Pope appeals for an end to violence in Israel, Russia, and Iraq
Vatican City (AsiaNews) "Sorrow and concern" over terrorism in Israel and Russia; "condemnation" for the massacre of Nepalese citizens; "trepidation" for the fate of the French journalists kidnapped in Iraq. At the end of today's general audience, John Paul II made an appeal to the gathering of faithful against all violence "which is always unworthy of any good cause". He appealed to everyone to call on God so that He may give us the gift of peace. The Pope, who appeared tired, had his message read by a priest. Here is the full text:
"It is with great sorrow and concern that I received the grave news of the terrorist attacks in Israel and Russia in which so many innocent and helpless people died.
In the tormented country of Iraq, too, there seems to be no end in sight to the cycle of blind violence which is preventing its people from returning to peaceful coexistence.
"In addition to condemning the barbarous execution of 12 Nepalese citizens we fear for the fate of the two French journalists still held hostage by their captors.
"I urgently call on everyone everywhere to stop relying on violence. Violence is unworthy of any good cause.
"I call on the captors of the two French journalists to release them unhurt as soon as possible so that they may be reunited with their loved ones.
"Today, September 1, is the anniversary of the invasion of Poland and the start of the Second World War, events that left so many people grieving in Europe and in the other continents.
"Thinking back to that day at a time of grave and widespread tensions, let us call on God, Father of all men, so that He may give us the precious gift of peace."
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