Plus I think the Vatican had to tiptoe around being misinterpreted. Any support by them for war or removing Saddam and Muslims could have taken it to be another "holy war" or "crusade" and it would have inflamed more than just the Muslim extremists (driving the whole thing out of proportion and out of control).
John Paul II has made it known what he thinks of countries that aren't free and dictators who rule people. Not only that, but he lived it for many years of his life.
John Paul II usually wouldn't mince words on those matters either.