INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY NEEDED TO PROMOTE BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS

VATICAN CITY, JUN 29, 2000 (VIS) - After praying the angelus, the Holy Father pointed out that "today, throughout the world, an important report by the United Nations, dedicated to human rights and human development, is being published." He said that these two issues "must proceed together, but a stronger international collaboration in favor of the more disadvantaged peoples is needed."

He added that "the fight against poverty is one of the greatest challenges to mankind in the new millennium. The necessary food, health assistance, education, work, do not represent merely objectives of development; they are basic rights, unfortunately still denied to millions of human beings." He said he "hoped that a new a concrete commitment of international solidarity" will be "among the fruits of this great Jubilee."

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PRAY FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY AND THE NEW EVANGELIZATION

VATICAN CITY, JUN 29, 2000 (VIS) - In reflections made before praying the angelus, Pope John Paul recalled that today is "the solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles, considered the columns of the universal Church. Peter, the 'rock' on which Christ founded His Church; Paul, the 'chosen instrument' to bring the Gospel to peoples."

He added that "a mysterious design brought them both to Rome to seal their witness with their blood: Peter crucified and Paul decapitated: One was buried at the foot of Vatican Hill and the other along the Ostiense way."

The Pope also pointed to the presence in Rome, as is customary on this feast day, of a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, saying: "The meaningful presence of these brothers in faith is a gesture which invites us to hope and pursue the path of ecumenical dialogue, without ever getting discouraged."

He then urged everyone to pray for "two intentions which are particularly dear to me at the start of the Third Millennium: Christian unity and the new evangelization."

In concluding remarks, John Paul II said: "May St. Peter intercede for us so that the ministry of the Successor of Peter be recognized and accepted by everyone as a service to the unity of the People of God."

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DIVINE WORD SOCIETY CELEBRATES 125 YEARS

VATICAN CITY, JUN 30, 2000 (VIS) - Members of the Society of the Divine Word, in Rome to celebrate their 15th General Chapter and the 125th anniversary of the missionary order's foundation, were received in audience this morning by the Holy Father. He lauded the "considerable growth" of the society, which represents more than 60 nationalities and is present in more than 60 countries.

The Pope recalled the order's many great priests and brothers, including a number of martyrs, in particular Blessed Alojzy Liguda: "He bequeathed to his beloved Society an eloquent declaration on the dignity of every human being ...: 'People may treat me as something base, but cannot make me base. Dachau (concentration camp) can rob me of all my rights and titles; the privilege of being a son of God no one can take from me'."

Pope John Paul said that "the urgent task of the mission 'ad gentes' and the 'new evangelization' requires that you proclaim Christ the Savior in many different cultural contexts. It can never be forgotten that there are still countless men and women who have not heard the name of Jesus and who have never had the immense gift of His salvation offered to them. ... All people have a right to hear this Good News, and the Church therefore has a solemn duty to go forth everywhere to proclaim the saving message of Jesus Christ."

"Inculturation and interreligious dialogue," he affirmed, "have an important role to play in many of the places where you carry out your missionary activity, Serious and open dialogue with cultures and religions does not dispense from evangelization and should never be seen as opposed to the mission ad gentes."

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POPE PRAYS FOR FULL UNITY OF THE CHURCH

VATICAN CITY, JUN 29, 2000 (VIS) - At 6:30 p.m. in St. Peter's Square, John Paul II presided at a Eucharistic celebration during which he imposed the pallium on 24 metropolitan archbishops from Italy, Cameroon, Bahamas, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Benin, India, Great Britain, Philippines, Nigeria, France, U.S.A., Brazil and Croatia.

As is traditional on this day, a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople was present at the ceremony. The delegation was headed by Metropolitan Athanasios of Helioupolis and Thiera. He was accompanied by Archbishop Vsevolod of Skopelos of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in America, which is dependent on the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and by Archdeacon Tarasios of Fanar.

In his homily, the Pope recalled the Lord's words to His disciples: "Who do you say that I am?" and Simon Peter's reply: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." He then went on: "The reply is extraordinarily lucid. It perfectly reflects the faith of the Church. We too are reflected therein. In a special way Peter's words reflect the Bishop of Rome, his successor by divine will and around him and with him you are also reflected, dear metropolitan archbishops, who have come here from so many parts of the world to receive the Pallium on the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul."

"These words on Peter's lips arise from the depths of the mystery of God. They reveal the intimate truth, the very life of God. Peter, by the action of the divine Spirit, becomes a witness and confessor of this superhuman truth. His profession of faith thus constitutes the solid basis of the Church's faith."

Addressing the archbishops, the Holy Father affirmed: "The imposition of the pallium eloquently highlights the special bond of communion that links you to the See of Peter and demonstrates the catholic nature of the Church. Whenever you don the pallium remember that as pastors we are called to protect the purity of the Gospel and the unity of the Church of Christ."

"The full unity of the Church! I feel Christ's mandate echo within me. It is a mandate that has greater urgency than ever at the beginning of this new millennium. For this reason we pray and toil while never ceasing to hope. With these sentiments, I affectionately embrace and greet the delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. ... May God grant that, as soon as possible, we achieve the full unity of all who believe in Christ."

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, JUN 30, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience:

- The metropolitan archbishops upon whom he yesterday imposed the pallium, accompanied by their relatives and members of the faithful.
- Archbishop Crescenzio Sepe, secretary general of the Committee and of the Presidential Council for the Great Jubilee 2000, accompanied by Msgr. Giorgio Caniato, inspector of chaplains of the prisons administration and Fr. Vittorio Trani O.F.M. Conv., chaplain of Rome's "Regina Coeli" jail.

This evening, he is scheduled to receive Archbishop Tarcisio Bertome S.D.B., secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

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POPE APPEALS FOR REDUCED SENTENCES FOR PRISONERS

VATICAN CITY, JUN 30, 2000 (VIS) - John Paul II has requested a "gesture of clemency towards all those in prison" to be translated, in concrete terms, into a reduction of sentence. These are the words he uses in his message for the Jubilee in Prisons which will be held on July 9. On that day, the Pope will visit Rome's "Regina Coeli" prison.

In the 10-page message, which is dated June 24, the Pope continues a Holy Year tradition begun by his predecessors, appealing to State authorities for a "a reduction, even a modest one, of the term of punishment" for prisoners. Such a reduction "would be for prisoners a clear sign of sensitivity to their condition, and would surely evoke a positive echo in their hearts and encourage them to regret the evil done and lead them to personal repentance."

"Acceptance of this proposal by the competent authorities would not only encourage prisoners to look to the future with new hope but would also be an eloquent sign, at the dawn of the Third Christian Millennium."

The Pope affirms that: "On each occasion the celebration of a Holy Year has been an opportunity for the Church and the world to do something in favor of justice, in the light of the Gospel. Jubilees have been an incentive for the community to reconsider human justice. ... It is not a question of an automatic or purely cosmetic application of acts of clemency. This would not affect the essence of things: once the Jubilee is over the situation would return to the way it was. ... Those States and governments which are already engaged in or are planning to undertake a review of their prison system in order to bring it more into line with the requirements of the human person should be encouraged to continue in such an important task. This includes giving more consideration to penalties other than imprisonment.

"To make prison life more human it is more important than ever to take practical steps to enable prisoners as far as possible to engage in work which keeps them from the degrading effects of idleness. ... Nor should the psychological assistance which can help resolve personality problems be overlooked. Prison should not be a corrupting experience, a place of idleness and even vice, but instead a place of redemption."

"The Jubilee reminds us that time belongs to God. Even time in prison does not escape God's dominion. Public authorities who deprive human beings of their personal freedom as the law requires, bracketing off as it were a longer or shorter part of their life, must realize that they are not masters of the prisoners' time. In the same way, those who are in detention must not live as if their time in prison had been taken from them completely: even time in prison is God's time."

"At times prison life runs the risk of depersonalizing individuals, because it deprives them of so many opportunities for self-expression. But they must remember that before God this is not so. The Jubilee is time for the person, when each one is himself before God, in His image and likeness."

"The Jubilee is about change. The Old Testament Jubilee year 'was meant to restore equality among all the children of Israel, offering new possibilities to families which had lost their property and even their personal freedom.' ... The Holy Year must be used as a chance to right injustices committed, to mitigate excesses, and to recover what might otherwise be lost."

John Paul II indicates that "to celebrate the Jubilee means to strive to find new paths of redemption in every personal and social situation, even if the situation seems desperate. This is even more obvious with regard to prison life: not to promote the interests of prisoners would be to make imprisonment a mere act of vengeance on the part of society, provoking only hatred in the prisoners themselves.

"If the Great Jubilee is a chance for those in prison to reflect upon their situation, the same may be said of civil society as a whole, ... of the authorities ... and of those in the legal profession."

"These issues have been addressed often enough in history, and substantial progress has been made in conforming the penal system both to the dignity of the human person and to the effective maintenance of public order. But the unease and strains felt in the complex world of the administration of justice and, even more, the suffering attached to prison life show that there is still much to be done."

"Imprisonment as punishment is as old as human history. In many countries, prisons are very overcrowded. ... What is clear to all is that this kind of punishment generally succeeds only in part in addressing the phenomenon of crime. In fact, in some cases detention seems to create more problems than it solves. This must prompt rethinking with a view to some kind of reform."

"A strong appeal of this kind comes from the countless prisons throughout the world, in which millions of our brothers and sisters are held. Above all they call for a review of prison structures, and in some cases a revision of penal law. Regulations contrary to the dignity and fundamental rights of the human person should be definitively abolished from national legislation, as should laws which deny prisoners religious freedom. There will also have to be a review of prison regulations where they give insufficient attention to those who have serious or terminal illnesses. Likewise, institutions offering legal protection to the poor must be further developed.

"But even in cases where legislation is satisfactory, much suffering comes to prisoners from other sources. I am referring in particular to the wretched state of some of the places of detention where prisoners are forced to live, and the harassment to which they are sometimes subjected because of ethnic, social, economic, sexual, political and religious discrimination. Sometimes prisons can become places of violence resembling the places from which the inmates not infrequently come. Clearly this nullifies any attempt to educate through imprisonment.

