030226;Word: 120;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, FEB 26, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Bishop Atilano Rodriguez Martinez, auxiliary of Oviedo, Spain, as bishop of Ciudad Rodrigo (area 4,264, population 43,025, Catholics 42,314, priests 90, religious 133), Spain.

NER;...;...;RODRIGUEZ ;VIS;20030226;Word: 30;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, FEB 26, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Cardinal Camillo Ruini, vicar general for the diocese of Rome and president of the Italian Episcopal Conference.

VIS;20030226;Word: 30;

ARCHBISHOP TAURAN VISITS SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO

VATICAN CITY, FEB 25, 2003 (VIS) - Made public yesterday afternoon was a communique on the February 17-21 visit to Serbia and Montenegro by Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, secretary for Relations with States, who had been invited by the government of that country.

Upon his arrival, the archbishop was welcomed by civil and religious authorities. He then held a meeting with representatives of local and international charity organizations that work in this Balkan nation and later celebrated Mass with priests from the archdiocese of Belgrade.

Tuesday, February 18 was dedicated to encounters with civil authorities, including Foreign Minister Goran Svilanovic "with whom," says the communique, "there was a broad consensus of views. ... In particular, the two heads of diplomacy agreed on the importance of not overlooking Christian roots during the process of building a new united Europe in its enlargement towards the East; on the need to make every effort possible to avoid recourse to arms in solving conflicts; on the determining role that religious communities - in this specific instance the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church - play on the path of reconciliation and rebuilding of society after the dark years of communism and war in the ex-Yugoslav Federation."

A dinner at the apostolic nunciature with leaders of religious communities in Serbia concluded the day.

February 19 was devoted to encounters with the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Belgrade and to a visit to the Orthodox church in the diocese of Sabac-Vajievo.

On Thursday, February 20 there was a meeting with the episcopal conference of Serbia and Montenegro where, said the communique, Archbishop Tauran "heard in person from the pastors of that Church the hopes, desires and difficulties of the Catholic community. Even though a minority, it is esteemed and appreciated for its contribution in favor of dialogue and reconciliation as well as for its commitment in proclaiming the Gospel."

Before his departure for Rome on February 21, Archbishop Tauran held a press conference at the nunciature "during which he expressed his impressions on the local realities, both ecclesial and civil, and he addressed the Holy See's commitment in the world, in particular on the themes of peace and the contribution that believers can make to it."

DELSS;VISIT SERBIA MONTENEGRO;...;TAURAN;VIS;20030225;Word: 360;

BOOK OF POETRY BY JOHN PAUL II TO BE PRESENTED MARCH 6

VATICAN CITY, FEB 25, 2003 (VIS) - The Italian translation of a book of poetry written by Pope John Paul II and titled "Roman Triptych" will be presented on Thursday, March 6 at 12 noon in the Holy See Press Office, according to a communique released today.

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, will present the volume. A critique of the text by Prof. Giovanni Reale is scheduled. During the presentation, a professional actor will read several of John Paul II's new poems.

The presentation, strictly reserved to journalists accredited to the Holy See Press Office, will be followed by Telepace television station. The text will be under embargo until 1 p.m. Rome time on March 6.

OP;POEMS; JOHN PAUL II;...;...;VIS;20030225;Word: 130;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, FEB 25, 2003 (VIS) - Today the Holy Father received in separate audiences:

- Bishop Slawoj Leszek Glodz, military ordinary for Poland.

- Archbishop Tadeusz Kondrusiewicz of the archdiocese of Mother of God in Moscow, Russia, president of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of the Russian Federation.

AP;...;...;... ;VIS;20030225;Word: 40;

TO ENTREPRENEURS: GIVE PRECEDENCE TO ETHICS, FAMILIES, YOUTH

VATICAN CITY, FEB 22, 2003 (VIS) - The Pope today received 350 participants in a meeting promoted by the National Federation of Knights of Work and told them that they "represent not only a chosen group of Italian entrepreneurs, but also promoters of solid and well-balanced growth of the national economy."

In opening remarks to the group, the Pope invited them "to make your attention to ethical and moral principles a priority in your work." He asked them to "be the first witnesses" of the universal duty that he spoke of in the Encyclical "Sollicitudo rei socialis': "Collaborating in the development of the whole person and of every human being is in fact a duty of all towards all."

"This is," he added, "an even more urgent duty in the light of the current evolution of society, marked by the process of globalization, within which must be safeguarded the value of solidarity, the guarantee of access to resources and the equitable distribution of the riches produced."

"In contemporary society," affirmed John Paul II, "the family, not infrequently, seems penalized by rules imposed by production and by the market. Among your efforts, therefore, must be that of sustaining the family efficaciously so that it is always more respected as an active subject also by the sector of production and the economy." He noted the attention and encouragement they give to young people, and said: "Continue to invest in young people, helping them to overcome the breach that exists between scholastic formation and the real needs of the production industry."

AC;WORK; ETHICS; FAMILY;...;...;VIS;20030224;Word: 260;

VALUE PAST SPIRITUAL TRADITIONS, WELCOME NEW ONES

VATICAN CITY, FEB 22, 2003 (VIS) - Bishops from the Episcopal Conference of the Region of North Africa (CERNA) were received by John Paul II this morning as they concluded their "ad limina" visit. Archbishop Henri Teissier of Algiers, president of the conference, gave the Pope a document produced by CERNA entitled "The Churches of the Maghreb in the Year 2000."

The Pope noted in his talk in French that "the world we live in is marked by a multiplication of exchanges, an ever stronger interdependence and an ever greater opening of borders: this is the phenomenon of globalization, with its positive and negative aspects, that nations must learn how to administer in a constructive manner!"

"In what concerns her," he continued, "the Catholic Church knows well the universal dimension which is part of her identity. ... Your dioceses have always been sensitive to this dimension of catholicity and the vital link that joins them to the Universal Church, for the pastors and faithful come from different countries." He noted that in their region "this reality has assumed a new dimension in recent years with the development of relations and exchanges between the North and South of the Sahara," because so many men and women have come to the Maghreb from subsaharan countries.

The Holy Father invited the prelates to value "the richness of the different spiritual traditions that have nourished the Christian history of your countries." These traditions have underscored "one facet or another of the treasure of the Gospel: "a sense of community, the joy of fraternal communion ... and availability for one's neighbor." He urged them to value these spiritual riches but also to "not be afraid of what is new that is brought by our brothers and sisters coming from other continents or cultures."

The Pope underscored the bishops' attention to "the active and important presence of young people in your dioceses, who have come from subsaharan countries to study in universities. Their welcome and participation in Christian communities clearly shows that the Gospel is not linked to one culture."

John Paul II then turned to "the good quality of relations that exist between Christians and the Muslim population" and "the good will of civil authorities with regard to the Church. All that is possible thanks to reciprocal knowledge, encounters in daily life and to exchanges, notably with families." He exhorted the bishops to "continue to encourage these meetings" because "they contribute to the evolution of mentalities on both sides and they help overcome the ready-made images carried still too often by the media."

"In every Christian community, even small and fragile," stated the Pope, "service to charity towards the poorest remains a priority as it is the expression of God's goodness for all men and of that sharing that we are called to live, regardless of race, culture or religion." Show this charity in a special way, he said, in welcoming migrants and "in offering them, in their precarious condition, a time of rest and fraternal conviviality!"

The Holy Father concluded his talk with heartfelt greetings for the priests, religious and laity of the North African countries. He encouraged them in their work, exhorted them to nourish their faith through prayer and appropriate formation, and assured them "of my prayers and paternal affection."

AL;...;...;CERNA;VIS;20030224;Word: 550;

STATEMENT ON VISIT BY ENGLISH PRIME MINISTER TONY BLAIR

VATICAN CITY, FEB 22, 2003 (VIS) - The following statement was released this afternoon by Holy See Press Office Director, Joaquin Navarro-Valls, on the audience that Pope John Paul granted to British Prime Minister Tony Blair:

"This morning, Saturday February 22, 2003, the Holy Father received in a private audience Tony Blair, prime minister of Great Britain. In the course of the cordial conversation which lasted half an hour, they spoke about the complex international situation with particular regard to the Middle East. The Holy Father expressed the hope that, in solving the grave situation in Iraq, every effort be made to avoid new divisions in the world.

"The Holy Father then received Mr. Blair's family.

"The prime minister of Great Britain also met with Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of State, who received him together with Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, secretary for Relations with States.

