NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      VATICAN (CWNews.com) -- Pope John Paul II presided at a solemn Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, in memory of the cardinals and bishops who have died during the past year.

      The Holy Father praised the deceased prelates for their service to the Church, saying that they had imitated the Good Shepherd, "who lays down his life for his sheep." Summing up one of the main themes of his pontificate, the Pope said, "This is the destiny of every Christian, and indeed of every man: to find himself through the gift of his self." He concluded that the Holy spirit "will raise up to new and eternal life all those who have generously given their life to the Gospel."

      Ten cardinals have died during the past year: Cardinals Laurean Rugamba, Eduardo Pironio, Antonio Quarracino, Jean Balland, Antonio Ribeiro, Alberto Bovone, Agostino Casaroli, John J. Carberry, Anastasio A. Ballestrero, OCD, and Alois Grillmeier, SJ. Their deaths leave the College of Cardinals with 157 members today, of whom 101 are eligible to take part in a papal election. Of the 157 cardinals, 128 were elevated by Pope John Paul II.