"People in prison also find it difficult to maintain regular contact with their families and loved ones, and structures intended to help those leaving prison in their re-entry into society are often seriously flawed."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, JUN 30, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of diocese of Valleyfield, Canada, presented by Bishop Robert Lebel upon having reached the age limit.

- Appointed Bishop Felipe Aguirre Franco of Tuxtla Gutierrez, Mexico, as coadjutor archbishop of Acapulco (area 18,603, population 2,860,000, Catholics 2,730,000, priests 100, permanent deacons 16, religious 253), Mexico. The archbishop-elect was born in Encarnacion de Diaz, Mexico, in 1934, ordained a priest in 1958 and consecrated a bishop in 1974.

- Appointed Fr. Manuel Neto Quintas S.C.I., provincial of the Congregation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Dehonians) in Portugal, as auxiliary of Faro (area 5,071, population 366,329, Catholics 325,000, priests 64, religious 122), Portugal. The bishop-elect was born in Mazouco, Portugal, in 1949 and ordained a priest in 1977.

- Appointed Fr. Juan del Rio Martin, episcopal delegate for pastoral care in universities in Seville, Spain, as bishop of Jerez de la Frontera (area 3,928, population 480,970, Catholics 432,800, priests 175, permanent deacons 6, religious 704), Spain. The bishop-elect was born in Ayamonte, Spain, in 1947 and ordained a priest in 1974. He succeeds Bishop Rafael Bellido Caro, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese the Holy father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.

- Erected the apostolic administration of Prizren, Yugoslavia, returning to it its own ecclesiastical jurisdiction, such as existed prior to its union with the diocese of Skopje in 1969. He appointed Bishop Marko Sopi as apostolic administrator of the new administration.

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AUDIENCE: THE GLORY OF THE TRINITY IN THE HEAVENLY JERUSALEM

VATICAN CITY, JUN 28, 2000 (VIS) - "The glory of the Trinity in the heavenly Jerusalem" was the theme of the Pope's catechesis during the general audience, held this morning in St. Peter's Square in the presence of 30,000 pilgrims.

"In the new creation," said the Holy Father, "God will grant us the gift of the perfect and intimate communion with Him that the fourth Gospel calls 'eternal life'; a source of 'knowledge' that in biblical language is communion of love."

John Paul II recalled that "it is, above all, the last pages of the Bible - the glorious concluding vision of the Apocalypse - that reveal to us the city that is the final goal of our pilgrimage: the heavenly Jerusalem. There we will first of all meet the Father. ... He will show Himself in fullness like the Emmanuel, God with us, wiping away tears and mourning and renewing all things. However, at the center of that city, the Lamb will also arise, Christ, to whom the Church is linked in matrimony. ... The Holy Spirit impels us towards that city."

"For this meeting," he continued, "we pray every day for the grace of continual purification. ... Consequently, we turn now to Christ so that, through the Holy Spirit, He may help us to present ourselves pure before the Father."

Quoting St. Paul's Letter to the Romans, the Pope indicated that "together with us, 'the creation (also) waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God ... in hope; because the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God.' The Apocalypse announces 'a new heaven and a new earth' because the first heaven and first earth will disappear." He concluded by affirming that "in anticipation of harmony and full praise, all creation must now join with man in singing a hymn of joy and hope."

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ECUMENICAL DELEGATION FOR THE FEAST OF STS. PETER AND PAUL

VATICAN CITY, JUN 28, 2000 (VIS) - The delegation traditionally sent to Rome by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople for the June 29 celebration of the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles, is led this year by Metropolitan Athanasios of Helioupolis and Thiera. He will be accompanied by Archbishop Vsevolod of Skopelos of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in America, which is dependent on the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and by Archdeacon Tarasios of Fanar.

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APPEAL AGAINST ANTI-CHRISTIAN VIOLENCE IN INDIA AND INDONESIA

VATICAN CITY, JUN 28, 2000 (VIS) - At the end of today's general audience, held in St. Peter's Square, the Pope made an appeal for an end to violence against Christians in India and Indonesia:

"Unfortunately, the wave of ethnic-religious disorder that has swept Indonesia's Molucca Islands since January 1999 shows no sign of abating. The repeated armed and bloody attacks of Muslim extremists against Christian villages are provoking numerous victims and limitless ruin.

"Equally worrying news is coming from India where, recently, multiple acts of aggression have been perpetrated against Christian communities and other minorities; 'the worst,' say the bishops, 'since independence.'

"I renew my heartfelt appeal for an end to such brutal violence. I dare to hope that those who carry out and instigate such acts may understand that one cannot kill and destroy in the name of religion, or manipulate religion in accordance with personal interests. I ask the authorities to make every effort to improve the situation. I also request that everyone lay aside hatred and work tirelessly to re-establish religious harmony in mutual respect and love. I invite those of you present here to pray with faith for these intentions."

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, JUN 28, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience:

- Cardinal Jan P. Schotte C.I.C.M., secretary general of the Synod of Bishops.
- Archbishop Augustine Kasujja, apostolic nuncio in Algeria and Tunisia.

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NO ONE IS EXEMPT FROM COLLABORATING IN MISSIONARY WORK

VATICAN CITY, JUN 27, 2000 (VIS) - Made public today was the Holy Father's message for World Mission Day which will be held on October 22. In his message he recalls that "no one can consider themselves exempt from offering their collaboration to the development of Christ's mission that continues in the Church."

In the message, dated June 11, Solemnity of Pentecost, the Pope also especially recalls "so many missionaries, martyrs of the faith who, like Christ, gave their lives and spilled their blood. ... May these witnesses of faith, whom we have remembered, be a model and stimulus for all Christians, so that the announcement of Christ be perceived by each Christian as their own duty."

"The perspective of the Great Jubilee," he continues, "induces us to a greater 'ad gentes' missionary commitment. Two thousand years after the start of the mission, there still remain vast geographical, cultural, human and social areas in which Christ and His Gospel have not yet penetrated. How can we not hear the appeal that arises from such situations?"

John Paul II has some particular words for catechists in mission lands: "Working with great missionary strength and zeal, without doubt they constitute the most efficient support for missionaries in many fields. Not infrequently, because of the scarcity of ministers, they have responsibility for vast areas where they follow small communities and carry out the role of animators in prayer, in liturgical celebrations of the Word of God, in explaining doctrine and in organizing charity."

At the end of his message, the Holy Father highlights that "we participate in the mission above all through prayer - in the liturgy and in the quiet of our own room - through sacrifice and with the offer of our own sufferings to God. This is the primary collaboration that each of us can give. It is also important not to avoid an economic contribution, vital for so many local Churches."

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RELATIONS BETWEEN HOLY SEE AND COMMUNIST STATES (1963 - 1989)

VATICAN CITY, JUN 27, 2000 (VIS) - Today in the Holy See Press Office, Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano and Cardinal Achille Silvestrini, prefect of the Congregation for Oriental Churches, presented the memoirs of the late Cardinal Agostino Casaroli, former secretary of State. The volume is entitled "The Martyrdom of Patience" and deals with relations between the Holy See and Communist States between 1963 and 1989.

Also taking part in the event were Mikhail Gorbachev, former Russian president; Romano Prodi, president of the European Commission and Lamberto Dini, Italian foreign minister.

Cardinal Sodano explained that he the then met Msgr. Casaroli in 1960 and that, between 1968 and 1978, had occasion to assist him on a number of diplomatic missions. The book, he added, "reveals to us the great passion of his life: supporting Catholics in the Communist States and thus also contributing to bringing a new breath of liberty to their countries. Not for nothing did Pope John XXIII recall in those years that freedom is one of the four mainstays on which human co-existence is founded. In reality, such co-existence can be organized and fruitful only when founded on the columns of truth, justice, love and the equally important pillar of liberty."

The prefect of the Congregation for Oriental Churches observed that "The Martyrdom of Patience" is the fruit of the considerations to which Cardinal Casaroli dedicated the last years of his life. The book is "a narrative of relations between the Holy See and the Communist regimes in Eastern Europe. It is a placid, attentive and judicious account; faithful to the facts and honest in documenting them while not seeking to hide difficulties and objections."

Former Russian President Gorbachev recalled that John Paul II's view that Europe must breathe with both lungs "is an idea that has not lost its strength, indeed, it continues to have great meaning." He affirmed that the words of the present Pope, when he said that the new European Order must be founded on greater stability and justice and on a more human world, "give rise to great emotion when I reiterate them in my journeys around the world."

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DECLARATIONS BY HOLY SEE PRESS OFFICE DIRECTOR

VATICAN CITY, JUN 27, 2000 (VIS) - Yesterday, Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls made the following declarations:

"Today, June 26, Hung-Mao Tien, minister for foreign affairs of the Republic of China, came to the Vatican.

"Mr. Tien was received by Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano and by Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, secretary for Relations with States.

"The talks provided the occasion for an exchange of opinions on recent developments in Taiwan following the presidential elections of last March, as well as on the political situation in the region.
"Mr. Tien also had words of appreciation for the Catholic Church's work in support of the human and spiritual development of the people of Taiwan."

"His Holiness John Paul II today received in private audience Atal Behari Vajapayee, prime minister of India.

"In the course of their conversation, the Holy Father once again underlined the importance of freedom of religion. He also recalled India's traditions of religious tolerance, unfortunately gravely damaged by the recent acts of violence of which Christians have been the victims, in particular the Catholic Church."

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, JUN 27, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Ghennadi Nikolaevich Selezniov, president of the Duma (Russian parliament), accompanied by an entourage.
- Archbishop-bishop Javier Lozano Barragan, emeritus of Zacatecas, Mexico, president of the Pontifical Council for Pastoral Assistance to Health Care Workers.
- Mikhail Sergeevic Gorbachev.
- Cardinal Achille Silvestrini, prefect of the Congregation for Oriental Churches, accompanied by an entourage.

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WITNESS IS STRENGTHENED THROUGH DIALOGUE WITH CHRIST

VATICAN CITY, JUN 24, 2000 (VIS) - At midday today in the Paul VI Hall, John Paul II received faithful from the Italian diocese of Ascoli Piceno and various other groups who have come to Rome on a Jubilee pilgrimage.

