Covering the Vatican
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companies to lower prices of medications. In its work with religious and secu-
lar health care associations and with global initiatives like the United Nations’
World Health Organization, the council emphasizes both physical and spiri-
tual well-being and the inviolable dignity of the human person from concep-
tion to natural death.
Pope John Paul II, who founded the health care agency first as a pontifi-
cal commission, also instituted a World Day for the Sick, which is celebrated
every year on February 11, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Archbishop Zygmunt Zimowski is council president. The secretary is
Father Jean Mate Musivi Mupendawatu. Phone 06-6988-3138 or 4720. E-mail
opersanit@hlthwork.va .Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts
This council interprets canon law and ensures that documents and decrees
from other Vatican offices and bishops’ conferences conform to the legal norms
of the church. While much of its work may lie beyond the purview of most
reporters, in 2005 the council released
Dignitas Connubii
, a handbook of pro-
cedures for accepting, investigating, judging and appealing marriage cases.
The president is Cardinal Francesco Coccopalmerio. The secretary is
Bishop Juan Ignacio Arrieta Ochoa de Chinchetru. Phone 06-6988-4008.
Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue
Another post-Vatican II council, this agency promotes dialogue between the
Catholic Church and other religions. Religious leaders visiting the Vatican
often make a stop here. As part of Pope Benedict XVI’s response to an open
letter from Muslim scholars in 2007, he invited them to meet with him and
the council. Issues on the church’s radar include religious freedom and reci-
procity in recognizing the rights of Christians and Muslims in countries where
either group is a minority.
Under its aegis is the
Commission for Religious Relations with
Muslims
, which works specifically to promote greater understanding and
cooperation between Catholics and Muslims.
Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran is president of the council and the com-
mission. Father Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot, M.C.C.I. is council secretary.
Msgr. Khaled Akasheh is commission secretary. Phone 06-6988-4321. E-mail
dialogo@interrel.va .