NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      RIO DE JANIERO, 15 (NE) The Brazilian National Bishops' Conference informed yesterday that it is possible that Pope John Paul II may visit the country on occasion of celebrations for the 500 anniversary of the beginning of evangelization in Brazil. The date of the Holy Father's pilgrimage could be April 2001, in order to attend to the closing ceremony.

      Other sources have informed that the Holy Father's visit would be in the year 2000, in order to attend the inaugural activities, during which a solemn Eucharistic celebration will be carried out in the state of Bahia. This date however seems to be difficult, because of the Pontiff's tight calendar due to celebrations and activities on occasion of the Great Jubilee of the year 2000.

      If it were to be finally carried out, it would be the Pope's fourth visit to this country. The last was in 1997, on occasion of the II World Encounter of the Pope with the Families, which took place in Rio do Janeiro. The previous visits were in 1980 and 1991.