ALLOW BISHOP TO RETURN TO DIOCESE, POPE URGES

VATICAN CITY, FEB 16, 2000 (VIS) - At the conclusion of today's general audience, Pope John Paul urged Congolese authorities to allow Bishop Kataliko to return to his diocese. The bishop has been barred from returning since last week.

"Worrisome news continues to arrive from the Democratic Republic of the Congo," said the Pope. "In recent days, Bishop Emmanuel Kataliko, archbishop of Bukavu, has been blocked by local authorities from returning to his diocese. This is a serious violation which sadly wounds all Catholics!

"While I feel solidarity with the clergy and faithful of Bukavu, I express the hope that this deserving prelate might be allowed to return without delay to the flock which has been entrusted to him.
"At the same time, I am making a heartfelt appeal for the quickest possible application of the Lusaka peace accords, asking the Lord for unity and reconciliation for that beloved nation."

AG;APPEAL;...;CONGO; KATALIKO;VIS;20000216;Word: 160;