News Flash from the Vatican:

ROME, Dec 3 (Reuters) - Pope John Paul celebrated mass on Sunday in honour of
the world's disabled and called on politicians and scientists to work harder
to protect and improve the lives of those born or left with disabilities.

"It is possible and it is our duty to do more to protect the dignity of the
handicapped," he said in an address to more than 12,000 people who packed the
Basilica of St Paul's, chosen over St Peter's because of its better
wheelchair access.

During the mass, the 80-year-old Pontiff met and blessed dozens of children
and young adults paralysed by physical affliction or suffering from
conditions such as Down's Syndrome.

"In a society rich with scientific knowledge and technological skill, it is
and should be possible to do more, from biomedical research to prevent
disability, to the absolute cure of afflictions," the Pope, who shows the
symptoms of Parkinson's disease, said to applause.

A blind man, using a Braille Bible, read a passage from the Old Testament
during the service.

"This celebration is certainly among the most significant and dear to me of
all the Jubilee celebrations," the Pope said.

The Roman Catholic Church has designated the year 2000 a Holy Year, with a
different section of society honoured each week as part of the Jubilee.

06:14 12-03-00

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