AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, NOV 10, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

 - Nine prelates from the German Bishops' Conference, on their "ad limina" visit:

    - Archbishop Hans-Josef Becker of Paderborn, accompanied by Auxiliary Bishops Karl-Heinz Wiesemann, Manfred Grothe, Matthias Konig.

    - Bishop Joachim Wanke of Erfurt, accompanied by Auxiliary Bishop Reinhard Hauke.

    - Bishop Heinz Josef Algermissen of Fulda, accompanied by Auxiliary Bishop Karlheinz Diez.

    - Bishop Gerhard Feige of Magdeburg.

- A group of prelates from the German Bishops' Conference, at the end of their "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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POPE RECEIVES PRESIDENT OF CYPRUS

VATICAN CITY, NOV 10, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy See Press Office released the following communique at midday today:

  "This morning, November 10, Tassos Papadopoulos, president of the Republic of Cyprus, was received in audience by the Holy Father Benedict XVI. Subsequently, the president went on to visit Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B.

  "The cordial discussions provided an opportunity for an exchange of information and opinions on the current situation in Cyprus and its future prospects, also in the light of the commitments of the international community. Particular attention was given to the conditions in which the various Christian communities on the island live and work, and the freedom enjoyed by the Catholic faithful was noted with satisfaction

  "With reference to Europe, the talks dwelt above all on questions concerning the process of European integration, and on a dialogue between cultures and religions to favor mutual understanding. Finally, attention was also given to certain aspects of the international situation and, in particular, to the welcome shown by the Republic of Cyprus to refugees during the recent conflict in Lebanon."
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SWISS BISHOPS' VISIT MARKED BY COLLEGIAL AFFECTION

VATICAN CITY, NOV 10, 2006 (VIS) - Given below is the text of a communique made public today, concerning the "ad limina" visit of prelates from the Conference of Swiss Bishops who, from November 7 to 9, met in the Vatican with the Holy Father and representatives of the Roman Curia.

  "The meeting was characterized by true collegial affection," the communique reads, "during which - in frank dialogue and with a spirit of collaboration - consideration was given to various questions concerning the situation of the Church in Switzerland and elsewhere. The following themes were discussed:

  "The unity of the bishops among themselves, and with Peter's Successor; the collaboration of bishops.

  "The bishop as master of faith, and the principal doctrinal and pastoral problems in Swiss dioceses.

  "Communion with the bishop; the role of the priest in the parish and in pastoral care groups; pastoral assistants.

  "Seminaries and the various faculties and schools of theology in the mission of the Church.

  "Liturgical renewal and the observance of discipline.

  "The Motu Proprio 'Misericordia Dei,' for a relaunch of the pastoral care of the Sacrament of Penance.

  "The ecclesiastical corporations of public law.

  "Ecumenism.

  "The meeting served to improve mutual understanding and to strengthen ties of unity. It also clearly demonstrated the common desire of Swiss bishops to face current challenges with hope, responsibility and courage, in trusting collaboration with the action of God at work in the hearts of men and women.

  "The meeting ended with the words of Bishop Amedee Grab O.S.B., who, in the name of his brother prelates, thanked the Holy Father and his collaborators for the days spent in the Vatican, expressing particular gratitude for the three talks given by His Holiness."
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