NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      VATICAN (CWNews.com) -- Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger has voiced his "reservations" about the large number of public celebrations scheduled for the Jubilee Year 2000.

      Speaking to reporters in Rome at the close of a conference of lay movements, the prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith emphasized that he was not opposed to the celebrations, but would be uncomfortable in the midst of a "permanently celebratory structure." He pointed out that one journal had listed 240 celebrations for the Jubilee, and added that these could not possibly be intended for all Catholics.

      The cardinal also observed that there are many people who reject the entire premise behind the Jubilee celebrations, because they reject the notion that the Incarnation is an important event for today's Christians. The events of the Jubilee should provide Christians with an opportunity to evangelize such people, he said.