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Skriven 2004-11-06 08:55:04 av Marc Lewis (1:396/45)
Ärende: Vatican Information Service - Press Release
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Hello All!

              The following press release is Copyrighted by the
                        Vatican Information Service.
              ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
                               VIS-Press releases

MAY EUROPE NEVER FORGET ITS CHRISTIAN ROOTS AND PATRIMONY

VATICAN CITY, OCT 31, 2004 (VIS) - In reflections made before praying the
Angelus with the many thousands of faithful who had gathered in St. Peter's
Square today, the Pope once again referred to the October 29 signing in Rome of
the European constitution and urged Europe to never forget its Christian roots
or Christian spiritual and cultural patrimony.

Referring to the signing ceremony in Rome's City Hall on Capitoline Hill, John
Paul II said that "this was a highly significant moment in the building of the
'new Europe' to which we will continue to look with trust. It is the most
recent point on a path that is still long and that seems ever more compelling.

"The Holy See has always been favorable to promoting a Europe that is united on
the basis of those common values that are part of history. To take into
consideration the Christian roots of the continent means availing oneself of a
spiritual patrimony that remains fundamental for the future developments of the
Union."

The Holy Father said he hoped that "in years to come, Christians will continue
to bring into all spheres of European institutions that Gospel leaven that is a
guarantee of peace and collaboration between all citizens in the shared
commitment to serving the common good." ANG/EUROPE:CHRISTIAN ROOTS/...VIS
041103 (230)

HOLY FATHER PRAYS FOR ALL VICTIMS OF TERRORISM

VATICAN CITY, NOV 1, 2004 (VIS) - John Paul II, in a brief address during the
Angelus prayer, remarked on today's feast of All Saints and tomorrow's
commemoration of the faithful departed, known as All Souls' Day. He also said
he was praying for all the victims of terrorism.

"'Let us all rejoice in the Lord, on this solemnity of All Saints'. With this
invitation to joy, today begins the Eucharistic celebration in honor of all the
Saints. The pilgrim Church on earth raises her eyes to heaven and joins with
exultation in the choir of those whom God has brought to His glory. This is the
communion of saints!"

"Precisely in the light of this stupendous mystery, we will celebrate tomorrow
the annual commemoration of all the faithful deceased. The liturgy invites us
to open our hearts and pray for everyone, especially for the souls most in need
of divine mercy."

"I am raising a special prayer to God," said the Pope, "for all the victims of
terrorism. I feel spiritually close to their families and, while I ask the Lord
to alleviate their pain, I ask Him for peace in the world."
ANG/ALL SAINTS:ALL SOULS/...VIS 041103 (200)

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