VATICAN-CHENEY Pope-Cheney meeting comes as U.S.-Vatican rebuild relationship Jan-26-2004 (900 words) With photo. xxxi By John Thavis Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS)

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Vice President Dick Cheney's first meeting with Pope John Paul II came at a time when U.S.-Vatican relations are in a rebuilding phase following the war in Iraq.

Cheney met with the pope in a private audience Jan. 27 and later held talks with the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Angelo Sodano. The discussions dealt primarily with the current situation in Iraq, the Middle East and international terrorism.

The pope and other Vatican officials argued strongly against the U.S. decision to invade Iraq, but in recent months they have focused on the need for cooperative reconstruction rather than on past differences.

As the pope said in his speech to diplomats Jan. 12, the international community needs to help Iraqis "retake the reins" of their country and establish a real democracy. He and his aides have emphasized the role of the United Nations in this process and in the larger task of "collective security" throughout the world.

The pope and other Vatican experts also have made increasingly strong statements against international terrorism, underlining the need for more effective curbs against terrorist groups.

"In the necessary fight against terrorism, international law is now called to develop legal instruments provided with effective means for the prevention, monitoring and suppression of crime," the pope said in his World Day of Peace message.

But there remains a fundamental difference between the Vatican and the United States over the concept of pre-emptive or "preventive" war as a tool against terrorism.

Before the invasion of Iraq, Vatican officials repeatedly rejected the idea that nations could wage war without responding to a specific act of aggression and without the explicit backing of the United Nations or international treaties, in order to eliminate a potential threat of terrorism.

"On the concept of 'preventive war,' the position of the Holy See has not changed at all," Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, the Vatican equivalent of a foreign minister, said Jan. 24 in a response to questions by Catholic News Service.

"Obviously, defense against terrorism must be preventive to some degree. That doesn't mean shooting first, but rather working so that there is no interest in shooting," the archbishop said.

"All this requires a concerted action by states at various levels, and primarily, in my view, at the cultural level," he said.

If anything, the failure to find weapons of mass destruction in Iraq has bolstered the Vatican's conviction that this war, in particular, did not have legitimacy.

The Vatican does recognize that the use of force to prevent acts of terrorism can sometimes be legitimate, as an extension of the principle of self-defense, but the threat must be specific and well-defined.

"In the face of a clear terrorist threat, there is a duty of prevention. But, of course, this cannot be stretched to mean that the Holy See accepts the idea of preventive war," one highly placed Vatican official explained.

"That would be adopting a principle that goes against the many statements made over the last year," he said.

The Vatican's views were perhaps best illustrated by its very different reactions to the U.S. military actions in Afghanistan in late 2001 and to the invasion of Iraq last year. A Vatican spokesman and other church officials offered qualified support for U.S. attacks against al-Qaida strongholds in Afghanistan, saying the use of force in that situation represented an extension of self-defense against a terrorist organization that could be expected to strike again.

But the same case could not be made for Iraq, and this was underscored by the lack of an international consensus in support of the war, Vatican officials said.

One thing the Vatican and the United States want is reform of the United Nations -- but with different points of emphasis. The pope has spoken generally of restoring to the United Nations its proper role of protecting the international order.

The United States, on the other hand, wants to see the United Nations as a "more action-oriented structure and less a debating structure," especially when it comes to responding to terrorist threats around the world, said one informed U.S. source in Rome.

U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Jim Nicholson, noting the pope's call for new "legal instruments" against terrorism, has organized a conference this spring on that subject, inviting international experts and Vatican officials.

He said in an interview that he sees the topic as fruitful ground for U.S.-Vatican cooperation.

Vatican officials, however, caution that in conducting the "war on terrorism" the United States seems to rely too heavily on short-term military solutions and not enough on political, social and educative steps.

"There's a feeling that there's an imbalance, that more attention should be given to removal of the causes of terrorism and, above all, to education. We need to get at the roots of terrorism," said one Vatican official.

"But there is also understanding that the United States is still probably under the influence of Sept. 11, and that this has resulted in a priority for military action," he said.

Cheney and his Vatican counterparts also discussed the Israeli-Palestinian question, but Vatican officials believe that serious new peace initiatives by the United States probably will come only after the 2004 presidential elections.

Pope meets US Vice President, urges international cooperation Vatican, Jan. 27 (CWNews.com)

Vatican, Jan. 27 (CWNews.com) - Pope John Paul II (bio - news) met on Tuesday with US Vice President Dick Cheney, for talks that centered on Iraq and the Holy Land.

