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.

[Polycarp IV]

If I were trying to hide my identity, I would not use this screen name nor post a link to my internet site. Heck, my name was all over the internet with my World Net Daily commentary recently.

Besides, if you feel somehow proud that you "spotted" me, congrats for noticing the obvious! It must be very satisfying for you.

May God Bless you abundantly this Christmas Season!

Brian

[Cap'n Crunch]

Yeah, who does the Holy Father think he is, trying to get mankind and world organizations to appeal to higher ideals and the better part of human nature?

He ought to have just come out and said "Roll the Panzers!"

[sinkspur]

Why DID we invade Iraq, Sink?

To paraphrase Mark Steyn "So we wouldn't have to invade all the rest."

And, if you'll notice, they're starting to fall like dominoes.

And France, and Germany, and Russia, are scrambling to get on board the reconstruction-of-Iraq train.

Syria's feeling the heat, and will likely be the next to cough up its terrorist inclinations, though Assad will do it to the Brits, to save face.

With Ghaddafi capitulating, North Korea suffered irreparable damage to its nuclear program, since Ghadaffi was a partner with Kim.

As each terror sponsor waves the white flag, the remainder grow more isolated.

And, God help them if another 9/11 happens. The US will simply ask Musharraf to step aside and let us take care of al-Qaeda, once and for all.

[Cap'n Crunch]

WK said I didn't know anything. And here I thought he was a Know Nothing.

[BlackElk]

See #519 t cure your ignorance as to he auto-da-fe.

[onyx]

Excellent post #519 --- cut and pasted for safe keeping.

[sinkspur]

Yeah, who does the Holy Father think he is, trying to get mankind and world organizations to appeal to higher ideals and the better part of human nature?

And we've been on High Alert the last two weeks because those whom he will not mention by name are trying to pull off another 9/11. They have no interest in the better part of human nature!

To his credit, George W. Bush simply ignores the Pope and does what he needs to do.

It confounds me that JPII, who worked hand-in-glove with Ronald Reagan to bring down Soviet communism, is so afraid of another "crusade" that he wants more of the UN sameness: talk, talk, talk, when it comes to Muslim terrorism.

[Snuffington]

Besides, if you feel somehow proud that you "spotted" me, congrats for noticing the obvious! It must be very satisfying for you.

Actually, I thought I "spotted" you from the style of an earlier post. And now that your identity is confirmed, I am patting myself on the back, and simultaneously welcoming you back. I was quite disappointed when you left FR.

[Squantos]

Yep .....just what the USA needs is one more welfare agency to fund while the new committe continues to dismantle our republic.

Stay Safe HAL9000

[BlackElk]

Hey, when you're right you're right. Calvin also had his university education entirely paid for by the Roman Catholic diocese that employed his father BEFORE announcing his discovery of his Protestantism shortly after graduation.

[BlackElk]

Gee, I haven't mentioned it before on the numerous previous occasions but protocol on FR requires that if you mention me, you must ping me. You would not want people to think that you are afraid to face those whom you insult.

[Cap'n Crunch]

Wait a minute, a few posts ago all the bad guys were capitulating. Now you say we're on high alert. I think we'll always be on high alert because men on both sides don't want to listen to the Holy Father.

I may be wrong but alot of 'talk, talk, talk' by President Reagan and the Holy Father brought down Soviet Communism. And I don't think we had to invade anywhere.

I think the Holy Father knows, if I may presume to speak for him, that once this war gets started it's going to be a religious war, which will be extremely bloody.

[BlackElk]

Don't let the current Archbishop Joseph Pilarczyk off the hook for his ongoing role in the degeneracy of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Catholics don't let him off the hook. Why should you?

[GirlShortstop]

The Pope opposed our incursion into Iraq. Did you miss that?

No, I didn't miss it.  I debated that point with you back in the Spring as a matter of fact.

Then, as now, I have noticed a "style" that you have which sort of clashes with my "debate" preferences, or practices.  If you're interested, these include:  comprehensively articulated inferences supported with facts/links/direct quotes.  I hope you aren't offended, but it is too late for me to engage any further.  G'night.

[BlackElk]

I do not include you with Catholic haters. If you hate Methodists, Baptists and Jews, you should not hate them. As I have said, I cannot knowledgably respond on The DaVinci Code.

[sinkspur]

I may be wrong but alot of 'talk, talk, talk' by President Reagan and the Holy Father brought down Soviet Communism.

Pershing missles in Germany, "Star Wars", and a continued military buildup is what brought down the Soviet Union. Gorbachev said as much, that he simply couldn't match US defense spending.

Violent men only understand violence, sad to say.

And they perceive the unwillingness to use violence as weakness.

Thank God we have a President who will not hesitate to use violence against violent men.

[BlackElk]

That's most of the time when you provide the opportunity.

[sinkspur]

If you're interested, these include: comprehensively articulated inferences supported with facts/links/direct quotes.

Sorry. I was responding to you as you responded to me.

When you start following your own preferences, then so will I.

[BlackElk]

Finally! Original thinking that is both practical and praiseworthy. May God bless you and yours!

[Polycarp IV]

Well, my fellow Catholics can pat themselves on the back, just not the usual suspect anti's.

Thanks ;-)