OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, JAN 15, 2004 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Msgr. Jose Manuel Lorca Planes, vicar general of the diocese of Cartagena, Spain and pastor of the same circumscription, as bishop of Teruel y Albarracin (area 11,867, population 90,625, Catholics 89,631, priests 148, religious 221), Spain. The bishop-elect was born in Espinardo, Spain in 1949 and was ordained a priest in 1975.
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WORKING TOGETHER, WE CAN BUILD A FRATERNAL, JUST SOCIETY

VATICAN CITY, JAN 15, 2004 (VIS) - The administrators of the Italian region of Lazio, and the city and province of Rome were welcomed by the Pope this morning to the Vatican for the traditional exchange of New Year's greetings.

In his talk to the elected officials the Pope noted that "the difficulties that mark the current world situation are also felt in this land of ours. Difficult moments are, however, those in which the positive energies of a population and its representatives can and must more clearly emerge." He added that "the contribution of each person is indispensable in building a more just and fraternal society. Conflicts and tensions must be overcome together: It is necessary to fight together against terrorism which, sadly, also concerns this beloved city of ours."

Overcoming violence, stated John Paul II, can be done by building "a civilization of love. ... And how can we not think of the family as the most important place to realize this civilization of love. The family represents the human space in which the person, from the very start of his existence, can feel the warmth of affection and grow in a harmonious way. Precisely for this reason we must salute political and administrative choices aimed at supporting the family nucleus, seen as a 'natural society based on marriage', according to the Italian Constitution."

The Holy Father directed their attention to the "concrete interventions" needed in many sectors of society, especially for those people "in situations of acute need, the elderly who live alone, young people who have been abandoned, the weaker parts of society such as immigrants, and young people." He assured them that "parishes, religious communities, Catholic institutions and volunteers will continue to offer ... their capillary contribution."
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CHRIST, A MODEL WE MUST CONTEMPLATE AND IMITATE

VATICAN CITY, JAN 14, 2004 (VIS) - In today's general audience, celebrated in the Paul VI Hall, the Pope resumed his catechesis on the liturgy of Vespers. Today's theme was the canticle of the first letter of St. Peter which "focuses on Christ's glorious passion, as foreseen at His baptism in the Jordan."

Jesus, said the Pope, is revealed as "the 'chosen Son' in Whom God is well-pleased and the true 'Servant of Yahweh' Who frees men from sin through His passion and death on the cross."

John Paul II indicated that Christ "is a model for us which we must contemplate and imitate, the 'program' ... which we must carry out, the example we must follow without hesitation, while conforming ourselves to His will. The petrine hymn is a wonderful synthesis of Christ's passion, following the words and images of Isaiah on the figure of the suffering servant, the key to understanding the ancient Christian concept of the Messiah."

"The Lord's patient silence," he continued, "is not only an act of courage and generosity. It is also a gesture of faith in Peter. ... He has complete and perfect confidence in divine justice which guides history toward the triumph of the innocent."

The Pope affirmed that "at the height of the narration of the Passion the saving value of the supreme act of Christ's donation is emphasized: 'He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree that we might die to sin and live to righteousness'."

"Through this path," he concluded, "freed from the former man, with his evil and misery, we too can live for justice which is in essence holiness."
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POPE THANKS AIR FORCE FOR DEDICATION, COMMITMENT

VATICAN CITY, JAN 13, 2003 (VIS) - Officials of the 31st division of the Italian Air Force, who accompany the Pope on his trips outside Rome, were welcomed to the Vatican this morning by John Paul II who wished them a Happy New Year and thanked them for "the dedication and commitment with which you have for years facilitated the ministry of the Successor of Peter."

"In recent days," he said, "the liturgy has invited us to contemplate Jesus Who became man and came among us. He is the light that illuminates and gives meaning to our existence; He is the Redeemer who brings peace to the world. Let us welcome Him with trust and joy! The Blessed Virgin Mary who, as a thoughtful mother, presents Him to us, also watches over us. I invite you to turn to her at every moment and to entrust the just-begun year of 2004 to her."
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SERVING THE TRUTH, A MARK OF THE NEW ARCHBISHOP

VATICAN CITY, JAN 13, 2004 (VIS) - Pope John Paul today welcomed Archbishop Michael Miller, together with his Basilian brothers, family members and other friends who accompanied him to Rome for his episcopal ordination last evening in St. Peter's Basilica.

The Pope noted that Archbishop Miller's episcopal motto, Veritati Servire, "to serve the truth," is an eloquent summary of the commitment that has marked his priestly life, both at the University of Saint Thomas in Houston, Texas, and during his five years of service at the Vatican. I am certain that this same dedication will continue to inspire and strengthen him as he now returns to Rome and takes up his duties as Secretary of the Congregation for Catholic Education. With prayerful good wishes for his new ministry, I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing to him and to all here present."
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