THE PALLIUM: SIGN OF FAITHFUL COMMUNION WITH THE HOLY SEE

VATICAN CITY, JUN 30, 2001 (VIS) - This morning, the 36 archbishops who yesterday received the pallium met John Paul II in the company of their families and friends. In addition to the 34 names made public last Thursday, Archbishops Rodolfo Quezada Toruno of Guatemala and Denis James Hart of Melbourne, Australia, were also present.

After greeting the archbishops in their respective languages, the Pope encouraged them to know how to "translate the meaning of this traditional liturgical symbol (the pallium) into coherent pastoral choices: in other words, faithful and effective communion with the Apostolic See. May you also find help along this path in the Apostolic Letter 'Novo millennio ineunte' which you are examining profoundly with the various members of your communities."

"Our unity," he concluded, "must always by animated and nourished above all by prayer. If together we keep our gaze upon Christ, we will cooperate effectively in guiding God's People along the ways of the Lord."

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