Sabbath Mass Disturbs Orthodox
Feb. 18—Pope John Paul II's upcoming Holy Land visit “faces new problems” after ultra-Orthodox Jewish leaders asked him to cancel a Mass for the Solemnity of the Annunciation on March 25, a Saturday, because it will require security and other state employees to work in violation of the Jewish Sabbath, the New York tabloid reported. But a top Israeli official dealing with the papal visit said it was normal for many troops and police to handle security on Saturdays for visiting dignitaries. “It's a nonproblem,” he told the Post.
Bishop Arrested in China
Feb. 15—Chinese leaders sent about 150 police officers, at midnight, to arrest 80-year-old Archbishop John Yang Shudao of Fushou, the Times reported. It is another sign, the paper said, of how the Chinese communist suppression of the underground Church has intensified in recent years. Eight bishops and scores of priests loyal to Rome have been jailed in recent years.