Latin patriarch says Holy Land needs leaders ready to die for peace

Published: 2008-03-17

JERUSALEM (CNS) -- In what he called his last Easter message as patriarch, Latin Patriarch Michel Sabbah of Jerusalem said the Holy Land needs leaders who are ready to "offer their lives" for peace rather than those who "issue orders to kill." "We are in need of leaders who can make peace because this is the sole path to put an end to extremism and to start the true way toward security and tranquillity," he said in his March 17 message. "The leaders have to choose between two paths: either peace or increasing extremism and insecurity." Patriarch Sabbah, who read the message at a press conference at the Latin Patriarchate, was flanked by Coadjutor Archbishop Fouad Twal, who will replace Patriarch Sabbah upon his retirement. Sources said the change in leadership is expected to take place in mid-June. Patriarch Sabbah said the violence that has left more than 100 people dead in the Gaza Strip, the eight Israeli victims of a Jerusalem seminary shooting, and other violent incidents "form a chain of inhumane and futile violence" no matter who is behind it.

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