POPE RECEIVES PRESIDENTS OF THE REGIONS OF ITALY

VATICAN CITY, NOV 29, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father received today in audience the presidents of Italian regions and autonomous provinces. In his discourse, he asked them to act with "a spirit of altruism and sincere cooperation, ensuring that institutions offer to all of the citizens, without discrimination, 'the possibility to participate freely and actively in establishing the juridical foundations of community politics, as well as in the governing of public affairs, and in determining the scope of the actions and limits of the different organisms'."

The Pope emphasized the need to pay particular attention to the family, and he referred to the expectations of young couples who delay marriage due to the difficulties related to work and a house.

"Concern yourselves," the Pope went on, "with the world of schools. In this milieu, state and regional jurisdictions converge, which are equally oriented towards guaranteeing the freedom of educational choices of every family."

"And what can be said then," he asked, "regarding the weak, the sick, or those in difficulty? ... May you give constant attention to all that concerns the life and the needs of the human being: from health care to social assistance, to instruction to professional formation, to culture and historical-artistic goods, to work and productive activities, to the good order of the territory and the protection of the environment."

John Paul II concluded by affirming that "openness to direct relations with regions of other countries can contribute to the development of a fruitful reciprocal knowledge and collaboration between peoples with different histories and cultures."

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