OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, FEB 24, 2005 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed:

 - Archbishop Andre Dupuy, apostolic nuncio to Venezuela, as apostolic nuncio to the European Communities.

 - Archbishop Giacinto Berloco, apostolic nuncio to El Salvador and Belize, as apostolic nuncio to Venezuela.
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HOLY SEE AT U.N.: ACHIEVING MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS

VATICAN CITY, FEB 24, 2005 (VIS) - On February 22, Archbishop Celestino Migliore, permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, addressed the 59th General Assembly informal consultations on the Report of the High-Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change and the Practical Plan to Achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). 

  The archbishop underlined the Holy See's interest in Recommendation No. 7, namely, that ODA (official development assistance) should be based on actual needs, rather than assigned targets. He said that "many experts concur that extreme poverty and hunger derive in great part from the inequality in the distribution of income on the one hand and in conspicuous over-consumption on the other."
 
  "My delegation strongly believes that the entire system of solidarity needs to be reshaped; ODA must be increased, not just spent better; and above all, policies to eradicate poverty must continue to concentrate not only on 'what' or 'how', but firstly on 'who'. A clear idea of who the poor are, followed by practical, direct, personal assistance to them through people-centered policies must always be borne in mind."

  "The Holy See," stated Archbishop Migliore, "is pleased to align itself with delegations which support a social policy which includes distributive justice," adding that such policies should "become the basic yardstick for measuring the quality and pace of development."

  As to the Practical Plan, he said, "emphasis must continue to be placed on investments to empower poor people, especially women, in ways that respect the individual's will and do not lead to unacceptable conditions being placed on the liberty of those to whom assistance is offered. ... We are convinced that the MDGs ... can only be achieved if poverty eradication policies are aimed squarely at the poor as persons of equal worth; if serious progress is made in good governance and combating corruption; if financial and trade reform is adequately introduced to make markets work in favor of developing countries; if the long-standing 0.7% GNP (gross national product) pledges are truly honored in justice and solidarity; and if debt is cancelled in all the applicable cases."
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LENTEN SERMONS TO BEGIN TOMORROW

VATICAN CITY, FEB 24, 2005 (VIS) - Lenten sermons will begin tomorrow, Friday February 25, in the "Redemptoris Mater" Chapel of the Vatican's Apostolic Palace at 9 a.m.. The theme of the four meditations, which will be led by Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa O.F.M. Cap., preacher of the Papal Household, is: "O Memorial of my Savior Dying" (Reflections on the Eucharist in the light of the hymn "Adoro te devote").

  According to a communique issued by the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household, "continuing the reflections that began in Advent, the remaining four verses of 'Adoro te devote' will be commented on. These are verses which have as their theme the Eucharist and the resurrection; the Eucharist as remembrance and communion; the Eucharist and the return of creatures to God."

  Cardinals, archbishops, bishops and prelates of the Roman Curia, of the Vicariate of Rome and of the Pontifical Household are invited to the meditations, as are the superior generals of orders that form part of the "Cappella Pontificia." The other three Lenten sermons will take place on the following Fridays: March 4, 11 and 18.
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CARDINAL SODANO PRESIDES AT CONSISTORY

VATICAN CITY, FEB 24, 2005 (VIS) - This morning the Pope wrote a letter to Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano, delegating him to preside at the Ordinary Public Consistory for the canonization of five Blesseds, which was held this morning in the Clementine Hall.

  "For reasons of prudence," the Holy Father writes, "I have been advised to follow (the consistory) from my apartments via an internal television link. Therefore I entrust to you, Cardinal Sodano, the task of presiding that gathering, and authorize you to proceed, in my name, with the various acts scheduled to take place. Please, then, announce that:

  "Following the favorable opinion, already expressed in writing by cardinals from all over the world, and by archbishops and bishops resident in Rome, I intend to set the date of Sunday October 23, 2005, for the canonization of the following five Blesseds: Jozef Bilczewski, bishop; Gaetano Catanoso, priest, founder of the Congregation of the Veronica Sisters of the Holy Face; Zygmunt Gorazdowski, priest, founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph; Alberto Hurtado Cruchaga, priest of the Society of Jesus; Felice Da Nicosia (Filippo Giacomo Armoroso), religious of the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor Capuchin.

  "It is also my intention to assign presbyteral titles to Cardinals Luigi Poggi, Carlo Furno and Gilberto Agustoni. To Cardianl Luigi Poggi is assigned the presbyteral title of St Lawrence in Lucina; to the other two cardinals, in keeping with their own wishes, the diaconates they have held up to now are elevated "pro hac vice" to presbyteral titles: to Cardinal Carlo Furno, the title of the Sacred Heart of Christ the King; to Cardinal Gilberto Agustoni, the title of Sts Urban and Lawrence at Prima Porta.

  "Finally, I confirm the new cardinal proto-deacon in the person of Cardinal Jorge Arturo Medina Estevez.

  "United in prayer with those who participate in the Ordinary Public Consistory, I ask you, Cardinal Sodano, to preside at the celebration of the Sixth Hour, while I impart to everyone a heartfelt apostolic blessing."
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HOLY FATHER READMITTED TO GEMELLI HOSPITAL

VATICAN CITY, FEB 24, 2005 (VIS) - Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls released the following statement to journalists this morning: "As of yesterday afternoon, Wednesday February 23, the Holy Father showed signs of a relapse of the flu syndrome which had affected him in preceding weeks. For this reason the Pope was admitted this morning to Gemelli Polyclinic for opportune specialized treatment and for further tests."
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