[PEN-L:28694] Pope prays for peace in Iraq...

["ken hanly" <khanly@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Obviously on Iraq the Pope is far more progressive than Bush or Blair. This
is from the Vatican News Service. However, that the Pope could not make a
pilgrimmage is hardly the worst effect of the embargo!

Cheers, Ken Hanly

Code: ZE02072201

Date: 2002-07-22

In Message to Saddam, John Paul II Prays for Peace in Iraq


VATICAN CITY, JULY 22, 2002 (Zenit.org).- In a message addressed to Iraqi
leader Saddam Hussein, John Paul II said he prays for peace in that country
and in the region.

According to a report of the official agency INA, the Holy Father's message
was sent on the 34th anniversary of the Baath Party's coming to power.

In his message, the Pope said that he "implores God to bless Iraq and its
people, and to make peace reign in the region."

On numerous occasions, John Paul II has urged the United Nations to end the
embargo imposed on Iraq since 1990. The embargo made it necessary for him to
cancel his plans at the end of 1999 and beginning of 2000 to undertake a
pilgrimage to Ur of the Chaldeans, cradle of Abraham, today located in Iraq.