VATICAN CITY, JUN 24, 2001 (VIS) - Today, prior to lunch, the Pope met with members of the Ukrainian Catholic Episcopate and with the cardinals and bishops of his own entourage, at the apostolic nunciature in Kiev.
John Paul II thanked the Ukrainian bishops "for the witness given by Catholics in this land. ... Living as members of the one Church, yet respectful of different ritual traditions, you have a great opportunity to take part as it were in an important 'ecclesial workshop' aimed at building unity in diversity. This is the best way to respond to the many and complex pastoral challenges of the present time."
The Holy Father highlighted the need for the spiritual, intellectual and pastoral formation of priests and religious as well as the "fundamental task" of "competent and up-to-date catechesis of adults and young people."
After highlighting "the large number of divorces and the widespread practice of abortion," he said: "Let the family therefore be one of your pastoral priorities."
"The models of hedonistic and materialistic life often presented by the mass media, the crisis of values affecting the family, the illusion of an easy life without effort, the problems of unemployment and uncertainty about the future often create serious disorientation in young people, making them susceptible to ephemeral visions of life stripped of values or to worrying forms of escapism. Energy and resources must be invested in their human and Christian formation." In this regard, the Pope expressed his pleasure at the creation of "an Institute of Social Sciences, which will provide a deeper understanding of the Church's social teaching."
In closing, the Pope made reference to the importance of unity among Catholics: "This deep experience of communion within the Catholic Church will doubtless stimulate appropriate forms of fraternal cooperation with our Orthodox brethren. ... Ecumenical dialogue must therefore be an indispensable priority for believers and for the Churches in Ukraine."
Vatican Information Service
24. juni 2001