POPE JOHN PAUL II BLESSES PRIESTS FOR LIFE IN ROME

For Immediate Release

Contact: Anthony DeStefano

         (718) 980-4400

December 3, 1996

POPE JOHN PAUL II BLESSES
PRIESTS FOR LIFE IN ROME

In a 5-day trip to Rome last week, Fr. Frank Pavone met with
Pope John Paul II and numerous Vatican officials to discuss
ways to further the growth of Priests for Life, the national
organization which he heads.

Fr. Pavone, traveling with Chief of Staff, Anthony DeStefano,
concelebrated Mass with the Pontiff and later had a private
audience with him. The Holy Father strongly praised the work
of Priests for Life, saying,  "God bless you and your
apostolate  for life."

 Fr. Pavone presented the Pope with two small gifts: An audio-
tape album entitled, "Renewed by the Gospel of Life-A
Weekend Pro-Life Retreat,"  and a special photograph recently
produced by Priests for Life, featuring a Catholic Priest
surrounded by a large group of babies. The photo represents all
the babies saved from abortion in the  United States by the
Church. The Pope was visibly moved by the photo, which he
blessed.

During the trip, Fr. Pavone also spoke with officials from
The Pontifical Council for the Family, The Pontifical
Council for the Laity, The Sacred Congregation for the Clergy,
The Sacred Congregation for Bishops, and The Sacred
Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith. 

"The response I received from these Vatican departments was
overwhelming," said Fr. Pavone. "It is amazing how closely
they are following the work of Priests for Life and how pleased
they are with our success."

Particularly significant was the meeting with His Eminence
Alfonso Cardinal Lopez Trujillo, President of The
Pontifical Council for the Family.

"We had preliminary discussions regarding ways to
internationalize Priests for Life," said Fr. Pavone. "Understand
what that means-The Pontifical Council for the Family,
which directs policy on the life issues for the entire Roman
Catholic Church, is so happy with the progress we have made
here in America, that it wishes to see Priests for Life expanded
to every country in the world!"

Fr. Pavone can be reached for further comments today at (718)
980-4400. Photos of his private audience with the Pope are
also available upon request.

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