The Pope made reference to reflections on the Eucharist and the Mass that have been taking place in all the parishes of Ascoli Piceno since the month of October. He suggested that this experience continue in order to help "those who wish to reach an ever more complete knowledge of their own faith."

"Indeed, the commitment to witness and mission, which is entrusted to all baptized Christians according to their life circumstances, draws strength from a constant and profound dialogue with Christ, who is present in a very special way in the Eucharist."

The Holy Father highlighted that the diocese "has already planned the construction of a pastoral care center for youth in Sierra Leone and of a house of welcome for handicapped children in Zambia. Furthermore, in your own territory, new structures have been created to help people in material or spiritual difficulties."

He continued: "Renewed faith, more concrete hope and tireless charity will be the most precious fruits of the celebration of the Holy Year."

The Pope then addressed other groups of pilgrims from various Italian cities to whom he expressed the hope that, "for everyone, the Jubilee will be an incentive for renewed adherence to Christ and the Gospel in order to give an ever more incisive Christian witness in society. On this journey, may you be sustained by the intercession of the Mother of God and by that of the Precursor of Christ, who is recalled with particular honor by today's liturgy."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, JUN 24, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father:

- Erected the diocese of Malindi (area 33,254, population 539,000, Catholics 20,000, priests 15, religious 19), Kenya, with territory taken from the diocese of Garissa and from part of the archdiocese of Mombasa, making it a suffragan of the metropolitan church of Mombasa. He appointed Fr. Francis Baldacchino O.F.M. Cap., vicar general of Garissa, as first bishop of the new diocese. The bishop-elect was born in Marsa, Malta, in 1936 and ordained a priest in 1961.

- Appointed Archbishop Blasco Francisco Collaco, apostolic nuncio in South Africa and Namibia, as apostolic nuncio in Lesotho and Swaziland.

- Appointed Fr. Johannes Gerardus Maria van Burgsteden S.S.S., rector of the Begijnhof chapel and director of pastoral care in Amsterdam city center, as auxiliary to the apostolic administrator of the diocese of Haarlem (area 2,912, population 2,628,121, Catholics 539,561, priests 382, permanent deacons 13, religious 1,576), Netherlands. The bishop-elect was born in Achterveld, Netherlands, in 1935 and ordained a priest in 1964.

- Appointed as consultors of the Pontifical Commission for the Cultural Patrimony of the Church: Bishops George Punnakottil of Kothamangalam of the Syro-Malabars, India; Leopoldo S. Tumulak of Tagbilaran, Philippines and Lubomyr Husar M.S.U., auxiliary of the major archbishop of Lviv of the Ukrainians. Frs. Thomas O'Caoimh, member of the National Heritage Council, Ireland and Kevin Lutz, curator of the diocesan museum in Columbus, U.S.A. Pier Francesco Grossi of Rome; Antonio Paolucci, superintendent of the artistic heritage of Florence, Italy; Mario Serio, director general of the ministry of cultural patrimony and cultural activities, Italy; Luciano Orsini, professor of the Bellini Institute of Art in Valenza, Italy; Claudio Strinati, superintendent of the artistic patrimony of Rome and Jeanette Sandford, archivist of the diocese of Kokstad, South Africa.

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DECLARATION ON UPCOMING EPISCOPAL ORDINATIONS IN CHINA

VATICAN CITY, JUN 24, 2000 (VIS) - At midday today, Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls made the following declaration:

"Regarding various questions made of the Holy See Press Office on news of the upcoming episcopal ordinations in the Popular Republic of China, the following clarifications must be made:

"As is well known, an episcopal ordination conferred without apostolic mandate represents a profound injury to ecclesial communion and a grave violation of canonical discipline.

"The gravity of such a gesture, which touches the very constitution of the Church, explains why Canon Law lays down special severe penalties, both for the consecrating bishop and those who receive such consecration.

"Episcopal ordinations conferred without communion with Peter's Successor place further obstacles on the troubled path towards normalization of the life of the Church in China and of relations between the Popular Republic of China and the Holy See, so desired by Catholics the world over.

"This situation can only give rise to incredulity in the face of declarations by Chinese politicians who have recently spoken of a desire for dialogue with the Holy See."

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MEXICO: LOCATION OF THE NEXT EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS

VATICAN CITY, JUN 25, 2000 (VIS) - Shortly before praying the angelus with the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square, John Paul II announced that the next International Eucharistic Congress will be held in Guadalajara, Mexico, in the year 2004.

The Pope recalled that over the last few days, Rome has been "the city of the Eucharist" and he referred to the conclusion this evening of the International Eucharistic Congress which has been considering the theme "Jesus Christ, only Savior of the World, Bread for a New Life."

"We firmly believe," he said, "that Christ is the only Savior of the world. He is the Mediator of the new and eternal Covenant. ... A Covenant open to all people in anticipation of the great eschatological banquet announced by the prophets of Israel. In the light of this truth, the Church does not despise the various religious experiences that man adopts in order to bring himself closer to God and receive His purification; on the contrary she favors a profitable inter-religious dialogue. However, at the same time she has to say clearly that Christ is the only Redeemer, the Son of God who for us was made flesh, died and rose again."

John Paul II closed by entrusting to the Virgin Mary the fruits of the recently-concluded Eucharistic Congress and the success of the next one. "May Mary," he concluded, "who lived in intimate and constant communion with Jesus, Word made flesh, help all Christians to recognize in the Eucharist the living presence of her divine Son, to welcome Him with faith and to invoke Him with love."

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PRESENTATION OF MESSAGE OF FATIMA

VATICAN CITY, JUN 26, 2000 (VIS) - At midday today in the Holy See Press Office, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger and Archbishop Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B., respectively prefect and secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, presented the document "The Message of Fatima."

During the conference, the cardinal explained the themes presented in the text concerning the "third secret," particularly highlighting the role of the Mother of Christ in the history of salvation.

"There exists a synergy between Mother and Son that spans all history," said the cardinal, and he mentioned the Gospel account of the wedding of Cana when Mary "induced (her Son) to the first sign that manifested His glory. The poverty of the guests is what inspired Mary to intervene then. Poverty at any time is a motive for the Mother of the Lord to intervene."

The prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith continued saying, "Mary stands next to the cross of her Son, sharing in the suffering and in the power of salvation. ... The publication of this third part of the secret of Fatima at the beginning of the new millennium, proposing once more the center of the Gospel message, also reminds the Church and the world of the meaning and importance of the Mother of the Lord in the history of salvation, and thus of the meaning and value of women, all women, in human history."

Archbishop Bertone then spoke. He explained the reasons for which his congregation had been charged with making the third part of the secret public.

"These reasons," he said, "may be easily deduced: connections of the literary genre 'apparitions' and 'supernatural manifestations' ... with the doctrine of the faith and the great public revelation. ... The specific area of expertise of the dicastery that through a special office traces and examines, in collaboration with diocesan bishops, all real or imagined supernatural phenomena that are indicated to the local Churches."

Following the presentation, Cardinal Ratzinger and Archbishop Bertone answered journalists' questions.

Archbishop Bertone made it clear that John Paul II did not read the message until after May 13, 1981 - in other words, after the attempt on his life - and emphatically rejected the hypothesis that he may have read it before.

For his part, Cardinal Ratzinger highlighted that the decision not to publish the "third secret" over the years was not inspired by reasons of dogma but of prudence. He recognized that the price paid for this was the possibility of speculation as to the content. Even so, having waited to divulge it until after the beatification of the shepherd children Jacinta and Francisco and at the end of a century that had seen the greatest number of martyrs in history and an almost infinite series of wars and disasters, was a signal of hope and allowed, in the light of history, to places Lucia's vision in a global context.

The prefect also made it clear that in order to understand the message's reference to Russia, it was necessary to bear in mind what he had said about the recipient of the vision's limited capacity of comprehension. "In fact, Sr. Lucia said that we (the shepherds) knew nothing of Russia, we did not even know the word Russia. They understood that something dangerous was meant and, naturally, to the limited capacities represented by the mind and soul of three shepherd children the Virgin did not refer to Russia as a country with many Christians, rather (she referred to) an anti-Christian system. This is not a condemnation of Russia, we know the great faith of the Russian people, it is a condemnation of a classical atheist system that threatened humanity. In reality, other systems, especially Nazism, were radically anti-theist and threatened both the Church and humanity, there is no exclusive right over that word. As I said, each word of the vision does not have an exact historical correlation."

OP;MESSAGE FATIMA;...;RATZINGER; BERTONE;VIS;20000626;Word: 660;

INTERNATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS CLOSES IN ROME

VATICAN CITY, JUN 25, 2000 (VIS) - At 6:30 p.m., the Holy Father presided at the "Statio Orbis" in St. Peter's Square marking the closure of the 47th International Eucharistic Congress whose theme has been "Jesus Christ, only Savior of the World, Bread for a New Life."

Thirty cardinals, 60 bishops and 1,000 priests, in Rome for the eucharistic congress, concelebrated with the Pope. Among the faithful were 10,000 children who have received first communion this year.

"From this square," said John Paul II in his homily, "we wish to repeat to the men and women of the third millennium the extraordinary announcement: for us, the Son of God was made flesh and He offered Himself in sacrifice for our salvation. He gives us His body and His blood as the sustenance of a new life, of a divine life that is no longer subject to death.

"With emotion we once again receive this gift from Christ's hands so that, through us, it may reach all families, all cities, the places of pain and the places where hope is forged in our time. The Eucharist is an infinite gift of love: in the bread and wine we recognize and adore the single and perfect sacrifice of Christ."

The Pope affirmed that from this 'Statio Orbis' his thoughts were already turning "to the solemn Eucharistic celebration that will close World Youth Day. My words go out to you, young people of Rome, of Italy and of the world: prepare yourselves with care for this international rendezvous of youth where you will be called to face the challenges of the third millennium."

HML;CLOSURE EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS;...;...;VIS;20000626;Word: 280;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, JUN 26, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Hugo Banzer Suarez, president of the Republic of Bolivia, accompanied by his wife and an entourage.
- Atal Bihari Vajpayee, prime minister of India, accompanied by his entourage.
- His Royal Highness, Prince of Asturias, Felipe de Bourbon.
- Cardinal Edouard Gagnon, president of the Pontifical Committee for International Eucharistic Congresses.

