Pope urges Rome officials to counter violence, terrorism with justice

Published: 2004-01-15

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II called on Rome's local and regional authorities to help build a more just and fraternal society in order to overcome terrorism, social tension and conflicts. In a traditional exchange of New Year's greetings with leaders of Rome's city, regional and provincial administrations Jan. 15, the pope said, "The difficulties present in today's world are manifest even in this country." The pope told Roman authorities that even "our beloved city" of Rome "has not been safe from terrorism." A resurgence of letter bomb attacks has hit Rome recently. Starting last fall, some government offices and a military police barracks in the capital have been the target of explosive devices. Police also have been carrying out a wave of arrests of suspected "Red Brigade" militants in the capital. "But these hard times can be and must be a time when the positive energies of the people and their representatives emerge," said the pope.

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