After a 15-minute private conversation with Cheney, the Pope met with the entire 12-member American delegation, including the Vice President's wife and other US officials. During that meeting the Holy Father gave a brief address which emphasized "the growth of international cooperation and solidarity" in the pursuit of peace. That comment seemed to point toward the Vatican's insistence that American foreign policy should be conducted in accord with international law and guided by the United Nations.

"The American people have always cherished the fundamental values of freedom, justice and equality," the Pope remarked in that same speech. He urged the application of these same principles to America's foreign-policy efforts.

After the meeting, Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls issued a statement revealing that the topics of Cheney's discussion with the Pope had included not only the Middle East, but also "the defense and promotion of life, the family, solidarity, and religious freedom."

Following his audience with the Pope, Vice President Cheney also met privately with the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Angelo Sodano (bio - news); and the Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo.

Pope salutes new chapel on Mount of the Beatitudes Vatican, Jan. 19 (CWNews.com)

Vatican, Jan. 19 (CWNews.com) - Pope John Paul II (bio - news) sent a special message to the Patriarch of Jerusalem, saluting the dedication of the "Domus Galilaeae" chapel on the site where Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount.

In his message to Patriarch Michel Sabbah-- dated January 6, but made public only January 17-- the Pope recalled his own trip to the Holy Land in March 2000, during which he celebrated Mass at the Mount of the Beatitudes for a congregation of about 100,000.

The "Domus Galilaeae" chapel, a project begun in 1999 under the sponsorship of the NeoCatechumenate, is designed to serve as a retreat center and house of formation for priests and religious.

Retired Vatican official condemns ideology behind suicide bombings Jan-16-2004VATICAN CITY (CNS)

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- An ideology that could push a mother of two young children to kill others in a suicide bombing must be based on something truly inhumane, said a retired top official at Vatican Radio. Speaking Jan. 15 on Vatican Radio's One-O-Five Live channel, Cardinal Roberto Tucci, former president of Vatican Radio's management committee and a former papal trip organizer, commented on what turned out to be the first female Palestinian suicide bomber from the Hamas militant group. The 22-year-old woman set off explosives strapped to her body at a Gaza Strip border crossing into Israel Jan. 14, killing herself and four Israeli security personnel. "This attack in Erez makes me think there is a truly inhumane ideology behind it, something that could succeed in penetrating the mind of a young mother -- someone who should be in favor of life -- and instead make her an instrument of the death of innocent civilians," said Cardinal Tucci.

Israel's Chief Rabbis ask Pope for "anti-Semitism" Day – historic meeting Jan 19, 2004 CathNews

The Pope endorsed a musical initiative in Rome on the weekend to foster harmony between the world´s three major monotheist religions: Christianity, Judaism and Islam. There was also an historic 90 minute meeting between His Holiness and the two Chief Rabbis from Israel. The Chief Rabbis have asked the Pope to endorse a world "anti-Semitism Day". Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar said the Pope responded to the suggestion "positively".

All the major secular news agencies are carrying reports of the Pope´s meeting with the two Chief Rabbis and of the orchestral performance by The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra with choruses from Turkey, the United States, Britain and the Pope´s native Poland in performances of part of Gustav Mahler´s Second Symphony. The world premiere of "Abraham", a work by contemporary American composer John Harbison, was also performed. The event was financed and facilitated by the Knights of St Columbus especially to foster better relations between the world´s three great monotheistic religions.

At the concert the Pope said: "The story of relations among Jews, Christians and Muslims is marked by light and shadows, and, unfortunately, has known painful moments. Today, one feels the pressing need for reconciliation among believers in the one God," the Pope said.

"The hope that we express together is that men will be purified of the hate and evil that continuously threaten peace and know how to lend each other a hand which knows no violence and is ready to offer help and comfort to those in need," he said.

VATICAN - THE POPE RECEIVES CHIEF RABBIS OF ISRAEL: “WE MUST SPARE NO EFFORT IN WORKING TOGETHER TO BUILD A WORLD OF JUSTICE, PEACE AND RECONCILIATION FOR ALL PEOPLES” THE RABBIS ARE IN ROME TO ATTEND CONCERT FOR RECONCILIATION AMONG CHRISTIANS, JEWS AND MUSLIMS 16 Jan 2004 Vatican City (Fides Service)

Vatican City (Fides Service) – On January 16 Pope John Paul II granted a private audience to Chief Rabbi of Israel Jona Metzgher, Chief Rabbi of Israel Slomo Amar and Oded Wiener, Director General of Chief Rabbinate, who have come to Rome for a special Concert for Reconciliation which will take place in the Paul VI Audience Hall on Saturday 17.