On Saturday June 24, he received in separate audiences:

- Cardinal Jozef Tomko, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.
- Cardinal Lucas Moreira Neves O.P., prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.

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HOLY SEE HAD NET SURPLUS OF $5 MILLION FOR 1999

VATICAN CITY, JUN 23, 2000 (VIS) - Archbishop Sergio Sebastiani, president of the Prefecture of the Economic Affairs of the Holy See, announced this morning at a conference in which he presented the Consolidated Financial Statement of the Holy See, that there was a net surplus of $5,046,000 for the fiscal year 1999. The exchange rate used was 1,927 lire to $1. The 1998 surplus was $1.5 million.

Joining him in the Holy See Press Office for the biannual conference on Holy See finances were Bishop Franco Croci and Ivan Ruggiero, respectively secretary and general accountant of the prefecture. The 1999 statements were published in both Italian and English.
The archbishop explained that a Consolidated Financial Statement "means that there are grouped together in one statement the costs and revenues of the seven administrations of the Holy See: APSA (Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See), the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, the Apostolic Chamber, Vatican Radio, the Vatican Printing Press/L'Osservatore Romano, the Vatican Publishing House and the Vatican Television Center."

"It is interesting to note," he said, "that, in comparison with the previous fiscal year, the expenses grew by .... 3.7 percent, and that the growth of revenue was .... 5.8 percent."

He highlighted that Canon 1271 of the Code of Canon Law, which asks dioceses to make financial contributions to the Apostolic See, was enforced after an April 1991 meeting of all the presidents of the episcopal conferences in the world. The income deriving from this provision has increased from 10.398 billion lire ($6.3 million) in 1992 to 41.244 billion lire in 1999.

Archbishop Sebastiani then explained that the Operating Financial Statement of the Holy See is divided into four sectors: Institutional Activities (all Roman Curia offices: (a loss of 44,962 million lire in 1999); Financial Activities (a gain of 86,913 million lire); Real Estate Activities (a gain of 18,741 million lire) and Activities of the Four Institutions Connected with the Holy See (a loss of 39,276 million lire).

The archbishop pointed out that the newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, has a deficit but has increased its presence in Europe and the Mediterranean and now distributes approximately 4 million copies. He added that Vatican Radio has a deficit, but now transmits in 47 languages, has increased its broadcast hours, and has approximately 400 people working for it, representing 63 countries.

The Consolidated Financial Statement," he concluded, "will now be translated into English, French, German and Spanish and a copy will be sent to all the bishops in the world and to the major superiors of Religious Institutes."

According to a communique released this morning along with the financial statement, the Council of Cardinals for the Study of Organizational and Economic Questions of the Holy See met on June 21 in the Vatican under the presidency of Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano. Also present at the meeting were 11 other cardinals as well as Archbishop Sergio Sebastiani.

The communique announced that Vatican City State, a budget separate from the Holy See, had a surplus of 5.4 billion lire ($2.6 million). It pointed out that expenses incurred in 1999 included building the new entrance to the Vatican Museums, the underground parking lot and work on preserving or restructuring several buildings.

Finally, it was announced that the 1999 Peter's Pence - the offerings of the faithful for the Pontiff's charitable works and for the support of needy churches - amounted to $55,313,587.

...;1999 FINANCES;...;SEBASTIANI;VIS;20000623;Word: 540;

SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI: MASS AND EUCHARISTIC PROCESSION

VATICAN CITY, JUN 22, 2000 (VIS) - At 7 p.m. today, Solemnity of Corpus Christi, the Pope presided at a Eucharistic celebration in the square in front of St. John Lateran. Cardinals, archbishops, bishops and all priests present in Rome concelebrated with the Holy Father. The event marked the occasion of the 47th International Eucharistic Congress.

In his homily, John Paul II made reference to the Gospel account of the multiplication of the loaves, saying: "It was a wonderful and prodigious event that constituted the beginning of a long historical process: the ceaseless multiplication, within the Church, of the bread of new life for men and women of all races and cultures. This sacramental ministry is entrusted to the Apostles and their successors. They, faithful to the divine Master's command, never cease to break and distribute the Eucharistic bread from one generation to another. The people of God receive it with devotion. This bread of life, medicine of immortality, has nourished innumerable saints and martyrs."

"We wish to stay with Christ and for this reason, like Peter, we say to Him: 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.' Today, with the same conviction as Peter, we kneel before the Sacrament of the altar and renew our profession of faith in the real presence of Christ."

The Holy Father affirmed that this was "the meaning of today's celebration, that the International Eucharistic Congress in the Jubilee Year underlines with particular force. This is also the meaning of the solemn procession that, as it does every year, will soon lead from this square to the Basilica of St. Mary Major."

Following Mass, the Pope presided at a Eucharistic procession that passed along Rome's Via Merulana to the Basilica of St. Mary Major. On the way, 80,000 faithful prayed and sang, accompanying the Blessed Sacrament. A covered vehicle transported the Sacrament in a mostrance, before which the Holy Father prayed, kneeling on a prie-dieu.

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, JUN 23, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed:

- Fr. Jose Vicente Huertas Vargas of the clergy of the archdiocese of Tunja, Colombia, rector of the "Juan de Castellanos" Institute, as bishop of Garagoa (area 4,400, population 155,000, Catholics 153,000, priests 50, religious 48), Colombia. The bishop-elect was born in Ramiquiri, Colombia, in 1940 and ordained a priest in 1967.

- Fr. Edwin Angot de la Pena, rector of the seminary of the Mission Society of the Philippines, as prelate of the territorial prelature of Marawi (area 4,568, population 854,963, Catholics 64,000, priests 16, religious 33), the Philippines. The bishop-elect was born in San Juan, the Philippines, in 1954 and ordained a priest in 1981.

NER;...;...;HUERTAS; ANGOT;VIS;20000623;Word: 110;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, JUN 23, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Fra Andrew Bertie, prince and grand master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, accompanied by his entourage.
- Cardinal Frederic Etsou-Nzabi-Bamungwabi C.I.C.M., archbishop of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Cardinal Angel Suquia Goicoechea, archbishop emeritus of Madrid, Spain.
- Archbishop Patrick Coveney, apostolic nuncio in New Zealand, Fiji, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Samoa, Vanuatu, Tonga, Nauru and Kiribati; Apostolic Delegate to the Pacific Ocean.
- Bishop Jacinto Tomas de Carvalho Botelho of Lamego, Portugal, on his "ad limina" visit.

AP; AL;...;...;...;VIS;20000623;Word: 100;

THE EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATION IS A MISSIONARY EVENT

VATICAN CITY, JUN 21, 2000 (VIS) - In today's general audience, held in St. Peter's Square in the presence of 40,000 pilgrims, the Pope recalled that this week marks the celebration in Rome of the International Eucharistic Congress, whose theme is: "Jesus Christ, only Savior of the World, Bread for a New Life."

The theme of this week's catechesis was "The Eucharist, Source of the Church's Missionary Commitment." John Paul II affirmed that "the celebration of the Eucharist, Sacrament of the Lord's Passion, is in itself a missionary event that introduces the fertile seed of the new life into the world."

"Each Mass ends with the missionary call to 'go,' inviting the faithful to bring the announcement of the Risen Lord into families, into the workplace, into society, into the whole world."

The Holy Father emphasized that "today it is particularly necessary that, from the celebration of the Eucharist, each Christian community draws the interior conviction and the spiritual strength to emerge and open itself to other communities that are poorer and more in need of support in the fields of evangelization and missionary cooperation. This favors the fertile exchange of reciprocal gifts that enriches the whole Church. It is also very important, using the Eucharist as a starting point, to distinguish missionary vocations and ministries."

After highlighting that "the Eucharist is, furthermore, a permanent school of charity of justice and of peace for the renewal of the world in Christ," he referred to "those individual 'missionaries' and witnesses of faith and love of Christ: the martyrs." Their relics, placed under the altar, "constitute a clear sign of the energy that emanates from Christ's sacrifice."

The Holy Father greeted the "numerous representatives of the World Federation of Nocturnal Adoration, whom I invite to renew their devotion to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament during the present Eucharistic Congress."

Finally, he addressed the numerous catechists who are celebrating their Jubilee: "Catechesis is a bastion of Church life, be ever aware of this and accompany your precious service with prayer and the witness of your lives. With affection, I bless and encourage you."

AG;EUCHARIST;...;...;VIS;20000621;Word: 360;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, JUN 21, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Bishop Marin Barisic, auxiliary of the archdiocese of Split-Makarska (area 4,088, population 472,088, Catholics 412,261, priests 360, religious 716), Croatia, as archbishop of the same archdiocese. The archbishop-elect was born in Vidonje in 1947, ordained a priest in 1974 and consecrated a bishop in 1993. He succeeds Archbishop Ante Juric, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese, the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.

AP;...;...;BARISIC; JURIC ;VIS;20000621;Word: 80;

MISSION NAMED TO MILLENNIUM OF CHRISTIANITY IN ICELAND

VATICAN CITY, JUN 21, 2000 (VIS) - Made public today was the Holy Father's Letter, written in Latin and dated May 10, 2000, to Cardinal Edward Idris Cassidy, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, in which he named him as his special envoy to the celebrations of the millennium of Christianity in Iceland. These will take place in Reykjavik on July 1 and 2.

Also named were the members of the pontifical mission accompanying Cardinal Cassidy: Msgr. James P. Green, counsellor in the apostolic nunciature in Iceland, and Fathers Hjalti Thorkelsson, episcopal vicar of the diocese of Reykjavik for liturgy and catechesis, and Jacob Rolland, chancellor of the same diocese.

JPII-LETTER;MILLENNIUM;...;ICELAND; CASSIDY;VIS;20000621;Word: 120;

PAPAL MESSAGE FOR EXHIBIT "THE GOSPELS OF THE PEOPLES"

VATICAN CITY, JUN 21, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father sent a Message today to Archbishop Jorge Maria Mejia, archivist and librarian of Holy Roman Church, in which he expressed his "cordial and friendly greetings to all participating in the exhibit "The Gospels of the Peoples: The Word and the Image of Christ in Cultures and in History." This exhibition is promoted by the Vatican Apostolic Library, in conjunction with the Italian Ministry for Cultural Patrimony and Activities.

