Pope John Paul II has stated that "the sacrament of reconciliation is the antidote for the pain and agony caused by sin." He describes the sacrament of confession as the pencillin that destroys the germs of sin spreading in individuals and in society. The Pope has reminded the faithful that confession is not only an individual experience but also a reconciliation with other members of God's Church.
 
 

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Peoples Republic of China, the police arrested numerous Catholics belonging to the underground Church of China. After July 1st nearly one lakh have been taken into custody. Bishop Lienksley, who escaped the police the last two years, is also arrested. He was taken into custody at 3 a.m. from a rented house in ShangHai. Likewise a great number of priests and nuns have also been imprisoned.
 
 

Eight Catholic Bishops have signed up in the full-page advertisement published in the New York Times asking for reduction of international debts. The international debt of 200 billion American dollars is a heavy burden to the peoples of Africa, Latin America and Asia, who are already harassed by adversity.

The advertisement appreciated the gesture of the G - 7 international summit to write off the debt of 70 billion American dollars. "The jubilee year is a time to announce liberty for those in bondage, a time to return the land to its rightful owners, and to reduce debts which it is impossible to pay back. We should be able during this jubilee year to break the chains of terrorism and exploitation and to re-establish the true dignity of man," said the advertisement.