Observing November feasts, pope prays for victims of terrorism

Published: 2004-11-01

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Observing the Nov. 1 feast of All Saints and anticipating the Nov. 2 feast of All Souls, Pope John Paul II offered special prayers for the victims of terrorism. "I feel spiritually close to their families and, while I ask the Lord to ease their pain, I pray to him for peace in the world," the pope said Nov. 1 during his midday recitation of the Angelus. Pope John Paul told thousands of visitors gathered in St. Peter's Square on the feast of All Saints, an Italian public holiday, that the day reminds Catholics of the bond that exists between the faithful on earth and those who have died. "The pilgrim church on earth raises its gaze toward heaven and exultantly unites with the choir of those whom God has welcomed into his glory. It is the communion of saints," the pope said.

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