The organisers of the World Youth Day to be celebrated in August 2000 in Rome, at which over fifteen lakhs of youth are expected from different parts of the world, claim that it will be a chief attraction of the Great Jubilee from December 4 to 7. Representatives of Bishops from 58 countries and of 45 youth movements and organisations, have al ready met to chalk out the preliminary plans for the celebrations. This central committee consists of nearly 200 people. The World Youth Day celebrations will last from August 15th to 20th.
 
 

Germany: The German Bishops' Conference that met in Bonn has decided that there is nothing wrong in the Church coming forward to give asylum to those who have been unjustly tried and exiled from their motherland. Such political refugees are often rejected by governments. The spokesman of the Bishops' conference made it clear that the Church would try its utmost to safeguard the rights of such refugees, receive them and rehabilitate them.
 
 

In his Christmas message the Pope made it clear that he wished all nations of the world would abolish capital punishment as it is an attack on life. Life is invaluable from the very first moment of its origin and all are obliged to preserve it. The Pope has been constantly reminding the world of this great truth. His Christmas message very well reflects the great obligation we have to safeguard life.
 
 

Washington: The Vatican Delegate has requested the American Congress not to sanction the financial help for experiments on the foetus as it is a challenge to life. We, who have the obligation to stand for the good of mankind, cannot promote fundamental evils. Scientific progress should not be at the expense of human dignity. It was the Secretariat of the Pro-life Commission of the American Bishops' Conference that drew the attention of the American Congress to this matter.
 
 

The Vatican: The Pope has stated that the hope that shines in the Church's efforts for evangelisation, is the supreme evidence for the work of the Holy Spirit in the Church. The presence of the Holy Spirit has been very evident in the preparation for the II Vatican Council, its duration and the post-Vatican years. The Holy Spirit is preparing numerous ministers of the word among the laity. In the third millennium the activities of Spirit-filled lay people will lend new life to the Church. Likewise, a great number of able and willing women, who can work actively in the Church and in society, have come forward offering their services.