The Pope welcomed the Chief Rabbis warmly. It was the first time he received them in the Vatican. He had met them on his visit to the Holy Land in 2000 “In the twenty-five years of my Pontificate I have striven to promote Jewish-Catholic dialogue and to foster ever greater understanding, respect and cooperation between us” the Pope said and he added “Indeed, one of the highlights of my Pontificate will always remain my Jubilee Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, which included intense moments of remembrance, reflection and prayer at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial and at the Wailing Wall.” He said that the official dialogue established between the Catholic Church and the Chief Rabbinate of Israel “is a sign of great hope”. And he concluded: “We must spare no effort in working together to build a world of justice, peace and reconciliation for all peoples. May Divine Providence bless our work and crown it with success!”

In their addresses the Rabbis thanked the Pope for his words in the past against anti-Judaism and for instituting the Day of Judaism in the Catholic Church. The Rabbis asked the Pope to exercise his influence to contrast the growing wave of terrorism which strikes innocent people and threatens reconciliation and they expressed concern for the grieving families of prisoners of war and soldiers who have disappeared asking him to exercise his moral influence to help them.

(S.L.) (Fides Service 16/1/2004 – lines 20; words 274)

Rabbis to meet Pope amid Vatican-Israel tensions Vatican, Jan. 15 (CWNews.com)

Vatican, Jan. 15 (CWNews.com) - Pope John Paul II (bio - news) will meet on Friday with the two grand rabbis of Israel, Yona Metzger and Shlomo Amar.

The two Israeli Jewish leaders will meet with the Pontiff prior to a special concert on Friday night. The concert, organized by the Vatican as a gesture toward reconciliation among the world's three great monotheistic religions, will feature American conductor Gilbert Levine.

This will be the first meeting between the Pope and the Israeli religious leaders since John Paul visited the Holy Land in 2000. Their conversation is likely to revolve around Jewish-Christian relations, with a secondary emphasis on relations between the Holy See and the state of Israel.

Vatican views regarding Israel are marked by some tension, because of strong Vatican opposition to the Israeli building of a "security wall" blocking Palestinian territory. The problem has been compounded by new Israeli plans to restrict access to the Palestinian territories for foreign visitors.

Under the terms of the new policy, visitors to Israel-- including Christian pilgrims-- will not be able to enter Palestinian territories without special permission, which in turn will require approval from the embassies of their home countries. The exact details of the policy are not yet clear, but it is evident that the measure will inhibit Christian pilgrims from visiting the shrines of Bethlehem, among other places.

The Vatican is expected to lodge a strong formal protest against the new policy, which violates the terms of the "fundamental accords" signed by the Holy See and the Israeli government in 1993. In that historic agreement, the Israeli government made a commitment to preserve free access to Christian shrines, and to support pilgrimages by Christians to the Holy Land. The restricted access to Palestinian territories will obviously be an obstacle for group pilgrimages as well as individual visitors.

Pope: War, terrorism and secularism are enemies of peace by Bernardo Cervellera 12 January, 2004 VATICAN Vatican City (AsiaNews)

Vatican City (AsiaNews) – At 11:00 this morning in the Vatican Apostolic Palace’s Sala Regia, John Paul II met with 174 members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See to exchange New Year’s greetings. The speech given by the Holy Father was an occasion to address the most urgent needs to which, according to the Holy See, the international community must lend its attention.

The pope listed various issues threatening world peace: the situation in Iraq; Israeli-Palestinian conflict; international terrorism; the enemy of secularism in religious expression. But the pope indicated where the seeds of peace are being sewn: in the martyrdom of Msgr. Michael Courtney, nuncio in Burundi and that of Sergio Veira de Mello, the UN director killed in Baghdad; and the on-going efforts of Christians of various denominations to educate for peace, justice and forgiveness.

The pope especially thanked the dean the Diplomatic Corps, Hon. Giovanni Galassi, San Marino’s ambassador, for his greeting and expressed his “prayer and affection” for the nations the ambassadors represent.

Speaking on the Middle East’s threatened peace, John Paul II said that the Holy See was against the war in Iraq. However, “what is important today is that the international community help the Iraqi people, who have been freed from an oppressive regime, so that they are placed in conditions allowing them to take up the running of their country again, consolidating their own sovereignty and being able to determine a political and economic system in a democratic way in line with their aspirations so that Iraq may return as a credible collaborator in the international community.”

