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Gospel Saints Papal Teaching Congregation Pontifical Mission Societies Urban University Mission texts Animation Statistics From the Holy See Testimonies Martyrology Jubilee 2000 Church life Missionaries Religious institutes Movements & Associations Catholic universities Culture History Art Cinema / Photo Radio & tv Music Poetry Health Technology Geography News 360° Dossier In-depth study Interviews Stories Book review Children’s corner		INDEX aprile 2005 30/04/2005 AFRICA/TOGO - Will Togo be another Rwanda? International community must shoulder its responsibilities” say local Church sources AFRICA/SIERRA LEONE - Fines for parents who stop children from going to school AFRICA/NIGER - Food emergency: number of people admitted to hospital three times as many than in previous years AFRICA/TOGO - Thousands of refugees in Benin: warning from UN High Commission for Refugees ASIA/SRI LANKA Bishops urge members of parliament not to approve anti-conversion law ASIA/SRI LANKA - Document of Bishops on anti-conversion Bill: the Church reaffirms freedom of conscience and proposes institution of Interreligious Council ASIA/INDONESIA - First new homes handed over to tsunami victims by the International Organisation for Migration in the province of Aceh ASIA/NEPAL - State of emergency revoked in Nepal: hopes for a return of respect for human rights and basic freedoms CEP APPOINTMENTS - ASIA/SRI LANKA - New rector appointed for “Our Lady of Lanka” Seminary in the diocese of Kandy CEP APPOINTMENTS - ASIA/INDIA - New Rector appointed for Gujarat Vidya Deep Regional inter-diocesan Seminary in the diocese of Baroda SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - AFRICA/ANGOLA - Medical operators in Uige collect cadavers to stop spreading Marburg epidemic which has already killed 257 people 29/04/2005 EUROPE/SPAIN - “Many young people in mission territories feel the call to dedicate their life to Jesus Christ and we must assure them adequate formation!” - Local Vocations Day May 1st AFRICA/TOGO - Information freeze in Togo: main Catholic Radio Maria forced to stop broadcasts AFRICA/MOZAMBIQUE - In their first plenary assembly this year the Catholic Bishops of Mozambique reflect on formation of priests and the celebration of the Eucharist AFRICA/DEMOCRATIC CONGO - Concern for elections in Democratic Congo scheduled for late June ASIA/TAIWAN - Games on the Sacraments help children live the Year of the Eucharist ASIA/CAMBODIA - Salesians open ‘Community Reaching out Salesian Shelter’ to guarantee study and play for 800 lucky street children ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - Korean government delegation invites Pope Benedict XVI to visit the country. Catholics in North Korea also congratulate new Pope AMERICA/BRAZIL - 1st Inter Institutional Mission Congress renewed awareness that every missionary institution or congregation is called to make its own specific contribution to missionary activity in Brazil and ad gentes AMERICA/COLOMBIA - Prepare, update, present challenge of new evangelisation: 16th Course for Missionaries ad gentes AMERICA/GUATEMALA - In Benedict XVI we recognise a Shepherd filled with the power of the Holy Spirit who will lead the Church along the challenging paths of the new millennium and encourage us to be courageous and generous missionaries OCEANIA/AUSTRALIA - Work is fundamental for the family: Australian Catholic Social Justice Council issues Pastoral Letter for May 1 Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - AMERICA/CHILE - Two hundred experts in medicine and bio-ethics gather for 4th Latin American Congress of Catholic Doctors SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - AMERICA - Vaccination Week in the Americas intends to vaccinate 44 million people of all ages 28/04/2005 EUROPE - In preparation for World Youth Day 3,000 young people from 20 countries will take part in an Ignatian experience to promote greater awareness of God’s presence in daily life AFRICA/ETHIOPIA - “the citizen should have in mind in his/her personal choice is the common good of the nation before any other motivation” say Bishops of Ethiopia in view of elections on 15 May AFRICA/TOGO - People of Togo call for firm intervention by international community AFRICA/CÔTE D'IVOIRE - President holds out hand to main Opposition leader: turning point in the crisis but not over yet ASIA/SRI LANKA - Church in Sri Lanka concern for proposed ‘anti-conversion’ bill discussed in parliament ASIA/TAIWAN - Catholic University confers honorary doctorate on two Divine Word Missionaries ASIA/PHILIPPINES - 400 years at the service of education and formation Santo Thomas Catholic University AMERICA/BRAZIL - 1st Inter Institutional Mission Congress: 250 men and women from 70 different institutes reflect on missionary Ad Gentes in consecrated life and in the life of ecclesial communities AMERICA/ECUADOR - “We urge the people and all social and political forces to unite efforts to promote the good of the country. Congress must correct its attitudes and actions and think only of the common good”: Bishops launch concerned appeal AMERICA/CHILE - Bishops of Chile, recall prophetic voice of Pope John Paul II, express concern for persistent poverty, social gap, while the demand for equity and globalisation of solidarity “still await responses” OCEANIA/NEW ZEALAND Catholic community in the pacific celebrates St Peter Chanel first martyr and patron of the Church in Oceania CEP APPOINTMENTS - AFRICA/BENIN - New National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies CEP APPOINTMENTS - OCEANIA/PAPUA NEW GUINEA - New Rector of Good Shepherd inter-diocesan Seminary in Mount Hagen SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - EUROPE - Malaria is connected with poverty: greater assistance must be given to African countries where every day malaria kills about 3,000 children 27/04/2005 VATICAN - At the first general Wednesday audience of his pontificate the Pope explains why he chose to be called Benedict XVI: “ideally as a link to the venerated Pontiff, Benedict XV… the extraordinary figure of the great 'patriarch of western monasticism,' St. Benedict of Norcia” EUROPE/ITALY - Catholic Action National Assembly “between two Pontificates”. The Pope’s message : “I know you are there, the Church needs Catholic Action” EUROPE/ITALY - “Stay united around the Eucharist” theme of 4th National “Youth and Family” : young people and families from all over the country commemorate John Paul II and pray with and for Benedict XVI AFRICA/DEMOCRATIC CONGO - UNHCR starts repatriation of 58,000 refugees from Congo Republic to Democratic Congo, Equateur province AFRICA/SUDAN - Villages torched in Darfur, growing fear among the homeless. UN High Commission for Refugees sounds the alarm ASIA/TAJIKISTAN - “Thank you for your words of encouragement and enthusiasm as Vicar of Christ, the ‘rock’ on which we can stand firm” says Superior of Catholic mission in Tajikistan ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - Bishops and Buddhist leaders send good wishes message to Pope Benedict XVI that he may “promote peace in the world” ASIA/INDIA - Archdiocese of Bangalore joins the Internet: local Church opens new web page ASIA/INDIA - Tsunami victim fisherfolk move into new homes built by Caritas which plans to provide 15,000 dwellings ASIA/EAST TIMOR - Talks on Catholic religious instruction in schools fall through. State and Church cannot