CARDINAL CASSIDY TO SPEAK ON VATICAN'S HOLOCAUST DOCUMENT

VATICAN CITY, MAR 27, 1999 (VIS) - From March 28 to 30 in Chicago, U.S.A., Cardinal Edward Idris Cassidy, president of the Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews, will take part in a symposium on the Vatican document on the Holocaust, "We Remember. A Reflection on the Shoah."

On Monday, March 29, the cardinal will give a public address at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago on the Vatican document on the Holocaust and reflections toward a new millennium. The three-day symposium is being convened by both the Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Center for Theology and Ministry and by the Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding.

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TELEGRAM FOR MONT BLANC TUNNEL ACCIDENT

VATICAN CITY, MAR 27, 1999 (VIS) - Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of state, sent a telegram on behalf of the Holy Father to Bishop Giuseppe Anfossi of Aosta, Italy, for the accident last Wednesday in the Mont Blanc Tunnel:

"The Supreme Pontiff, having learned the news of the tragic road accident in the Mont Blanc Tunnel which caused the deaths of many French and Italian citizens, charges Your Excellency to express his sympathies to the relatives and friends of the deceased, sharing in their pain for their deep mourning, as well as expressing his solidarity with survivors for the sufferings caused by this terrible disaster. The Holy Father also assures his fervent prayers for the repose of the souls of the victims, and expresses his appreciation for those who in various ways did their utmost in rescue operations. While he invokes God's comfort for those who suffer the consequences of such a difficult trial, he extends to all a special apostolic blessing as a special sign of spiritual closeness."

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CELEBRATION OF 14TH WORLD YOUTH DAY

VATICAN CITY, MAR 28, 1999 (VIS) - Today, Palm Sunday and the 14th World Youth Day, the Pope presided at Mass in St. Peter's Basilica in the presence of thousands of young people from all over the world.

In his homily, the Pope said that the Holy Week ceremonies "begin with 'Hosanna' ... and culminate in the 'Crucifige' (Crucify him) of Good Friday. ... Christ, although he was sinless, took upon himself all that man could not tolerate: injustice, evil, sin, hate, suffering, and finally, death. In Christ, the Son of man, humiliated and suffering, God loves and forgives everyone, and confers the ultimate meaning to human life."

John Paul II then referred to World Youth Days which began in 1985, and which, "following the 'Holy Year Cross', have taken place throughout the world like a long pilgrimage towards the new millennium. ... Today's World Youth Day is the last before the Jubilee: it has, however, a particular importance. Thanks to the contribution of all may this be a strong experience of faith and ecclesial communion!"

"Beloved young people!" said the Pope, "go with joy to meet Christ, Who is the joy of your youth. Seek Him and find Him in adhering to His Word and the mystery of His presence in the Church and in the sacraments. Live with Him in faithfulness to His Gospel, which is demanding, it is true, to the point of sacrifice, but which is at the same time the only source of hope and true happiness. Love Him in the person of your brother or sister in need of justice, help, friendship and peace."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, MAR 27, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Appointed Fr. Rafael Masahiro Umemura, as bishop of Yokohama (area 28,234, population 15,134,000, Catholics 51,209, priests 145, religious 763), Japan. The bishop-elect was born in Kikuna, in 1952 and was ordained a priest in 1985. Up until now he has been dean of studies of the Interdiocesan Major Seminary of Tokyo.

- Dr. Paolo Vian as "scriptor latinus" of the Vatican Apostolic Library.

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POPE THANKS ST. PETER'S CIRCLE FOR SERVICE

VATICAN CITY, MAR 29, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father, during this morning's annual meeting with the members of St. Peter's Circle, which commemorates 130 years since its founding, thanked them for their "commitment to the poor and the dedicated service to the Church and the Pope."

The Pope recalled that among the different activities of the institution, there was "'Peter's Pence', which is collected yearly in Rome's churches, and which today you have come to present." He stated: "May the Lord reward you for this gesture of active concern for the Apostolic See!" Members also look after liturgical services in St. Peter's Basilica.

"My wish," added the Pontiff, "is that all the baptized may be inspired to a generous impulse to charity, in the likeness of the extraordinary love with which the Father gave his Only Son for the salvation of the world."

"Through your commitment to solidarity, recently enriched by the inauguration of the Welcome Center for free assistance to the terminally ill, particularly the destitute, and your service to the Apostolic See," concluded John Paul II, "you are called to show that tenderness which God has for each and every person."

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