Posted on 07/26/2002 11:42:06 AM PDT by Plummz
VATICAN CITY, JULY 22, 2002 (Zenit.org).- In a message addressed to Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, John Paul II said he prays for peace in that country and in the region.
According to a report of the official agency INA, the Holy Father's message was sent on the 34th anniversary of the Baath Party's coming to power.
In his message, the Pope said that he "implores God to bless Iraq and its people, and to make peace reign in the region."
On numerous occasions, John Paul II has urged the United Nations to end the embargo imposed on Iraq since 1990. The embargo made it necessary for him to cancel his plans at the end of 1999 and beginning of 2000 to undertake a pilgrimage to Ur of the Chaldeans, cradle of Abraham, today located in Iraq.
For all of the bad things about Saddam -- and there are many -- I can say this one good thing: he doesn't go out of his way to persecute Christians, the way he brutalizes, e.g., Sunni Muslim Kurds or Shi'a Muslims. Or, for that matter, the way Christians are persecuted in Saudi, Sudan, Egypt, Lebanon, Iran ...
Are we not to pray for our enemies ?
Like liberty from crazy tyrants set on destoying and looting yet another country on the edge of the empire?
No, not in particular press release. Perhaps you sohuld reread it.
For people to be able to act on their own conscience?
Like consciently refusing to have the fruit of your labor confiscated from you by bloodsoaked liars?
For protection of fundamental/natural rights?
Not sure that the Pope believes in fundamental/natural rights to invade other countries . . cf. Just War Doctrine.
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