University Representatives Have Audience with Pope John Paul II

Brother Vincent Malham, President-Vice Chancellor, and members of the Bethlehem University International Board of Regents had an audience with His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, on Thursday, 24 June 2004 . The audience with His Holiness also included participants in the annual ROACO meeting (a meeting of Aid Agencies for the Oriental Churches which is part of the Congregation of Oriental Churches of the Vatican ).

In speaking about the Christian communities in the Holy Land and the current serious trials they experience due to the conflicts in the region, “it is necessary to persevere, praying intensely for peace for the people who live in the land of Jesus ,” the Holy Father stated. “May Christians, who are so tried by the never-ending violence and by numerous other problems that produce economic impoverishment, social conflicts, cultural and human degradation, never lack the support of the entire Catholic Church,” he continued.

The co-founders of Bethlehem University in 1973 were the Vatican through the Congregation of Oriental Churches and the De La Salle Christian Brothers. Since that time, Bethlehem University has been a place of significant growth, hope and positive contribution to the development of thousands of Palestinians, a significant success story despite the tremendous challenges experienced now and over the years. “It is also possible to contribute to the resolution of problems and to nourish the spirit of acceptance and reciprocal respect, promoting a common will of reconciliation,” stated His Holiness. “All of this will contribute to building up peace which is so-longed for.”

In attendance at the audience with the Pope were Brother Fergus McArdle, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Mr. Sami El-Yousef, Vice President for Finances and Planning, and Brother Jack Curran, Vice President for Development.