THE SPANISH schismatic priest, Fr Juan Fernandez Krohn, convicted of

trying to kill the Pope with a bayonet in Portugal last year, is to appeal against his sentence of six and a half years' imprisonment.
Big chants
MORE than. 20,000 members from throughout the world are expected to sing a Mass in Gregorian chant to mark the 25th anniversary of Pope John Paul's ordination as a bishop. Pope John Paul is scheduled to celebrate the Mass in St Peter's four days before the opening of the World Synod of Bishops. The organisers chose the Gregorian chant Missa VIII "De Angelis" for the celebration.
Pressman dies
FEDERICO Alessandrini, former director of the Vatican Press Office, has died at his Rome residence at the age of 77.
African thought
POPE JOHN PAUL has defended a pluralism of thought allowing for an "African theology" and the specific contribution of African thought and experience to the life of the Church. At the same time he said care should be taken that this derives from the legitimate authority of the Church and the teaching of Christ, The Pope's words came as he addressed 15 bishops from Zaire during their ad litnina visit to the Vatican to report on the state of their diocese.
Saudi Catholics
THERE are about 400,000 Catholics living in Saudi Arabia, most of them Asian migrant workers according to Missio the German mission organisation.
Holy sounds
VISITORS to the Vatican can now take home the Sounds of St Peter's, a series of record albums and cassettes which went on sale as part of the Holy Year celebrations. The series is based on liturgical celebrations in the basilica.
Brighton to Rome
ARUNDEL and Brighton diocese is planning a repeat of its youth pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi this year from October 21 to 30.
Lutheran honour
NORMAN ST JOHN STEVAS has been awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity from Susquohanna University, a Lutheran institution in Pennsylvania, United Slates. He has visited the university several times and lectured on Luther to the students.