agree ASIA/NEPAL - Human rights situation degenerating: alarm from UN Commission for Human Rights and International Crisis Group AMERICA/VENEZUELA - Pontifical Mission Societies and Bishops’ Conference department for mission and indigenous people welcome Benedict XVI “Custodian of the Faith” 26/04/2005 VATICAN - At the beginning of his pontificate Benedict XVI urges believers of all religious traditions and all who are searching for the truth, “to come together to build peace through reciprocal commitment of understanding, respect and love” VATICAN - At the tomb of St Paul the Apostle Pope Benedict XVI re-launches the urgency of mission: “At the beginning of the third millennium, the Church senses with new vividness that the missionary mandate of Christ is more timely than ever” AFRICA/TOGO - “Moderate optimism after agreement to form national unity government” say Fides sources AFRICA/UGANDA - A missionary in northern Uganda tells the tragic tale of girl soldiers ASIA/TAJIKISTAN - Small Catholic community in Tajikistan welcomes three new missionaries, Sisters of the Congregation of the Servants of the Lord and Our Lady of Matara AMERICA - “We confirm our faith in the one, holy, Catholic and apostolic Church and thank God for giving us a new Bishop of Rome and universal Shepherd of the Church : CELAM congratulates the Holy Father Pope Padre Benedict XVI AMERICA/GUATEMALA - “Making our parishes missionary” is the theme of the 2nd national mission congress in Guatemala in the wake of 2003 continental Congress CAM 2 AMERICA/BRAZIL - “Christ the one foundation of the Church” theme of week of prayer for Christian Unity marked in Brazil 8 to 15 May SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - AFRICA - Hundreds die in outbreaks of cholera in Senegal and Nigeria SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - AFRICA/SENEGAL - Every year about 2 million women in 26 countries are circumcised SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - AMERICA/BRAZIL - AIFO promotes 27 programmes for basic healthcare, to fight leprosy, promote community development, rehabilitation and support for children at risk 25/04/2005 VATICAN - Pope Benedict XVI presides solemn Mass to mark the beginning of his ministry VATICAN - Benedict XVI inaugurates his ministry as Successor of Peter: “The world is saved by the Crucified One, not by those who crucify. The world is redeemed by the patience of God. It is destroyed by the impatience of man.” VATICAN - “The world is saved by the Crucified One, not by those who crucify. The world is redeemed by the patience of God. It is destroyed by the impatience of man” Missionary world comments Pope Benedict XVI inauguration Mass homily VATICAN - Message to the Holy Father Benedict XVI from the Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe. EUROPE/SPAIN - “Human life is sacred because from the start it involves the creative hand of God and is always a special relationship with the Creator, its only end”: Spanish Bishops’ statement EUROPE/SPAIN - “This law which equals homosexual unions to marriage is a tremendous aberration against marriage, a grave injustice and deception. It will lead only to the fall and end of society " President of Spanish Institute for Family Policy told Fides AFRICA/DEMOCRATIC CONGO - “Respect civilians” says human rights organisation to UN peacekeepers in Bunia, main town in Ituri AFRICA/TOGO - Uncertainty about the results of presidential elections in Togo; Opposition denounces fraud AFRICA/DEMOCRATIC CONGO - “Accelerate disarmament of militia in Ituri, north east Democratic Congo and identify the perpetrators of atrocities against civilians and take them to court”: says a local humanitarian organisation SPECIAL ISSUE - AMERICA/PERU - “Benedict XVI is God’s gift to the Church and we must support him with our prayers so that with God’s help he will be the great Pope we expect him to be” said Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani Archbishop Lima SPECIAL ISSUE - VATICAN - Missionary world and the opening of the pontificate of Benedict XVI SPECIAL ISSUE - OCEANIA/AUSTRALIA - "With Benedict XVI to guide her the Church of the third millennium will find the right path to face the challenge of re-evangelisation" Cardinal George Pell, archbishop of Sydney told Fides SPECIAL ISSUE - AMERICA/DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - “The election of the new Pontiff is a moment of great hope for all the members of the Church and for all who, while not members, appreciate the Church’s work” Cardinal Nicolas de Jesús López Rodríguez, Archbishop of Santo Domingo told Fides. SPECIAL ISSUE - AMERICA/BRAZIL - “When Benedict XVI was elected I immediately and with joy accepted it as the will of God certain that he was the man God willed to be Pope” said Cardinal Geraldo Majella Agnelo, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Brazil. 23/04/2005 EUROPE/SPAIN - “The union of people of the same sex cannot be called marriage. They are acting outside all coherence and common sense" the Dean of the Alfonso VIII International University in Soria told Fides VIII EUROPE/SPAIN - “A homosexual union cannot be called marriage : this is a lie, a contradiction, a falsification, and moral perversion”: Archbishop Francisco Pérez González tells Fides SPECIAL ISSUE - AFRICA/MADAGASCAR - “A Pope who will work for peace and the implementation of Vatican II” Cardinal Razafindratandra Archbishop of Antananarivo in Madagascar told Fides SPECIAL ISSUE - AFRICA/GHANA - “A European Pope is a blessing also for the Church in Africa” says Cardinal Turkson archbishop of Cape Coast in Ghana SPECIAL ISSUE - ASIA/INDIA - “Pope Benedict XVI is the natural heir of John Paul II. The people of India thank God for this great gift” Cardinal Telesphore Toppo archbishop of Ranchi told Fides SPECIAL ISSUE - ASIA/TAIWAN - “With Benedict XVI we know where the Church is going” Cardinal Paul Shan, Bishop of Kaohsiung told Fides SPECIAL ISSUE - VATICAN - Missionary world and the opening of the pontificate of Benedict XVI SPECIAL ISSUE - ASIA/PHILIPPINES - “Benedict XVI is a man of humility, a father who knows how to listen and he will be a trusted guide” Cardinal Ricardo Vidal Archbishop of Cebu tells Fides 22/04/2005 VATICAN - Pope Benedict XVI addresses the college of Cardinals: “the intense emotions experienced are followed by a deep desire for silence and two complementary feelings: an ardent desire of the heart to express gratitude and a sense of human inadequacy in the face of the lofty task awaiting me” EUROPE/ITALY - Cursillos of Christianity pray in St Paul’s Basilica for John Paul II and the new Pope Benedict XVI EUROPE/ITALY - Italian Oblate Missionaries of Mary Immaculate Maria in Loreto to celebrate 10th anniversary of the canonisation of founder St. Eugene De Mazenod EUROPE/SPAIN - Statement issued by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Spain with regard to marriage between homosexuals: “The State cannot recognise a non existent right except by acting in an arbitrary manner which oversteps its competencies and will cause serious harm to the common good” EUROPE/SPAIN - "The approval of the bill to legalise homosexual marriage is an attack on the family. They are promoting disorder social with serious consequences" the Rector of Marcia University told Fides. AFRICA/BENIN - Catholics in Benin rejoice for the election of Benedict XVI AFRICA/DEMOCRATIC CONGO - “Civilian population caught in cross-fire”: report