AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, NOV 24, 1999 (VIS) - The Holy Father today received in separate audiences:

- Archbishop Mario Roberto Cassari, apostolic nuncio in the Republic of the Congo.
- Cardinal Camillo Rini, vicar general for the diocese of Rome, accompanied by Bishop Enzo Dieci, auxiliary of Rome for the northern pastoral sector, and Fr. Maurizio Milani, pastor of the parish of Sts. Innocence I, Pope, and Guido, Bishop.

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46,650 KILOWATTS TO ILLUMINE ST. PETER'S BASILICA

VATICAN CITY, NOV 24, 1999 (VIS) - The dome, atrium and newly-restored facade of St. Peter's Basilica, starting on December 17, will be illuminated by 425 projectors and 46,650 kilowatts of power, it was announced during a press conference yesterday afternoon in the Holy See Press Office.

Cardinal Virgilio Noe, president of the Fabric of St. Peter's, which oversees upkeep and maintenance of the nearly 400-year old basilica, made the announcement, together with officials of ACEA, Rome's water and electricity company. ACEA will install the new lighting on St. Peter's, improving on that which they installed for the dome in 1992 and adding new illumination to the skylight, small domes, the tambour, which is a circular wall which supports a dome, and the facade and atrium.

Cardinal Noe explained that "what is being presented today is not merely a lighting system or an operation limited in time to be shelved at the end of the next year. The basilica's facade, atrium and dome will be illuminated so that pilgrims coming to Rome during the Jubilee Year will be able to view the basilica in all its glory. At the same time we want to transmit the same image in coming years to the inhabitants of Rome, in which St. Peter's is a capital monument."

The cardinal archpriest of St. Peter's closed his remarks by anticipating journalists' questions regarding the rumors which have circulated on the basilica's static properties. "In our task as guardians of a heritage that belongs to the whole world, we take the utmost care of the Vatican basilica. It is inconceivable to think that time, money and spiritual efforts are being committed only for enhancing its external image. The structure of the Vatican basilica is safe and sound."

Fulvio Vento, chairman of ACEA, pointed out that the company "has been working in the artistic lighting sector for more than 60 years," illuminating most of Rome's most prominent monuments: the Roman Forum, Castel Sant'Angelo, the Pantheon, the Domus Aurea, once Nero's home, Piazza di Spagna and Capitoline Hill, to name a few.

He said that "the city's monuments usually live by day, but artificial light enables them to live by night. From a technical point of view, we have rejected the idea of spectacularity and dazzling Technicolor in favor of a discreet, soothing light. ... Next December's project ... will bathe in light the exceptional, painstaking renovation of St. Peter's, restoring to the basilica the harmony of its original colors."

Sandro Benedetti, manager of the technical department of the Fabric of St. Peter's, spoke of the "special attention that has always been paid to the appearance and image (of St. Peter's), by day and night" and the "special lighting systems (which) have been devised over the centuries. ... Great interest has always been shown for nighttime illumination, with which St. Peter's was enhanced on the eve of the feast of Saints Peter and Paul and on other occasions, in particular during Holy Years."

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ISLAMIC SOLIDARITY WITH CHRISTIANS ON NAZARETH MOSQUE

VATICAN CITY, NOV 24, 1999 (VIS) - The following declaration was released yesterday afternoon by Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls relative to the decision to authorize a mosque several meters away from the historical Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth and the successive protests by the Christian Churches:

"Last Sunday, the Upper Islamic Council of Jerusalem released a communique in which it declares its opposition to the construction of a mosque next to the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth. By adopting this position, the Upper Islamic Council of Jerusalem has demonstrated its solidarity with the Christian ecclesial authorities in the Holy Land.

"The Israeli government decision seems to lay the foundations for future dispute and tension between the two religious communities, Christian and Islamic. I feel that, in this matter, the political authorities have a great responsibility as, instead of supporting unity, they create the foundations for fomenting dissent."

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PAPAL MESSAGE FOR INTER-CONFESSIONAL MEETING IN MOSCOW

VATICAN CITY, NOV 23, 1999 (VIS) - Pope John Paul's Message to Cardinal Edward Cassidy for the participants in the November 23-25 international and inter-confessional round table conference organized by the patriarchate of Moscow, was released today by the Vatican. Written in English, it is dated November 18.

Addressing "the Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant brothers and sisters who are taking part in the conference," the Pope writes: "I am greatly encouraged by this initiative of the Christian Inter-confessional Consultative Committee. ... Having as its aim the promotion of growing cooperation between Christians in the region, I pray that the conference will inspire all involved to bear an ever more convincing and effective witness to the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ."

"The rediscovery of this brotherhood in the Lord," the Holy Father observed, "will make it possible for Christians to deepen their relations, intensify their cooperation, and strive towards the perfect unity in the faith which is expressed in full and visible ecclesial communion, and to which Christ the Lord calls his disciples."

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COMMUNIQUE ON VISIT OF EMIR OF BAHRAIN

VATICAN CITY, NOV 23, 1999 (VIS) - Following is the text of the communique by Joaquin Navarro-Valls, Holy See Press Office director, which was published this morning regarding yesterday's visit to the Holy Father by Sheikh Hamad Bin Essa Al-Khalifa, emir of Bahrain:

"The meeting, which took place in an atmosphere of great cordiality, enabled the emir to highlight the importance of inter-religious dialogue and the many aspects that Christianity and Islam have in common.

"The emir expressed to the Holy Father his desire to establish diplomatic relations with the Holy See and invited the Pope to make an official visit to the emirate. The Holy Father expressed his thanks for this invitation, hoping that Divine Providence will one day allow him to make such a trip.

"Following the audience with the Holy Father, the emir of Bahrain met for discussions with Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano and Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, secretary for Relations with States."

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