"During this morning's conversations in the Vatican, it was reaffirmed that all interested parties in the Iraqi crisis need to collaborate with the Organization of the United Nations and know how to use the resources offered by international law in order to avert the tragedy of war that many sides consider avoidable. Special consideration was given to the humanitarian situation of the Iraq people, already so severely tried by the long years of embargo.

"In the course of the meetings, there was an exchange of opinions on the future Constitutional Treaty of Europe. The Holy See expressed its wish for the explicit recognition of churches and communities of believers, as well as a commitment by the European Union to maintain a structured dialogue with them."

OP;VISIT TONY BLAIR;...;NAVARRO-VALLS;VIS;20030224;Word: 290;

PERSEVERE IN YOUR CHARISM OF SERVING THE POOREST OF THE POOR

VATICAN CITY, FEB 22, 2003 (VIS) - Made public today was a Letter from Pope John Paul to Sr. M. Nirmala Joshi, superior general of the Missionaries of Charity, on the occasion of their eighth General Chapter. In the Letter, written in English and dated February 3, he recalled that this was the first such meeting "since the death of your dear foundress, Mother Teresa."

"Christ's Church on earth proclaims the Gospel to everyone, but she turns to the poor with special tenderness and compassion," wrote the Pope. "Christian love is not simply an act of charity, it is also an encounter with Christ Himself in the poor. Love of Christ, therefore, means love of the poor; and for consecrated persons this means embracing a life of poverty." He said that their "lives eloquently proclaim that God is the true wealth of the human heart."

The Holy Father encouraged the Missionaries of Charity "to persevere in faithfully living out your charism of serving the poorest of the poor. For in so doing you will continue to be a shining example for people today, especially the younger generation, who find themselves in situations not just of material need but also of spiritual impoverishment."

He then reminded them of the importance of continuing formation, saying that "this takes on even greater significance for Institutes such as yours which exercise their apostolate in a wide range of cultural and social settings. The initiative, creativity and zeal of the Missionaries of Charity must always be guided by the original inspiration of the Institute, as it is embodied in widely varying contexts."

JPII-LETTER;MISSIONARIES CHARITY;...;NIRMALA;VIS;20030224;Word: 280;

FEAST OF THE CHAIR OF ST. PETER CELEBRATED TODAY

VATICAN CITY, FEB 22, 2003 (VIS) - Today is the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, a recurrence dating back to the fourth century that honors and celebrates the primacy and authority of St. Peter.

The word "cathedra" means seat or throne and is the root of the word cathedral, the church where a bishop has his throne and from whence he preaches. Another word for "cathedra" is "sede" (seat or see): the "see" is the place from which a bishop governs his diocese. Thus, for example, the Holy See is the see of the bishop of Rome, the Pope.

Throughout its history, the Chair of St. Peter has been considered from two perspectives. The first is the chair-symbol, the symbol of Peter's primacy: In ancient times the chair or cathedra was a symbol of authority to teach. The second is the chair-object: the Chair of St. Peter, in St. Peter's Basilica, is actually a throne that Charles the Bald gave to Pope John VIII at the former's coronation as emperor on Christmas Day 875. Charles the Bald was the grandson of Emperor Charlemagne. For many years the chair was used at liturgical events by Pope John and his successors: it was ensconced in Bernini's Altar of the Chair in 1666.
A mixture of tradition, legend and belief held for many years that this was actually a double chair, parts of which dated back to the early days of Christianity and to St. Peter himself. This chair or cathedra has been studied over the centuries and the last time it was removed from its niche in the Bernini altar was a six-year period from 1968 to 1974 where studies pointed to a single chair whose oldest parts date to the sixth century. What appeared to be an outer or second chair was a covering which served both to protect the throne and to carry it in procession.

Two interesting facts stand out from this study period: the back panels of the throne, replacing early columns and arches, depicted the Labors of Hercules, and previously used ivory was also incorporated in this throne.

Every year on this feast, the monumental altar housing the Chair of Peter is illuminated by scores of candles throughout the entire day. A number of Masses are celebrated at this altar, from early morning to early evening, concluding with the mass of the Canons of St. Peter.

...;CHAIR ST PETER;...;...;VIS;20030224;Word: 390;

COMMUNIQUE ON HONOR ACCORDED PRIEST IN REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA

VATICAN CITY, FEB 22, 2003 (VIS) - The following communique was released today by Holy See Press Office Director, Joaquin Navarro-Valls:

"President Eduard Shevardnadze of Georgia has conferred the 'Order of Honor', a prestigious award from the state, upon Fr. Witold Szulczyniski, S.D.B., director of Caritas in Georgia and a collaborator of the apostolic nunciature in Tbilisi. Regarding the motivation for the honor, it was underlined that it is intended as a 'recognition of the noteworthy personal contribution to the development of relations between the Vatican and Georgia, through extensive support and aid offered to people who are socially vulnerable, to orphans and refugees, through his effective charitable activity'.

"President Schevardnadze, contrary to practice, personally conferred the award upon the Religious, thus demonstrating that he openly and publicly appreciates his work.

"A similar recognition for a Catholic priest, devoted for some time in one of the republics of the former Soviet Union to different areas of solidarity and human promotion supported by faith and Christian charity, constitutes a significant testimony of the Georgian government's esteem for the Catholic Church, a strong encouragement for Georgian Catholics and a particular sign of gratitude for the commendable activity of Fr. Szulcynski."

OP;SHEVARDNADZE; GEORGIA;...;NAVARRO-VALLS;VIS;20030224;Word: 210;

GOALS, METHODS, MEANS OF RESEARCH MUST RESPECT HUMAN DIGNITY

VATICAN CITY, FEB 24, 2003 (VIS) - Participants in the Ninth General Assembly of the Pontifical Academy for Life were received this morning by the Holy Father at the start of their three-day meeting in the Vatican's Old Synod Hall. The 160 participants, including Academy President Juan de Dios Vial Correa and Vice President, Bishop Elio Sgreccia, are studying the theme "Ethics of Biomedical Research in a Christian Vision."

The Pope reminded his listeners that he created the Pontifical Academy for Life "to study, form and inform about the principal problems of biomedicine and law, relative to the promotion and defense of life, above all in the direct relationship they have with Christian morality and the directives of the Magisterium of the Church."

The Pope underscored the notable advances made in scientific research and medicine, in particular in defeating epidemics, improving cures for illnesses and thus "significantly improving, in many areas of the developed world, the length and quality of life." He expressed the Church's gratitude to scientists in the field of biomedicine, saying "many times the Magisterium has asked for their help in solving delicate moral and social problems."

He then referred to Pope Paul VI's appeal to researchers and scientists in the Encyclical "Humanae Vitae" to contribute "'to the good of the family and marriage,' seeking to 'clarify more in depth the diverse conditions that favor an honest regulation of human procreation'. I make this invitation my own, underlining its permanent actuality, that becomes even more acute with the growing urgency to find 'natural' solutions to the problem of conjugal infertility."

"I renew my heartfelt appeal," John Paul II stated, "that scientific and biomedical research, while avoiding every temptation to manipulate man, be faithfully dedicated to exploring ways and resources to support human life, the cure of illnesses and solutions to the ever new problems in the biomedical field." He emphasized that "the Church respects and supports scientific research when it pursues an authentically humanistic orientation, fleeing from every form of exploitation or destruction of the human being and keeping itself free from the slavery of political and economic interests."

The Pope stressed that "not only the goals, but also the methods and means of research must always be respectful of the dignity of every human being, at whatever stage of their development and in every phase of experimentation."

He exhorted researchers to be aware of the limits, beyond which they cannot go in caring for the life, integrity and dignity of every human being. "I am convinced," he affirmed, "that no one, much less the Church, is allowed to be silent in the face of certain results or pretexts of experimentation on man." He asked Catholic institutions and universities to fully live out and live up to what the name "Catholic" represents.

The Holy Father concluded his lengthy remarks by highlighting the "growing urgency to fill the very serious and unacceptable chasm that separates the developing world from the developed world as far as the capacity to advance in biomedical research, thus benefitting health care and supporting populations afflicted by misery and disastrous epidemics ... such as AIDS."

AC;BIOMEDICINE; LIFE;...;ACAD-V;VIS;20030224;Word: 510;

POPE ASKS PRAYERS FOR PEACE AND FASTING ON ASH WEDNESDAY

VATICAN CITY, FEB 23, 2003 (VIS) - Pope John Paul, addressing the faithful assembled in St.Peter's Square today for the Angelus, asked Catholics worldwide to dedicate Ash Wednesday, March 5 "to prayer and fasting for the cause of peace, especially in the Middle East."