from the European network of NGOs active in Central Africa on the situation in eastern Congo ASIA/CHINA - “We send messages to the Pope to tell him that we love him already a lot, China loves him, our people love him and we want him to come to China soon!” ASIA/CHINA - Death of Bishop Joseph Shi Hongchen auxiliary of Tianjin, AMERICA/ECUADOR - “May the Holy Father Benedict XVI inspire and guide our people in search of its human and Christian face” says Ecuadorian Bishops’ Conference delegate for Health Pastoral SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - ASIA/MALESIA - In Malaysia every day 20 more people are infected with HIV where already 58,000 are HIV+ SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - AMERICA/BOLIVIA - A person in central Bolivia has died of Hanta virus. A few particles of this virus are sufficient to infect thousands of people 21/04/2005 EUROPE/GERMANY - “After the tragic events of the 20th century the fact that this latest Successor of St Peter is German is for us a great honour and a promise for reconciliation among all peoples” : Superiors general of religious orders and lay Catholic associations in Germany pledge prayers and support for Benedict XVI: EUROPE/GERMANY - “The Pope’s smile will win the hearts of children”: National Director of Holy Childhood in Germany expresses his joy for the election of Benedict XVI EUROPE/RUSSIA - “Pope Benedict XVI is God’s gift to the Church” Catholic Archbishop Kondrusiewicz of the Mother of God diocese in Moscow tells Russia’s Catholics EUROPE/AUSTRIA - Missio Austria: Commitment for peace and justice, always necessary, was particularly important for John Paul II and so it will be for Benedict XVI EUROPE/ITALY - “As faithful heirs of St Daniel Comboni, we respond to the request of Pope Benedict XVI assuring incessant prayer and renewed commitment for the mission of the church today : Message from the Superior general of the Comboni missionary sisters EUROPE/ITALY - Benedictine Abbot Primate Notker Wolf says “the choice of the name Benedict was an act of love ” AFRICA/TANZANIA - Catholics in Mbulu welcome the Pope from Bavaria whose compatriots helped build the local cathedral ASIA/LEBANON - Lebanese Catholics say of Benedict XVI “his face is illuminated by the Holy Spirit ” ASIA/INDIA - Indian Catholics rejoice: “The new Pope will advocate for third world countries and work for the rebirth of the Church everywhere particularly in Europe” AMERICA/BOLIVIA - In Bolivia people and Bishops rejoice for election of Benedict XVI and pray the Holy Spirit will guide him in his apostolic service AMERICA/VENEZUELA - The Church in Venezuela thanks God for giving the Church a new universal Shepherd a sign of continuity in the faith founded on the rock which is Peter AMERICA/CHILE - Solemn Mass to thank God for the election of Benedict XVI OCEANIA/AUSTRALIA - Catholic Archbishop of Brisbane: “The Pope will strive to spread the message of Christ and the joy, happiness and dynamism which come with it”. 20/04/2005 VATICAN - Pope Benedict XVI addresses message to Christians and all men and women of goodwill at the end of his first Mass with Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel: “From God I invoke unity and peace for the human family and declare the willingness of all Catholics to co-operate for true social development, one that respects the dignity of all human beings” EUROPE/GERMANY - Pontifical Mission Societies in Germany: Benedict XVI will have to build bridges to promote peace, justice and reconciliation and continue dialogue with other religions and promote the development of the young Churches in Africa, Asia and Oceania EUROPE/SPAIN - Pope Benedict XVI a prophet of truth and humility: testimony from Archbishop Francisco Perez Gonzelez, PMS National Director in Spain EUROPE/ITALY - S. Egidio Community grateful to College of Cardinals for giving the Church and the world a new Bishop of Rome EUROPE/ITALY - Statement by Javier Echevarría Prelate of Opus Dei following election of the new Pope. “May John Paul II protect his Successor in this new Spring time!” EUROPE/GERMANY - World Youth Day organisers offer joyful welcome to the new Pope : “we know we can rely on him to guide the Church towards God with great responsibility.” AFRICA/EGYPT - “We pray Benedict XVI may be a bridge between the Church in the East and the Church in the West” Chaldean Catholic Bishop in Cairo told Fides AFRICA/SOUTH AFRICA - “We hope the Pope will continue like his predecessor to defend human rights and promote the cause of peace”. South Africans say after election of Benedict XVI ASIA/CHINA - Theological writings of Pope Ratzinger translated and published in China in 2002 by the Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing ASIA/CHINA - Showers of congratulations from Catholics and non: “He has taken the name of the Pope who wrote Maximum illud which speaks of mission in China” ASIA/HONG KONG - “We have a Pope!” Message from Catholic Bishop of Hong Kong; 25 April solemn celebration in Hong Kong Cathedral ASIA/SYRIA - “The face of Benedict XVI is one of great humility and love. We feel close and united to the Pontiff” Syrian Catholic Bishops in Damascus tells Fides ASIA/IRAQ - “We do not know him yet, but we will learn to love him” say Iraqi Catholics ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Cardinal Sin unable to attend the Conclave said: “Benedict XVI is a brilliant and good man who belongs to the same tradition as John Paul II AMERICA/BRAZIL - “Benedict XVI will open up the Church with ecumenical dialogue” says Archbishop of Porto Alegre AMERICA/UNITED STATES - "We greet with happiness and joy our new Holy Father. United to him we renew our commitment to support missionaries": National Director of Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States told Fides AMERICA/CANADA - Aware of the global dimensions of its challenges and problems, contemporary society is searching for a universal pastor and teacher to proclaim the news of salvation, who articulates the joys and the hopes, fears and anxieties of this age”: Canadian Bishops send Message of congratulations to Benedict XVI AMERICA/PERU - “We have a Pope! After feeling like orphans after the death of our beloved John Paul II we are filled with new joy and hope for the election of Benedict XVI OCEANIA/AUSTRALIA - President of Australian Bishops’ Conference Archbishop of Canberra welcomes Benedict XVI: “A Church leader of profound experience and renowned theological intellect” 19/04/2005 VATICAN - Missionary world rejoices for election of new Shepherd, Benedict XVI VATICAN - One of the thousands in St Peter’s square waiting for the new Pope EUROPE/ITALY - Communion and liberation: we accompany Benedict XVI entrusting our selves to the Blessed Virgin Mary who “is on our side”. EUROPE/ITALY - New Pope: Christian Workers warm welcome to “humble worker”. EUROPE/ITALY - National Association of Catholic Schools and Parents: the words and deeds of His Holiness will guide and spur Catholic Schools to continue commitment to education AFRICA/SENEGAL - “A Pope of deep spirituality who will make an impact on Africa” says a missionary in Senegal commenting election of Pope Benedict 16th AFRICA/EGYPT - “Keen awareness of our own Christian identity is fundamental for interreligious dialogue” says expert is Islamic studies with regard to the election of Benedict XVI AFRICA/SUDAN - “A man of profound humanity and great spirituality and he is very