AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, APR 18, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Seven prelates from the Catholics Bishops' Conference of Nigeria on their "ad limina" visit:
- Bishop Michael Patrick Olatunji Fagun of Ekiti.
- Bishop Julius Babtunde Adelakun of Oyo.
- Bishop Anthony Okonkwo Gbuji of Enugu.
- Bishop Francis Folorunsho Clement Alonge of Ondo.
- Bishop Michael Nnachi Okoro of Abakaliki.
- Bishop Camillus Archibong Etokudoh of Ikot-Ekpene.
- Bishop Albert Ayinde Fasina Ijebu-Ode.
- Jul Bushati, ambassador of Albania, on his farewell visit.
- Bonaventure Ndong-Ekomie, ambassador of Gabon, on his farewell visit.

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IN MEMORIAM

VATICAN CITY, APR 18, 2002 (VIS) - The following prelate died in recent weeks:

- Bishop Edward Cornelius O'Leary, emeritus of Portland in Maine, U.S.A., on April 2 at the age of 81.

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GENERAL AUDIENCE: BEAR WITNESS TO THE SALVATION OF THE WORLD

VATICAN CITY, APR 17, 2002 (VIS) - In this Wednesday's general audience celebrated in St. Peter's Square, John Paul II spoke about the hymn of the prophet Isaiah, "Joy of the redeemed people," that concludes the part of the Bible known as "the book of Emmanuel."

The Pope emphasized that certain themes are evoked in this hymn such as "salvation, trust, joy, divine action, the presence among the people of the 'Holy One of Israel', an expression that indicates the transcendent 'holiness' of God, as well as His loving and active closeness, which the people of Israel can count on."

In the first part of the hymn, the theme of salvation is predominant and the psalmist "is certain that at the root of liberation and of hope divine grace is found."

"Salvation given by God, Who is capable of causing joy to bloom and inspiring trust even in the dark day of trial, is represented by the image of water, a classic image in the Bible, which is the "grace of the Holy Spirit." He added that "unfortunately, humanity frequently abandons this source that quenches the thirst of the whole being of the person."

The Holy Father affirmed that the second part "is a continual call to joyful praise in the Lord's honor. ... At the center of praise, there is the unique profession of faith in God the Savior Who is at work in history and is close to His creatures, sharing their vicissitudes."

"Salvation, obtained (from God), must be born witness to in the world, in such a way that all of humanity go to those sources of peace, joy and freedom."

In his greetings at the end of the general audience, the Pope addressed in a special way a group of priests from Vietnam who have recently completed their studies in Europe and are returning to their country: "Dear priests, tell your brothers and sisters in the faith that I pray for them every day; I pray for peace and progress in all the nation."

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RESPECT HUMAN RIGHTS AND HUMANITARIAN LAW IN THE MIDEAST

VATICAN CITY, APR 17, 2002 (VIS) - Msgr. Leo Boccardi, Holy See permanent representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), addressed the 387th session of the Permanent Council, which took place in Vienna on April 11, on the dramatic evolution of events in the Holy Land.

A communique issued yesterday afternoon with Msgr. Boccardi's speech noted that Israel is one of the Mediterranean Partners for Cooperation of the OSCE. This same communique said that the Holy See's intervention attained broad adhesion from States participating in the conference.

Msgr. Boccardi reiterated "the Holy See's recently reconfirmed position, regarding the continuing conflict in the Holy Land. This position is articulated in the five following points:
1. Unequivocal condemnation of terrorism, from whatever side it may come.
2. Disapproval of the conditions of injustice and humiliation imposed on the Palestinian people, as well as reprisals and retaliation, which only make the sense of frustration and hatred grow.
3. Respect for the United Nations Resolutions by all sides.
4. Proportionality in the use of legitimate means of defense.
5. The duty for the parties in conflict to protect the Holy places, which are of the greatest importance to the three monotheistic religions and a patrimony of all of humanity.

He noted that "the Holy See is in close contact with, among others, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and the religious communities of Bethlehem, and has conveyed to them the Holy Father's complete solidarity in this sorrowful moment."

The Holy See delegate stated that "Pope John Paul II has stressed that no political or religious leader can remain silent and inactive. Denunciation must be followed by practical acts of solidarity that will help everyone to rediscover mutual respect and return to frank negotiation."

He recalled the recent experience of religious leaders in Assisi and the "Commitment to Peace" that they signed, that was subsequently send to heads of States and Governments. "The Holy See hopes that the aforementioned initiatives will effectively encourage those who have the responsibility and the possibility to take the necessary action, however difficult it might be, to demand scrupulous respect for human rights and humanitarian law and to urge the parties in conflict towards agreements which are fair and honorable for everyone."

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APPEAL FOR CLIMATE OF PEACE AND RECONCILIATION IN VENEZUELA

VATICAN CITY, APR 17, 2002 (VIS) - At the end of today's general audience in St. Peter's Square, Pope John Paul made an appeal for a return to a climate of peace and reconciliation in Venezuela, following recent episodes of violence in that country.

In Spanish, he said: "The serious events lived in these past days by the people of Venezuela move me to appeal to the authorities and to the citizens of that beloved nation so that they might put all their efforts into creating a climate of peaceful coexistence in which a spirit of reconciliation prevails. May they, while putting aside all temptation for revenge or violence, walk with a spirit of fraternity, solidarity and collaboration toward higher goals of justice, respect for the law and authentic progress for all."

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