World IN BRIEF : VATICAN CITY : Pope to Convene College of Cardinals

Pope John Paul II will convene the Vatican’s College of Cardinals for a plenary assembly from April 4-6, a Vatican spokesman said. He said the 142 members will discuss “the church and its reaction to threats against life” and “the problems posed by the aggressive nature of religious sects.” April’s meeting will be the fourth of its kind called by the Pope in the 12 years of his pontificate. Before the April meeting, the Pope is expected to convene a consistory of cardinals to appoint at least 18 new ones, Vatican sources said.