kind” says Bishop of El Obeid who has met Benedict XVI personally AFRICA/SOUTH AFRICA - “We hope the Pope will continue like his predecessor to defend human rights and promote the cause of peace”. South Africans say after election of Benedict XVI AFRICA/DEMOCRATIC CONGO - Church bells throughout the diocese are ringing to greet Benedict XVI in Bukavu, in the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo ASIA/IRAQ - Christian leaders meet Prime Minister Al-Jafari: a future of peace and tolerance for Churches, yes to Christian schools ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - Catholic priest member of the National Council of Bio-Ethics: “Bio-technology must respect moral principles ” ASIA/JAPAN - Prayers and catechesis via the Internet: Catholics pray for new Pope at web sites ASIA/CHINA - Bishop Giuseppe Zhu Huayu the only bishop in Anhui province dies at the age of 88 ASIA/TAIWAN - Annual formation course for priests focuses on the Eucharist in response to call from John Paul II ASIA/CHINA - “I hope the new Pope will follow in the footsteps of John Paul II with special concern for peace, the poor and relations between China and the Holy See ” ASIA/MONGOLIA - Catholics in Mongolia rejoice for Pope Benedict XVI and hope he will visit this little flock in the heart of Asia ASIA/INDIA - “His leadership will be dynamic, creative and concrete”, spokesman of Indian Bishops’ Conference tells Fides ASIA/HOLY LAND - “Our hope is already a certainty: this Pope will build bridges and a be prophet of peace for the Holy Land” Franciscan Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Holy Land Custodian told Fides ASIA/CHINA - From China prayers for the new Pope: “Now we have John Paul II in heaven and Benedict XVI with us on earth ” AMERICA/MEXICO - Theology and Mission 40 years on from Ad Gentes decree is the theme of 3rd International Mission Symposium in Mexico City AMERICA/VENEZUELA - “We must let ourselves be guided by the legacy of Pope John Paul II, pilgrim of peace and mission” says national director of Pontifical Mission Societies at 31stAnnual Missions Meeting AMERICA/UNITED STATES - Chinese Catholics overseas: “We assure the new Pope Benedict XVI of our prayers for him and for the boat of Catholic Church he has been called to guide” AMERICA/COLOMBIA - Colombia welcomes new Pope with great joy: “he will guarantee growth in the faith in the world battered by so many ideologies” AMERICA/MEXICO - The newly elected Supreme Pontiff Benedict XVI will confirm the people fidelity to God and His will 18/04/2005 VATICAN - The missionary world finds its place in the exhortation by Cardinal Ratzinger at the Mass “for the election of the Roman Pontiff”: “We must be filled with holy restlessness to carry to all the gift of the faith...love and friendship of God given to us so it may reach everyone” EUROPE/SPAIN - "Young people and the missionary dimension of the Church": about 10,000 young Spaniards choose to live an experience of mission during the Summer holidays AFRICA/ETIOPIA - After members of all religions grieved for the passing of John Paul II in the Eparchy of Adigrat people pray to accompany the election of the new Pontiff AFRICA/TOGO - As elections approach the situation becomes incandescent: at least 7 killed in clashes between demonstrators and police on Saturday, but government says it cannot confirm that people were killed AFRICA/DEMOCRATIC CONGO - More than 10,000 militia hand in weapons in north east Ituri region of Congo where at least 60,000 have died since 1999 in civil war ASIA/CHINA - During Sunday Mass in every parish special prayers for the election of the new Pope, and that his first apostolic journey may be to Beijing AMERICA/ECUADOR - This serious situation may degenerate into anarchy, dictatorship and conflict between brothers of the same homeland: Catholic Bishops voice concern in an appeal for “Constitution and country” AMERICA - As the world waits for the election of a new Pope the pilgrim Church in Latin America is united in prayer with the universal Church that the Holy Spirit may guide the conclave of cardinals FIDES SIGNALS - 12th national meeting of Catholic Action Italy: ‘explaining the reasons for our life and our hope’ 16/04/2005 VATICAN - Message for World Mission Sunday 2005, Sunday 23 October 2005 EUROPE/GERMANY - Pope John Paul II: His fatherhood knew no bounds…He valued each culture and knew how to raise them up. He benevolently denounced their errors and pointed out their dangers: Tribute from Schoenstatt Apostolic Movement AFRICA/ALGERIA - “The new Pope is sure to be another Good Shepherd, close to those who suffer from war and poverty” Archbishop Henri Teissier of Algiers tells Fides ASIA/INDIA - Out of danger, vicar general of Patna diocese attacked by common criminal not Hindu fundamentalist ASIA/MONGOLIA - Mongolian Catholics pray intensely on the eve of the Conclave - “People see us as the Pope’s community”: Apostolic Prefect of Ulan Bator tells Fides SOUTH KOREA - National day for people with a disability: Church calls on Catholics to practice charity AMERICA/UNITED STATES - Diocesan directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies USA mark 40th anniversary of Vatican II decree on the Church’s missionary activity and renew their commitment to proclaim the Gospel 15/04/2005 AFRICA/KENYA - Diocese of Marsabit mourns missionaries who devoted their lives to helping the poorest of the poor AFRICA/CÔTE D'IVOIRE - New dilatory manoeuvres in Côte d'Ivoire. “It is time for the international community to exercise pressure on Ivorian political leaders” Fides sources say ASIA/INDIA - Catholic priest vicar general of Patna archdiocese in critical condition after being beaten and stabbed ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Formation and dialogue for Catholics and Muslim students in the southern Philippines in an area of conflict ASIA/SRI LANKA - New year, an opportunity to forget the past, stop fighting and forgive! Sinhalese new year prompts common call for peace from civil and religious leaders ASIA/LEBANON - Religious leaders and youth march for peace: “Love, never again civil war” ASIA/CHINA - Shen Yang Seminary renders homage to John Paul II on China’s traditional day for commemorating the dead AMERICA/PERÚ - On Monday 18 April as the conclave opens in the Vatican, Peruvian Catholics in Lima will start uninterrupted prayers to ask God to enlighten and assist the college of Cardinals called to elect the successor of Pope John Paul II AMERICA/UNITED STATES - “I return to the United States to share with Catholics there the enduring, sustaining faith of these people": report from national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies after extensive visit to tsunami affected areas AMERICA/BOLIVIA - “We have heard the cry of our people asking for peace” the Bishop say urging all to “work together to build the new Bolivia as we want it and to which we have a right ” SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - AFRICA/ANGOLA - Marburg virus spreads: 203 dead. Italian ‘Doctors with Africa’ CUAMM part of co-ordination nucleus at Uige hospital 14/04/2005 EUROPE/ITALY - Sisters of Don Orione interrupt 10th chapter general to visit the grave of Pope John Paul II EUROPE/ITALY - Focolari Movement dedicates Saturday 16 April Familyfest to the memory of Pope John Paul II AFRICA/BURUNDI - Cautious optimism in Burundi after news of cease-fire announced by the remaining group of active rebels