Church's Face Ever ‘More Beautiful and Young’

IL GIORNALE, March 13 — “Following the Pope's gesture, the Church's holiness shines even more,” said Auxiliary Archbishop Rino Fisichella of Rome in an interview with the Italian newspaper the day of Pope John Paul II's Day of Pardon in St. Peter's Basilica.

“It was a simple gesture, but at the same time solemn,” said Bishop Fisichella. “John Paul II wanted to give a complete, global vision, making reference to circumstances of the past, but without focusing on details out of respect for history.”

The auxiliary bishop of Rome recalled that “the Church is not the one who has sinned. The sinners are Christians and they have done so against the Church, the Bride of Christ.”

In response to those who say the Church's mea culpa is not enough, Bishop Fisichella replied: “Some were hoping we would ask for forgiveness for the very fact that we exist, but we cannot do this. Thank God, not only do we exist, we also enjoy good health. With every passing year, the Church's face becomes more beautiful and young.”

Some Things Are Just Worth It

TIME, March 20 — In an article on Pope John Paul II's pilgrimage to the Holy Land, the national newsmagazine reported that some in Israel have complained about the political and financial costs of the trip, including $3 million for the hollowing of a hillside for a papal Mass near the site where Jesus is believed to have delivered the Sermon on the Mount.

TIME, however, was able to see the greater spiritual value in the expenditure: “There, overlooking the Sea of Galilee, the Pope will address a congregation of 100,000 and share with them Christ's body and blood. Some things are worth every bit of trouble that goes into them.”