"For months," he began his reflections, "the international community has lived in great apprehension of the danger of a war that could unsettle the entire Middle East region and aggravate the tensions unfortunately already present at the start of this millennium. It is the duty of believers, whatever their religion, to proclaim that never can we be happy if one is set against the other, that the future of mankind can never be assured by terrorism and the logic of war."

The Holy Father said that "we Christians in particular are called to be sentinels of peace in the places in which we live and work. We have been asked, that is, to be vigilant so that consciences do not give in to the temptation of egoism, lies and violence."

Asking Catholics to fast and pray for peace on Ash Wednesday, he said: "We will above all implore God for the conversion of hearts and the farsightedness to make just decisions in order to resolve with adequate and pacific means the strife that hinders mankind on its journey in our times."

Pope John Paul also asked that peace be implored in marian shrines, in parishes and in families with the prayer of the Rosary. "This choir of invocations will be accompanied by fasting, an expression of penance for the hatred and violence that pollute human relations. Christians share the ancient practice of fasting with so many brothers and sisters of other religions who, by so doing, intend to rid themselves of all arrogance and to ready themselves to receive from God the greatest and most necessary gifts, including in particular that of peace."

ANG;PEACE; FASTING;...;...;VIS;20030224;Word: 320;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, FEB 24, 2003 (VIS) - Today the Holy Father received in audience five prelates from the Episcopal Conference of Romania on their "ad limina" visit:

- Archbishop Gyorgy-Miklos Jakubinyi of Alba Iulia, apostolic administrator "ad nutum Sanctae Sedis" of the Ordinariate for Catholics of the Armenian rite in Romania, accompanied by auxiliary Bishop Jozsef Tamas.

- Archbishop Lucian Muresan of Fagaras of the Romanians.

- Bishop Petru Gherghel of Iasi, accompanied by Auxiliary Bishop Aurel Perca.

On Saturday February 22, the Holy Father received in separate audiences:

- Tony Blair, prime minister of Great Britain, accompanied by his wife and an entourage.

- Archbishop Stephen Fumio Hamao, emeritus of Yokohama and president of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant Peoples.

- Louis Esmel, ambassador of the Ivory Coast, on his farewell visit.

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

AL; AP;...;...;...;VIS;20030224;Word: 150;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, FEB 24, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Msgr. Rainer Woelki, director of the "Collegium Albertinum" in Bonn, Germany, as auxiliary of Cologne (area 6,181, population 5,300,000, priests 1365, religious 2,812), Germany. The bishop-elect was born in 1956 in Cologne-Muhlheim, Germany and was ordained a priest in 1985. The Holy Father accepted the resignation from the office of auxiliary of the same archdiocese presented by Bishop Klaus Dick upon having reached the age limit.
On Saturday February 21, it was made public that the Holy Father:

- Appointed Msgr. Francisco Chimoio, O.F.M. Cap., of Pemba, Mozambique, as metropolitan archbishop of Maputo (area 25,238, population 3,859,000, Catholics 476,000, priests 107, religious 307), Mozambique. He accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese presented by Cardinal Alexandre Jose Maria dos Santos, O.F.M., upon having reached the age limit.

- Appointed Fr. Ernest Sambou, rector of the Catholic Institute of Western Africa in Abidjan, Ivory Coast as bishop of Saint-Louis du Senegal (area 73,315, population 1,545,238, Catholics 4,012, priests 16, religious 35), Senegal. The bishop-elect was born in 1947 in Cadjinol, Senegal and was ordained a priest in 1975. The Holy Father accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese presented by Bishop Pierre Sagna, C.S.Sp., in accordance with Canon 401, para. 2 of the Code of Canon Law.

- Appointed Fr. Georges M. Saad Abi Younes, O.L.M., superior of the Mission of the Lebanese Maronite Order and pastor of the Maronite Community in Mexico City, Mexico, as bishop of the eparchy of Our Lady of the Martyrs of Lebanon in Mexico of the Maronites. The bishop-elect was born in Hammana, Lebanon in 1948 and was ordained a priest in 1977.

- Appointed Cardinal Ivan Dias, archbishop of Bombay, India as his special envoy for the celebrations scheduled to take place in Tirana, Albania on April 25, 2003 for the 10th anniversary of his historic papal trip to the same country.

- Appointed Archbishop Karl-Josef Rauber, apostolic nuncio in Hungary and Moldova, as apostolic nuncio in Belgium and Luxembourg.

- Appointed Archbishop Giuseppe Leanza, apostolic nuncio in Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and in the Republic of Macedonia, as apostolic nuncio in Bulgaria.

NER; RE; NA; NN;...;...;...;VIS;20030224;Word: 360;

FUTURE MISSION MESSAGES TO BE PUBLISHED ON THE LORD'S BAPTISM

VATICAN CITY, FEB 21, 2003 (VIS) - Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe today presented the Pope's Message for World Mission Sunday 2003, and announced that John Paul II has asked that this Message, which in the past was published on Pentecost Sunday, would henceforth be made public on the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord.

He also noted that "World Mission Sunday 2003, which falls on Sunday, October 19, coincides with the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the pontificate of Pope John Paul II, the beatification of Mother Teresa of Calcutta and the closing of the Year of the Rosary."

Cardinal Sepe, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, was joined in the Holy See Press Office by Archbishop Robert Sarah, congregation secretary, Archbishop Patabendige Don Albert Malcolm Ranjith, adjunct secretary, and Fr. Massimo Cenci, under-secretary.

He said that this date change was to give dioceses, episcopal conferences, families of religious and missionary institutes time to study the Pope's message and to "integrate it harmoniously" into their work and specific charism. He especially noted that "the mission 'ad gentes' should not be lived in an exceptional or extraordinary way" because "it is, in fact a key part of the itinerary of every Christian community. The Church is missionary by her very nature."

This was the command, he said, that Christ gave the Apostles 2000 years ago: "'Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit'." He added that "today, at the start of the 21st century, the Catholic Church starts out again with trust on a new part of the road to meet the world, ... a road riddled with difficulties."

The prefect spoke briefly on the content of the Message, pointing to its three objectives: "A more contemplative Church, a holier Church, a more missionary Church."

He then focussed at length on statistics regarding the presence, work and personnel of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, noting that 1,075 ecclesiastical circumscriptions are entrusted to this dicastery, accounting for almost 39 percent of the circumscriptions in the Church worldwide. Of these, 478 are in Africa, 85 in America, 453 in Asia, 14 in Europe and 56 in Oceania.

Cardinal Sepe gave further statistics:
- apostolic personnel includes 85,000 priests (52,000 diocesan, 33,000 religious), 28 non-ordained religious, 450,000 sisters, 1,650,000 catechists.
- 280 interdiocesan major seminaries (65,000 seminarians) and 110 minor seminaries (85,000 seminarians).
- priestly ordinations have averaged 1,900 per year for the last decade.
- 42,000 schools, 1,600 hospitals, 6,000 dispensaries, 780 leprosariums.
- Six universities, colleges and institutes in Rome linked to this Congregation, including the Pontifical Urban University (the only one in the world exclusively for training missionaries) and the Pontifical Urban College, with 140 seminarians.

"The most significant and important number," he said in closing, "is the one regarding the missionaries (bishops, priests, religious and lay people) who have given witness by sacrificing their lives. According to statistics the number of such witnesses in the last ten years is about 1,000. This is without doubt an incomplete figure because it refers only to a few countries, to proven cases and ones about which there was definite news."

Archbishop Sarah spoke about the congregation's work in Africa and Oceania, calling these continents "Christ's new homelands." Archbishop Ranjith addressed the missionary situation in Asia, and Fr. Cenci, a PIME missionary, spoke about their work in America.

OP;PRESENTATION MISSION MESSAGE;...;SEPE; SARAH;VIS;20030221;Word: 560;

PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES IN U.S. INAUGURATE NEW WEB SITE

VATICAN CITY, FEB 21, 2003 (VIS) - Over 150 diocesan directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States were welcomed this morning to the Vatican by the Pope who expressed his pleasure at joining them as they meet in Rome and inaugurate a new website.

He told them that "the growth of the Internet in recent years provides an unprecedented opportunity for expanding the Church's missionary outreach, since it has become a primary source of information and communication for so many of our contemporaries, especially the young. It is my hope that the new Pontifical Mission Societies website will awaken in the Catholics of the United States a deeper appreciation of the Church's universal missionary mandate."

