NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      VATICAN (CWNews.com) -- In a talk to chaplains studying at the University of Rome, Pope John Paul II said that Western society-- although rich in material goods-- betrays a real spiritual poverty.

      The Holy Father stressed the importance of pastoral work among university students, pointing out that when there are no spiritual principles to guide the work of the affluent and educated-- in "a culture which exalts the individual to an absolute degree, and does not encourage solidarity"-- there is a risk that authority and power will be abused, so that they lead to "domination of the weak by the strong."

      "The university chapel is called to be the vital center of the promotion of a renewal in Christian culture," the Pope said. He urged the chaplains to redouble their efforts to instill a sense of Christian purpose in the midst of academic training.