OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, DEC 10, 2003 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Fr. Valdomiro Koubetch, O.S.B.M., professor of Theological Studies of the Claretian Fathers in Curitiba, Brazil, as coadjutor bishop of the eparchy of Sao Joao Batista em Curitiba of the Ukraines (Catholics 161,500, priests 67, permanent deacons 2, religious 547), Brazil. The bishop-elect was born in 1953 in Mandaguacu, Brazil and was ordained a priest in 1981.

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HUMANITARIAN AID MUST NOT BE A VICTIM OF CONFLICT

VATICAN CITY, DEC 10, 2003 (VIS) - Made public today was the speech given by Archbishop Silvano Tomasi, Holy See permanent observer to the United Nations Office and Other International Organizations in Geneva during the 28(th) International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent held in that Swiss city from December 2 to 6.

The nuncio noted that this conference 'takes place at a moment marked by rumbles of war and by an explosion of terrorism of such a magnitude unknown before today. Civilian victims of well reported and of forgotten wars and of their destructive consequences run in the millions. In fact, some States and non'State actors try to exploit the desperation of endemic poverty and of extreme social inequality by promoting their private objectives through violent actions.'

On the question of humanitarian law, Archbishop Tomasi said that 'some governments are reticent in accepting effective control mechanisms while public opinion seems to have become accustomed to violations of humanitarian law as if the painful spectacle of so many victims were leading to resignation instead of prompting a reaction capable of influencing wrong political and military choices.' He stressed that 'the Holy See looks at international humanitarian law as an important, invaluable, non-negotiable and still relevant instrument' and 'will continue to promote appropriate initiatives of inter-religious character to defend human dignity during armed conflicts and to increase respect for international humanitarian law, especially through the vast network of Catholic education institutions.'

The archbishop pointed out that 'a sadly eloquent sign among others of disregard towards humanitarian law is given by the attacks purposely directed against humanitarian personnel who generously serve in the midst of conflicts, in particular by the recent deadly attacks against the International Committee of the Red Cross.'


He closed by affirming that 'the Movement of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent can count on the partnership and support of the Catholic Church. Collaboration with religious institutions and faith communities will make for a more effective humanitarian action.'

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POPE TO FAO: WORLD CANNOT BE DEAF TO PLEA OF THE HUNGRY

VATICAN CITY, DEC 5, 2003 (VIS) - This morning John Paul II received participants in the 32(nd) Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations which is taking place from November 29 to December 10 in Rome. Among those who attending the conference are Jim Sutton, New Zealand minister of Agriculture, and Jacques Diouf, general director of the FAO.

In his greetings, the Pope expressed the 'appreciation of the Catholic Church for the important service which FAO renders to humanity' and emphasized that 'today this service is more urgently needed than ever. Hunger and malnutrition, aggravated by growing poverty, represent a grave threat to the peaceful coexistence of peoples and nations. By its efforts to combat the nutritional insecurity which affects vast areas of our world, FAO makes a significant contribution to the advancement of world peace.'

'Given this close relationship between hunger and peace, it is clear that economic and political decisions and strategies must increasingly be guided by a commitment to global solidarity and respect for fundamental human rights, including the right to adequate nourishment. Human dignity itself is compromised wherever a narrow pragmatism detached from the objective demands of the moral law leads to decisions which benefit a fortunate few while ignoring the sufferings of large segments of the human family. At the same time, in conformity with the principle of subsidiary, individuals and social groups ' religious confessions, governments and international institutions are all called to ' share in this commitment to solidarity in promoting the common good of humanity.'

At the end of his remarks, the Pope expressed confidence that the International Alliance Against Hunger, organized by the FAO, 'will bear fruit in practical choices. The world may not remain deaf to the plea of those who demand the food they need in order to survive!'

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CATHOLIC-JEWISH MEETING ON TEACHING SACRED SCRIPTURES

VATICAN CITY, DEC 5, 2003 (VIS) - Israel's Delegation for Relations with the Catholic Church and the Holy See's Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews signed a joint declaration on the theme, 'The Relevance of Central Teachings of the Holy Scriptures which we share for Contemporary Society and the Education of Future Generations,' during a meeting in Jerusalem on December 1-3.

This meeting was preceded by two other meetings which took place in Jerusalem in 2002 and in Grottaferrata, Italy in 2003. Cardinal Jorge Mejia led the Holy See Delegation and Rabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen headed the Jewish Delegation. The declaration says: 'The participants expressed their profound appreciation for the forthright statements emanating from the Holy See, condemning violence against innocents and denouncing the current resurgent manifestations of anti-semitism.'

'The presentations,' continues the text, 'focused on the foundational teaching in the Holy Scriptures which we share, which declare the faith in the One Creator and Guide of the Universe who has formed all human beings in His Divine Image with free will. Humankind is thus one family with moral responsibility for one another. Awareness for this reality leads to the religious and moral duty that may serve as a true charter for human rights and dignity in our modern world.'

The declaration goes on to say: 'In particular, religious leaders and educators have the special duty to instruct their communities to pursue the paths of peace for the well-being of society at large. We issue this appeal especially to the family of Abraham and we call upon all believers to put aside weapons of war and destruction. ' As religious leaders, we share in the pain and sorrow of all who suffer in the Holy Land today ' and express our fervent hope and prayers for an end to the trials and tribulations in the Land that is holy to us all.'
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APOSTOLIC LETTER ANNIVERSARY 'SACROSANCTUM CONCILIUM'

VATICAN CITY, DEC 5, 2003 (VIS) - This afternoon, an apostolic letter by John Paul II was made public on the occasion of the 40(th) anniversary of the constitution 'Sacrosanctum Concilium' on sacred liturgy. The document, which is divided into 15 sections and a conclusion, is dated December 4, 2003, the anniversary of the constitution's promulgation and is available in Italian at the following address: http://www.vatican.va/news_services/bulletin/news/14087.php?index=14087& lang=en.
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