_WORLD WATCH______________________________
________________Pakistan_______________
Pope recognizes discrimination
Supports embattled Christian minority
Pope John Paul II has offered his support to the Christians of Pakistan, saying that the government of that country should offer greater protection for religious freedom.
As he met on May 19 with the Pakistani bishops, who were making their ad limina visit, the Holy Father observed: “Many Catholics in Pakistan endure sufferings for their fidelity to Christ.” The Pope encouraged the bishops to work for religious freedom in the country, where Catholics represent only about 0.8 percent of the population, and Islamic groups are demanding greater control over the political process. Pope John Paul took note of the rise in priestly vocations in Pakistan, adding that the increase was particularly gratifying in light of the “often difficult circumstances” that priests must face.