AFRICA/SUDAN - Catholic Church in Sudan identifies priorities after peace agreement: forgiveness and reconciliation, care and resettlement of refugees, better relations with donors and partners AFRICA/MALAWI - Death of first Bishop of Mangochi: “I want to be a good religious today so I can be a good missionary tomorrow” ASIA/TURKEY - John Paul II champion of ecumenism: his teaching will inspire new paths of dialogue and peace ASIA/CHINA - Time to reflect on how to continue along the path traced by John Paul II ASIA/JORDAN - Prayers and expectation for the new Pope, confident that he will speak in favour of peace and justice ASIA/LAOS - New hope for Laotian Catholics in the north; new church opened and Catholics await pastoral presence and care of Rev. Banchong Thopahong apostolic administrator AMERICA/GUATEMALA - “Thank you Holy Father for being a missionary shepherd and a master of mission!” The Auditorium which hosted the 2nd American Mission Congress re-named after John Paul II AMERICA/ECUADOR - “Our country is falling to pieces. We have never witnessed such a serious crisis in the institutions”: Catholic Bishops express concern and say they “back the hopes of the people” OCEANIA/AUSTRALIA - Mission in Oceania will draw new impulse from the figure of John Paul II: testimonial from Archbishop Francis Carrol of Canberra, president Australian Bishops’ Conference SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - EUROPE/ITALY - World Haemophilia Day: initiatives to promote information about haemophilia which affects more than 400,000 people in the world SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - AFRICA/ETIOPIA - 40 people have died of meningitis in the last five months: alarm for 433 people infected 13/04/2005 EUROPE/RUSSIA - “It is our holy duty to pray to God that during the election the Holy Spirit will show the college of Cardinals who is to guide the boat of Peter, the Church, in the future on the tumultuous waves of this beginning of the 21st century”, Archbishop Kondrusiewicz said to Catholics in Russia in view of the imminent opening of the Conclave AFRICA/ETIOPIA - Millions of Ethiopians face starvation. Guaranteed only 20% of what is necessary for healthcare, water, sanitation and farming AFRICA/DEMOCRATIC CONGO - Even at the heart of Congo Catholics pray to assist the election of a new Pontiff AFRICA/KENYA - Catholic Church joins initiatives to mark ‘week of action on trade justice’ to promote consideration of Africans’ rights to development AFRICA/EGYPT - Christians of all confessions pray the new Pope will continue along the path of interreligious dialogue ASIA/BANGLADESH - “Life in Bangladesh is poverty and slavery”: missionary describes the situation ASIA/HONG KONG - Hong Kong young Catholics are deeply grateful to unforgettable Pope John Paul II for his words especially ASIA/IRAQ - Catholics in Iraq proud to be associated with John Paul II attend solemn public liturgies of commemoration and are filled with new hope for the future ASIA/INDIA - Poverty, hardship, early marriage, average life expectancy no more than 65: Testimony of Salesian Sisters OCEANIA/AUSTRALIA - “The Pope’s legacy: impulse for mission in the third millennium” says national director of Pontifical Mission Societies in Australia 12/04/2005 EUROPE/SPAIN - “His words touched hearts, his journeys brought the breath of hope wherever he went, his writings expressed his profound and faithful love for Christ and his Church": John Paul II, a tribute by National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Spain AFRICA/DEMOCRATIC CONGO - “Goodbye John Paul II, parish priest of the world: continue to intercede for Africa”. Tribute from Radio Maria in the heart of Africa AFRICA/BURUNDI - “Burundi recalls with love John Paul II’s visit in 1990” says parish priest of Bujumbura cathedral AFRICA/SENEGAL - Serious epidemic of cholera 5,700 cases, 61 mortal AFRICA/IVORY COAST - New shadows in Côte d'Ivoire: government and rebels exchange reciprocal accusations ASIA/INDIA - “The memory of Pope John Paul II will inspire India to work for a society which gives more attention to spiritual values”, says Bishop Thomas Dabre of Vasai ASIA/LEBANON - Pope’s holiness and popularity captures even Lebanon’s Arab media ASIA/HOLY LAND - New radio, Voice of Peace, unites Israelis and Palestinians ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Oblate Missionaries in the Philippines say conflict in Mindanao must stop, families must be protected from destruction and evacuation AMERICA/BRAZIL - John Paul II’s “special” gift to Holy Childhood Pontifical Mission Society OCEANIA/ SAMOA - Not only school: Salesians in the Pacific Islands committed to evangelisation and formation of youth FIDES SIGNALS - Concert in aid of Corti Foundation and e St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor in Uganda, 20 April in Milan SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - VATICAN - Reduce infant mortality rate connected with pregnancy and birth. Bambino Gesù operates in more than 40 hot areas of the Planet 11/04/2005 EUROPE/GERMANY - On WYD 2005 web site young people of the world write messages about Pope John Paul II. German Bishops call Catholics to give generously to support World Youth Day and help renew missionary spirit. EUROPE/ITALY - “The role of persons with a disability in rehabilitation and integration”: Associazione Italiana Amici di Raoul Follereau collaborates with Disability and Rehabilitation department of the World Health Organisation AFRICA/ETHIOPIA - Programme for preventive health care for women and children in Ethiopia: in the world every day 40,000 children die of curable diseases AFRICA/EGYPT - “A Pope who will never be forgotten”, according to Cairo daily Al Arabi Ahram ASIA/NORTH KOREA - North Korean Catholics in Pyongyang attend Mass for repose of the soul of Pope John Paul II ASIA/IRAQ - Patriarch of the ancient Assyrian Church of the East in Iraq sends condolences to the Holy See - Iraqi Catholics also say John Paul II “A Saint Now! ” SCIENCE AND MEDICINE - AFRICA/ANGOLA - More than 200 reported cases of Marburg and 193 deaths. Epidemic still not under control FIDES SIGNALS - Medicine and human rights: Meeting of Italian National Catholic Doctors Association SPECIAL ISSUE - VATICAN - LIGHTS AND SHADOWS OF AFRICA EMERGING FROM SPECIAL SYNOD FOR AFRICA CALLED BY POPE JOHN PAUL II - Apostolic Exhortation “Ecclesia in Africa” SPECIAL ISSUE - The Path of the Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for Africa SPECIAL ISSUE - First official document promulgated outside the Vatican: John Paul II signed the post synodal exhortation during his 11th pastoral visit to Africa SPECIAL ISSUE - CAMEROON - “Beloved Africa, despite poverty and suffering walk your path with confidence!” SPECIAL ISSUE - SOUTH AFRICA - “Church of Africa: a Mission Church which becomes a Missionary Church 08/04/2005 VATICAN - The first in a series of excerpts from the teaching of Pope John Paul II on some of the principal themes of his pontificate EUROPE/ITALY - 30,000 members of Communion and Liberation from all over the world in Rome for the Pope’s funeral VATICAN - The value of Eucharistic Adoration in the teaching of John Paul II VATICAN - The figure of the Blessed Virgin Mary for John Paul II VATICAN - Who is the priest for John Paul II VATICAN - The Charisam of priestly celibacy, according to John Paul II VATICAN - The Sacrament of Confession in the teaching of Pope John Paul II