Pope urges world leaders to help Iraqis rebuild troubled nation

Published: 2006-10-23

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI called on religious and political leaders in Iraq and around the world to help the Iraqi people rebuild their country which is so troubled by insecurity and "savage violence." The pope expressed his deep concern for Iraq's Christian community as well as all victims of the increase in violence and intimidation throughout the country. After praying the Angelus Oct. 22 with thousands of the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square, the pope first sent his "cordial greetings" to Muslims around the world who were about to celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan, wishing them all "serenity and peace." This "joyous atmosphere" of celebration, however, has been clouded by the "very serious situation of insecurity and savage violence" faced by so many innocent people in Iraq solely "because (they are) Shiites, Sunnis or Christians," he said.

Copyright (c) 2006 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 The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in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 .