Pope: War threatens humanity
Pope John Paul today denounced the war against Iraq in his first public comments since the start of hostilities.
He said the military action was a threat against the “fate of humanity”.
The pontiff said: “It is ever more urgent to proclaim, with a strong and decisive voice, that only peace is the road to follow to construct a more just and united society.
“Violence and arms can never resolve the problems of men.”
John Paul, with impassioned speeches and Vatican diplomacy, lobbied against war and in favour of a negotiated solution in the months before the conflict.
He made his remarks in an address at the Vatican to an Italian religious television channel, Telepace.
A few hours after the war began, the Vatican expressed “deep pain” and faulted both sides for failing to find a peaceful solution.
