NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      VATICAN (CWNews.com) -- Cardinal Roger Etchegary, the chairman of the Vatican committee preparing for the Jubilee, has introduced a new CD recording by Pope John Paul II, saying that it is "not the result of a commercial operation, but a new means of service to the mission of the Church."

      The new CD, entitled "Abba Pater," is a collection of the voice of Pope John Paul, set against the background of music composed by two Italian musicians, Leonardo De Amicis and Stephano Mainetti. Produced by Vatican Radio and St. Paul editions, the CD is being distributed by Sony Music. One million copies have been produced by worldwide distribution.

      The Pope's words are taken from his homilies, from traditional prayers, and from readings of the Gospel and the Psalms. They are chanted or spoken in five languages: Latin, Italian, French, English, and Spanish. The entire CD contains 11 different items, lasting a total of 50 minutes.