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VATICAN INFORMATION SERVICE
TWELFTH YEAR - N.154
ENGLISH
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2002
SUMMARY:
- EUROPE: CONSTRUCT CULTURE AND ETHIC OF UNITY
- AUDIENCES
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EUROPE: CONSTRUCT CULTURE AND ETHIC OF UNITY
VATICAN CITY, SEP 13, 2002 (VIS) - This morning in the apostolic palace at
Castelgandolfo, the Holy Father received the Letters of Credence of
the new ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, Gerhard Westdickenberg.
After recalling that two years ago the "historic reunification of
Germany" took place, the Pope said: "The Holy See has supported the
unification of Europe from the beginning, with all possible means, making
it very clear that faith in a spiritual and cultural common identity of nations must be the base for the common political
and institutional growth
of the European Union. ... Europeans have to confront the great challenge of constructing a culture and an ethic of unity.
If these elements do
not exist, any political position of unity is destined to fail sooner or
later."
"The Holy See," continued John Paul II, "confirms with joy that the Federal Republic, after reunification and great economic
and social
efforts, has not let itself get distracted by the challenges presented by European integration. ... Germany has continued
to be faithful to its
European vocation as well as to its commitment, recognized by all, to solidarity with other nations of the world."
In the process of the continent's integration, the Federal Republic, affirmed the Holy Father, emphasizes that the "ever-stronger
unity of
Europe must not be understood as a movement toward isolation from other
parts of the world, since it bears inherently in itself an openness to the world."
"Countries," he concluded, "are called to collaborate actively in the construction of a global order of justice and peace.
From this
perspective, the Holy See observes with pleasure the constant commitment of the Federal
Republic to promoting respect for human rights in the whole world and their help in development."
CD/CREDENCIALS/GERMANY:WESTDICKENBERG VIS 20020913 (300)
AUDIENCES
VATICAN CITY, SEP 13, 2002 (VIS) - The Holy Father received today in
separate audiences:
- Archbishop Alfio Rapisarda, apostolic nuncio in Brazil.
- Four prelates from the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil
(North/Northwest region) on their "ad limina" visit:
- Bishop Gutemberg Freire Regis, C.S.S.R., prelate of Coari.
- Bishop Jose Afonso Ribeiro, T.O.R., prelate of Borba.
- Bishop Jesus Moraza Ruiz de Azua, O.A.R., prelate of Labrea.
- Bishop Sergio Eduardo Castriani, C.S.Sp., prelate of Tefe.
- Bishop Miguel Esteban Hesayne, emeritus of Viedma, Argentina.
- Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, prefect of the Congregation for the
Evangelization of Peoples.
AP:AL/.../... VIS 20020913 (100)
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