EUROPE/FRANCE - Sick pilgrims in Lourdes mourn for John Paul II “a sick man among the sick who restored dignity to human suffering”. The last international journey to the feet of Our Lady EUROPE/ITALY - S. Egidio: thousands in St Peter’s Square for funeral of Pope John Paul II EUROPE/ITALY - Focolarini: Chiara Lubich, the foundress, unable to attend the funeral for reasons of health. Thousands of Focolarinin watch funeral on large screens at Tor Vergata and Circuì Maximus EUROPE/SPAIN - Crowds of young people take part in Rosary for the Pope in Madrid Cathedral AFRICA/EGYPT - “Bomb blast at Khan el Khalili market was a protest on the part of fundamentalist Muslims against president Moubarak’s decision to call three days mourning for Pope John Paul II” says Catholic priest in Cairo AFRICA/SOUTH AFRICA - Bishops of southern Africa recall Pope John Paul II’s love and commitment for Africa AFRICA/IVORY COAST - National mourning for John Paul II respected substantially in rebel controlled mainly Muslim north ASIA/INDIA - “Pope John Paul II was one of the greatest spiritual leaders of the 21st century”: Dalai Lama signs the book of condolence at the Papal Nunciature in New Delhi ASIA/CHINA - “Even the skies are weeping for our beloved Pope” say Chinese Catholics. “Let us pray to the Holy Father to intercede that relations between China and the Holy See may be re-established as soon as possible” ASIA/HONG KONG - Thousands of Catholics and representatives of other religions attend a solemn Mass for Pope John Paul II: the cathedral was packed five hours before the service started ASIA/LEBANON - “We will treasure Holy Father’s apostolic exhortation New Hope for Lebanon forever” says President Lahoud of Lebanon ASIA/IRAQ - Shiite leader Al Sistani sends message of condolence to the Holy See for the death of Pope John Paul II ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - “He was a strong and affectionate father who spent all his life in leading humanity to harmony and mutual respect, to truth and love”: Catholic Bishops and the President of Korea remember Pope John Paul II ASIA/TAJIKISTAN - The people, mainly Muslims, watch the funeral of Pope John Paul II on television ASIA/THAILAND - "The Holy Father is known and loved all over the country" AMERICA/PERU - The people of Peru thank Pope John Paul II who restored hope to the country at critical times: young people organise special Sunday Mass for the Pope AMERICA/CANADA - Pope: Pontifical Mission Societies in Canada remember Pope John Paul II AMERICA/VENEZUELA - “Juan Pablo amigo, Venezuela sta con tigo! John Paul our friend, Venezuela is with you!” Venezuelans continue to express love for Pope John Paul II; requiem Masses celebrated in sports stadium to accommodate huge crowds 07/04/2005 VATICAN - The Rome diocese pilgrim office Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi is busy organising accommodation for pilgrims coming from all over the world to pay homage to the Pope already over one million EUROPE/ITALY - A minute of communion Friday 8 April at 10 in the morning EUROPE/RUSSIAN FEDERATION - Pope John Paul II’s funeral will be shown live on large screens in Moscow’s Catholic Cathedral EUROPE/SWITZERLAND - “I thank God for having given us John Paul II in such an important time for the history of the Church and the world. He has been God’s blessing for us all” says Msg. Burcher, Auxiliary Bishop of Lausanne AFRICA/ETHIOPIA - “Because of the state of insecurity I am unable to commemorate the Holy Father with people in outlying villages” Apostolic Prefect of Gambella told Fides AFRICA/ZIMBABWE - Serious irregularities took place during the March 31 vote: the Opposition accuses the government of fraud AFRICA/MALAWI - Pope: Condolences of Church Malawi ASIA/INDIA - The governor of Karnataka: "Pope John Paul was not only a leader of the Catholics, he exercised moral and spiritual influence on the entire world. He belongs to every one”. ASIA/CHINA - “Even though he could never come to China, his heart is always with us”: prayers for Pope John Paul II from several dioceses in the far east ASIA/INDIA - “People feel sadness and sorrow” says brother Victor General, Provincial Superior of the Missionary Franciscans in Tamil Nadu ASIA/LEBANON - Funeral of Pope John Paul II live on main Arab television channels AMERICA/ECUADOR - Society is rediscovering the value of the messages left by John Paul II during his visit to Ecuador AMERICA/ARGENTINA - John Paul II “Messenger of Peace” in Argentina: for everyone his coming meant to “leave a door open to Jesus”. The witness of a Dominican who entered novitiate after the Pope’s visit AMERICA/COSTA RICA - The Costa Rican Bishops thank God for the “Great Shepherd John Paul” AMERICA/BRAZIL - “Thank you Lord! Thank you John Paul II!”: the cry of gratitude of the Church of Florianopolis for the Pope who was capable of overcoming any border in order to meet his brothers most distant from him AMERICA/UNITED STATES - John Paul II: “A moral voice heard by everyone” says the Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy to the Holy See OCEANIA/AUSTRALIA - “The Pope has given the students of the whole world the most precious lesson with the example of his life”: even the students of the catholic schools pray for the Pope OCEANIA/AUSTRALIA - “The Pope has given the students of the whole world the most precious lesson with the example of his life”: Catholic school students pray for the Pope 06/04/2005 EUROPE/GERMANY - Director of Holy Childhood pontifical mission society in Germany: “The Pope will continue to give us courage to carry on our mission in favour of the children of the world” EUROPE/ITALY - Caritas: John Paul II parish priest of the world EUROPA/ITALY - Italian Catholic University Federation: at this moment of grief we pray for the Holy Father and for the whole Church and we thank God for this extraordinary Pontificate EUROPE/AUSTRIA - National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies Austria recalls Pope John Paul II’s great “human warmth” and ability to establish a profound relationship even in the briefest of meetings EUROPE/GERMANY - “The youth of the world loses one it its greatest advocates” says secretary general for World Youth Day 2005 EUROPE/SPAIN - “Grief for the death of the Pope but hope in the certainty that he is in heaven” says president of the Conference of Religious Father Ignacio Zabala EUROPE/GERMANY - “For our association the Pope was like a father” says Secretary General of Aid to the Church in Need AFRICA/ CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC - Three days national mourning for Pope John Paul II. Muslims express sympathy to Catholic community AFRICA/ZIMBABWE - “I cannot afford to come to Rome to pay tribute to the Pope, but I know I can always encounter him in my prayers” young Zimbabwean told Fides AFRICA/TANZANIA - We loved the Holy Father deeply but God loved him more and has called him to be with Him in heaven” said the Tanzanian Association of Catholic Women AFRICA/BURKINA FASO - Patients at Our Lady of Fatima AIDS clinic in Ouagadougou mourn the Holy Father AFRICA/CHAD - Radio Duji Lokar in Moundou southern Chad mourns the Pope ASIA/INDONESIA - Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus express sympathy with Catholics in Surabaya: “We are united with you in mourning the loss of a great man for all humanity " ASIA/TAIWAN - “For Catholics the death of the Pope is like losing our father” says Bishop Cheng secretary