VATICAN INFORMATION SERVICE
YEAR XXII - # 105
DATE 06-06-2015

Summary:
- The Pope arrives in Sarajevo: heal the wounds of the past and look to the
future with hope
- Mass in Kosevo stadium: "Be artisans of peace"
- Decrees for the Causes of Saints
- Audiences
- Other Pontifical Acts

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 The Pope arrives in Sarajevo: heal the wounds of the past and look to the
future with hope
 Vatican City, 6 June 2015 (VIS) - Pope Francis arrived shortly after 9 a.m. in
Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina and the destination of his eighth
apostolic trip. The central theme of the Holy See's concern for
Bosnia-Herzegovina - visited twice by St. John Paul II - is peace, and this is
perpetuated in the theme chosen for Pope Francis' visit: "Peace be with you".
 The Pontiff, who left Rome at 7.30 a.m., was received at the international
airport of Sarajevo by President Dragan Crovic, the Croat member of the
tripartite (Serb, Croat and Bosnian) Presidency of Bosnia-Herzegovina, by the
president of the Episcopal Conference and cardinal archbishop of Sarajevo,
Vinko
Puljic, and by Archbishop Luigi Pezzuto, apostolic nuncio. From their he
transferred by car to the presidential palace for the welcome ceremony and
courtesy visit to the members of the Presidency: acting president Mladen
Ivanic,
the Croatian member Dragan Covic and the Bosnian member Bakir Izetbegovic.
 Following the courtesy visit, Francis entered the presidential drawing room
where he pronounced his first discourse in Sarajevo, before the civil
authorities, the diplomatic corps, the bishops and various other religious
leaders.
 "I am pleased to be in this city which, although it has suffered so much in
the
bloody conflicts of the past century, has once again become a place of dialogue
and peaceful coexistence", said the Pope. "Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina
have a special significance for Europe and for the whole world. Bosnia and
Herzegovina has advanced from a culture of conflict and war to a culture of
encounter.
 "For centuries in these lands, communities were present who professed
different
religions, who belonged to distinct ethnic and cultural groups, each endowed
with its own rich characteristics; each fostered its own traditions, without
these differences having impeded for any length of time the establishment of
mutually fraternal and cordial relationships", he continued. "The very
architecture and layout of Sarajevo reveal visible and substantial
characteristics of these different communities, each a short distance from the
other - synagogues, churches and mosques - so much so that Sarajevo has been
called the 'Jerusalem of Europe'. Indeed it represents a crossroads of
cultures,
nations and religions, a status which requires the building of new bridges,
while maintaining and restoring older ones, thus ensuring avenues of
communication that are efficient, sure and fraternal.
 "We need to communicate with each other, to discover the gifts of each person,
to promote that which unites us, and to regard our differences as an
opportunity
to grow in mutual respect", he remarked. "Patience and trust are called for in
such dialogue, permitting individuals, families and communities to hand on the
values of their own culture and welcome the good which comes from others'
experiences. In so doing, even the deep wounds of the recent past will be set
aside, so that the future may be looked to with hope, facing the daily problems
that all communities experience with hearts and minds free of fear and
resentment.
 "I have come here as a pilgrim of peace and dialogue, eighteen years after St.
John Paul II's historic visit, which took place less than two years after the
signing of the Dayton Peace Accord. I am happy to see the progress which has
been made, for which we must thank the Lord and so many men and women of good
will. However, we should not become complacent with what has been achieved so
far, but rather seek to make further efforts towards reinforcing trust and
creating opportunities for growth in mutual knowledge and respect. In order to
favour this path, the solidarity and collaboration of the International
Community is fundamental, in particular that of the European Union and of all
Countries and Organisations operating in the territory of Bosnia and
Herzegovina. Bosnia and Herzegovina is indeed an integral part of Europe, the
successes and tragic experiences of the former are integrated fully into the
latter's history of successes and tragedies. They constitute, too, a clear call
to pursue every avenue of peace, in order that processes already underway can
be
yet more resilient and binding.
 "In this land, peace and harmony among Croats, Serbs and Bosnians, and the
initiatives taken to extend these even further, as well as the cordial and
fraternal relations among Muslims, Hebrews and Christians, and other religious
minorities, take on an importance that goes beyond its boundaries. These
initiatives offer a witness to the entire world that such cooperation among
varying ethnic groups and religions in view of the common good is possible;
that
a plurality of cultures and traditions can coexist and give rise to original
and
effective solutions to problems; that even the deepest wounds can be healed by
purifying memories and firmly anchoring hopes in the future. I saw at my
arrival
this morning in the Muslim, Orthodox, Jewish, Catholic and children of other
religions whom I met at the airport - together and joyful! This is a sign of
hope! May we stake our future on this.
 "In order to successfully oppose the barbarity of those who would make of
every
difference the occasion and pretext for further unspeakable violence, we need
to
recognise the fundamental values of human communities, values in the name of
which we can and must cooperate, build and dialogue, pardon and grow; this will
allow different voices to unite in creating a melody of sublime nobility and
beauty, instead of the fanatical cries of hatred.
 "Responsible politicians are called to the important task of being the first
servants of their communities, taking actions which safeguard above all the
fundamental rights of the human person, among which the right to religious
freedom stands out. In this way it will be possible to build, with concrete
measures, a more peaceful and just society, working step-by-step together to
solve the many problems which people experience daily. In order for this to
come
about, it is vital that all citizens be equal both before the law and its
implementation, whatever their ethnic, religious or geographical affiliation.
All alike will then feel truly involved in public life. Enjoying the same
rights, they will be able to make their specific contribution to the common
good.
 "The Catholic Church, by means of the prayer and the works of her faithful and
her institutions, is taking an part in the process of material and moral
reconstruction of Bosnia and Herzegovina, sharing the country's joys and
concerns. The Church is committed to offering her particular solicitude and
closeness to the poor and to those most in need, inspired by the teaching and
example of her Divine Master, Jesus. The Holy See praises the work carried out
in these recent years, and is determined to continue promoting cooperation,
dialogue and solidarity, in the sure knowledge that peace and mutual listening
in an ordered and civil society are indispensable conditions for authentic and
lasting development. Through the contribution of all, and leaving behind
completely the dark clouds of storms gone by, the Holy See fervently hopes that
Bosnia and Herzegovina may continue along the journey embarked upon, so that
after the winter chill, springtime may come to blossom. And already we see
spring blooming here!" exclaimed the Pope.
 "With these thoughts I implore the Almighty for peace and prosperity in
Sarajevo and all of Bosnia and Herzegovina", he concluded.

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 Mass in Kosevo stadium: "Be artisans of peace"
 Vatican City, 6 June 2015 (VIS) - Following his address to the authorities of
Bosnia-Herzegovina, Pope Francis travelled by car to the Kosevo stadium, where

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