Thursday, March 6, 2008

Pope calls for peace in Middle East

Pope Benedict XVI said on March 2 that the only way to find peace in the Middle East is by showing respect for all human life - even for the life of an enemy.

Speaking after the midday Angelus in St. Peter's Square he appealed for peace between Israelis and Palestinians in light of recent violence in the Gaza Strip.

"I renew my pressing invitation to Israeli and Palestinian officials, that this spiral of violence be stopped, unilaterally, without conditions."

"Only by showing an absolute respect for human life, even that of the enemy, can one hope to provide a future of peace and coexistence for the young generations of those peoples who both have their roots in the Holy Land."

He went on to say, "I invite the whole Church to lift up supplications to the Almighty for peace in the land of Jesus and to show attentive and active solidarity with both populations, Israeli and Palestinian.

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