NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      VATICAN (CWNews.com) -- On Saturday, October 24, Pope John Paul II accepted the diplomatic credentials of Jean Gueguinou, the new ambassador of France to the Holy See.

      In his remarks to the French diplomat, the Pope mentioned the needs of the family and of Catholic schools, and the government's policies regarding immigrants and resident aliens, as well as the more general need for world peace and diplomatic resolution of conflicts.

      The Pope also spoke of the principle of secularity which governs relations between France and the Holy See. While recognizing the need to keep the government removed from questions of religious faith, he pointed out, this principle nonetheless does not eliminate the need for a religious perspective, nor does it even militate against "the acceptance of a religious dimension in the national patrimony." The proper separation of church and state, he concluded, is a recognition that religious practice is a private affair; it does not exclude the possibility that government should recognize the positive contributions of faith in the life of society.

      After remarking on the need to protect family life and to allow parents to obtain a Catholic education for their children, the Pope next turned to the issue of immigration. "France has a tradition of social conviviality, openness, respect, and welcome," he said. He expressed the hope that France would continue that tradition by recognizing immigrants as "above all, our brothers."