Defining the Israeli-Palestinian problem as a “a permanent destabilizing factor in the entire region”, the pope reminded those present that the “use of terrorism on one hand and retaliations, humiliating adversaries and hateful propaganda, on the other, “ does not solve anything. And since peace is not “a mere balance of powers”, a solution can be found only in the “respect for each other’s legitimate aspirations; by returning to the bargaining table; and in the concrete efforts of the international community.”

The pope said the “tensions and conflicts” marring Africa with blood have created sorrow in the hearts of people, depletion of resources, the breaking down of institutions –all nourished by the continuous sale of arms.

Concerning such situations, the pope wanted to pay homage to Msgr. Michael Courtney, apostolic nuncio in Burundi, who was killed for “having wanted to serve the causes of peace and dialog” and Sergio Veira de Mello, the UN Special Representative in Iraq killed by a terrorist attack in Baghdad. It is precisely for the fight against international terrorism that the pope has sought the cooperation of the entire international community. “How can one not cite international terrorism which, in sewing fear, heat and fanaticism, dishonors all the causes its attempts to serve? I am not happy merely to say that every civilization that is worthy of being called as such supposes the categorical refusal of any association with violence."

"And hence, the pontiff said, we will never resign ourselves to passively accept that violence holds peace hostage!” In order to obtain a more efficacious collective security, John Paul II said that we must give back to the UN its rightful place and role.

The pope then spoke about the contribution that all believers make to bring about peace, in as much as they are God’s witnesses to peace and justice. They are major “pillars in the building of a peaceful world and one which is brought to peace.” Therefore the pontiff warned some countries, especially some in Europe, not to carry out any harmful secularism in religious expression. Here is his concern is seen for France which has denied the “displaying of showy religious symbols”; the controversies in Italy over the exposition of the crucifix; the Swedish government’s interference in rites of Jewish circumcision in addition to pretensions to eliminate believers from participation in political debates and issues involving euthanasia and artificial insemination.

“The principle of secularism is invoked, the pope said, “in terms of distinctions between political communities and religions (cf. Gaudium et Spes n. 76). However this distinction does not mean ignorance! Secular status is not secularism! The former is none other than the state’s respect for all faiths, which guarantees the free practice of worship, spiritual, educational, and charitable activities by the community of believers. In a pluralistic society, secularity is the place for communication between various spiritual traditions and the nation.”

Hoping for “sane dialog between Church and State” the pope recalled a fresh fruit of secularism: the exclusion of the “Christian roots” from the European constitution, the result of a re-reading of history “through the prism of reductionist ideologies”. In such a way there is the desire to forget Christianity’s contribution to the “establishing” of Europe at the same time it was "evangelized” and the contribution of so many Christians to the fall of authoritarian regimes in eastern Europe.

The pope’s message was concluded with an appeal to ecumenicalism and dialog between Christians. It is not only practiced as an act of obedience to Christ’s call to unity, but also to “show the leaders of nations the resources from which they may draw” in order to bring about peace. In sum, ecumenicalism is a way for Christians to contribute to educating for peace.

Peace, agreements with Catholic Church fail to take off 6 January, 2004 ISRAEL - VATICAN, Bethlehem (AsiaNews)

The Epiphany is a feast of movement, mission and peace The feast marks the movement of the star of Bethlehem, the movement of the Magi. It marks the creation of peace between rich and poor, between the King and his manger. However on earth, where Jesus was born, this Epiphany is marked by a near immobility.

Certainly, as is tradition, Bethlehem received the official visit of the Custos of the Holy Land, Fr. Giovanni Battistelli OFM, who since Christmas Eve has visited the city and the cave of the Nativity. Today he even celebrated a pontifical High Mass at St. Catherine’s church, the Latin rite church adjacent to that of the Nativity (under Orthodox care).

In preparation for Orthodox Christmas – celebrated tomorrow – today marked the arrival of the Orthodox patriarch. Minor scuffles occurred between his body guards and civilians in the square.

There are few pilgrims in the city. There are difficulties reaching Bethlehem from Israel, especially for Israeli citizens and Palestinians from other areas. Yet pilgrims from abroad have all the means to reach Bethlehem. The destruction and aftermath of the events of the last three years are still noticeable in the city.

