OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, MAY 11, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Fr. Martin Munyanyi of the clergy of Masvingo, Zimbabwe former rector of the major philosophical seminary of Bulawayo, as bishop of Gweru (area 29,158, population 2,109,650, Catholics 196,000, priests 39, religious 207), Zimbabwe. The bishop-elect was born in Bikita, Zimbabwe, in 1956 and ordained a priest in 1983.
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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, MAY 11, 2006 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

 - Hugo Chavez Frias, president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, accompanied by an entourage.

  This evening, he is scheduled to receive in separate audiences three prelates from the Canadian (Quebec) Conference of Catholic Bishops on their "ad limina" visit:

    - Bishop Ibrahim Michael Ibrahim B.S., of Saint-Sauveur de Montreal of the Greek Melkites, Canada.

    - Bishop Joseph Khoury of Saint-Maron de Montreal of the Maronites.

    - Bishop Donald Joseph Theriault, military ordinary.
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SPECIAL ENVOY TO 15TH BRAZILIAN EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS

VATICAN CITY, MAY 11, 2006 (VIS) - Made public today was a letter from the Pope, written in Latin, in which he appoints Cardinal Eusebio Oscar Scheid S.C.I., archbishop of Sao Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as his special envoy to the 15th National Eucharistic Congress of Brazil, due to be held in the city of Florianopolis from May 18 to 21.

  The mission accompanying the cardinal will be made up of Msgr. Francisco de Sales Bianchini, ecclesiastical assistant of the 'Emmaus' Movement, and Fr. Alvino Introvini Milani, pastor of the parish of St. Vincent in Itajai.
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HOLY FATHER RECEIVES PRESIDENT CHAVEZ OF VENEZUELA

VATICAN CITY, MAY 11, 2006 (VIS) - Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls released a communique this morning concerning the meeting of the Holy Father with Hugo Chavez, president of Venezuela.

  "In the course of the meeting," the communique reads, "the president illustrated to the Pope the projects of social change taking place in his country. Benedict XVI then drew to the president's attention certain themes of particular concern to him.

  "In the first place he reiterated the freedom of the Holy See to appoint bishops, and expressed the hope that the Catholic University of "Santa Rosa de Lima" may always maintain its Catholic identity.

  "The Holy Father also expressed his concern over an education reform project in which there would seem to be no provision for teaching religion. He further asked that public health programs uphold the fundamental principle of protecting life from its very beginnings. He also underlined the importance of the independence of Catholic media.

  "President Hugo Chavez gave assurances of his concern for the Holy Father's requests and expressed his commitment to overcome all forms of tension in full respect for everyone's rights.

  "Finally, the Holy Father consigned a personal letter to the president summarizing his pastoral concerns for the good of the country."
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POPE CONGRATULATES NEW ITALIAN PRESIDENT-ELECT

VATICAN CITY, MAY 11, 2006 (VIS) - Made public today was a telegram of congratulation from Benedict XVI to Giorgio Napolitano, who was elected yesterday as the new president of the Republic of Italy.

  "I wish to convey a respectful expression of best wishes for your election as president of the Republic of Italy, and while I hope that you may exercise that exalted duty with all success, I invoke upon your person constant divine assistance for an illuminated and effective action in promoting the common good in line with the authentic human and Christian values that constitute the splendid heritage of the Italian people. It is with these sentiments that I send, to you and to the entire dear nation of Italy, an apostolic blessing.
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