"I trust that the new site," he said, "will draw many people to a deeper faith in Christ, lead to an increase in missionary vocations and call forth a greater commitment to the proclamation of the Gospel 'ad gentes' and the new evangelization of traditionally Christian countries."

John Paul II, in concluding, expressed the hope that the work of the Societies "be a true leaven to missionary zeal among the Catholics of the United States, and yield abundant fruit for the spread of Christ's kingdom in the new frontiers now opening up before us."

AC;PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES;...;USA;VIS;20030221;Word: 230;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, FEB 21, 2003 (VIS) - Today the Holy Father received in audience the following prelates on their "ad limina" visit:

- Archbishop Jose Antonio Peteiro Freire of Tanger, Morocco.

- Archbishop Vincent Landel of Rabat, Morocco.

- Archbishop-Bishop Fouad Twal of Tunis, Tunisia.

- Rev. Fr. Acacio Valbuena Rodriguez, O.M.I., apostolic prefect in the Western Sahara.

AL;...;...;...;VIS;20030221;Word: 60;

MARY AND THE CHURCH'S MISSION IN THE YEAR OF THE ROSARY

VATICAN CITY, FEB 21, 2003 (VIS) - Pope John Paul's Message for World Mission Sunday 2003 was made public today in French, English, Spanish and Italian. Dedicated to "Mary and the Mission of the Church in the Year of the Rosary," this annual papal Message is dated January 12, 2003, the Baptism of Our Lord. Following are excerpts:

"From the beginning, I wished to place my pontificate under Mary's special protection. Further, I have often asked the entire community of believers to relive the experience of the Upper Room, where the disciples devoted themselves to prayer, together with ... Mary, the Mother of Jesus."

"The Church becomes more conscious that she is 'mother' as Mary is. As I pointed out in the Bull 'Incarnationis mysterium', on the occasion of the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000, the Church is 'the cradle in which Mary places Jesus and entrusts him to the adoration and contemplation of all peoples'."

Mary and the Mission of the Church in the Year of the Rosary

"Last October, when I entered the 25th year of my Petrine ministry, I announced a special Year, almost as a spiritual continuation of the Jubilee Year, to be dedicated to the rediscovery of the prayer of the Rosary, so dear to Christian tradition. It is a year to be lived under the gaze of the One who, in accord with God's mysterious plan, with her 'yes', made possible humanity's salvation and who continues from Heaven to protect those who turn to her, especially during the difficult moments of their lives."

"At the school of the Blessed Virgin and following her example, every community will be better able to have its own 'contemplative' and 'missionary' activity emerge."

"If the World Mission Sunday, which takes place right at the end of the special Marian year, is well prepared, it will give a more generous thrust to this commitment of the ecclesial community. Confident recourse to Mary, with the daily recitation of the Rosary and the meditation of the mysteries of the life of Christ, will emphasize that the Church's mission must be sustained first of all by prayer."

A More Contemplative Church: The Face of Christ Contemplated

"Contemplating the face of Christ leads to a deeper, interior familiarity with his mystery. Contemplating Jesus with the eyes of faith impels one to penetrate the mystery of the Trinitarian God. Jesus says: 'He who has seen me has seen the Father'. With the Rosary we advance on this mystical journey 'in union with, and at the school of, his Most Holy Mother'. Indeed, Mary makes herself our teacher and our guide."

"Let us always look to Mary, an unequalled model. All the words of the Gospel find an extraordinary echo in her soul. Mary is the contemplative 'memory' of the Church, who lives with the desire to be deeply united with her Bridegroom, in order to have an ever greater impact on our society. How do we react to the great problems, the innocent suffering, the injustices perpetrated with arrogant insolence? At the docile school of Mary, who is our Mother, believers learn to recognize in the apparent 'silence of God' the Word who resounds in the silence for our salvation.

A Holier Church: The Face of Christ Imitated and Loved

"Through baptism all believers are called to holiness. ... Holiness and mission are inseparable aspects of the vocation of every baptized person. The commitment to become more holy is closely linked to that of spreading the message of salvation."
"If all the mysteries of the Rosary constitute an important school of holiness and evangelization, the mysteries of light bring into relief special aspects of our Gospel 'sequela'. The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan recalls that the baptized are chosen to become 'sons in the Son'. At the wedding feast of Cana, Mary invites the servants to listen obediently to the Word of the Lord: 'Do whatever he tells you'. The proclamation of the Kingdom and the invitation to conversion are a clear mandate to everyone to pursue the path of holiness. In the Transfiguration of Jesus, the baptized person experiences the joy that awaits him. In meditating upon the institution of the Eucharist, he returns often to the Upper Room, where the divine Master left his disciples his most precious treasure: himself in the Sacrament of the altar."

A More Missionary Church: The Face of Christ Proclaimed

"At no other time has the Church had so many possibilities of proclaiming Jesus, thanks to the development of the means of social communication. For this reason, the Church today is called to make the Face of her Bridegroom shine forth with her more radiant holiness."

"Under the watchful gaze of her Mother, the ecclesial community flourishes like a family revived by the powerful outpouring of the Spirit, and, accepting the challenges of the new evangelization, contemplates the merciful face of Jesus in the brothers and sisters, especially the poor and needy, in those far from the faith and the Gospel."

"It is necessary to prepare capable and holy evangelizers. The fervour of the apostles must not be allowed to weaken, especially in regard to the mission 'ad gentes'. The Rosary, if it is fully rediscovered and appreciated, is an ordinary yet fruitful pedagogical and spiritual tool to form the People of God to work in the vast field of apostolic action."

A Precise Mandate

"The task of missionary animation must continue to be a serious, consistent duty of every baptized person and of every ecclesial community. The Pontifical Missionary Societies, of course, have a specific and particular role and I thank them for generously carrying it out."

"I would like to suggest to all of you that you intensify your praying of the Rosary, privately and in community, to obtain from the Lord those graces that the Church and humanity especially need. I invite everyone to do this: children, adults, young and old, families, parishes and religious communities.

"Among the many intentions, I would not wish to forget that of peace. War and injustice have their origins in the 'divided' heart. 'Anyone who assimilates the mystery of Christ ' and this is clearly the goal of the Rosary ' learns the secret of peace and makes it his life's project'."

MESS;WORLD MISSION SUNDAY;...;...;VIS;20030221;Word: 1051;

IN MEMORIAM

VATICAN CITY, FEB, 21, 2003 - In recent weeks the following prelates died:

- Bishop Adolfo Roque Esteban Arana, emeritus of Villa de la Concepcion del Rio Cuarto, Argentina, on January 8 at age 86.

- Archbishop Giuseppe Carata, emeritus of Trani-Barletta-Bisceglie, Italy on January 25 at age 87.

- Bishop Joseph Robert Crowley, former auxiliary of Fort Wayne-South Bend, U.S.A. on February 4 at age 88.

- Bishop Camilo Faresin S.D.B., emeritus of Guiratinga, Brazil on January 25 at age 88.

- Archbishop Carlos Galan, emeritus of La Plata, Argentina on January 24 at age 77.

- Bishop Philip James Benedict Harvey, former auxiliary of Westminster, England, on February 2 at age 87.

- Bishop James Robert Hoffman, of Toledo, U.S.A., on February 8 at age 70.

- Bishop Francisco Jose Iturriza Guillen, S.D.B., emeritus of Coro, Venezuela, on January 14 at age 99.

- Archbishop Carlos Alberto Etchandy Gimeno Navarro, of Niteroi, Brazil, on February 2 at age 71.

- Bishop Antonio Palenzuela Velazquez, emeritus of Segovia, Spain, on January 8 at age 83.
- Bishopo Decio Pereira, of Santo Andre, Brazil, on February 5 at age 62.

- Bishop Herve Renaudin, of Pontoise, France, on January 18 at age 61.

- Bishop Raul Omar Rossi, of San Martin, Argentina on February 2 at age 64.

- Bishop Michael Rusnak C.SsR., emeritus of Sts. Cyril and Methodius of Toronto, Canada, on January 16 at age 81.

- Bishop Edward Eugeniusz Samsel, of Elk, Poland on January 17 at age 63.

- Bishop Narbal Da Costa Stencel, former auxiliar of Sao Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on January 31 at age 77.

