Pope praises transfer of power in Iraq, expresses hope for peace

Published: 2004-06-30

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II praised the transfer of power to an interim government in Iraq and expressed hope that peace, freedom and prosperity would soon come to the nation. The message came in a telegram sent on behalf of the pope by the Vatican's secretary of state, Cardinal Angelo Sodano. It was addressed to Iraq's new president, Ghazi al-Yawer. The Vatican released a copy of the text June 30. "On the happy occasion of the transfer of power to the interim government of the state of Iraq, the Holy Father sends his cordial greetings to your excellency and to the citizens of your country," the telegram said. The pope said that, "as a new chapter begins in the life of the nation," he was praying that "the hopes of the Iraqi people for peace, freedom and prosperity will soon be fulfilled." The U.S.-led coalition government formally handed over power June 28 to an interim government with limited powers led by Prime Minister Iyad Allawi.

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