Pope wants new international order to keep peace

Reuters | January 1, 2004 | Claire Soares

[HAL9000]

VATICAN CITY, Jan 1 (Reuters) - The world needs a "new international order" to solve its conflicts and ensure peace, Pope John Paul said in his New Year's Day address on Thursday.

The ghosts of 2003 -- when the United States invaded Iraq without United Nations approval -- dominated the pope's first speech of 2004.

"More than ever we need a new international order which draws on the experience and results of the United Nations," the 83-year-old pontiff said at a mass in St Peter's Basilica.

"An order which is capable of finding adequate solutions to today's problems, based on the dignity of human beings, on integrating all society, on solidarity between rich and poor countries, on the sharing of resources and the extraordinary results of scientific and technological progress," he added.

Speaking at Christendom's largest church, the pope urged people not to lose hope of finding peace in the Holy Land, which the Vatican feels is vital to winning the war on terror.

"The land in which Jesus was born sadly continues to live in a dramatic condition. And in other parts of the world sparks of violence and conflict have not been extinguished either. But we need to persevere and not bow to the temptation of losing hope."

Turning to Africa, the pope paid tribute to his Burundi ambassador, Michael Courtney, killed on Monday in an ambush the army has blamed on rebels who have refused to join a peace process to end a 10-year conflict.

"(He) was tragically killed...while he was going about his mission of promoting dialogue and reconciliation. We pray for him and hope his example and sacrifice will bear the fruits of peace in Burundi and the world," the pope said.

The leader of the world's one billion Catholics, who suffers from Parkinson's disease that makes it difficult for him to talk, seemed alert and read all of his homily in a clear voice.

But it is unclear what 2004 holds for him. For the first time since his election in 1978, the pope enters the new year with no firm plans for travel, although there have been some invitations.

He was particularly weak on his last foreign trip, a visit to Slovakia in September, when aides had to read most of his addresses for him.

[Bluntpoint]

Why can't he say that?

[RightWhale]

You may have been responding to another post than mine.

[Bluntpoint]

"Pope is right. The time has come, long ago really, to disband the UN and start over."

Why can't he just say that?

[RightWhale]

Okay. I think he did say that.

[pctech]

Keep preaching brother!

[Bluntpoint]

Disband? Or just find another feasible alternative to the U.N. that could do a better job at undermining the U.S. than the present international body?

Seems to me that most folks are upset with the U.N. because the U.S. has told them to get bent and they have no credible comeback.

[ninenot]

Being from Milwaukee, I think Miller Lite sucks. But for a case or two of Sprecher (also a Milwaukee product, and REAL BEER), we can get together.

We still have a parts-list of necessary components and several vacancies on the jury and warrant/arrest teams.

[Republican Wildcat]

Could someone provide me a source where the Pope condemned the human rights abuses committed by Saddam Hussein?

[RightWhale]

We are starting with the view that the UN is operating beyond its charter and ought to be dismantled. It is good that the Pope has spoken in defense of this view. Shut down the UN and start over.

[nmh]

Yeah, I was real impressed with the Crusades and the Inquisition inspired and lead by your church. Yes, you do have a magnificent record on human rights. LOL!

I have little empathy for the lazy who refuse to work. That's what the other thread is all about. Socialism is also something your church is noted for pushing.

[ninenot]

Ummmm...

It's YOUR conclusion that the cure JPII wants is "worse than the disease." Interesting, because the cure he calls for has NOT YET BEEN IMPLEMENTED anyplace (another point he makes in the actual speech, posted on this thread around #253??)

Thanks for agreeing that working towards the good is not in conflict with Scripture. IIRC, the text you should concentrate on is: "Be perfect, as My Heavenly Father..."

I'll work on that, too.

[MississippiMan]

This is from Rueters. Take it with a grain of salt.

They're QUOTES. Do you think Reuters made them up from thin air?

MM

[ninenot]

"Socialism is what your Church is pushing"

Wrong--as you are most of the time.

But pure mercantilism/pure capitalism are equally moral evils, and the Church will not fail to point that out.

You may worry only about yourself; it's your privilege. Hope when you're in a foxhole that that particular attribute is not clear to your buddy--'cause he may just get the same disease.

That would be a loss. /sarcasm

[Bluntpoint]

Dude, I'm getting the vapors!!!

[Desdemona]

Reuters has been known to take things out of context and, thus, changing their meaning. Without the complete text and an understanding of where the speech was going, not the interpretation of the writer, it's very possible that additional comments demonstrated a different idea.

And yes, Reuters has been known to misquote.

[Republican Wildcat]

Ya gotta go with Rome on the religious stuff if you are a Christian.

Being a Christian is not about "religious stuff", it is about having a personal relationship with God through the Savior, Jesus Christ.

[Bluntpoint]

Now you are in trouble.

[Republican Wildcat]

I won't argue with that...but, why do we have to conclude that by deductive reasoning? Why does he openly bash the U.S. and give ol' Saddam a pass for his atrocities?

[Publius6961]

They're QUOTES. Do you think Reuters made them up from thin air?

Wouldn't be the first time. Or that second of all frauds... selective edited quotes.

[Publius6961]

I can quote as much about medieval history as anyone present, but would not be so unconscious as to insert the only thing one apparently knows irrelevantly into a discussion about a world body presumed to enforce a peace, in the 20th and 21st centuries.
I promise not to cite any similar atrocities committed throughput Europe during the same period. Or the brutalities committed by Islam. I have enough sense to stay on topic.