...;DEATHS;...;...;VIS;20030221;Word: 240;

HOLY SEE ADDRESSES U.N. SECURITY COUNCIL ON IRAQ QUESTION

VATICAN CITY, FEB 20, 2003 (VIS) - Archbishop Celestino Migliore, permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, addressed the U.N Security Council yesterday on the issue of Iraq, currently on the Council's agenda. Following are excerpts from that speech, given in English and published today:

"Thank you for giving me this opportunity to express the Holy See's deep concern and solicitude on the Iraqi issue, also in this Chamber of the Security Council, where the issues related to international peace and security are debated to prevent the world from the scourge of war. I am pleased to recall on this occasion, Mr. President, the successful meeting of Secretary-General Kofi Annan with His Holiness Pope John Paul II yesterday evening at the Vatican."

"The Holy See realizes that the international community is rightly worried and is addressing a just and urgent cause: the disarmament of arsenals of mass destruction, a threat surfacing not just in a single region, but unfortunately in other parts of our world. The Holy See is convinced that in the efforts to draw strength from the wealth of peaceful tools provided by the international law, to resort to force would not be a just one. To the grave consequences for a civilian population that has already been tested long enough, are added the dark prospects of tensions and conflicts between peoples and cultures and the deprecated reintroduction of war as a way to resolve untenable situations.

"The Holy See is closely following the developments on the ground and expresses its support for the efforts of the international community towards resolving the crisis within the sphere of the international legality. For this purpose and with this in mind, His Holiness Pope John Paul II has recently sent a Special Envoy to Baghdad, who met with President Saddam Hussein and delivered him a Message from the Pope stressing, inter alia, the need for concrete commitments in faithful adherence to the relevant resolutions of the United Nations. A similar message has also been conveyed to Mr. Tariq Aziz, Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister, who visited the Pope on 14 February last. Moreover, in view of the devastating aftermath of a possible military intervention, the Special Envoy of the Pope made an appeal to the conscience of all those who have a role to play in determining the future of the crisis in these coming decisive days 'because, in the end, it is conscience that will have the last word, stronger than all strategies, all ideologies and also all religions'.

"The Holy See is convinced that even though the process of inspections appears somewhat slow, it still remains an effective path that could lead to the building of a consensus which, if widely shared by Nations, would make it almost impossible for any Government to act otherwise, without risking international isolation. The Holy See is therefore of the view that it is also the proper path that would lead to an agreed and honorable resolution to the problem, which, in turn, could provide the basis for a real and lasting peace."

"On the issue of Iraq, the vast majority of the international community is calling for a diplomatic resolution of the dispute and for exploring all avenues for a peaceful settlement. That call should not be ignored. The Holy See encourages the parties concerned to keep the dialogue open that could bring about solutions in preventing a possible war and urges the international community to assume its responsibility in dealing with any failings by Iraq.

"Mr. President, before concluding this statement, allow me to echo in this Chamber of peace the hope-inspiring words of John Paul II's Special Envoy to Iraq: 'Peace is still possible in Iraq and for Iraq. The smallest step over the next few days is worth a great leap toward peace'."

DELSS;IRAQ;...;UN; MIGLIORE;VIS;20030220;Word: 650;

WAR IS A DEFEAT FOR HUMANITY, A TRAGEDY FOR RELIGION

VATICAN CITY, FEB 20, 2003 (VIS) - Members of an inter-religious delegation from Indonesia were welcomed to the Vatican today by the Holy Father, who told them that "at this time of great tension for the world, you have come to Rome and I am grateful to have the occasion to speak to you."

"With the real possibility of war looming on the horizon," he stated, "we must not permit politics to become a source of further division among the world's religions. In fact, neither the threat of war nor war itself should be allowed to alienate Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and members of other religions."

The Holy Father emphasized that "as religious leaders committed to peace, we should work together with our own people, with those of other religious beliefs and with all men and women of good will to ensure understanding, cooperation and solidarity. Earlier this year (in an address to the diplomatic corps), I said: 'War is always a defeat for humanity'; it is also a tragedy for religion."

"My fervent prayer," the Pope concluded, "is that our efforts to promote mutual understanding and trust will bear abundant fruit and help the world to avoid conflict. For it is through commitment and continuing cooperation that cultures and religions 'will be able to break through the barriers which divide them, to understand one another and to pardon those who have done them wrong'."

AC;INTERRELIGIOUS DELEGATION; INDONESIA;...;...;VIS;20030220;Word: 250;

PAPAL MESSAGE TO ITALIAN CATHOLIC ACTION

VATICAN CITY, FEB 20, 2003 (VIS) - John Paul II has sent a Message to the spiritual assistants of Italian Catholic Action who are holding their national meeting in Rome on the theme "Building New Catholic Action in Parishes." The Pope noted that they are reflecting on how to contribute "to redesigning the face of the parish, the basic structure of the ecclesial body."

The Holy Father described the parish: "It is 'the house of the Christian community' to which one belongs through the grace of baptism; it is the 'school of holiness' for all Christians, even for those who do not belong to determined ecclesial movements or do not cultivate a special spirituality; it is 'the laboratory of faith' where the basic elements of the Catholic tradition are transmitted; 'it is 'the training ground for formation' where one is educated in the faith and started on the apostolic mission."

Saying that "the link between the parish and Catholic Action has always been very close, the Pope stressed that, in renewing itself, Catholic Action could help renew parishes so that they become, in a vigorous, coherent and constant way, living "witnesses to the Gospel" and centers of dialogue with persons in the parish, "reserving special attention to those living in material or spiritual distress."

Above all, the Pope asked that Catholic Action bring "a daily witness to communion. ... A spirituality of communion, lived with the bishop and the local Church; here is the contribution that Italian Catholic Action can give the Church."

He added that "the indispensable structure and organizational renewal will be the result of a singular 'adventure of the Spirit' that involves the inner and radical conversion of the persons and associations at various levels: parish, diocesan and national." He urged the spiritual directors to "place your best energies" at the service of this renewal and conversion.

MESS;ITALIAN CATHOLIC ACTION;...;...;VIS;20030220;Word: 310;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, FEB 20, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:
- Professor Bungaran Saragih, president of the Governing Council of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

- Bishop Giovanni Innocenzo Martinelli, apostolic vicar of Tripoli, Libya, on his "ad limina" visit.

- Bishop Sylvester Carmel Magro, apostolic vicar of Benghazi, Libya, on his "ad limina" visit.

- Archbishop Michael Louis Fitzgerald, M.Afr., president of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue.

AP; AL;...;...;...;VIS;20030220;Word: 70;

STATEMENT ON INTER-RELIGIOUS DELEGATION FROM INDONESIA

VATICAN CITY, FEB 20, 2003 (VIS) - The following declaration was made this afternoon by Joaquin Navarro-Valls, director of the Holy See Press Office, on the visit to the Pope today by an inter-religious delegation from Indonesia:

"This morning a delegation from the 'Gerakan Moral Nasional Indonesia' organization, made up of the heads of all religions present in Indonesia, was received in audience by the Holy Father, to whom they turned over a 'Statement of Concerns' regarding the Iraqi crisis.

"Beyond an exchange of opinions on the evolution of the religious situation in Indonesia and Asia, the members of the delegation appealed to the Holy See to continue and to intensify its diplomatic efforts so that all interested parties might find a just and peaceful solution to the present Iraqi crisis, based on the humanitarian and moral principles shared by all the religions of the world."

OP;DELEGATION INDONESIA;...;NAVARRO-VALLS;VIS;20030220;Word: 160;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, FEB 20, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Appointed the following as auxiliary bishops of the diocese of Mainz (area 7,692, population 2,770,000, Catholics 814,205, priests 553, religious 577), Germany:

- Msgr. Werner Guballa, vicar general of the same diocese. The bishop-elect was born in Mainz-Marienborn, Germany in 1944 and was ordained a priest in 1970.

- Fr. Ulrich Neymeyr, pastor of Offstein, Worms-Horchheim and Worms-Wiesoppenheim, Germany. The bishop-elect was born in 1957 in Worms-Hermsheim, Germany and was ordained a priest in 1982.

- Accepted the resignation from the office of auxiliary from the same diocese presented by Bishop Wolfgang Rolly, upon having reached the age limit.

NEA; RE;...;...;GUBALLA; NEYMEYR; ROLLY;VIS;20030220;Word: 110;

STATEMENT ON HOLY FATHER'S AUDIENCE WITH KOFI ANNAN

VATICAN CITY, FEB 19, 2003 (VIS) - The following statement was released last evening by Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls after the visit to the Holy Father by United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan:

"Today, February 18, the Holy Father received in audience Kofi Annan, secretary general of the United Nations. Mr. Annan also had the opportunity to meet with Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of State, who was accompanied by Cardinal Roger Etchegaray.

