NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      VATICAN (CWNews.com) -- The growth of secularization and hedonism have obscured some fundamental truths about the family, Pope John Paul II has said.

      In a message delivered at a meeting of family-life movements from around Europe, organized by the Pontifical Council for the Family, the Holy Father called for "constant and courageous" Christian witness to advance the cause of "human life in its natural habitat-- the family founded upon marriage." The papal message was addressed to Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo, the president of the Council.

      The Pope's message also called upon all pastors to show "constant and attentive solicitude" for the concerns of family life. The Pope declared, "The entire Christian community is called to defend and promote these fundamental human and evangelical principles."

      The Holy Father also emphasized religious life in speaking to a group of American bishops who were making their ad limina visit. Pope John Paul II called for a renewal of consecrated life, and urged the bishops to make sure that the seminary formation of diocesan priests gave them a keen understanding of the importance of consecrated religious life.

      In a meeting with bishops from the Midwestern United States, the Pope said that the public witness of religious men and women should be a constant reminder of the spirit of the Beatitudes. Just as last week he had emphasized the role of the laity in a talk with another group of American bishops, on this occasion the Pope explained how the religious life is an essential component of the ecclesial community.

      "As bishops, you have the duty to safeguard and proclaim the principles of religious life," the Pope said. He argued that a proper appreciation for those principles will enrich the entire Church, and challenge the secular society.