Pope in dramatic appeal to avert war

Yahoo News (Reuters) ^ | 9-23-01 | Philip Pullella

[Iowegian]

Pope John Paul has issued a dramatic appeal that the world not be allowed to slide into war following attacks on the United States and urged against a deepening of religious divisions.

"With all my heart I beg God to keep the world in peace," the Pope said on Sunday at the end of a mass for some 50,000 people on the first full day of his visit to Kazakhstan, a Central Asian republic which may be caught up in an eventual regional crisis.

"We must not let what happened lead to a deepening of divisions. Religion must never be used as a reason for conflict," he said, referring to tensions with some parts of the Islamic world following the attacks in New York and Washington.(snip)

NEGOTIATIONS, NOT WAR

On arrival in Kazakhstan on Saturday, Pope John Paul said all controversies between nations must be resolved by negotiations and dialogue, not force of arms.

The Pope, who aides say is losing sleep over the possibility of war, celebrated a mass that began with a stiff wind blowing in from Siberia over the flat steppes and ended in sunshine.

[AmericanCheeseFood]

"With all my heart I beg God to keep the world in peace,"

NEWSFLASH: One doesn't have to beg the living Jesus for anything . Those who don't know and haven't recieved Him only have to ask .

The pope is a good man, that is all .

Cheese .

[GreatOne]

1) Thanks for correcting me about papal history. I would, however, argue that the difference back then from today is that the Church was directly attacked back then, not like today.

2) Following this point, the Church back in the days of the Crusades were the leaders of nations; remember that they crowned the kings. Today, obviously, no such connection. The Holy Father has repeatedly spoken out against the persecution of Christians, Catholics and non-Catholics alike. While he does not have armies to physically liberate countries, his work in Poland directly led the Solidarity movement, and he has done things in Cuba and other countries to get greater freedom of worship.

Jesus would never lead any sort of militaristic uprising, nor speak in favor of one, and neither will JP II.

[Iowegian]

The Pope has condemned terrorism, but it is unrealistic to expect a world religious leader to choose up sides.

I have no doubt which side Billy Graham is on.

[don-o]

I of course don't favor declaring was upon Vatican City but they have joined with th enemy and if I was being consistent they would have to be added to that list.

Uh, newbie: You need to preface that with

Moron Alert

Do not post stupidly.

Strike ONE!!

wwfsd?

[He Rides A White Horse]

Obviously, and I hope (but doubt) that he can get through to the Moslems with this message.

I understand what you are saying also.

I would say that we should see what happens when we destroy the terrorist groups and the leaders of the countries that sponsor them.

If the Islamic world doesn't get the message, everybody will know the score, and what to do.

[Iowegian]

Jesus would never lead any sort of militaristic uprising.

Have you ever read the Book of Revelation?

[Conservative til I die]

Either the pope is with us or he is with the terrorists.

Wow, that's an insulting thing to ask.

Otherwise, he should be praying for the total destruction of Egypt, Iraq, Iran, and Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and Afghanistan, for starters.

Yeah, that's the kind of holy man I want leading me! Someone who prays for the death of everyone, including innocent women and children! What a good Christian *you* must be!

[McGruff]

With all due respect to the pope, these bastards attacked the United States killing approx 6000 innocent men, women and children.

I say Let's Roll!

[He Rides A White Horse]

Have you ever read the Book of Revelation?

Bump.

[Conservative til I die]

Did you ever think he is thinking of the casualties that will occur on both sides, including ours?!?!?!? Maybe you want your religious leaders to be screaming for the blood of American, Israeli, and British women and children as well as that of every citizen of the Middle East, but I kind of expect just a little more from mine, even if he is being a bit unrealistic, if not idealistic and optimistic.

[_Jim]

I think he's paying waaaaaay too much attention to our press on this -

- I recommend cutting back on the CNN ...

[Iowegian]

I agree with you that war is an awful thing that should be avoided if possible, but it is not always possible (especially when you are viciously attacked during a time of peace). The statement that "all controversies must be resolved without war, with negotiations and dialogue" is simply wrong.