Pope Pleased as Dove of Peace Finds Its Way

ASSOCIATED PRESS, Jan. 27 — Pope John Paul II seemed delighted as a dove that was intended to fly off over St. Peter's Square flew into his studio instead — and then out again. Young Italian members of Catholic Action had joined the Pope at his top-floor window overlooking the square to release two doves as part of their peace day celebrations Jan. 27. One bird went back inside.

The dove's second release led the crowd to applaud and Pope John Paul to smile. He called the doves an important and symbolic gesture “dedicated to so many children who, unfortunately, are still victims of wars and grave injustices.”

Jewish and Catholic Leaders Take Joint Stand

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, Jan. 29 — Jewish and Catholic leaders ended a religious conference in Paris with a joint vow to combat anti-Semitism, the French news agency reported. As the two-day conference wrapped up, Pope John Paul said the two faith groups, working together, can make important contributions to ensuring that religious values have only positive effects on the continent.

“We must transmit to new generations our riches and common values,” the Pope said in a letter to participants.

Issues covered at the conference included co-existence, the challenge of secularism and promoting the memory of the Holocaust. In a closing statement, Catholic representatives stressed their “wholehearted brotherhood with Jewish communities based not on political considerations but in our deepest spiritual convictions.”

Jewish delegates praised the Pope for his role in building bridges between the two faiths. Conference host Henri Hajdenberg, former president of the European Jewish Congress, said the Pope was the first Catholic leader to grasp the significance of the defining events of 20th century Jewish history, the Holocaust and the founding of the state of Israel.

Head of Magicians Group Asks for Patron Saint

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, Jan. 30 — Father Silvio Mantelli wore a magician's top hat along with his black suit and Roman collar when he appeared for an audience with Pope John Paul at the Vatican. But he wanted to make a special request. Accompanied by a group of Catholic magicians, he asked that the Vatican declare St. John Bosco patron saint of magicians.

St. John Bosco, founder of the Salesian order, was known for his work with disadvantaged youth and for drawing the attention of young people through tricks and amusements.

Father Mantelli, an Italian priest and amateur magician, heads the organization Magicians Without Borders, which finances children's projects around the world with proceeds from magic shows.

He also presented the Pope with a magic wand from India, expressing his hope that the Holy Father continue to “weave his great magic around the world — peace and serenity.”