Posted on 01/01/2004 5:55:35 AM PST by 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.
I can feel the love on this thread LOL. You know what gets me, everybody wants this 'warrior pope' yet they dig up bones about 'the Inquisition' and 'the Crusades.'
Or/then, having no 'pope' of their own, being their own pope, they can fall back to a safe position and critisize.
I wonder when we are going to hear from them on the moral decay of their own country and leaders and the continued globalization of their own country.
Peace be with you on this Great Feast Day, Mary, Mother of God! And, long live Pope John Paul the Great!
Watch your tongue, heretic, or they'll put the thumbscrews on you!
How about the Gospel of John? Unless you eat My Flesh and drink My Blood, you shall not see God? John reports that many of the disciples found that a hard saying by Christ and walked away. They knew Him personally and rejected Him. No surprise that many disciples are still walking away.
Further, Christ chose 12 apostles. Among them were Peter (who denied Him three times), Thomas (who questioned the Resurrection) and Judas (well, Judas!!!!). None perfect among those three. Maybe the message was not to expect perfect leaders. The Catholic Church established by Jesus Christ persists as He guaranteed, through more than 300 sccessors to Peter. Ubi petrus, ibi ecclesia! No surprise there, either.
Note that you started this by giving unwanted advice to Catholics.
B-Chan: Have you still got that old cereal box to post?
Inquisition, by Edward Peters.
Good thing the Founding Fathers rejected a theocracy and gave us the First Amendment, isn't it?
Please quit your usual whining about Catholic-bashing. It is so tiresome and predictable.If the pope had announced that Catholics should pray more or tithe more, then you might arguably have a point. However, the pope, who is a public figure, made a political recommendation to the entire world that, if enacted, would affect the entire world, not just Catholics. Because of this, his comments are free game for criticism just as Howard Dean's rambling musings are free game for criticism.
Please resolve in 2004 not to use your tiresome "Catholic-bashing" whine quite so much.
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