Acta Ioannis Pauli Pp. II 963

band of twelve men was eventually able to transform the world through the power of the Holy Spirit at work within them.

It is my fervent hope and prayer that as you stri ve with persévér­ ance and love to build up the Church in Japan, you will ever remain "steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain". 2 1 To all of you I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing.

VI Ad eos qui plenario coetui Pontificii Consilii de Communicationibus So­ cialibus interfuerunt coram admissos.*

Dear Brother Bishops, Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

1. It gives me great pleasure to have this meeting with the members and staff of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications on the occasion of your Plenary Assembly. My special welcome goes to the new members who have graciously consented to give of their time and talents in furthering the important work of this Council.

As you know, this Dicastery was established at the specific request of the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council in the conviction that the modera means of social communication, if used properly, can "contribute greatly to the enlargement and enrichment of people's minds and to the spreading and consolidation of the kingdom of God". 1

Today more than ever, the promise as well as the challenge of social Communications summons human societies and the Church herself to greater attention and effort in this field. This is especially so in light of the urgent need being experienced in ali parts of the world for spiritual, social and cultural development.

2. Thè countries of Central and Eastern Europe, for example, offer unprecedented opportunities for proclaiming the Word of God through the media. We must seek to satisfy the hunger and thirst for religious truth and instruction of those who for many years have

21 1 Cor 15:58.

* Die 15 m. Martii a. 1990. 1 Inter mirifica, 2.