VATICAN - THE POPE SAYS AT THE ANGELUS: “ONCE AGAIN TERRORISM HAS COMMITTED ITS TERRIBLE ACT, PARTICULARLY DEVASTATING IN IRAQ AND TURKEY.... I RENEW MY FIRM CONDEMNATION ALSO FOR EVERY TERRORIST ATTACK IN THE HOLY LAND... THE HOLY LAND NEEDS NOT WALLS BUT BRIDGES!”

Vatican City (Fides Service) – “Once again in the past few days, terrorism has committed its terrible act particularly devastating in Iraq and in Turkey. As I continue to pray for the victims, I confirm my spiritual closeness to the many families mourning their dead. I express at the same time solidarity with all those working to care for the wounded and to repair the damage. Let no one give in to the temptation to dejection or retaliation: respect for life, international solidarity, observance of the law must prevail over hatred and violence.” Before reciting the Angelus prayer with the people gathered in St Peter’s Square, on Sunday 16 November, Pope John Paul II condemned the latest terrorist attacks and also turned his thoughts to the Holy Land.
“Unfortunately in those places the dynamism of peace seems to have died – the Holy Father said. “The construction of a wall between the Israelis and Palestinians is seen by many as a new obstacle on the path towards peaceful coexistence. In actual fact the Holy Lands needs not walls but bridges! Unless hearts are reconciled there can be no peace.” The Pope said he hoped “Those responsible will have the courage to resume dialogue and negotiation, thus freeing the road towards a Middle East reconciled in justice and peace ”. After greeting various groups of visitors in different languages, the Pope mentioned the World Congress of Pastoral Care for Migrants and Refugees being held from 17 to 22 November wishing “every success to the important initiative”.
Vatican City (Fides Service) – “Once again in the past few days, terrorism has committed its terrible act particularly devastating in Iraq and in Turkey. As I continue to pray for the victims, I confirm my spiritual closeness to the many families mourning their dead. I express at the same time solidarity with all those working to care for the wounded and to repair the damage. Let no one give in to the temptation to dejection or retaliation: respect for life, international solidarity, observance of the law must prevail over hatred and violence.” Before reciting the Angelus prayer with the people gathered in St Peter’s Square, on Sunday 16 November, Pope John Paul II condemned the latest terrorist attacks and also turned his thoughts to the Holy Land.
“Unfortunately in those places the dynamism of peace seems to have died – the Holy Father said. “The construction of a wall between the Israelis and Palestinians is seen by many as a new obstacle on the path towards peaceful coexistence. In actual fact the Holy Lands needs not walls but bridges! Unless hearts are reconciled there can be no peace.” The Pope said he hoped “Those responsible will have the courage to resume dialogue and negotiation, thus freeing the road towards a Middle East reconciled in justice and peace ”. After greeting various groups of visitors in different languages, the Pope mentioned the World Congress of Pastoral Care for Migrants and Refugees being held from 17 to 22 November wishing “every success to the important initiative”. See Holy Father address
(S.L.) (Fides Service 17/11/2003 – lines 16; words 243)