"In a cordial and in-depth conversation which lasted a half hour, the Pope and Mr. Annan were able to examine different aspects of the current critical situation regarding Iraq. Emphasizing the essential role of the United Nations, they expressed the hope that just and effective solutions may be found to the challenges of the moment which respect international law that the Organization of the United Nations guarantees. Solutions must be found which avert further grave suffering for that population, already tried by long years of embargo.

"Other situations of conflict in the world were also reviewed, particularly the ever dramatic situation in the Holy Land.

"During the conversation, Kofi Annan was thanked for his constant personal commitment to peace in different regions of the world."

OP;AUDIENCE KOFI ANNAN;...;NAVARRO-VALLS;VIS;20030219;Word: 220;

TELEGRAM FOR VICTIMS OF ARSON IN KOREAN SUBWAY

VATICAN CITY, FEB 19, 2003 (VIS) - The following telegram was sent in the Holy Father's name by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of state, to Archbishop Paul Ri Moun-hi of Taegu, Korea for the victims of an arson attack:

"Saddened by the great loss of life in the arson attack on a subway train in Taegu, the Holy Father asks you to kindly convey his heartfelt condolences to the civil authorities and the afflicted families. He prays for the eternal repose of the victims and invokes God's gift of strength and comfort upon those who are in mourning."

TGR;ARSON SUBWAY;...;KOREA; RI MOUN-HI;VIS;20030219;Word: 110;

MESSAGE FROM POPE JOHN PAUL TO IFAD ON 25TH ANNIVERSARY

VATICAN CITY, FEB 19, 2003 (VIS) - Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of state, today read a Message from Pope John Paul to Lennart Bage, the president of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) at the meeting in Rome celebrating IFAD's 25th anniversary. In attendance were President Ciampi of Italy, United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, and representatives of governments and international organizations.

The Pope lauded the work of IFAD, noting that its statues "outline its structure and guide its action, giving it the specific duty to furnish financial resources to 'the poorest of the poor' for the agricultural development of those countries with severe food shortages."

He said that the "solidarity shown to IFAD in the fight against rural poverty has found a concrete way to achieve food security for the poor. ... This is a positive approach at a time when serious concerns persist in diverse areas of the world, considered at high risk nutritionally."

"Our thoughts," said the Pope's Message, "turn to the victims of conflicts and serious violations of basic rights, to the reality of refugees and evacuees, to those affected by sickness and epidemics. These are all situations that threaten orderly coexistence among persons and communities and place human life at grave risk."

Expressing solidarity with the work of IFAD and similar organizations, he nonetheless exhorted his audience to always place "the human person and his primary needs" at the foundation and center of international action.

"Today we see the opposition of interests and the desire to prevail, whose consequences are the abandonment of negotiations and a impetus towards isolation. ... We cannot ignore the sad resignation that seems to have extinguished the desire to live of entire populations that hunger and malnutrition have placed at the margins of the community of nations, far from living conditions that are really respectful of human dignity."

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CANTICLE OF THE THREE YOUNG MEN, PRAISING GOD'S GLORY

VATICAN CITY, FEB 19, 2003 (VIS) - Pope John Paul's catechesis for today's general audience, held in the Paul VI Hall in the presence of 10,000 faithful, centered on the Canticle of the Three Young Men, found in Chapter Three of the Book of Daniel. He called this canticle, "a magnificent hymn in praise of God's transcendent glory."

The Pope recalled that this is the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, "three young Jewish men, placed by the author in the historical context of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, the terrible Babylonian sovereign who annihilated the holy city of Jerusalem in 486 and banished the Israelites 'along the rivers of Babylon'."

Today's canticle, explained the Holy Father, "traditionally called the Canticle of 'the three young men', is similar to a torch that brings light to the darkness at the time of persecution and oppression, a time that has often been repeated in the history of Israel and the very history of Christianity."

"Sung by the three young men condemned to the fiery furnace for their fidelity to the God of Israel," he stated, "the Canticle evokes the holiness and power of the Creator, Who dwells among His people in Jerusalem. This prophetic celebration of God's closeness to His People prefigures the coming of the Son of God, Who in the fullness of time 'took flesh and dwelt among us'. In her liturgy the Church in every age takes up this song of gratitude for God's merciful love, which guides all history to its appointed end."

John Paul II said that "in their blessing, the three young men praise the Lord all powerful, who is in heaven, but also the God who is close to His people, Who wished to inhabit 'his holy temple of glory'."

AG;CANTICLE PRAISE; DANIEL VIS 20030219 (300);...;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, FEB 19, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Msgr. Victor Naranjo Tovar, vicar general of the diocese of Latacunga, Ecuador, as bishop of the same diocese (area 5,093, population 296,647, Catholics 250,000, priests 52, religious 96). The bishop-elect was born in Pujili, Ecuador in 1941 and was ordained a priest in 1965. The Holy Father accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese presented by Bishop Raul Lopez Mayorga upon having reached the age limit.

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, FEB 19, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father received today in audience Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, FEB 18, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Cardinal Roger Etchegaray.

This evening at 6:30 he is scheduled to receive Kofi Annan, secretary general of the United Nations, and an entourage.

AP;...;...;... ;VIS;20030218;Word: 30;

MESSAGE FOR WORLD MISSION DAY TO BE PRESENTED

VATICAN CITY, FEB 18, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father's Message for World Mission Day 2003 will be presented by Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, at a conference in the Holy See Press Office on Friday, February 21 at 11:30 a.m.

Joining Cardinal Sepe will be Archbishops Robert Sarah, congregation secretary, and Patabendige Don Albert Malcolm Ranjith, adjunct secretary, and Fr. Massimo Cenci, under-secretary.

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THE FUTURE OF EUROPE NEEDS OUR VALUES, OUR COLLABORATION

VATICAN CITY, FEB 15, 2003 (VIS) - Made public yesterday afternoon was Pope John Paul's Message to His Beatitude Christodoulos, archbishop of Athens and of All Greece, on the occasion of a five-day meeting in Athens between representatives of the Holy See and of the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Greece. A visit from the Holy Synod had visited the Vatican in March 2002. The Holy See delegation was led by Cardinal Walter Kasper, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.

The Pope noted in his message that this meeting was "a concrete sign of our will to persevere in fraternal love." He said that such meetings "are a motive of joy and satisfaction for me. The Catholic Church knows that it has a duty to perform on the European continent in this historic moment, and the responsibility that she feels coincides with that of the Orthodox Church of Greece. Such responsibility is a common terrain on which to develop reciprocal collaboration. Europe's future is so important that it compels us to go beyond our past of divisions, misunderstandings and reciprocal remoteness."

The Holy Father remarked that "what is at stake is the promotion in Europe, hic et nunc, of all human and religious values, of the recognition of Churches and ecclesial communities, of safeguarding the sacredness of life, of safeguarding creation. We are moved by the deep conviction that the 'old' continent must not lose the Christian riches of its cultural patrimony."

"This collaboration," he said in closing, " could be one of the efficacious remedies to ideological relativism, so widespread in Europe, to an ethical pluralism that disregards perennial values, to a form of globalization that leaves man dissatisfied because it cancels all legitimate differences which have allowed so many treasures to be spread in Eastern and Western Europe."

MESS;ORTHODOX CHURCH GREECE;...;...;VIS;20030217;Word: 310;

PAPAL DISCOURSE TO BISHOPS OF EQUATORIAL GUINEA

VATICAN CITY, FEB 15, 2003 (VIS) - The prelates of Equatorial Guinea were received today by the Pope who, in his talk to them, focussed on the need for priests, the multi-faceted roles of men and women religious, the importance of an optimum catechesis of the laity, and the need to respect all human rights, including the rights to life, religious freedom, food, education and freedom of movement, expression and association.

"One of the greater difficulties you encounter in your particular Churches is the lack of priests," the Holy Father began his discourse in Spanish. He underscored the urgency of promoting a pastoral ministry for vocations, especially one that incorporates native clergy and missionaries, and of praying insistently for vocations. He also pointed out the importance of "strong and healthy families where one learns genuine values" as the source of vocations to the priesthood and the religious life.

The Pope lauded the bishops' efforts to create a national seminary, saying that "the creation of adequate spaces where candidates can receive an appropriate preparation in the diverse human and theological sciences is of capital importance." Seminary life must be marked by "prayer and frequent reception of the Sacraments, ... discipline, fraternal coexistence and acquiring habits that configure the style of the priest or religious of our times."

