ONGOING conflicts in the Middle East, Africa and other parts of the world show the need for a new international order able to settle disputes peacefully, protect human rights and promote solidarity, Pope John Paul II said.
Presiding over a January 1 Mass in St Peter’s Basilica marking the World Day of Peace, the Pope prayed, “May God help us to build the ‘civilisation of love’ together. Humanity will be able to enjoy an authentic and lasting peace only when love has been victorious”.
In his homily, the Pope said, “In the face of situations of injustice and violence that oppress various parts of the globe, before the continuation of armed conflicts frequently forgotten by public opinion, it becomes ever more necessary to build paths for peace together.”
For Christians, he said, working for peace includes proclaiming salvation in Christ, the source of true peace, and calling all people to be peacemakers.
‘Pope John Paul also prayed for “the land where Jesus was born”, which continues to be a land marked by violence.
Despite the conflicts in the Middle East and in other parts of the world, he said, “one must persevere without giving in to the temptation of mistrust”.
The Pope said people must commit themselves to respecting the rights of others and to educating people for peace.
CNS
