Banda Aceh (Fides Service) - The poor, the homeless, the suffering, the disabled are praying for Pope John Paul II. And also many Muslims are praying to the All Merciful God for the Pope whose efforts to promote peace in the world are deeply appreciated. Banda Aceh today is one of the most desolate places on earth, where poverty and devastation triumph and where people, after the tsunami, suddenly found themselves destitute and their very lives dependent on international aid.
On 26 February, two months to the day of the tragic tsunami local Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and followers of other religions, mostly effected in some way or the other by the tsunami, many of them homeless, many disabled, or suffering, took part in an inter-religious memorial prayer meeting. At a certain point in there was a moment during which everyone present was invited to pray in silence for Pope John Paul II, the pontiff or bridge-builder, whose efforts made it possible for members of different religions to come together. Religious leaders and faithful expressed appreciate for the Pope’s work to promote universal brotherhood. (Agenzia Fides 28/02/2005 Righe: 21 Parole: 214)