NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      VATICAN (CWNews.com) -- Vatican Radio has praised the government of France for writing off debts owed by Nicaragua and Honduras in the wake of the devastating hurricane that swept through both Central American nations. The radio broadcast also acknowledged the gesture of Cuba, which has forgiven debts owed by Nicaragua.

      The Vatican Radio broadcast recalled that Pope John Paul II has called frequently for efforts to relieve the debts owed by impoverished nations, suggesting in particular that a moratorium on debt payment would be an appropriate way to observe the Jubilee Year.