Pope wants new international order to keep peace

Reuters | January 1, 2004 | Claire Soares

[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.

[sully777]

The Inquisition by Edward Burman is just one of countless works showcasing the brand of Catholicism you thoroughly delight yourself.

Jesuits ceased being Catholic? HAHA !

Seems like you're busy making lists for "the day." Scary thought, Himmler! Question: When will you enforce your mass extermination program?

The USA does not accept papal bulls and edicts, nor does it accept Inquisitional defacto powers by virtue of our constitution and laws. And I thank God everyday for my forefathers and Providence! I will pray To God Almighty that He will thwart every future attempt at such plans; God's Will be done as always.

Other than that I hope you have lovely day!

[WackyKat]

Ummm -- witch burnings?? Weren't those the Puritans

No. the American Puritans did not burn anyone-the Salem executions were by hanging and crushing with stones in one case.

All of which pales in comparison to the centuries of executions and extra-judicial killings of tens of thousands of people for "heresy" by the Catholic church in Europe.

But don't get the mistaken idea I'm defending Protestant outrages against human freedom , I'm not

[WackyKat]

Seems like you're busy making lists for "the day." Scary thought, Himmler! Question: When will you enforce your mass extermination program? The USA does not accept papal bulls and edicts, nor does it accept Inquisitional defacto powers by virtue of our constitution and laws.

It's unbelievable that people who think like this still exist in 21st century America, isn't it?

I would dismiss them as the fringe kooks that they are, except for the existence of shadowy and influential groups like Opus Dei, which actually do have access to power

[F.J. Mitchell]

Being the Pope, this man should realize that what he is wishing for will never happen until Jesus Christ returns.

[GirlShortstop]

...this man should realize that what he is wishing for will never happen until Jesus

If we adopt that mantra, and do not act, do not speak out, and walk away with a defeated and fatalistic attitude, nothing will get better here; we'll end up expanding the divide between us and God.  That can't be what Our Lord wanted.

FReegards and Happy New Year.

[ninenot]

The Pope wants something to counter the United States and Britain. Surely you see that

Actually, no.

It is clear that the Pope is not comfortable with the present situation; OTOH, it is NOT clear that he "seeks an alternative" to US/Brit domination.

What he DOES seek is a way for the US to extricate itself from taking the lead and thus becoming a target.

He's trying to HELP us, Sinky.

[F.J. Mitchell]

I am not saying we should not speak out and take a stand, against the evil around the world, I am all for that. THat souped up version of a UN like organization the Pope is speaking of would be more evil than the evil he hopes to put an end to and work against genuine efforts to make things better. Just as the UN has been nothing but an aider and abettor for the likes of the Saddam's of the world, while ever a pain in the rear and a road block to our country and our real allies in this war on terror.

[ninenot]

I think the Pope knows scripture pretty well--

But while recognizing that there will "always be" poverty, wars, etc., he cannot simply resign himself and the Church to accepting, apathetically, the status quo.

That would be gross dereliction of duty.

[GirlShortstop]

THat souped up version of a UN like organization the Pope is speaking of would be more evil than the evil he hopes to put an end to and work against genuine efforts to make things better. Just as the UN has been nothing but an aider and abettor for the likes of the Saddam's of the world, while ever a pain in the rear and a road block to our country and our real allies in this war on terror.

I see your point.  I must counter however that in its entirety (post 253), Pope John Paul II's message is not that "Reuterized"  :-)
FReegards.

[ninenot]

Aren't you playing in the FreeTrade threads?

At least you are consistent. You have no regard for humans on the FreeTrade issue, and no regard for the Pope on this one.

Just co-incidence that the RC Church is the single most significant promoter of human rights worldwide, eh?

No wonder you don't like JPII. He represents everything you can't stand.

[Bluntpoint]

But don't get the mistaken idea I'm defending Protestant outrages against human freedom , I'm not

Protestant basher!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Gal.5:1]

Being the Pope, this man should realize that what he is wishing for will never happen until Jesus Christ returns.
---


By his own words, he obviously does not realize this, or want to anyway, but what he is wishing for, he desires to come by the power of men.

[Hacksaw]

I would dismiss them as the fringe kooks that they are, except for the existence of shadowy and influential groups like Opus Dei, which actually do have access to power

Are they the ones behind "the theocracy" you constantly have your unies in a knot about?

[Bluntpoint]

Is JPII anything like the Mustang II? That was pretty "doggey!"

[mabelkitty]

Did the Pope ever read Revelations?

[ninenot]

Not only is another Inquisition a good idea: but you've just made it clear that there will be at least ONE suspect brought to trial.

[Hacksaw]

I would dismiss them as the fringe kooks that they are, except for the existence of shadowy and influential groups like Opus Dei, which actually do have access to power

Sounds like you'd fit in well in China's government, where you could help weed out these "shadowy and influential" groups. After all, atheists have such a good track record when they are given power, huh WackyKr.

[ninenot]

Ahhhh-but YOUR knowledge of the Galileo affair is perfect, no?

So, Enlightened One (and I am not referring to burning-at-the-stake, another form of enlightenment) tell us all about how Rome suppressed Gal'o. Please.

[ninenot]

Nope. But you ARE defending Protestant aggression against Right Order.

And in the end, any violation of Right Order leads to death.

[ninenot]

Yup. Opus Dei and the Legionnaires of Christ will emerge from their BlackHelicopters wearing BlueHelmets, and looking for YOU!!!

Do you have a prescription for your delusion problem?