A cry for peace - Pope John Paul II

Over a year of papal teaching and prayer, calling for a peaceful resolution
of the crisis following September 11th,
a peace which can come only
with the removal of scandalous situations of injustice.

ADDRESS TO THE NEW AMBASSADOR OF THE UNITED KINGDOM TO THE HOLY SEE, 7 SEPTEMBER 2002
"As an essential part of its fight against all forms of terrorism, the international community is called to undertake new and creative political, diplomatic and economic initiatives aimed at relieving the scandalous situations of gross injustice, oppression and marginalization which continue to oppress countless members of the human family. History in fact shows that the recruitment of terrorists is more easily achieved in areas where human rights are trampled upon and where injustice is a part of daily life."

ANGELUS, 1 SEPTEMBER 2002
"May the suffering and the sad experiences of those who survived the war contribute to the building of a lasting peace which is the right and the good of all."

ANGELUS, 25 AUGUST 2002
"In a world that is increasingly interdependent, peace, justice and the safeguarding of creation must be the fruit of the common effort of all in pursuing together the common good."

BEATIFICATIONS, KRACOW, 18 AUGUST 2002
"We feel in some sense impelled to make our lives a daily offering by showing mercy to our brothers and sisters, drawing upon the gift of God's merciful love. We realize that God, in showing us mercy, calls upon us to become witnesses to mercy in today's world."

WELCOME CEREMONY IN TORONTO FOR WYD, 23 JULY 2002
"Too many lives begin and end without joy, without hope. That is one of the principal reasons for the World Youth Day. Young people are coming together to commit themselves, in the strength of their faith in Jesus Christ, to the great cause of peace and human solidarity."

ANGELUS, 21 JULY 2002
"The tragic events of 11 September and the conflict in the Holy Land have cast over the world a dark shadow. ... The young Christians who will meet in Toronto are ready to reply to Christ: Here we are!"

MEETING WITH RELIGIOUS LEADERS IN BAKU (AZERBAIJAN), 22 MAY 2002
"From this country, which has held and still holds tolerance as a primary value of all wholesome life in society, we wish to proclaim to the world: enough of wars in the name of God! No more profanation of his holy name! ... As long as I have breath within me I shall cry out: «Peace, in the name of God!»"

WELCOME CEREMONY IN BAKU (AZERBAIJAN), 22 MAY 2002
"The religions which in this country are striving to work together in harmony should not be used as a tragic excuse for enmities which have their origin elsewhere. No one has the right to call upon God to justify their own selfish interests... I ask religious leaders to reject all violence as offensive to the name of God, and to be tireless promoters of peace and harmony, with respect for the rights of one and all."

MESSAGE FOR WORLD MISSION SUNDAY, 19 MAY 2002
"The evangelizing mission of the Church is essentially the announcement of God's love, mercy and forgiveness revealed to mankind through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord. It is the proclamation of the good news that God loves us and wants all people united in his loving mercy, he forgives us and asks us to forgive others even for the greatest offences."

TO THE NEW AMBASSADORS, 17 MAY 2002
"Peace must be the first priority for all countries on all continents. No one can ignore the destiny of their brothers and sisters.the mission of diplomats is of the greatest importance. They are called to create bonds with one another and to build bridges between their respective countries, thus making a significant contribution to friendship among the peoples.".

HOMILY OF CARD. ROGER ETCHEGARAY, BETHLEHEM, 12 MAY 2002
"The holy place of the Nativity has undergone a long calvary, and this morning is Easter Sunday. ... Today's Mass must help everyone to discover the true roots of peace"

REGINA CAELI, 12 MAY 2002
We have all heard with great relief that the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem has been restored to God and to the faithful. I cordially thank all who helped to give back to the holy place its true religious identity. I send a particular greeting to the communities of the Franciscans, Greeks and Armenian Orthodox who with considerable sacrifices remained as faithful custodians of the shrine. To the people of Bethlehem and the surrounding region goes my heartfelt encouragement to resume their journey with faith and hope in God, who in their land became close to man.