general of the Chinese Regional Bishops’ Conference ASIA/UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - Catholics in Persian Gulf countries pray for John Paul II AMERICA/PERU - "Humanity - and not only the 21st century - has lost one of its greatest men. A man who dazzled the world with his teaching and who will continue to enlighten us" AMERICA/BRAZIL - “John Paul II had the gift of overcoming distances in every sense!” said two missionary Bishops in Brazil originally from Austria AMERICA/BOLIVIA - “With the saints in heaven Pope John Paul II will continue to guide us on our earthly journey” says Bolivian Conference of Catholic Bishops AMERICA/COLOMBIA - John Paul II’s ministry and wisdom fostered communion in the Church and a spontaneous filial attitude among Catholics AMERICA/MEXICO - "With his person the Pope won the hearts of the Mexican people": testimony by Fr. Francisco Gonzalez of the archdiocese of Guadalajara 05/04/2005 VATICAN - John Paul II: review of the world newspapers, Tuesday, April 5th EUROPE/ITALY - Bishop Javier Echevarría (Opus Dei): the Most Holy Trinity has certainly flung the gates of paradise open wide for John Paul II EUROPE/ITALY - Italian Franciscan Youth: we thank God for John Paul’s testimony and his example which remain to illuminate our path EUROPE/ITALY - Salvatore Martinez, Italian national coordinator of Renewal in the Spirit : John Paul II our ‘special friend’ EUROPE/ITALY - “Continual catechesis for our life”. St John of God Brothers particularly close to the figure of the Holy Father EUROPE/FRANCE - Ex-patriot Iraqi Chaldean Catholics on their way to Rome to pay last tribute to Pope John Paul II EUROPE/ITALY - A Pope close to missionaries, and who wanted an ever more missionary Church EUROPE/ITALY - Pax Christi: the Pope’s high esteem for us AFRICA/UGANDA - “The news of the Pope’s death arrived just a few hours after an attack by the Lord’s Resistance Army” a missionary in North Uganda told Fides AFRICA/SENEGAL - “Young Catholics in Senegal promise to shoulder their responsibilities as baptised Christians following the example of John Paul II” said a missionary in Senegal AFRICA/LIBERIA - On Friday 8 April in Monrovia a requiem Mass for the Pope will coincide with the funeral Mass in St Peter’s in Rome AFRICA/TOGO - Togo declares National Mourning for John Paul II: grieving Catholics fill churches AFRICA/DEMOCRATIC CONGO - Thousands expected to attend Requiem Mass for John Paul II in Bukavu at the same time as the Funeral Mass in Rome AFRICA/SOUTH AFRICA - The bishops of southern Africa mourn the Pope who asked for forgiveness for the slave trade carried out in the name of Christianity AFRICA/ALGERIA - “Your Father has died: we share your mourning”. Algerian Muslims offer their condolences to the local Catholics ASIA/CHINA - “Why are you crying? Our great father has gone to heaven” ASIA/CHINA - Mourning Chinese Catholics attended early Masses for the Pope in every chapel and church in Beijing: “Mission continues” ASIA/CHINA - More than 60 priests concelebrate Mass for the Pope attended by about 100 seminarians and thousands of people. The parish priest recalls the Pope’s love and concern for China and Chinese Catholics’ sense of communion with the Pope ASIA/CHINA - Security Council chairman, Chinese Ambassador to the UN, leads minute of silence in honour of the Pope describing the late Pontiff as a “tireless promoter of peace and a pioneer of inter-religious dialogue” ASIA/INDIA - Bangalore diocese will dedicate Eucharistic Congress to the Pope, a man of the Eucharist ASIA/IRAQ - Syrian Catholic Bishop of Baghdad: “In our heart we are with Rome”. Iraqi Premier: “A man who sided with the poor” ASIA/HONG KONG - Catholic Bishops’ publish obituary tributes for John Paul II, a Shepherd with a deep love for China ASIA/HONG KONG - Catholics of Hong Kong offer prayers and acts of solidarity in memory of the Pope: special collections for tsunami victims ASIA/IRAQ - The “Mandeian” believers, a very ancient community of so-called “Christians of Saint John the Baptist”, expected at the Pope’s funeral ASIA/INDIA - He was also a Pope for the Sikh: the acknowledgment of the Indian believers with a turban ASIA/IRAQ - “I felt loved like a son” says Syrian Catholic Bishop of Mosul released by kidnappers after John Paul II intervened AMERICA/GUATEMALA - “In love the salvific meaning of suffering is completely accomplished and reaches its definitive dimension”, National Commission for health pastoral in Guatemala remembers the Pope AMERICA/PERU - Putting Pope John Paul II teaching into practice: Catholic Medical Centre Hogar San Camilo cares for HIV+ children and adults, and promotes solidarity and respect for AIDS patients AMERICA/UNITED STATES - Chinese Catholics in Hawaii recite the Rosary to accompany the Pope on his last earthly journey AMERICA/DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - “For us, John Paul II was a Dominican born in Poland” says Fr Luis Rosario Pena, the responsible for youth pastoral care of the Archdiocese of Santo Domingo 04/04/2005 ASIA/PHILIPPINES - “John Paul II was the conscience of humanity” says Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales of Manila ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Karol Wojtyla, a personal reflection by Cardinal Jaime Sin of Manila ASIA/JORDAN - Catholics gather to pray on Mount Nebo says Father Raymond Moussalli, Secretary of the Chaldean Bishops’ Residence in Jordan ASIA/IRAQ - Iraqi Catholics brave danger to pray for the Pope says Rev. Pyoss Qasha, parish priest at St Joseph’s church in Baghdad - Pope’s funeral will be broadcast live on television ASIA/LEBANON - Exchange of condolences on the street, Muslims and Christians comfort one another AMERICA/COLOMBIA - "Pope John Paul II travelled the world. He reached out to the humble and the poor, the children the young people, the elderly and the sick": Bishops of Colombia issue statement on the death of the Pontiff AMERICA/UNITED STATES - “We have lost our great missionary, a Holy Father who embodied so completely the vocation given to us in baptism” said National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States OCEANIA/PAPUA NEW GUINEA - Papuan Catholics mourn and pray for the Pope, with warm memories his visit in 1995 - many will be in Rome for the funeral OCEANIA/AUSTRALIA - “One of the greatest Popes in the history of the Church": Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference 03/04/2005 VATICAN - Message from the Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe on behalf of the Congregation, the Pontifical Mission Societies all over the world, missionaries involved in spreading the Gospel. VATICAN - “Commitment for peace and reconciliation: the Pope’s legacy which Caritas Inernationalis intends to carry forward”; said Maronite Archbishop Fouad el-Hage of Tripoli (Lebanon), President of Caritas Internationalis EUROPE - Bishop Amedee Grab, president of the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences: John Paul II, Europe will always rely on you. The Bishops of Europe say “thank you”. AFRICA/MADAGASCAR - A photograph of John Paul II hugging two little Malagasy children in his arms will remain forever in the hearts of the people of Madagascar AFRICA/DEMOCRATIC CONGO - The Pope is mourned in Congo particularly at the shrine of Isiro-Niangara the burial place of the country’s first martyr beatified by John Paul II twenty years ago AFRICA/MADAGASCAR - “A wonderful Pope” says Cardinal Armand Razafindratandra from Madagascar AFRICA/DEMOCRATIC CONGO - Young Catholics in Bukavu gather around their World Youth Day Cross to give their embrace to Pope John Paul II ASIA/LEBANON - “A great Pope who kept a special place in his heart for Lebanon” Cardinal Pierre Nasrallah Sfeir, Patriarch of Antioch of the Maronites ASIA/SOUTH KOREA - Grief and gratitude fill the hearts of Catholics in Korea as Bishops prepare to send a delegation to Rome ASIA/INDIA - “The whole nation is showing sympathy with the Catholic community, this Pope was everyone’s Pope” said Fr Donald De Souza, vice secretary of the Bishops’ Conference. Unprecedented sympathy and affection shown by unending flow of Hindus, Buddhist and Muslims 02/04/2005 VATICAN - John Paul II and the message of Divine Mercy VATICAN - John Paul II pilgrim to the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Krakow, Poland, near the burial place of Saint Faustina Kowalska: “From here went forth the Message of Divine Mercy which Christ himself wished to transmit to our generation through Blessed Faustina” VATICAN - Devotion to the Divine Mercy EUROPE/AZERBAIJAN - Orthodox Bishop Alexander of Baku, assures prayers for the Pope EUROPE/AZERBAIJAN - “This tiny Catholic community in Azerbaijan is spiritually close beside the Holy Father”, says Rev. Jan Kapla, Superior of the Catholic Mission of Baku AFRICA/SUDAN - Even in the poorest and remotest regions of Sudan people are praying for the Pope AFRICA/EGYPT - Catholics in Egypt who share the later Season of Lent with Orthodox majority, offer Rosary, Stations of the Cross, Masses for the Pope and his intentions. Egyptian Muslims also pray for the Pontiff, a man of peace and unity says Chaldean Bishop Youssef Sarraf from Cairo AFRICA/GUINEA BISSAU - Catholics in Guinea Bissau shed tears as they pray for the Pope AFRICA/DEMOCRATIC CONGO - “As soon as the news was given that the Pope’s condition had become critical the town ground to a halt” a missionary in Bukavu told Fides ASIA/HOLY LAND - Today all the Christians here are praying for him and remembering with gratitude all he has done for us and for our land ASIA/NEPAL - In Nepal many Catholics pray for the Pope throughout the night: Apostolic Pro Prefect told Fides: although they have never seen him in person, the people of Nepal show great affection for the Pope OCEANIA/AUSTRALIA - Catholics, other Christians and people of good will are watching the news and accompanying the Pope with their prayers 01/04/2005 EUROPE/ITALY - Messages of love and sympathy for the Pope come from JP II’s young people “papaboys” all over the world: “We his “boys and girls”, are close to him, we love him, he belongs to us” EUROPE/ITALY - Camillians pray to the patron of the sick St Camillus de Lellis to intercede for the health of Pope John Paul II EUROPE/ITALY - S. Egidio community prays for the Pope: 8.30 prayer vigil at the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere EUROPA/ALBANIA - Terminally ill patients, poor families and disabled people pray for the Pope EUROPE/ITALY - 15,110 Salesian Sisters all over the world pray for Pope John Paul II “father-mother, friend, courageous and gentle protector of the defenceless, especially concerned for the weaker members of society” EUROPE/SCOTLAND - “The world continues to be inspired by Pope John Paul II as he manages to bear daily testament to the gift of life, from its first beginnings until its natural end,” says Cardinal Keith O’Brian, president of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland AFRICA/UGANDA - A ‘Hail Mary’ for the Pope on the lips of an Italian missionary working among 1.5 million refugees in northern Uganda AFRICA/SOUTH AFRICA - Refugees in Cape Town pray for the Pope AFRICA/UGANDA - Uganda’s sick Catholics in hospitals and at home unite in prayer to sustain the Holy Father AFRICA/KENYA - All Kenya is close to Pope John Paul II AFRICA/BURKINA FASO - Poor people, sick and dying at the Catholic Camillian hospital in Ouagadougou suffer and pray with and for the Pope AFRICA/MADAGASCAR - “We have prayed for the Holy Father non stop” says a missionary in Madagascar ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Thousands of Catholics especially Manila’s poor and outcast fill churches to pray for ailing Pope ASIA/BANGLADESH - At Xaverian missions the sick, the disabled, volunteers, charismatic Catholics all pray for the Pope ASIA/CHINA - Intense prayer for the Pope all over China, great media attention ASIA/CHINA - The editor of the main Catholic publication Faith says Catholic communities all over China are praying for the Pope ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Catholic prisoners in the National Penitentiary in Manila keep vigil for the Pope with fasting, Way of the Cross, non stop prayers ASIA/THAILAND - “His illness, suffering and old age, make him loved and venerated just as he is”, Catholics in Thai hospitals pray for Pope John Paul II ASIA/INDIA - The poorest of the poor offer their suffering to God for the Holy Father ASIA/CHINA - Christians and non Christians in China welcome the government’s message of sympathy to the Holy See and open concern for the health of Pope John Paul II ASIA/IRAQ - Despite daily difficulties, Iraqi Catholics close to the Pope in prayer, says Chaldean Patriarch of Baghdad Emmanuel Delly ASIA/IRAQ - Chaldean Bishop of Mosul: “First Holy Communion children pray for the Pope”: Bishop Paulos Faraj Rahoo speaks with Fides ASIA/INDIA - Hindus pray for the Pope and express affection and solidarity with anguished Catholics ASIA/CHINA - Chinese web sites present Dossier on the Pope and words of gratitude from men and women in the street AMERICA/COLOMBIA - “Please God make the Pope get better!” kindergarten children pray with teachers AMERICA/GUATEMALA - Children at Peten Orphanage offer prayers and little sacrifices for the health of the Pope AMERICA/PERU - Manchai, where people are extremely poor, the Pope is dearly loved and everyone is praying hard for him at this difficult moment ACTA OF THE HOLY SEE - ASIA/INDIA - The Pope appoints new Metropolitan Archbishop of Madras-Mylapore ACTA OF THE HOLY SEE - AFRICA/KENYA - The Pope appoints new Metropolitan Archbishop of Mombasa ACTA OF THE HOLY SEE - AFRICA/MOZAMBIQUE - The Pope appoints Coadjutor Bishop of Inhambane ACTA OF THE HOLY SEE - ASIA/INDIA - The Pope appoints Bishop of Tuticorin ACTA OF THE HOLY SEE - ASIA/INDIA - The Pope appoints Coadjutor Bishop of Sivagangai ACTA OF THE HOLY SEE - AFRICA/ DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO - The Pope appoints Bishop of Bunia ACTA OF THE HOLY SEE - AFRICA/UGANDA - The Pope appoints Bishop of Lira ACTA OF THE HOLY SEE - OCEANIA/NEW ZEALAND - The Pope accepts resignation of Military Ordinary and appoints successor ACTA OF THE HOLY SEE - ASIA/VIETNAM - The Pope accepts resignation of Bishop of Phan Thiet and succession of Coadjutor ACTA OF THE HOLY SEE - ASIA/KOREA - The Pope accepts resignation of Bishop of Daejon and succession of Coadjutor ACTA OF THE HOLY SEE - The Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples Archivio 2005 JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DICEMBER Archivio 2004 JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DICEMBER Archivio 2003 JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DICEMBER Archivio 2002 JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DICEMBER

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