"I hope," wrote John Paul II, "that this interesting exposition - which will offer visitors the chance to review the historical events of Christianity, through the spreading of Gospel texts among the peoples and cultures of antiquity, right up to the modern times - will stimulate believers to take on with an ever more convinced impetus the arduous and fascinating commitment of the new evangelization.

JPII-MESSAGE;EXHIBIT;...;VATICAN LIBRARY; MEJIA;VIS;20000621;Word: 150;

VATICAN OBSERVATORY: SCIENTIFIC PERSPECTIVES ON DIVINE ACTION

VATICAN CITY, JUN 20, 2000 (VIS) - The Vatican Observatory, together with the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences in Berkeley, California, is sponsoring the sixth in a series of conferences entitled "Scientific Perspectives on Divine Action," from June 25 to July 2 at the observatory in Castelgandolfo, Italy.

Twenty-four scholars, among them scientists, philosophers and theologians, will gather at the observatory to study the specific topic of "Quantum Physics and Quantum Field Theory," according to a press release from Fr. George V. Coyne, S.J., director. The communique states that these scholars "will explore the implications of quantum physics for our understanding of the way God acts in creation."

The first conference in the series was an introductory one on "Physics, Philosophy and Theology." The subsequent conferences dealt with "Quantum Cosmology and the Laws of Nature," "Chaos and Complexity," "Evolutionary and Molecular Biology" and "Neurosciences and the Person." Each conference has resulted in the publication of a volume by the Vatican Observatory Publications. The first volume contains a message from Pope John Paul II on the science-faith dialogue.

..;VATICAN OBSERVATORY;...;CASTELGANDOLFO; COYNE;VIS;20000620;Word: 190;

THE MESSAGE OF FATIMA TO BE PRESENTED JUNE 26

VATICAN CITY, JUN 20, 2000 (VIS) - On Monday, June 26 at 11:30 a.m. in the Holy See Press Office there will the presentation of the document, "The Message of Fatima," which has been prepared by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, prefect, and Archbishop Tarcisio Bertone, secretary, will present the document.

On Tuesday, June 27 in the press office, there will a press conference for the presentation of the book, "The Martyrdom of Patience. The Holy See and Communist Countries (1963-1989)," of the late Cardinal Agostino Casaroli, former secretary of State. Those scheduled to present the book include: Cardinals Angelo Sodano, secretary of state, and Achille Silvestrini, prefect of the Congregation for Oriental Churches; former Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev; president of the European Commission, Romano Prodi; and Italian Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini.

OP;PRESS CONFERENCES;...;...;VIS;20000620;Word: 140;

AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, JUN 20, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Cardinal Camillo Ruini, vicar general for the diocese of Rome, accompanied by Archbishop Cesare Nosiglia, vicegerent of Rome.

This evening he is scheduled to receive Archbishop Sergio Sebastiani, president of the Prefecture of the Economic Affairs of the Holy See.

AP;...;...;... ;VIS;20000620;Word: 50;

TWO HUNDRED ITALIAN ARTISTS TO PRESENT A BOOK TO THE POPE

VATICAN CITY, JUN 20, 2000 (VIS) - Tomorrow, following the general audience, 200 Italian artists will present the Pope with the first copy of a book entitled "Fioretti Giubilari" (Little Jubilee Flowers), which marks the first anniversary of the publication of John Paul II's Letter to Artists.

A communique issued by the Italian National Union of Writers indicates that, with this volume, the artists wish to bear witness of their adherence to the values of beauty, spirituality and social service highlighted by the Pope. The book includes texts from more than 40 authors.

...;ARTISTS BOOK;...;...;VIS;20000620;Word: 110;

AUDIENCE WITH FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF MARY IMMACULATE

VATICAN CITY, JUN 17, 2000 (VIS) - This morning, the Pope received the Franciscan Sisters of Mary Immaculate from various parts of Italy, Brazil, the Philippines and India, who are taking part in their general chapter.

The Holy Father affirmed that their charism must stimulate them to be missionaries in the fields of "training and education of children and youth, catechesis, collaboration in pastoral activity in parishes and missions and in all those initiatives of solidarity and assistance that not only harmonize with the spirit of the Institute but, above all, are more responsive to the needs of the Church of our time."

"You are, first of all, Franciscans" he said. "The first characteristic element of your life and apostolic activity is the Franciscan ideal. ... In the school of Francis and Clare of Assisi, each Franciscan sister of Mary Immaculate is called to bear witness to humanity in the third millennium of the transforming power of the Gospel announced through word and example, bringing the Good News of reconciliation and salvation to all."

John Paul II indicated that "the second fundamental element" of their religious identity "is Marian spirituality. ... Consequently, may Mary Immaculate be your guide, your inspirational model, your constant support on the daily journey, a refuge in the inevitable difficulties and a delight in moments of joy and sharing."

AC;...;...;FRANCISCANS MARY IMMACULATE;VIS;20000619;Word: 230;

PRESENTATION OF HOLY SEE'S CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

VATICAN CITY, JUN 17, 2000 (VIS) - In the Holy See Press Office on Friday June 23 at 11:30 a.m., Archbishop Sergio Sebastiani, president of the Prefecture for the Economic Affairs of the Holy See, will present the Holy See's consolidated financial statement for 1999.

OP;FINANCES HOLY SEE;...;SEBASTIANI;VIS;20000619;Word: 50;

THEME FOR 34TH WORLD DAY OF PEACE IS PUBLISHED

VATICAN CITY, JUN 17, 2000 (VIS) - The theme chosen by Pope John Paul for the 34th World Day of Peace, to take place on January 1, 2001 is "Dialogue between cultures for a civilization of love and peace." The year 2001 has been proclaimed by the United Nations as the International Year of Dialogue Between Cultures.

The communique which published the 2001 theme states that "a vision of culture as a line of defense against recent 'globalization' tendencies and as a way to keep alive particular beliefs and usages is accompanied, sometimes, by anxiety for a possible 'clash of cultures' in which power and strength constitute the only criteria of evaluation. Against such general lines, a sincere, open and peaceful dialogue between cultures is suggested, a dialogue which recognizes in the search for the truth an inspiration written in human nature."

"All cultures are called to build a civilization of peace and love. As John Paul II affirmed in his speech for the 50th General Assembly of the U.N.: 'We must conquer our fear of the future. But we can only conquer it totally if we do so together. ... The answer to that fear ...is the common effort to build a civilization of love based on the universal values of peace, solidarity, justice and liberty'."

...;THEME PEACE DAY;...;...;VIS;;Word: ;

THE JUBILEE: AN OCCASION TO REDISCOVER THE LOVE OF GOD

VATICAN CITY, JUN 17, 2000 (VIS) - This morning in the Paul VI Hall, the Holy Father received 1,100 pilgrims from Italy and other countries who have come to Rome for the Jubilee.

Speaking French to participants in a meeting of the world organization of former pupils of Catholic schools, he requested that their own children and the youth of today may benefit from the same intellectual, human and moral formation that they had received because, "they must learn, from the older generations, the points of reference in order for their lives to be beautiful and full of hope."

To a group of faithful from various Italian parishes, John Paul II expressed the hope that "the marvelous days of your jubilee pilgrimage that have brought you to meet Christ, ... may constitute for each of you a joyful occasion to rediscover God's love and a renewed experience of your belonging to His great family that is the Church."

The Pope also greeted members of the military academy of the Ecuadorian ministry of defense. Speaking to them in Spanish, he said "to cross the Holy Door is to demonstrate the will to approach God and, consequently, to live in accordance with the teaching of the Gospel. May this gesture, accompanied by works of piety and charity, bring you the grace necessary to carry out your family and professional duties, giving witness of your union with Christ and your belonging to His Church."

AC;PILGRIMS;...;...;VIS;20000619;Word: 250;

EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS BEGINS WITH A CALL FOR UNITY

VATICAN CITY, JUN 18, 2000 (VIS) - At 6:30 p.m. in St. Peter's Square, the Pope presided at the second vespers of the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, on the occasion of the opening of the 47th International Eucharistic Congress whose theme is "Jesus Christ, One Savior of the World, Bread for a New Life."

"The Church," said the Holy Father in his homily, "summoned together for the International Eucharistic Congress, turns at this time to the Upper Room and there remains in pensive adoration. She relives the great mystery of the Incarnation, concentrating her gaze upon the Sacrament in which Christ consigned us the commemoration of His passion."

John Paul II affirmed that "the minds and hearts of so many faithful throughout the world turn towards this square. I invite everyone, individual believers and ecclesial communities from all corners of the earth, to share with us this moment of elevated Eucharistic spirituality. I especially ask children and the sick, as well as the contemplative orders, to offer their prayers for the happy and successful outcome of this world Eucharistic meeting.

"The call arises from the Eucharistic Congress to renew our faith in the real presence of Christ in the Sacrament of the altar: 'Ave, verum corpus!' At the same time comes the urgent appeal for the reconciliation and unity of all believers: 'One body ... one faith, one baptism!' Unfortunately, contrasts and divisions continue to lacerate the Body of Christ and prevent Christians from different confessions from sharing the single bread of the Eucharist. Consequently, together we invoke the healing power of divine mercy, so abundant in this Jubilee year."

More than one hundred Italian and foreign confraternities took part in the opening ceremony, among them the Spanish confraternity of Our Lady of Suffering of the Piarists of Granada, whom the Pope greeted at the end of his homily.

HML;VESPERS; EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS;...;...;VIS;20000619;Word: 320;

EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS IS THE "HEART" OF THE JUBILEE

VATICAN CITY, JUN 18, 2000 (VIS) - Speaking to 50,000 faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square this morning to recite the Angelus, Pope John Paul reflected on the International Eucharistic Congress, which he opens this evening with vespers in the square, and said "we have reached the heart of the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000."

"Within the period of a week," he added, "we celebrate two solemnities - the Most Holy Trinity and Corpus Domini - in which the nature of this Holy Year, which is both trinitarian and Eucharistic, is fully manifested. Prepared by a three-year period of reflection on Christ, the Holy Spirit and the Father, the Jubilee's objective is to give thanks and praise to the divine Trinity, from which all comes and to which all returns, in the world and in history."