Peace

However it is peace which particularly seems to be at a standstill. Within Israel it is often discussed. Geneva’s instructions (the so-called “peace agreement”) have forced all to understand that peace is possible. All Israelis, in government and in the opposition, applaud or criticize it. But no one is indifferent to it. Yet, the impression is that all efforts have ceased. The general feeling is that no change is expected until the next American presidential elections in Nov. 2004.

The Wall

Another element of concern and discussion is the Wall dividing Israel and the occupied territories. The government is quite concerned about the hearings that will soon take place at the Hague International Court of Justice. The UN, in fact, has asked the Hague for its legal opinion on the Wall’s construction.

Minister of Justice, Joseph “Tommy” Lapide, pointed out to his government colleagues that Israel, if it wants to continue building a wall, must do so on the border between Israel and the occupied territories and not within the territories (as is occurring, taking possession of nearly 5% of these territories). According to Lapide, there is also the risk that Israel ends up like South Africa, stamped as an apartheid regime.

Some ministers criticized Lapide and his statements since, they say, they could be used by the Hague against Israel. The opposition, on the other hand, applauds him, but asks that he be consistent and quit the government.

Religious tax evaders?

On the ecclesial front, Israel’s government for months now has refused to participate in negotiations with the Holy See. It withdrew its delegation last Aug. 28 and it still hasn’t returned to the bargaining table, as was reported in the Israeli daily, the Ha’aretz.

Last Dec. 30 was the 10th anniversary of the Fundamental Agreement made between Israel and the Holy See. But the agreement is still only half way completed. It could receive real application above all to guarantee tax exemption to Church properties and grant them legal protection. However, the government’s decision to withdraw its efforts has caused such an agreement not to be substantially applied and to bear many problems.

Church property tax exemption has existed for centuries in the Holy Land, being the fruit of agreements between western powers and the Ottoman Empire. The UN’s resolution on Nov. 29 1947, which guaranteed the birth of Israel, confirmed these tax exemptions.

Currently, without a specific agreement on this issue, Christian communities, parishes and religious institutions could be incriminated for tax evasion. In fact, it sometimes happens that religious institutions are taken to court for tax evasion. The reason why they don’t pay is because they have never paid. They seem to be tax evaders only because for months now the Israeli government has withdrawn from negotiations aimed at such an agreement and reveals no signs of wanting to return. Printable page

Pope seeks "new international order" to build peace Vatican, Jan. 02 (CWNews.com)

Vatican, Jan. 02 (CWNews.com) - In his annual message for the World Day of Peace, formally released on January 1, Pope John Paul II (bio - news) called for the creation of a new international order to "form consciences in the culture of peace."

The Holy Father presided at Mass on January 1-- the feast of the Mother of God-- in the Vatican basilica. Since 1968, the same date has also been observed by the Holy See as the World Day of Peace, on the suggestion of Pope Paul VI. So the 170 ambassadors accredited to the Holy See were on hand to receive the Pope's message.

Cardinal Angelo Sodano (bio - news), the Vatican Secretary of State, was the principal celebrant for the Mass in St. Peter's basilica. But it was Pope John Paul, in a 12-minute homily, who delivered the message which was dedicated to the theme of educating people for peace.

In that homily the Pontiff decried the continued bloodshed in many parts of the world. He made a special mention of the assassination of Archbishop Michael Courtney, the apostolic nuncio in Burundi, who had been slain "while carrying out the mission of promoting dialogue and reconciliation." The Pope also mentioned that the Holy Land "continues to live with tragic circumstances," and persistent warfare in other regions causes a "temptation toward discouragement."

To counteract these violent impulses, the Pope said, "a new international order is ever more necessary." He urged world leaders to build on "results achieved over the years by the United Nations" and construct a world order respectful of human rights, honoring the principle of solidarity, and dedicated to addressing the root causes of conflict.

"Peace is possible, and it is a duty," the Pope declared, repeating a theme that has become common in his speeches.

During the Mass, one of the petitions in the prayers of the faithful-- read, significantly, in Arabic-- asked for prayers that world leaders "who have the duty to promote peace: that they may accept, in the depths of their consciences, that peace proclaimed by the angels, and they may seek never again to invoke the law of force, but always to force of law."

Following the morning Mass, the Pope appeared at noon from the window of his apartment in the apostolic palace. He told the people assembled in St. Peter's Square the "peace is, above all, a gift from God; but it is also a cause to which everyone can contribute."

The Pope concluded his midday audience by offering his best wishes for the new year: in Italian, French, English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, and finally his native Polish.