ZAGREB ARCHBISHOP SPEAKS TO REPORTERS

ZAGREB, Oct 13 (Hina) - "The Church does not want to be close to those in power, to the ruling party, or to those who would want to be (in power), but are not. The Church wants to help man. It seeks for what is good for him. The Church wants to be present in everyday life, its role is completely different than that of daily politics, and it must be close to man", Josip Bozanic, the newly-appointed archbishop of Zagreb told his first press conference Monday. Asked about the role of the Catholic Church in present-day Croatia, Bozanic said its priority must be to make believers aware they belong to the Church. Bozanic will first concentrate on a new organization of the Zagreb Arch-Diocese and the restoration of laicism in parishes. He will also support ecumenism advocated by the Second Vatican Council. This year is dedicated to Jesus Christ, Bozanic told reporters inquiring about the Church's preparations for the Great Jubilee of 2000 AD. The next will be in the sign of the Holy Spirit, he said, adding the Church will advocate a new evangelization by preaching the Gospel. "1999 - the year of the Great Jubilee and the last year of this millennium will be dedicated to the Holy Father and will stress the sacrament of confession. It will be the year of forgiving. We shall attempt to reflect over the history of this century", Bozanic said, adding a confession year was the best entry into the third millennium. Bozanic announced a three-day Croatian Bishops' Conference session to begin in the south Croatian port of Dubrovnik on tomorrow. (hina) ha jn 131810 MET oct 97