AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, OCT 13, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

 - Cardinal Telesphore Placidus Toppo, archbishop of Ranchi, India.

 - Bishop Emilio Patriarca of Monze, Zambia, on his "ad limina" visit.

  This evening, he is scheduled to receive in audience Cardinal William Joseph Levada, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
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IN BRIEF

ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 9, AT THE APOSTOLIC NUNCIATURE IN BERLIN, Archbishop Erwin Josef Ender, apostolic nuncio to Germany, and Ole von Beust, mayor and president of the senate of Hamburg, Germany, exchanged the instruments of ratification of an agreement between the Holy See and the Free Hanseatic City of Hamburg signed on November 29, 2005. The agreement regulates relations between the Catholic Church and this city "lande" and came into effect on the day following the exchange of the instruments of ratification.

ARCHBISHOP CELESTINO MIGLIORE, PERMANENT OBSERVER of the Holy See to the United Nations in New York, spoke yesterday before the plenary of the UN General Assembly, on the theme: "New Partnership for Africa's Development." In his English-language talk, Archbishop Migliore affirmed the need "to create new forms of solidarity at bilateral and multilateral levels through a more decisive commitment on the part of all, with the complete conviction that the well-being of the peoples of Africa is an indispensable condition for the attainment of the universal common good."
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ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER ROMANO PRODI VISITS HOLY FATHER

VATICAN CITY, OCT 13, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy See Press Office has released a declaration concerning today's visit to the Holy Father by Romano Prodi, prime minister of the Italian Republic. The prime minister was accompanied on his visit by Enrico Letta, under-secretary of State at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, and by the Italian ambassador to the Holy See. Following his meeting with the Pope, Romano Prodi went on to meet Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B.

  "During the cordial meetings," reads the declaration, "consideration was given to topics concerning bilateral relations between the Holy See and the Italian Republic, with particular reference to the fields of bioethics, of the defense and promotion of life and the family, of solidarity, of dialogue between religions and cultures, and of the education of youth. Time was also dedicated to examining questions concerning international politics, especially as regards the situation in the Middle East and the Italian commitment in Lebanon, as well as the importance of Christian values in the process of European integration. The desire for close collaboration between the parties was reiterated, for the progress of the Italian nation and for the good of the international community."
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TELEGRAM FOR THE DEATH OF CARDINAL MONDUZZI

VATICAN CITY, OCT 13, 2006 (VIS) - Benedict XVI has sent a telegram of condolence to Luigi Monduzzi for the death of his brother Cardinal Dino Monduzzi, prefect emeritus of the Pontifical Household, who died early this morning in Vatican City at the age of 84.

  "It was with great sadness that I learned the news of the death of the dear Cardinal Dino Monduzzi at the end of a long and painful illness, and I wish to express my profound condolences to his relatives, to those who knew and respected him, and to the diocesan community of Faenza-Modigliana which numbers him among its most illustrious sons. During his life he provided, with great dedication, generous service to four Popes in the office of Chamberlain, later known as the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household, and I especially recall the alacrity and intelligence with which he would organize the daily pontifical audiences and the pastoral visits within Italy. I raise fervent prayers to the Lord to welcome him to eternal joy and peace, and I send to you, to his nieces and nephews, to all his relatives, and to those sharing in the mourning for the loss of such a faithful servant of the Holy See, a comforting apostolic blessing as a sign of my intense participation in the general grief."

  At 5 p.m. on Monday, October 16, the Holy Father will preside at the cardinal's funeral at the altar of the Cathedra in the Vatican Basilica.
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SERVE THE LORD WITH DETACHMENT FROM THE WORLD

VATICAN CITY, OCT 13, 2006 (VIS) - This morning, the Pope received prelates from the Zambia Episcopal Conference who have just completed their five-yearly "ad limina" visit. Addressing them in English, the Holy Father told the bishops that his individual meetings with them over the days of their visit had led him to a "deeper appreciation of the Catholic Church in your country: her joys, her difficulties and her hopes."

  "I encourage you," the Holy Father continued, "to urge your people to dedicate themselves to prayer and holiness, discovering the treasure of a life built on faith in Christ. ... The light of holiness that shines forth in those who have discovered this treasure is enkindled at the moment of Baptism. In Baptism Christ liberates the believer from the dominion of sin, freeing him from an existence filled with fear and superstition and calling him to a new life."

  Pope Benedict then called on the bishops to instruct the faithful "in the value and the practice of prayer, especially liturgical prayer, where in a sublime way the Church is united with Christ the High Priest in His eternal intercession for the salvation of the world. Moreover, the Catholic Church encourages the faithful to practise popular forms of piety. Therefore, always teach your people the value of the intercession of the saints, who are the great friends of Jesus, and particularly the special intercession of Mary, His Mother, who is always attentive to our needs."

  He then went on to consider the prelates' duty to guide the faithful "on the way that leads to sanctity ... with wise advice, unwavering resolve and paternal affection," and highlighted the importance of guidance "in your dealings with your brother priests, who at times can be led astray by the many temptations of contemporary society. As pastors and fathers to your co-workers in the vineyard, you must always communicate to them the joy of serving the Lord with a proper detachment from the things of this world."

  "We believe that the Church is holy. When you urge your priests to live holy lives in accordance with their calling, when you preach generous love and fidelity in marriage and when you exhort everybody to practise the works of mercy, remind them of the Lord's own words: 'You are the light of the world.' ... Show Christ's compassion especially for the poor, for refugees, for the sick and for all who suffer.

  "At the same time," he concluded, "in your teaching continue to proclaim the need for honesty, family affection, discipline and fidelity, all of which have a decisive impact on the health and stability of society."
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