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Skriven 2007-06-19 00:57:26 av Marc Lewis (1:396/45)
Ärende: Vatican Information Service (Press Release)
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                               VIS-Press releases

APPEAL FOR AN END TO ALL ARMED CONFLICTS

VATICAN CITY, JUN 17, 2007 (VIS) - Before praying the Angelus today with the
faithful who had participated in the Eucharistic concelebration in the Lower
Square of St. Francis in Assisi, Benedict XVI recalled the World Day of Prayer
for Peace called by John Paul II in 1986, an event attended by representatives
from other Christian confessions and leaders of various religions.

"I consider it my duty," said the Pope, "to launch from here an urgent and
heartfelt appeal for all the armed conflicts bloodying the earth to cease, for
arms to fall silent and everywhere for hatred to give way to love, offense to
forgiveness and discord to union.

"Here we feel the spiritual presence of all those who weep, suffer and die
because of war and its tragic consequences, in all parts of the world, Our
thoughts go out particularly to the Holy Land, so beloved by St. Francis, to
Iraq, to Lebanon, to the entire Middle East. The peoples of those countries
know, and have long known, the horrors of combat, of terrorism, of blind
violence, the illusion that force can resolve conflicts, the refusal to listen
to the other's reasons and to do them justice. Only responsible and sincere
dialogue, supported by the generous support of the international community, can
put an end to so much pain and restore life and dignity to individuals,
institutions and peoples.

"May St. Francis, man of peace, obtain for us from the Lord an increase in the
number of people ready to become 'instruments of His peace,' through the
thousand small acts of everyday life. May those in positions of responsibility
be animated by a passionate love for peace and by an indomitable will to
achieve it, seeking appropriate means to that end."

The Mass over, Benedict XVI greeted a delegation from the convent. Then,
accompanied by Fr. Vincenzo Coli, the custodian, he visited the tomb of St.
Francis in the lower basilica. the Pope then returned to the convent, where he
had lunch.
PV-ITALY/ANGELUS/ASSISIVIS 070618 (350)

SUMMARY

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