The Holy Father remarked that "the 'way', the 'door' of access to the mystery of God's love is only one: Jesus, who was born, died and arose to give life to every man. Before dying on the cross, a victim of expiation for our sins, He left the Church the memorial of His redemptive sacrifice: the sacrament of the Eucharist."

John Paul II then highlighted several events of the week-long Eucharistic congress, whose theme is "Jesus Christ, One Savior of the World, Bread for a New Life": the meeting on "The Eucharist and the Face of Christ", the Jubilee of Italian catechists, the procession on the June 22 feast of Corpus Domini from St. John Lateran Basilica to that of St. Mary Major and the closing of the congress on Sunday evening, June 25 with the "statio orbis" in St. Peter's Square.

After reciting the angelus, the Pope greeted the faithful in St. Peter's Square in several languages.

ANG;EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS;...;...;VIS;20000619;Word: 280;

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, JUN 17, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed:

- Fr. Camille Lembi Zaneli of the clergy of Lisala, Democratic Republic of the Congo, pastor in the archdiocese of Fort-de-France, Martinique, Antilles, as bishop of Isangi (area 50,000, population 630,700, Catholics 100,086, priests 18, religious 25), Democratic Republic of the Congo. The bishop-elect was born in Zongo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, in 1950 and ordained a priest in 1979.

- Msgr. Elio Tinti, rector of the regional seminary in Bologna, Italy, as bishop of Carpi (area 415, population 115,447, Catholics 113,362, priests 59, permanent deacons 4, religious 80), Italy. The bishop-elect was born in Bologna in 1936 and ordained a priest in 1960.

- Fr. Jorge Solorzano Perez of the clergy of Managua, episcopal vicar for pastoral ministries of Managua (area 5,210, population 2,271,100, Catholics 1,816,880, priests 122, religious 590), Nicaragua, as auxiliary of the same archdiocese. The bishop-elect was born in San Andres de la Palanca, Nicaragua, in 1961 and ordained a priest in 1985.

- Msgr. Gervais Banshimiyubusa of the diocese of Muyinga, Burundi, rector of the major seminary of Gitega, as coadjutor of Ngozi (area 3,810, population 1,000,000, Catholics 750,000, priests 62, religious 155), Burundi. The bishop-elect was born in Gisuru, Burundi, in 1952 and ordained a priest in 1981.

NER; NEA; NEC;...;...;...;VIS;20000619;Word: 190;

POPE PRAISES ROACO'S AID TO ORIENTAL CHURCHES

VATICAN CITY, JUN 19, 2000 (VIS) - The Pope this morning welcomed the members of ROACO, the Italian acronym for the Assembly of Works of Assistance to the Oriental Churches, an organism within the Congregation for Oriental Churches, on the occasion of their second annual plenary session. He praised their work which, in recent years, has "responded in a more careful and attentive way to the demands and urgent needs of the Catholic Oriental Churches."

John Paul II recalled his recent pilgrimages to Mount Sinai and to Mount Nebo and the Holy Land where he met with the hierarchy and the faithful of the Oriental Churches. "What the Lord allowed me to experience in those days," he said, "prompts me to recommend to you and to all the Catholic faithful to always take to heart the Christian communities of the Holy Land and to support them in their needs."

He remarked that the Jubilee has been marked by the presence in Rome of a "significant number of representatives of Oriental Catholic Churches. ... In this way Rome makes visible the universality of the Church in the variety of rites and traditions."

"On this particular occasion," stated the Holy Father, "I repeat my invitation to all of you to make every effort possible to come to the aid of populations divided by fraternal conflicts or those of the Middle East still searching for stable paths of justice and freedom. The Jubilee invites us to concrete signs of fraternal charity which will open 'our eyes to the needs of all who live in poverty and marginalization'."

AC;ROACO;...;...;VIS;20000619;Word: 260;

TO THE MISSIONARIES OF FR. KOLBE: BE WITNESSES OF HOPE

VATICAN CITY, JUN 19, 2000 (VIS) - At midday today, the Pope received participants in the general chapter of the Missionary Sisters of Mary Immaculate-Fr. Kolbe, and expressed his desire that their work these days may "consolidate you in your commitment of consecration to God, that you may be leavening of wisdom and witnesses of hope in today's world."

The Pope recalled with joy that the sisters are present in Italy, Luxembourg, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, California and Poland "where, in order to keep alive the legacy of the martyr Maximilian Kolbe, you are completing work on a 'spiritual center' at Auschwitz that aims to offer a message of hope to all who visit to that place: symbol of the most terrible negations of human dignity perpetrated during the 20th century."

"With Franciscan zeal, spread the truth of the Gospel in the hearts and lives of the brothers and sisters that you meet in your daily ecclesial service. ... Your apostolate must derive from incessant prayer and from a communal life that represents a continuous search for God and His work in complex earthly reality."

AC;SISTERS MARY IMMACULATE;...;KOLBE;VIS;20000619;Word: 200;

IN MEMORIAM

VATICAN CITY, JUN 19, 2000 (VIS) - The following prelates died in recent weeks:

- Cardinal Paul Zoungrana M. Afr., archbishop emeritus of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, on June 4, at the age of 82.
- Bishop John Brewer of Lancaster, Great Britain, on June 10, at the age of 70.
- Bishop Paul Huynh Dong Cac, emeritus of Quy Nhon, Vietnam, on June 3, at the age of 77.
- Bishop Jose del Carmen Valle Gallardo, emeritus of Iquique, Chile, on June 10, at the age of 91.
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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, JUN 19, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Said Musa, prime minister of Belize, accompanied by his entourage.
- Cardinals Rosalio Jose Castillo Lara S,D.B., president emeritus of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State and Edmund Casimir Szoka, current president of this pontifical commission; Archbishop Baltazar Porras Cardoso of Merida, Venezuela, president of the Venezuelan Episcopal Conference, and Bishop Ubaldo Ramon Santana Sequera F.M.I., of Ciudad Guayana, vice-president of the same conference.

On Saturday June 17, he received in separate audiences:

- Archbishop Juan Luis Cipriani Thorne of Lima, Peru.
- Cardinal Lucas Moreira Neves O.P., prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.

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SOCIAL SECURITY CONVENTION BETWEEN THE HOLY SEE AND ITALY

VATICAN CITY, JUN 16, 2000 (VIS) - At midday today, Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls made the following declaration:

"Today Friday June 16, Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, secretary for Relations with States, and Lamberto Dini, Italian foreign minister, signed a 'Social Security Convention between the Holy See and the Italian Republic' and the associated 'Administrative Agreement.'

"The new international instrument will give Vatican employees, not just the Italians, and their families, greater peace of mind in the face of the demands and unforeseen circumstances of everyday life."

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HOLY SEE SATISFACTION OVER ACQUITTAL OF BISHOP MISAGO

VATICAN CITY, JUN 16, 2000 (VIS) - Yesterday afternoon, Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls made the following declaration:

"The Holy See has learned with great satisfaction the news, made public today, of the acquittal of Bishop Augustin Misago of Gikongoro, Rwanda, from all charges in the trial in which he was accused of having planned the genocide perpetrated in the country in 1994. This sentence was reached thanks to an able defense.

"We can only be happy that the truth has been recognized and we hope that, for the thousands of people who are still in Rwandan jails for crimes of genocide, an impartial juridical solution may also be found, avoiding in all cases recourse to the death penalty.
"It is to be hoped that this constructive event may also have a positive effect on Church-State relations in a nation so sadly marked by the immense tragedy of genocide."

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TRUE PATH TO FREEDOM FOUND IN "JOYFUL SELF-EMPTYING"

VATICAN CITY, JUN 16, 2000 (VIS) - Pope John Paul today welcomed the Sisters of St. Felix of Cantalice, in Rome for their 21st general chapter.

He recalled that their congregation "came to birth at a troubled time in Poland" when "the question of how to regain freedom burned in Polish hearts." Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska, the congregation's foundress, "proposed a radically different answer to the question of how freedom might be found, drawing her inspiration from St. Francis of Assisi and St. Felix of Cantalice. ... (She) learnt that the true way to freedom was not violence, but joyful self-emptying."

"For the great St. Francis," the Pope continued, "the logic of the Incarnation led him to empty himself of attachment to all things, in order to possess all things in God. ... For St. Felix ... it meant walking the streets of Rome as the 'Capuchin donkey', begging food for his brothers, responding always with his famous 'Deo gratias', and feeding the poor from his alms-sack. For blessed Mary Angela, it meant immersing herself in the suffering of the time, embracing 'the little ones' in a life of action intensely rooted in contemplation."

The Holy Father quoted their foundress: "Love means giving, giving everything that love asks for, giving immediately, without regrets, with joy, and wanting even more to be asked of us." And he highlighted her insistence that at the "heart of the congregation's life ... be devotion above all to the Holy Eucharist and to the Immaculate Heart of Mary."

"Our is a very different world," the Pope said in conclusion, "but we are no less challenged by the spiritual lethargy of our times and by the question of where true freedom lies. ... For the Felician Sisters, this must mean an ever more radical fidelity to the program of life bequeathed to you by your foundress."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, JUN 16, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Bishop Theodore-Adrien Sarr of Kaolack, Senegal, as metropolitan archbishop of Dakar (area 5,395, population 1,959,342, Catholics 226,404, priests 126, religious 531), Senegal. The archbishop-elect was born in Fadiouth, Senegal, in 1936, ordained a priest in 1964 and consecrated bishop in 1974. He succeeds Cardinal Hyacinthe Thiandoum, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same archdiocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, JUN 16, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Mehmet Nuri Yilmaz, president of religious affairs in Turkey, accompanied by his entourage.
- Steven A. Loyatum, Kenyan ambassador, on a farewell visit.
- Bishop Serafim de Sousa Ferreira e Silva of Leiria-Fatima, Portugal, accompanied by his entourage.
- Cardinal Edward Idris Cassidy, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, accompanied by Bishop Walter Kasper, secretary of the same council.

