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.

OCL;CAUSES CANONIZATION;...;...;VIS;20030227;Word: 310;