John Paul II also praised the many roles played by religious, many of whom are from Spain, in Guinean society, including direct work with parishes and missions, as well as in the fields of education, health, welfare and charity. Their work "enriches your local Churches with the efficacy of its services as well as, above all, through the personal and communitarian witness to the Gospel."

Turning to the lay faithful, the Pope said they "have a role of utmost importance in facing present and future challenges in your country." The laity must be "witnesses of a stainless life in the world, search for holiness in the family, in work and in social life," and be dedicated to making the Christian spirit permeate all levels of their life and work. This requires "an appropriate religious and human formation which helps them to face the equivocal forms of religiosity or pseudo-religious movements that are so widespread today."

John Paul II then commented on how the country's past had been marked by painful moments, and painful consequences, both ecclesial and social, and he urged everyone "to be ministers of reconciliation. ... Pardon is not incompatible with justice, and the best future of the country is one which is built in peace, which is the fruit of justice and of pardon, both offered and received."

AL;...;...;EQUATORIAL GUINEA;VIS;20030217;Word: 440;

POPE WELCOMES BISHOPS OF THE GAMBIA, LIBERIA AND SIERRA LEONE

VATICAN CITY, FEB 15, 2003 (VIS) - The bishops of the Gambia, Liberia and Sierra Leone were received today by the Holy Father at the conclusion of their "ad limina" visit. In his talk to them in English, the Pope highlighted the challenges facing the prelates in forming young people and in defending the sanctity of life and the family, as well as the humanitarian trials they face, especially the "tragic situation of millions of refugees and displaced persons."

"Catholics form a very small part of the population in your countries," admitted the Pope, "and at times the social, political and even religious climate makes evangelization and interreligious dialogue difficult." He encouraged the bishops to continue to "proclaim the Gospel's power to transform hearts and lives." He underscored that the contribution of Catholics in all milieux of society, especially their social welfare programs "are praised by people and government alike."
The Holy Father pointed out that "this same word of God can also act as a fundamental point of departure for essential dialogue with the followers of African traditional religions and Islam. It is your task to continue to foster an attitude of mutual respect which avoids religious indifference and militant fundamentalism."

He stressed the care and commitment that must be given by the Church to "the formation of your youth and laity. The seduction of material things, and the dangerous attraction of cults and secret societies which promise wealth and power can hold great appeal, especially for young people." He said that youth must be made to realize "they are truly a 'new generation of builders', called to work towards 'a civilization of love'."

John Paul II then turned to the family, calling it "a fundamental element of African culture and civilization. ... Unfortunately the Gospel of life .... is being threatened in your countries by widespread polygamy, divorce, abortion, prostitution, human trafficking and a contraceptive mentality. These same factors contribute ... to sexual activity leading to the spread of AIDS, a pandemic which cannot be ignored."

"As the Church in Africa does all in her power to defend the sanctity of the family and its pre-eminent place in African society, she is called above all to proclaim loudly and clearly the liberating message of authentic Christian love" and to emphasize that "true love is chaste love." The Church, he asserted, must be "the leader in the sustained effort to promote programs which foster authentic respect for the dignity and rights of women."

The Holy Father said he was pleased by strides made in restoring peace but said he was worried by developments which could threaten it. He turned his attention to the humanitarian challenges facing the bishops, noting "with concern the tragic situation of millions of refugees and displaced peoples." He urged the prelates "to work tirelessly for reconciliation and to bear authentic witness to unity by gestures of solidarity and support for the victims of decades of violence."

AL;...;...;GAMBIA; LIBERIA; SIERRA LEONE;VIS;20030217;Word: 500;

CARDINAL ETCHEGARAY ON MEETING WITH SADDAM HUSSEIN

VATICAN CITY, FEB 15, 2003 (VIS) - Following is the declaration to journalists made in Baghdad, Iraq, by Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, following his meeting this morning with Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. The French cardinal was sent as a special envoy to the region by Pope John Paul II.

"I understand that you have been awaiting the present moment with great interest, given the importance of the meeting I have just left. For your part, you understand that the spiritual nature of my mission gives my words a special tone to which you are doubtless used to. The Church indeed has her own way of speaking of peace, making peace, among those who, for diverse reasons, employ themselves with such great tenacity. The Church, according to words by Pope John Paul II, is the spokesman of the 'moral conscience of mankind in its purest state, of a mankind that desires peace, that needs peace'.

"It is in this sense that my meeting with President Saddam Hussein touched upon concrete questions that I cannot mention through respect for the person who sent me as well as for the person who received me: It is a matter of seeing if everything has been done to safeguard peace while establishing a climate of confidence that allows Iraq to rediscover its place in the international community. At the heart of our meeting were the Iraq people who, I have noted from Baghdad to Mossoul, aspire so much to a just and lasting peace after years of suffering, for which the Pope and the universal Church have always expressed their solidarity.

"In the name of the Pope, I dare to appeal to the conscience of all those who, in these decisive days, shoulder the future of peace. For, in the end, it is one's conscience which will have the final word, which is stronger than all strategies, all ideologies and even all religions."

...;ETCHEGARAY VISIT; HUSSEIN;...;IRAQ;VIS;20030217;Word: (330;

PAPAL TELEGRAM FOR VICTIMS OF BOMB IN COLOMBIA

VATICAN CITY, FEB 15, 2003 (VIS) - Following is the telegram sent in Pope John Paul's name by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of state, to Bishop Ramon Dario Molina Jaramillo of Neiva, Colombia, for the victims of a bomb that exploded yesterday in that city:

"His Holiness John Paul II received with deep regret the sad news of the loathsome attack perpetrated yesterday which caused innocent victims and numerous injured, including children and security officers, as well as serious material damage. In this circumstance, he expresses once again his energetic denunciation and firm condemnation of these new acts of terrorism that attack peaceful coexistence and offend the sentiments of the beloved Colombian people, the majority of whom are against violence and horror and who are lovers of peace in justice.
"The Pope, while he offers prayers for the eternal repose of the souls of those who died, asks Your Excellency to convey his heartfelt condolences to the family members of the dead, along with the assurance of his prayers for the swift and complete recovery of the injured. At the same time, the Holy Father feels very close to the pastor and ecclesial community of Neiva, so tried by this painful incident, and desires to make an urgent appeal to those responsible for these detestable actions to cease on that path of destruction and death which will never facilitate the authentic progress of the Colombian people.

"With these sentiments, the Supreme Pontiff imparts the consoling apostolic blessing on all those who are suffering in this hour of grief and all those who assist them."

TGR;BOMB; COLOMBIA;...;SODANO; MOLINA;VIS;20030217;Word: 280;

BISHOPS OF GUINEA CONAKRY CONCLUDE "AD LIMINA" VISIT

VATICAN CITY, FEB 15, 2003 (VIS) - The Pope today also welcomed prelates from Guinea (Conakry) and spoke to them of the importance of pastoral ministries for young people and the family, of interreligious dialogue and of the challenges they fact with the presence of sects in their country.

John Paul II remarked that the small number of Catholics in Guinea, despite adverse conditions, "have kept a lively awareness that they are the leaven of the Gospel." Echoing the reports presented by the bishops, the Pope noted that there are "many obstacles in welcoming the faith, including the situation of dire poverty of the population, the difficulty of proclaiming the Gospel message in a context marked by the predominance of other religious traditions and the problems faced in reaching communities geographically isolated."
He lauded the work of missionaries in particular and of the Church in general and asked the prelates to pursue the path they have undertaken, especially "in calling Christians to commit themselves ever more to the political life of the country and in helping them, through an adequate doctrinal formation, to join in a coherent manner their Christian faith and their civic responsibilities."

The Holy Father highlighted the importance of the pastoral programs that form the diverse agents of evangelization "so they may assume their irreplaceable role in the Church and in society. This has been made necessary because of the offensive undertaken by sects who take advantage of the situation of the misery and the credulity of the faithful to turn them away from the Church and the liberating word of the Gospel."

He then turned his attention to the family, underscoring that "the breakup of the family and its foundations today in Guinea, even affects social cohesion. ... It is essential to encourage Catholics to preserve and promote the fundamental values of the family," and to "hold in high consideration the dignity of Christian marriage." He stressed the dangers caused by polygamy on the institution of Christian marriage, saying "the Church must clearly and tirelessly teach the truth about marriage and the family as God established them."