This evening, he is scheduled to receive Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

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POPE WELCOMES FRANCISCANS SISTERS ON FIRST GENERAL CHAPTER

VATICAN CITY, JUN 15, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father this morning welcomed the Franciscan Sisters of Mary Immaculate on the occasion of their first general chapter. He said that this Jubilee year meeting "will help you to reflect with special intensity on your mission, following the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi and he who best knew how, in our days, to make his spirit concrete, St. Maximilian Kolbe."

"Mary Immaculate was the inspiration for St. Maximilian Kolbe's entire life," stated the Pope. "And your institute, which, in addition to the three traditional religious vows has a Marian vow, is dedicated to Mary Immaculate; thus each religious consecrates herself totally to Mary for the coming of the Kingdom of Christ throughout the world."

"Imitate Mary's thoughtfulness in service to one's neighbor, seeking always to be assiduous in work and zealous in your apostolate. ... As consecrated persons, and in a special way as Franciscan Missionaries of Mary Immaculate, you are called to be 'signs of God's tender love towards the human race, and to be special witnesses to the mystery of the Church, Virgin, Bride and Mother'."

Pope John Paul remarked that Mary's response to "the divine plans, ... her 'fiat', was the central driving force of her mission. Thus, your 'fiat' to God will be the secret of the success of your mission. To be efficacious witnesses to the Gospel, especially among the poor and those in difficulty, it is indispensable that you abandon yourselves totally to the hands of the Lord and keep your hearts open to His divine plans."

He concluded by highlighting the importance of the Eucharist from which "come the graces which support missionaries in their daily evangelizing activity."

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GUATEMALA: THE MURDER OF BISHOP GERARDI MUST BE SOLVED

VATICAN CITY, JUN 15, 2000 (VIS) - John Paul II today received the Letters of Credence of the new ambassador from Guatemala, Acisclo Valladares Molina. In his speech, the Holy Father laid emphasis on the "new era for all Guatemalans" that began following the signing of the peace agreements at the end of 1996.

"In this matter," he said, "it is a source of satisfaction that, over the last few years, the nation has been able to live a peaceful political climate with no great upheavals, even though it has inherited serious difficulties in coexistence. Among these it is necessary to highlight the still-unsolved murder (in 1998) of (the auxiliary of Guatemala) Bishop Gerardi, and the delicate economic situation. The country has shown that it can face its own destiny through normal democratic activity that ensures the participation of all citizens in the nation's political choices."

The Pope indicated that, following the signing of the peace agreement it is essential "to continue building the country on solid and stable principles, such as respect for the dignity of all human beings and for the legitimate rights of communities and the various ethnic groups. It is also important to constantly respect, in the face of any attempted violation, the principles of the division and independence of the three powers that are the basis of democracy in a legal State.

"A solid and hopeful future," he continued, "requires that one not abandon the basic values and institutions of all societies, such as the family, the protection of minors and the most neglected and, furthermore, that the very foundations of law, liberty and the dignity of persons not be undermined by threatening life from the moment of conception."

The Holy Father also requested greater attention for indigenous peoples, "whose access to an ever better and more dignified life - both quantitatively and qualitatively in sectors such as education, health care, infrastructures and other services - must be realized in respect of their cultures, which are so deserving of consideration."

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FIRST MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF THE SYNOD FOR EUROPE

VATICAN CITY, JUN 15, 2000 (VIS) - Made public today was a communique announcing that the first meeting of the Council of the General Secretariat of the Second Special Assembly for Europe of the Synod of Bishops was held from June 6 to 8. The meeting was presided over by Cardinal Jan Schotte C.I.C.M., secretary general of the synod.

During the meeting, which was attended by two cardinals, ten archbishops and bishops and four members of the general secretariat, information was exchanged on the repercussions of the European synod in the various local Churches. The synod was held in the Vatican from October 1 to 23, 1999.

Following this suggestions were put forward with a view to drafting the post-synodal document. The work group was divided into two sub-groups, each of which presented a report. In the final plenary session, the texts from the two sub-groups were submitted and discussed.

The second meeting will be held from November 21 to 23, 2000.

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"YOU ARE IN THE POPE'S HEART," JOHN PAUL TELLS THE POOR

VATICAN CITY, JUN 15, 2000 (VIS) - Pope John Paul, joined by a number of cardinals and bishops, had lunch today in the atrium of the Paul VI Hall with 200 poor and homeless people. He told them that "among the many Jubilee appointments this one today is surely the most heart-felt and meaningful. I wished to meet you and to share this meal with you to tell you that you are in the Pope's heart. With great affection I embrace each of you, friends who are very dear to me."

"Certainly the time that I will spend with you is very brief," said the Holy Father, "but I assure you that every day I follow you with affection and prayer. As I look at you, one by one, I think of how many others, in Rome as in every part of the world, are going through moments of trials and difficulties. I would like to approach each one to tell them: Don't feel alone, because God loves you. The Pope loves you, dear brothers and sisters, and with him the entire Church opens her arms to you in welcome and fraternity."

John Paul II then remarked that "our lunch, in its simplicity, represents a meaningful preparation" for the International Eucharistic Congress which opens in Rome on June 18 and which "is the heart of the Jubilee Year." He said "today we find ourselves around the material table; together, and in greater numbers, next week we will approach the spiritual table, the banquet of the Eucharist, to celebrate God's love which makes us brothers who feel solidarity for each other."

He concluded by thanking the guests for their presence, the people who organized and cooked today's meal and those who provided entertainment.

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, JUN 15, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Archbishop Mario Zenari, apostolic nuncio in the Ivory Coast, Niger and Burkina Faso.
- Bishop Jayme Henrique Chemello of Pelotas, president of the Brazilian Episcopal Conference, accompanied by Archbishop Marcelo Pinto Carvalheira of Paraiba and Bishop Raymundo Damasceno Assis, auxiliary of Brasilia, respectively vice-president and secretary general of the same episcopal conference.
- Bishop Nicolas Huynh Van Nghi of Phan Thiet, Vietnam, on his "ad limina" visit.
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LANGUAGE GREETINGS AND AN APPEAL TO HELP REFUGEES

VATICAN CITY, JUN 14, 2000 (VIS) - Following today's catechesis in Italian, and summaries in English, French, Spanish, German and Portuguese, the Pope greeted a number of special groups present at the Wednesday general audience, including pilgrims from the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Slovakia and Albania.

Speaking French, he also had a special welcome for "the European representatives of the monastic inter-religious dialogue who, on the occasion of the great Jubilee, wished to hold your annual meeting in Rome, first going to Subiaco, a place made holy by the memory of St. Benedict. You have come as pilgrims, recalling that all of monastic life is a pilgrimage, a constant search for God. Pilgrims of the infinite, you invite all men to affirm their interior life in order to make it God's home. Along your path, you meet others who seek the Absolute, which allows you to have a respectful and profound dialogue with them."

Using their language, the Holy Father greeted "the group of Albanians who a short time ago received Baptism. My wish is that your Jubilee pilgrimage to the tombs of the Apostles will confirm you in the faith and in Christian life."

The Pope then recalled that "on June 16, diverse governmental organizations which work for refugees will celebrate the International Day of the Refugee, whereas on June 20, the annual Day of the African Refugee, promoted by the Organization for African Unity, will take place.

"In the spirit of the recent Jubilee of Migrants, I wish to thank all who dedicate themselves to those millions of forced migrants who are refugees and asylum seekers. To those nations which must yet adopt adequate laws to care for these people, I send a heartfelt appeal in this Jubilee year asking that this be taken care of with solicitude."

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THE TRINITY MAKES THE CHURCH ONE, HOLY, CATHOLIC AND APOSTOLIC

VATICAN CITY, JUN 14, 2000 (VIS) - "The glory of the Trinity in the life of the Church" was the theme of John Paul II's catechesis during the general audience which was held this morning in St. Peter's Square in the presence of 30,000 people.

The Pope indicated that the glory of the Trinity makes the Church "one, holy, catholic and apostolic. ... The Church is above all one" and "the highest exemplar and source of the mystery is the unity, in the Trinity of Persons, of one God, the Father and the Son in the Holy Spirit."

"The Church," he recalled, "is also holy. ... The concept of 'holy' has its origins in the consecration that God accomplished in choosing His people and offering them grace."

The Holy Father affirmed that "the Church is catholic, sent to announce Christ to the whole world in the hope that all the leaders of nations gather together with the people of the God of Abraham. As Vatican Council II confirms, 'the Church on earth is by its very nature missionary since, according to the plan of the Father, it has its origin in the mission of the Son and the Holy Spirit'."

"Finally, the Church is apostolic. According to Christ's mandate, the Apostles must go and instruct all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe what He commanded."

John Paul II highlighted that "the Church, one, holy, catholic and apostolic is God's people, body of Christ and temple of the Holy Spirit. These three biblical images clearly indicate the trinitarian dimension of the Church."

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OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

VATICAN CITY, JUN 14, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Fr. Irineu Silvio Wilges O.F.M., pastor of the parish of St. Anthony in the archdiocese of Porto Alegre, Brazil, as bishop of Cachoeira do Sul (area 11,119, population 210,000, Catholics 177,000, priests 30, permanent deacons 5, religious 77), Brazil. The bishop-elect was born in Pinheiral, Brazil in 1936 and ordained a priest in 1962.

It was made public today that on June 7, the Holy Father accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Lwena, Angola, presented by Bishop Jose Prospero da Ascensao Puaty, in accordance with Canon 401, para. 2 of the Code of Canon Law. He is succeeded by Coadjutor Bishop Gabriel Mbilingi C.S.Sp.

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PRESS OFFICE STATEMENT ON CLEMENCY FOR ALI AGCA

VATICAN CITY, JUN 14, 2000 (VIS) - Following is the declaration made yesterday afternoon by Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls regarding the clemency granted to Ali Agca, who shot Pope John Paul in St. Peter's Square on May 13, 1981 and who has spent the last 19 years in Italian prisons:

"The Holy See has learned with satisfaction the news of the pardon granted to Ali Agca by Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, president of the Republic of Italy.

"As is well known, John Paul II forgave his attacker immediately.

"Some time ago, the Pope informed the Italian authorities that he was in favor of an act of clemency whenever the Italian legal system felt it was appropriate. This desire was recently renewed.

