Pope reminds New Zealand prime minister of freedom's heavy price

Published: 2004-05-21

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Meeting the prime minister of New Zealand, Pope John Paul II encouraged the nation to continue fostering dialogue and promoting freedom in the Pacific and beyond. Helen Clark, the prime minister, met the pope May 21 after attending ceremonies marking the 60th anniversary of the World War II battle at Monte Cassino, Italy, where more than 300 soldiers from New Zealand died. The Allied victory was a major step in the campaign to free Italy from Nazi occupation. Pope John Paul told the prime minister: "New Zealanders have always cherished the fundamental values of freedom, justice and peace. Indeed, in the face of aggression or threat, they have generously sought to defend and promote such rights in the Pacific and beyond." The pope told Clark that in today's world, "so troubled by the scourge of racial divisions and conflict, I encourage you and your fellow citizens to foster dialogue."

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