Pope criticizes Israel over wall, deplores attacks in Iraq, Turkey

Published: 2003-11-17

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II criticized Israel's building of a wall to keep out Palestinians, and he called for a global movement against terrorism following deadly attacks in Iraq and Turkey. "In reality, the Holy Land does not need walls, but bridges. Without reconciliation of souls, there can be no peace," the pope said at a Sunday blessing Nov. 16. He renewed his "strong condemnation" of all acts of terrorism in the Holy Land and said it was disappointing that the peace process seemed blocked. "The construction of a wall between the Israeli and Palestinian people is seen by many as a new obstacle on the road to peaceful coexistence," he said. The Vatican has stepped up criticism of the Israeli security barrier, which when completed will stretch more than 200 miles along the Israeli border and deep into sections of the West Bank. Earlier in the week, Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, a Vatican envoy, said the wall would institute a "geography of apartheid" and foment more violence.

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