"That the granting of pardon comes during the Jubilee celebration makes the Holy Father's personal satisfaction even greater."

Ali Agca was extradited to his native Turkey where he arrived by plane early this morning. He was brought to a prison in Istanbul and is expected to serve time for the murder of a Turkish journalist.

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TOMORROW THE POPE WILL OFFER LUNCH TO 200 POOR PEOPLE

VATICAN CITY, JUN 14, 2000 (VIS) - Below is the full text of a communique from the Central Committee for the Great Jubilee 2000 regarding an initiative by the Pope, who tomorrow will offer luncheon in the Vatican to 200 poor people:

"Two hundred guests, invited to the table of the 'Pope's charity,' will share in a luncheon offered by the Holy Father to the poor. The event will take place on Thursday June 15 in the atrium of the Paul VI Hall. The guests will be men and women of all ages - Christians but also from other religions, among them a number of Muslims - Italians and foreigners from five continents, chosen by the Community of St. Egidio, by Rome Caritas and by the 'Dona di Maria' House. Each person was sent a personalized invitation.

"With this initiative, the Pope once again brings charity to the fore as a 'sign' of the Great Jubilee and reaffirms 'the Church's preferential option for the poor and the marginalized' as indicated in fundamental Jubilee documents, the Apostolic Letter 'Tertio millennio adveniente' and the Bull of Indiction 'Incarnationis mysterium.' The choice of the day is also symbolic, the Thursday of the Lord's Supper, between Pentecost and the International Eucharistic Congress. Tables for 13 people will be prepared where ten poor people will sit with a cardinal or a bishop and two volunteers to help them. In order to represent the priestly ministry as service, lunch will be served by seminarians from the Seminary of Rome, while a group of Legionaries of Christ will provide accompaniment with music and songs.

"The poor people will live a true Jubilee day. On the morning of June 15, they will cross the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica and pause in prayer over the tomb of the Prince of the Apostles, they will then proceed to the Paul VI Hall. The Holy Father will join them at lunch time. At the conclusion, there will be an exchange of gifts between the guests and the Pope. As a memento, the Central Committee for the Great Jubilee 2000 will give the guests, among other things, a reproduction of the Jubilee logo. About 20 high-ranking prelates will participate in the luncheon.
"The menu is typical of an average Italian family: ravioli with ricotta cheese, roast veal and roast potatoes, small mozzarella cheeses from Aversa with fresh salad, a dessert and fruit salad with ice cream as well as wine, non-alcoholic drinks, sparkling wine and coffee."

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THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE IN THE MESSAGES OF JOHN PAUL II

VATICAN CITY, JUN 13, 2000 (VIS) - This morning in the Holy See Press Office, there was a press conference at which the book, "The Sacrament of Penance in the Messages of the Supreme Pontiff John Paul II to the Apostolic Penitentiary," was presented.

The volume, 95 pages long and written in Italian, is made up of a preface written by Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano, an introduction and 12 messages from the Holy Father. These are addressed to the Apostolic Penitentiary, the penitentiary fathers of Rome's patriarchal basilicas, the priests who every year take part in the course on the internal forum and, as the cardinal writes in his preface, to all priests and all the faithful of the world.

During the presentation of the book, in the presence of Cardinal William Baum, major penitentiary, Fr. Urbano Navarrete S.J., consultor of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of Sacraments, affirmed that "the Pontifical Magisterium's particular concern" for the sacrament of Penance was demonstrated in the pontificate of Pius XII, it intensified during the pontificate of Paul VI and "reaches its culmination in the Magisterium of John Paul II." The present pontiff "not only dedicates formal documents (to the subject of) reconciliation - such as the encyclicals 'Dives in Misericordia' (November 30 1980), 'Reconciliatio et paenitentiae' (December 2 1984), the apostolic letter 'Tertio millennio adveniente' (November 5 1994) and the bull of indiction of the Great Jubilee 'Incarnationis mysterium' (November 29 1998) - but also constantly (highlights the theme) in his daily Magisterium, especially in his lenten homilies and on the 'ad limina' visits of bishops." In all these cases he illustrates "the richness and efficacy of the sacrament as a means by which to tend towards Christian perfection, even when it is not necessary in order to re-acquire the state of grace."

"The variety of subjects covered, all concerning the sacrament of penance," said Fr. Navarrete, "offers the Holy Father the occasion to remind ministers of the sacrament of fundamental doctrinal points and to give, both to ministers and to penitents, enlightening and encouraging instructions and advice."
The 12 documents brought together in the book, concluded Fr. Navarrete, "constitute a 'vade mecum' for confessors that - without going into the details of every day cases - presents a synthesis, both of doctrinal principles on the Sacrament of Penance that confessors put into effect at each sacramental confession, and a great variety of specific directives and practical advice."

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JOHN PAUL II TO PRESIDE AT OPENING OF EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS

VATICAN CITY, JUN 13, 2000 (VIS) - On Sunday, June 18 at 6:30 p.m. in St. Peter's Square, Pope John Paul II will preside at the second vespers of the solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity on the occasion of the opening of the 47th International Eucharistic Congress on the theme "Jesus Christ, The Only Savior of the World, Bread for a New Life."

The evening's liturgy will be marked by an entrance procession with the Holy Father and celebrants, the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the celebration of vespers and the Eucharistic benediction.

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, JUN 13, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in audience Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, president of the Committee and of the Presidential Council for the Great Jubilee 2000, accompanied by Archbishop Crescenzio Sepe, secretary general of the same committee and presidential council.

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NEW AMBASSADOR FROM FRANCE PRESENTS LETTERS OF CREDENCE

VATICAN CITY, JUN 10, 2000 (VIS) - The Holy Father this morning welcomed France's new ambassador to the Holy See, Alain Dejammet, who presented his Letters of Credence. The Pope spoke to him of the role of the European Union, the tasks facing governments and institutions in today's world of globalization, and of the need to constantly defend human rights, including first and foremost, the rights to life and religious freedom.

The Pope remarked that in several weeks France will assume the presidency of the European Union which this years marks the 50th anniversary of its founding. "The European Union is both a stake and a challenge: it opens the way to a future of peace and solidarity and to ever more intense collaboration among the different countries of the continent and those of the rest of the world."

People and institutions are called, he said, to have the common good at heart, "exercising their mission as a service to populations, in respect for the rules of fair play, justice and probity, essential for every man, but in a special way for those who work in the public sector. It could also be an obstacle to occult networks that hope to profit from the great European market to launder money from every sort of traffic which is an affront to man, in particular in the area of drugs, the arms trade and the exploitation of persons, especially women and children."

In building Europe, affirmed John Paul II, there must not be "a community of interests, but rather a community founded on values and mutual trust, placing man at the center of all endeavors." He urged "assistance to those nations which are coming out of a period of isolation, to help the citizens acquire the political maturity needed for public life."

On the question of human rights, the Holy Father remarked that "human rights are the foundation of the recognition of the human being and of social cohesion." They must be guaranteed by the public instance, he said, quoting Pope John XXIII, because "'they derive directly from our natural dignity and for this reason they are universal, inalienable and inviolable'. Among these, the right to life and to respect for life is primordial, as is support for the family, the basic cell of society."

He asked how individuals could place their trust in people and institutions unless they "guarantee each person's most precious good, his very life?" Decisions on matters of life cannot be "purely arbitrary decisions." It is a "duty" and an "honor" for countries to defend life, human dignity and human rights and to see that no one is marginalized.

On the freedom of religion, he said that "to mock religious beliefs, to discredit one form or another of religious practice and values ... is a form of exclusion contrary to the respect for basic human values. ... This can only engender a climate of tension, intolerance, opposition or suspicion, which is not propitious to social peace."

The Pope then turned to the topic of youth, thanking all those who, "with patience and tenacity, guide young people and create conditions so that learning may be accessible to everyone and the scourges which mark modern society, such as violence and drugs, may be contained."

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CARDINAL ZOUNGRANA WAS "A GREAT SON OF AFRICA"

VATICAN CITY, JUN 10, 2000 (VIS) - Cardinal Jozef Tomko, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, presided at the funeral Mass today in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, for Cardinal Paul Zoungrana, archbishop emeritus of Ouagadougou.

In his homily in French, the prefect called Cardinal Zoungrana "a great son of Africa, ... a son of the Universal Church" and "a builder of the Church-Family." With his death, said the cardinal, "a glorious era for Africa and the Church in Africa comes to an end."
Pointing to the growth of the Church in Africa during the last century, Cardinal Tomko noted that "from 2 million baptized in 1900, African Catholics today number 110 million. Africa has gone from no native clergy at all, to 26,000 priests today. And there are nearly 20,000 candidates to the priesthood in the seminaries."

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IMITATE BLESSED EDMUND'S LOVE FOR GOD AND MANKIND

VATICAN CITY, JUN 10, 2000 (VIS) - Pope John Paul welcomed various groups of pilgrims this morning in the Paul VI Hall, including faithful from several Italian dioceses, senior citizens from Santa Maria del Cedro, members of the Verona Association of Heart Transplants and the Sisters, Handmaidens of the Virgin, Mother of God.

Addressing the Polish Sisters in their language, he recalled that they were founded 150 years ago by Blessed Edmund Bojanowski, whom the Pope beatified during his June 1999 trip to his homeland. He said that Blessed Edmund "loved God and loved man. He was a man of prayer. His great love for mankind, manifested through heroic acts, was born from a profound union with God through prayer. From this he drew the strength to serve man. That love grew in him, on his knees, to produce fruit."

Through the life and works of Blessed Edmund, affirmed the Holy Father, "God wishes to tell you that holiness, aiming for holiness, is the most important task of consecrated persons. ... You are called to give a personal and community witness of holiness." He urged them to "imitate Christ Himself, who was totally submissive to the will of the Father; imitate Jesus in His prayer, to which He dedicated long hours; imitate Jesus in His love for mankind."

"At this point," stated the Pope, "I wish to underline your service, full of self-denial, towards those in need. ... In dozens of countries on all continents, you care for children, the ill, persons who are elderly, alone or poor. ... Today's meeting is a special occasion for me to tell you of my gratitude for this apostolate of charity, which is the most efficacious proclamation of Christ to the world."

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