Pope “oppressed” by news of war

-26/3/03

Pope John Paul has said that his heart was “oppressed” by the news of battles in Iraq.

Making a fresh appeal for peace, and speaking to thousands of pilgrims and tourists in St Peter’s Square, the Pope asked Catholics around the world to continue praying for peace.

The 82-year-old pontiff said that when he prayed he did so “with a heart that is oppressed by news that reaches us from an Iraq in war.”

“We send our prayers up to God, so that love can win over hate, and peace, justice, and solidarity can grow in every corner of the world, in the spirit of the gospels” he said.

He added that the world should not forget the other conflicts “that are bloodying the Earth.”

The pope is firmly opposed to the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq and the Vatican has refused to bless the conflict as a just war.

Pope John Paul has said that his heart was “oppressed” by the news of battles in Iraq.

Making a fresh appeal for peace, and speaking to thousands of pilgrims and tourists in St Peter’s Square, the Pope asked Catholics around the world to continue praying for peace.

The 82-year-old pontiff said that when he prayed he did so “with a heart that is oppressed by news that reaches us from an Iraq in war.”

“We send our prayers up to God, so that love can win over hate, and peace, justice, and solidarity can grow in every corner of the world, in the spirit of the gospels” he said.

He added that the world should not forget the other conflicts “that are bloodying the Earth.”

The pope is firmly opposed to the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq and the Vatican has refused to bless the conflict as a just war.