Hiya BlackElk,
Hey, I've wondered about that myself. I don't recall any quotes by JPII himself that denounced the war in Iraq. Yet the AP and Reuters keep trumping up this idea. (I no longer trust AP/Reuters without another source).
I DO recall quotes from JPII where he called for adherence to the principles of a just war (without denouncing the Iraq war)...I interpretted this as a simple reminder from JPII to Dubya to keep doing what he was doing.
I'd be interested if Jorge comes up with a quote from JPII himself.
IIRC, the Pope's comments discouraged war somewhat strongly and (yes) pointed out the "just war" criteria. JPII was extremely concerned about 'collateral damage,' as any thinking man would be.
But I do NOT think he issued a blanket 'condemnation' of the initiative.
If you haven't used this source, www.zenit.org is an official news agency for the Vatican. They will email you a daily digest if you go to the website and request same.
Your distrust of AP is justified. One needs only look at the text of the statement of JPII to GWB last week and compare to the AP precis of same--almost two different stories.