Pope John Paul encouraged the bishops to dedicate great time and attention to priests, their "closest collaborators," as well as to the country's young people so that they may take their rightful place "in transforming society."

The Pope then noted that "the encounters with believers of other religions, especially with Muslims, are a daily experience of Christians in Guinea, a country where Islam is the majority religion. At a time when suspicions, temptations to turn in on oneself or the refusal to meet can constitute serious obstacles to the social stability and religious freedom of persons, it is important to pursue dialogue of life between Christians and Muslims, so that they will be ever audacious witnesses of God, good and merciful, in mutual respect."

AL;...;...;GUINEA CONAKRY;VIS;20030217;Word: 490;

EUROPE'S CHRISTIAN ROOTS MUST BE IN EUROPEAN CONSTITUTION

VATICAN CITY, FEB 16, 2003 (VIS) - In remarks made before reciting the Angelus at noon today with the pilgrims assembled in St. Peter's Square, Pope John Paul noted that on February 14 the Church celebrated the feast of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, brothers, apostles of the Slavs and co-patrons of Europe, born in Salonika the second half of the ninth century.

"Always faithful to the Roman Pontiff as well as to the Patriarch of Constantinople," the Pope said of these saintly brothers, "they were animated by a deep sense of the Church, one, holy, catholic and apostolic, while Jesus' invocation 'ut unum sint', was their missionary uniform."

The Pope remarked that "the legacy of Sts. Cyril and Methodius is also precious from a cultural standpoint. Their work, in fact, contributed to consolidating the common Christian roots of Europe, roots that with their essence permeated European history and institutions."

"Precisely for this," he affirmed, "it has been requested that the future constitutional treaty of the European Union give space to this common patrimony of the East and the West. A similar reference will take nothing away from the just lay nature of the political structures but, on the contrary, will help preserve the Continent from the double risk of ideological laicism, on the one hand, and sectarian integralism on the other."

"United on values and remembering their own past," he concluded, "European peoples can fully undertake their role in promoting justice and peace in the world."

ANG;CYRIL; METHODIUS; CHRISTIAN EUROPE;...;...;VIS;20030217;Word: 250;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, FEB 15, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Archbishop Angelo Amato, secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, as consultor of the Congregation for Bishops.

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, FEB 17, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father received in separate audiences today:

- Archbishop Augustine Kasujja, apostolic nuncio in Algeria and in Tunisia.

- Four prelates of the Regional Episcopal Conference of North Africa (CERNA):

- Archbishop Henri Teissier of Algiers.

- Bishop Michel-Joseph-Gerard Gagnon, M.Afr., of Laghourat.
- Bishop Gabriel Piroird of Constantine.

- Bishop Alphonse Georger of Oran.

On Saturday February 15, the Holy Father received in audience:

- Bishop Anacleto Matogo Oyana, C.M.F., of Bata, Equatorial Guinea on his "ad limina" visit.

- Bishop Philippe Kourouma of N'Zerekore, Guinea on his "ad limina" visit.

- Bishop Vincent Coulibaly of Kankan, Guinea on his "ad limina" visit.

- Msgr. Andre Mamadou Camara, apostolic administrator of Conakry, Guinea on his "ad limina" visit.

AP; AL;...;...;...;VIS;20030217;Word: 100;

BE TIRELESS WITNESSES TO HOPE, POPE TELLS RELIGIOUS

VATICAN CITY, FEB 17, 2003 (VIS) - Participants in the 17th General Chapter of the Daughters of Mary Most Holy "dell orto", also called the Gianelli Sisters after their founder, St. Anthony Mary Gianelli, were welcomed to the Vatican this morning by Pope John Paul.

He said that their theme, "Consecrate and Send into the Service of the Kingdom," was "stimulating," as it motivated them "to return to the roots of your charism and to place them face to face with current needs, in an ever-changing world." He noted how their work was always inspired by their founder, Bishop Gianelli, "who loved to repeat: 'God, God, only God!'. Everything he did was animated by his ardent longing for Christ."

"His teachings are well expressed in your Constitutions," the Pope pointed out, "which outline the style typical of your religious family: fidelity to your charism, living a vigilant evangelical charity, forgetting one's own interests and comfort; remaining attentive to the needs of the times, taking pleasure in becoming everything for everyone with a commitment whose only limits are impossibility and inopportuneness."

The Holy Father urged the sisters to "pursue this path, placing Christ at the center of your life." He asked them to make love of Christ, love of their neighbor and poverty the marks of their ministry, and he also asked them to "be tireless witnesses of hope."

AC;DAUGHTERS OF MARY;...;...;VIS;20030217;Word: 240;

PEACE IN IRAQ AND FOR IRAQ IS STILL POSSIBLE

VATICAN CITY, FEB 16, 2003 (VIS) - Prior to his departure today from Baghdad as the envoy of the Holy Father, Cardinal Roger Etchegaray made the following statement:

"I have just lived in Iraq several days of extraordinary intensity in communion with the person who sent me, Pope John Paul II. Rarely have I ever felt that I was not only the bearer of his message of peace, but that he himself was also present. I only followed him to the midst of the Christian communities, of all the Iraqi people, to President Saddam Hussein who listened at length and deeply to the living word that comes from God and that every believer, descendants of Abraham, welcomes as the most certain leaven of peace.

"As I leave this land unjustly cut off from others, I would like to be more than a simple echo, the amplification of the aspiration of a country that has a pressing need for peace.
"Among the great clouds that have overshadowed these times, there is a small opening. But no one must abandon their efforts. The new and brief respite which has been given us must be used by everyone full time and in a spirit of reciprocal trust to answer the exigencies of the international community. The least of steps in coming days has the value of a great step forward towards peace.

"Yes, peace is still possible in Iraq and for Iraq. I leave for Rome, shouting this more strongly than ever before."

...;STATEMENT;...;BAGHDAD; ETCHEGARAY;VIS;20030217;Word: 260;

DECLARATION ON VISIT BY IRAQI MINISTER TARIQ AZIZ

VATICAN CITY, FEB 14, 2003 (VIS) - Following is the declaration made early this afternoon by Holy See Press Office Director, Joaquin Navarro-Valls concerning the visit to the Vatican by Tariq Aziz:

"This morning, Friday, February 14, 2003, the Holy Father received Tariq Aziz, vice prime minister of the Republic of Iraq who, following the audience, met with Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of state, accompanied by Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, secretary for Relations with States.

"The meetings allowed for a broad exchange of ideas on the well-known danger of an armed intervention in Iraq which would add further serious sufferings to those populations, already tried by long years of embargo.

"Mr. Aziz wished to give assurances concerning the will of the Iraqi government to cooperate with the international community, especially on the matter of disarmament. For its part, the Holy See repeated the need to faithfully respect, with concrete commitments, the Resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, guaranteed by international law.

"And lastly, it was reiterated that the Catholic Church will continue its work of educating to peace and coexistence among peoples, so that in every circumstance peaceful solutions will be found.

OP;IRAQ; TARIQ AZIZ;...;SODANO; NAVARRO-VALLS;VIS;20030214;Word: 200;

PAPAL TELEGRAM FOR CIVIL DISORDER IN BOLIVIA

VATICAN CITY, FEB 14, 2003 (VIS) - Made public yesterday afternoon was the following telegram sent in the Holy Father's name by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of state, to Cardinal Julio Terrazas Sandoval, president of the Episcopal Conference of Bolivia on the occasion of the serious civil disorder that has occurred in that country:

"The Holy Father, deeply distressed by the news from your nation about the serious disturbance of public order that has sadly caused deaths and injuries, wishes to make his appeal reach the authorities and the people of Bolivia in order that they may commit themselves to finding a proper solution to the critical social and economic situation which the country is going through by peaceful means.

"The Supreme Pontiff offers prayers for the eternal repose of the souls of those who have died and raises his prayer for the recovery of the injured and wishes to urge all to create a climate of peaceful coexistence, capable of facilitating a fruitful and sincere dialogue, excluding violent confrontation, that favors overcoming adversities and reconciliation, creates trust among all interested parties and that the necessary human and spiritual progress is promoted, a necessary condition for social peace.

"While he entrusts the future of Bolivians to the maternal intercession of the Holy Virgin of Copacabana, His Holiness implores the gifts of the Holy Spirit for the authorities and people of Bolivia so that under his divine light the true path to peace and peaceful coexistence are discovered and he sends them a heartfelt blessing."

TGR;DISORDER BOLIVIA;...;SODANO; SANDOVAL;VIS;20030214;Word: 260;