World News
After new global violence, pope calls for increased efforts for peace
Published: December 1, 2003
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In the face of new violence in the Middle East, Africa and around the globe, Pope John Paul II said the world's major religions should unite their efforts in a fresh push for peace. The pope made the appeal at a noon blessing from his apartment window above St. Peter's Square Nov. 30, the first Sunday of Advent. Speaking in a strong voice, he said preparations for Christmas should remind the world that the "prince of peace" is coming. "Preparing for Christmas means reawakening in us and in the entire world the hope of peace. Peace above all in hearts, which is accomplished by putting down the weapons of resentment, of vengeance and of all forms of selfishness," the pope said. "This world has great need of peace! I am thinking especially with deep sorrow of new episodes of violence in the Middle East and on the African continent, as well as those registered in daily news reports in so many other parts of the world," he said.
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