"POPULORUM PROGRESSIO" FOUNDATION COMMEMORATES 10 YEARS

VATICAN CITY, JUL 9, 2002 (VIS) - A message from the Holy Father to Archbishop Paul Josef Cordes, president of the "Populorum Progressio" Foundation, was made public today. The institution, whose administrative council is meeting from July 6 to 13 in Sucre, Bolivia, celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. Msgr. Cordes is also president of the Pontifical Council "Cor Unum".

In the message dated June 14, the Pope thanks those who started the foundation and promoted its activities, which are primarily directed towards indigenous, mixed and afro-american populations in Latin American.

"Between 1993 and 2001," he recalls, "1,596 projects have been helped, for a total of $13,142,529, thanks particularly to the generosity of Italian Catholics ... and through gifts of other benefactors and Church organizations. It is noteworthy that the particular Churches in Latin America also participate in financing the projects."

John Paul II affirms that the "social situation is unfortunately very difficult in various parts of Latin America. The states and the particular Churches of these countries, each in its own area of responsibility, must work to improve the conditions of life for everyone, to the exclusion of no one. The underlying causes are aggravated also by the presence of injustice and corruption. Moreoever, in some countries, the external debt has reached astronomical figures and impedes economic development."

"For us Christians," he concludes, "the word of God ... exhorts us to worry about our brothers and sisters who are truly in need. Besides, our role as evangelizers leads us to this, since there is an intimate connection between evangelization and human promotion."

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FIFTH CENTENARY OF BIRTH OF ST. ANTHONY MARY ZACARIA

VATICAN CITY, JUL 6, 2002 (VIS) - Made public today was a message from John Paul II to Fr. Giovanni Maria Villa, superior general of the Regular Clergy of St. Paul, on the occasion of the fifth centenary of the birth of their founder, St. Anthony Mary Zacaria.

In the message dated July 5, the saint's feast, the Pope expresses his desire that the celebrations "be a beautiful occasion to emphasize the gift of sanctity resplendent in the Church in all times and that the Church found in St. Anthony Maria Zacaria a singular witness in the 16th century."

"I am sure," he affirms, "that reflection on his ardent love for Jesus ... and his tireless fervor for souls will constitute for his spiritual sons an invitation to dedicate themselves with renewed ardor to the human and Christian education of young generations that represent the future of the Church and society.

The Holy Father underlines that "it is necessary to take special care with the Christian formation of new generations by announcing the Word of God, punctual and devout celebration of the sacraments, especially Reconciliation, spiritual direction and spiritual exercises."

"The words and the example of the founder continue to encourage his sons towards a renewed fidelity to missionary activity which is fed by fervent prayer and is based on solid theological and cultural preparation. Only in this way," he concludes, "is it possible to make an incisive announcement and credible testimony of the Gospel everywhere."

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GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF WORKING DIOCESAN PRIESTS

VATICAN CITY, JUL 6, 2002 (VIS) - This morning the Pope received participants in the twentieth General Assembly of the Brotherhood of Working Diocesan Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus which is taking place in Rome.

After recalling the theme of the assembly, "The pastoral vocation, Challenge of our identity today," John Paul II said: "You, Working Diocesan Priests, have always dedicated your greatest energies to the pastoral care of priestly, religious and apostolic vocations, conscious that they are the most effective universal means for the promotion of all other pastoral fields."

"I wish to urge you," he continued, "to reproduce the bravery, creativity and holiness of your founder, Blessed Manuel Domingo y Sol, adapting yourselves, when it is necessary, to new situations and needs in total docility to divine inspiration and ecclesiastical discernment."

The Holy Father exhorted the Working Diocesans to follow "with renewed courage" the work that the Church has entrusted them with, "striving to carry it out with the lifestyle and activity that characterize you: priestly brotherhood. Your lives and examples will certainly become a stimulus for so many who are looking for the radical pursuit of Christ."

The Pope concluded by encouraging those present to confront "the challenge of evangelization in this millennium with courage. Never say, 'we have tried it all; there is nothing else we can do.' On the contrary, always be willing to continue transforming your commitment and identity as 'workers' in concrete pastoral capacities that respond to the demands of your charisma and to the needs of the Church in the world today."

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AUDIENCES

VATICAN CITY, JUL 6, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father received in separate audiences:

- John Howard, prime minister of Australia, accompanied by his wife and an entourage.
- Mark Edward Pellew, ambassador of Great Britain, on his farewell visit.
- Wilhelm Hans-Theodor Wallau, ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, on his farewell visit.
- Msgr. Lorenzo Frana.
- Cardinal Edmund Casimir Szoka, president of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State and president of the Governorate.
- Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Congregation for Bishops.

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COMMUNIQUE ABOUT DRAMA OF SWISS GUARDS IN 1998

VATICAN CITY, JUL 6, 2002 (VIS) - Yesterday afternoon, the Holy See Press Office released the following communique:

"In light of news reports regarding supposed new information in the case of the deaths of Alois Estermann, Gladys Meza Romero and Cedric Tornay, a clarification follows:

"A request has reached the Promoter of Justice of the Tribunal of Vatican City State, sent through the Secretary of State, to re-open the investigation conducted by the lawyers Jacques Verges and Luc Brossolet, on behalf of Muguette Baudat, mother of Vice-Corporal Cedric Tornay. This request is presently being considered by the Legal Office, in accordance with article 295 and those that follow of the Code of Criminal Procedure of Vatican City State.

"However, the offensive statements, which are unfounded, made against the Holy See, Vatican City State and its judicial organisms are unacceptable."

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