Pope laments terrorism, says Middle East needs people of dialogue

Published: 2004-09-20

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II said the alarming escalation of worldwide terrorism has marred the start of the new millennium and troubled the consciences of believers everywhere. The pope made the remarks at his Sunday blessing Sept. 19. The day before, he told Egypt's ambassador that terrorism and other forms of violence were sowing hatred and destruction around the world. Speaking to pilgrims in the courtyard of his summer residence outside Rome, the pope said the latest wave of violence had troubled many people and prompted them to ask, "Why?" "At the dawn of the third millennium, blessed by the great jubilee and so rich in potential, humanity is troubled by the alarming spread of terrorism," he said. Egypt's new ambassador to the Holy See is a woman, Nevine Simaika Halim. When accepting her credentials Sept. 18, the pope said Muslims and Christians need to help build a culture of peace in order to neutralize acts of hatred and violence in the Middle East.

Copyright (c) 2004 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .