.-
As Pope Benedict XVI yesterday celebrated his first
Easter Mass since becoming pontiff last year, he called for a peaceful
resolution to the Iraq war and also for what he called, an “honorable
solution” to the world’s growing nuclear standoffs.
Following
Mass in St. Peter’s Square, attended by some 150,000 pilgrims, the Holy
Father said that “Concerning the international crises linked to nuclear
power, may an honorable solution be found for all parties through
serious and honest negotiations.”
Although
the Pope’s comment was not connected to any specific country, many saw
a clear reference to the growing nuclear standoff with Iran. The
country has argued recently that it seeks nuclear power for energy
reasons, but some western nations fear the technology could be used on
weapons building.
Speaking
on the conflict in Iraq, the Holy Father was greeted by thunderous
applause when he prayed for “peace [to] finally prevail over the tragic
violence that continues mercilessly to claim victims.”
Likewise,
Benedict said that he also prays “sincerely that those caught up in the
conflict in the Holy Land may find peace, and I invite all to patient
and persevering dialogue, so as to remove both ancient and new
obstacles.”
He
added his hope that “the international community, which reaffirms
Israel’s just right to exist in peace, assist the Palestinian people to
overcome the precarious conditions in which they live and to build
their future, moving toward the constitution of a state which is truly
their own.”
On first Easter Mass, Pope Benedict calls for peace in Iraq, Holy Land, resolution of nuclear crises
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