RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS IS THE FOUNDATION FOR PEACE

VATICAN CITY, FEB 13, 1999 (VIS) - Members of the Alcide De Gasperi Foundation for Peace and International Cooperation were welcomed this morning by the Holy Father who highlighted their commitment for over 25 years "of promoting peace ... through the study of problems of international society, and through ties with similar institutions in Europe and in the world."

"In your praiseworthy initiative," he pointed out, "you have chosen as the basic point of reference the perennial values of the Christian faith."

"In fact," affirmed John Paul II, "building peace is not the result of compromise, but it comes from a very profound and systematic awareness of both remote and close-at-hand causes, from sensitizing the leaders of nations to the deep desires of poor people and from forming an authentic culture of peace in young generations." He said that support must be given to those who "are tempted to renounce efforts of dialogue and of respect for the basic rights of each and every person."

In closing remarks. the Pope cited his 1999 Message for the World Day of Peace: "No human right is safe if we fail to commit ourselves to safeguarding them all. ... Only when a culture of human rights which respects different traditions becomes an integral part of humanity's moral patrimony shall we be able to look at the future with serene confidence."

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CHURCH AND SOCIETY SHOULD BE CONCERNED BY PROBLEMS OF SCHOOLS

VATICAN CITY, FEB 13, 1999 (VIS) - The Pope today received 7,000 teachers and pupils from Roman schools in the Paul VI Hall, to whom he "symbolically" gave a letter last December 8 for the Citizens' Mission which is dedicated this year to places of study and work.

In his speech, the Holy Father said that "the future of humanity and the social development of a nation depend greatly on the quality of schools and the commitment with which they are put forward as educative communities for all their members."

"Educational and cultural projects suited to the requirements of a full development of the person, which is the main concern of schools, should be encouraged. ... In practical terms, all members of Rome's civic and ecclesial communities should be concerned by the problems of schools and promote suitable action so as to support the complete training of all young people, with special attention to those who undergo difficult situations or abandonment, sustaining their expectations, hopes and plans for their insertion in society and the world of work."

John Paul II emphasized that, "to successfully face up to these situations, close collaboration between state and non-state schools, families, parishes and social and cultural entities is required."

Addressing particularly the pupils, he said: "Be active protagonists in your intellectual and spiritual growth, making an effort in your studies, loving your schools and bringing the joy and generosity of your hearts to it."

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ANGELUS REFLECTIONS ON STS. CYRIL AND METHODIUS, AND LENT

VATICAN CITY, FEB 14, 1998 (VIS) - Pope John Paul, at the noon angelus, spoke of today's feast of the brother saints Cyril and Methodius who, together with St. Benedict, are the co-patrons of Europe. He also spoke of the start of Lent this coming Ash Wednesday.

He observed that Cyril and Methodius were "the great evangelizers of the Slav world which ... brought to the Church and to humanity a priceless patrimony of spirituality and culture."

"In this light," the Pope went on, "how can we not think about the mission horizons which are opening in Europe on the threshold of the new millennium? The Holy Door of the Year 2000 will open on a society which needs to be illuminated by the light of Christ. The 'old Europe' has received the gift of the Gospel, but it now calls for a renewed Christian proclamation which will help persons and nations to wed freedom and truth, and will assure spiritual and ethical foundations for the economic and political unification of the continent."

Then, remarking that Lent begins this coming Wednesday with the giving of ashes, he stated, quoting in part "Tertio Millennio Adveniente": "This year, the last before the year 2000, Lent is seen more than ever as a propitious time for a 'return to the house of the Father," a "journey of authentic conversion. This includes both a 'negative' aspect, that of liberation from sin, and a 'positive' aspect, that of choosing good. Isn't this the most suitable context for the rediscovery of the sacrament of Penance in its deepest meaning?"

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POPE SPEAKS OF IMPORTANCE OF CHRISTIAN FORMATION

VATICAN CITY, FEB 14, 1999 (VIS) - John Paul II this morning celebrated Mass in the Roman parish of St. Fulgentius and, in his homily, encouraged the faithful to continue their efforts so that the parish might be "dynamic and open, to respond to the spiritual challenges of the area."

"Courageously continue along this path, prioritizing the aspects of evangelization which are oriented to a mature Christian formation for all. Firstly, be mindful of the inner growth of people, with doctrinal teaching well rooted in the tradition of the Church. The zealous passing on of the heritage of the faith requires attention and suitable methods adapted for the different age groups, without excluding anyone: from children to young people, from families to elderly people."

The Pope said that "it is important to reserve an important place for the pastoral care of families and the preparation of young people and engaged couples for marriage." Likewise, "it is essential to give witness in practical ways to solidarity with the poor and those who suffer."

"If you carefully and enthusiastically pass on to each resident of the area the invitation to share the liberating experience of meeting Christ though the parish, you will help them to grow in reciprocal trust and sharing of faith. Is this not the aim of the Citizens' Mission?"

Lastly, having referred to World Youth Day 2000, he said: "Let us entrust the youth of Rome and particularly the youth of this parish to the motherly heart of Mary, so that they might know how to generously answer the call to holiness, realizing that which the Lord asks of each one of them."

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OUR LADY TEACHES THE SECRET OF THE MIRACULOUS CATCH OF FISH

VATICAN CITY, FEB 13, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father paid his traditional annual visit this afternoon to the Major Seminary of Rome for the feast of its patroness, Our Lady of Trust.

Having listened to music dedicated to Peter the Apostle, the Pope said that this oratorio had "made us meditate on the vocation to the priesthood as a call to become 'fishers of men'."

"In the seminary, thanks to the diligent and discreet work of your teachers, under the action of the Holy Spirit, the secret of the miraculous catch of fish is learned. Most Holy Mary is the expert guide in this. She is the Mother of Trust for all Christians, and especially for the apostles."

John Paul II said that "in this Major Seminary of Rome which I value so much, you learn from Mary how to cast out your nets, she Our Lady of Trust, who teaches every seminarian the secret of the miraculous catch of fish. Mary is also a teacher for you young people of this seminary who find here a precious place for your apostolic training."

Later, in off-the-cuff remarks, the Pope spoke of the conclave in which he was elected: "What the Pope wants to say is linked with the seminary, with vocations, with my last seminary, which lasted a few days, the conclave. At the end, when everything was clear, Cardinal Wyszynski said to me: 'It would be good if you took the name John Paul'. I told him: 'I was thinking of doing precisely that'. That was the last vocation for me. From the Roman seminary or from the clandestine seminary, as I did, right up to the 'seminary' of the conclave. My vocation: 'you must call yourself Peter'. My vocation: 'you must call yourself John Paul'."

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