DECLARATION BY CARD. ROGER ETCHEGARAY, 8 MAY 2002
"At this very hour, as the negotiations for Bethlehem seemed to be reaching the finish line, a further obstacle is preventing the happy denouement awaited by everyone. I am thinking in particular of those who are in the Basilica of the Nativity, or in the adjacent convent, and also of the inhabitants of Bethlehem and environs: For them, above all, there most be no further waiting."

REGINA CAELI, ISCHIA, 5 MAY 2002
I always carry in my heart the difficult situations in which many peoples of the world have to live. I wish to present to Our Lady the pleas for security and peace that arise insistently from so many sides, especially from the people of the Holy Land. I invite you to pray with me to Our Lady to ask that these heartfelt petitions be granted.

DECLARATION BY CARD. ROGER ETCHEGARAY, 2 MAY 2002
I come to ask that everything be done to end the tragic situation in Bethlehem and that the Basilica of the Nativity be returned to God and to believers. Everything can be hoped for when each man believes in the other and follows the path of love and not violence.

GENERAL AUDIENCE, 1 MAY 2002
We also need to intensify our confident and unceasing prayer for peace in the Holy Land where we hope that the Israeli and Palestinian peoples, who are so dear to me, will come to live in security and serenity. May the intercession of Our Lady and of St Joseph, her Spouse and the Guardian of the Redeemer, obtain it for us.

REGINA CAELI, 28 APRIL 2002
In view of the international situation, where so many needs and problems have come to the surface and, in particular, in view of the unending dramatic situation in the Holy Land, we must turn with confidence to the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin. We may be sure that she can sustain the efforts of the one who seeks peace with sincerity and determination.

GENERAL AUDIENCE, 24 APRIL 2002
My thoughts go constantly to the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem, where the religious community and many others continue to suffer the siege that has been going on for 22 days.

REGINA CAELI, 21 APRIL 2002
May the Blessed Virgin Mary obtain for the parties in conflict the courage of peace and for the international community an unyielding solidarity. May Israelis and Palestinians be able to learn to live together and may the Holy Land finally return to being a sacred land and a land of peace.

DECLARATION FROM THE ISLAMIC-CATHOLIC LIAISON COMMITTEE ON THE CURRENT SITUATION IN THE HOLY LAND, 15 APRIL 2002
What has happened and is still happening in the Holy Land cannot leave anyone indifferent. Muslims, Christians and Jews, along with all peace-loving persons and men and women of good will, are called to common action in order to put an end to this terrible tragedy and to work together towards establishing a just and lasting peace.

REGINA CAELI, 14 APRIL 2002
Devotion to the Virgin Mary is an integral part of the Christian life, as clearly appears in the life of the new Blesseds. We turn to her with confidence entrusting to her in particular all those who are suffering in the Holy Land, from where I receive all kinds of appeals. I assure everyone of our spiritual and human solidarity while I invite all to pray so that the negotiations under way to re-establish respect for persons and property and to foster the advent of a just and lasting peace will be crowned with success.

GENERAL AUDIENCE, 10 APRIL 2002
I invite everyone to join me now in prayer to implore the Lord for peace in the Holy Land. Let us ask the Holy Virgin to intercede so that the present efforts of the various parties are successful in order to overcome the tragic situation in which those people, so tried, find themselves. Pray for peace in the Holy Land!

DECLARATION BY THE HOLY SEE PRESS OFFICE ON THE SITUATION IN THE BETHLEHEM AND THE HOLY LAND

"The Holy See is following with extreme apprehension the situation in Bethlehem and is seeking to verify the most recent events."

SPEECH TO THE PAPAL FOUNDATION, 8 APRIL 2002

...The dire consequences of the tragic events of September 11 are still with us; the spiral of violence and armed hostility in the Holy Land - the land of our Lord's birth, death and Resurrection; a land held sacred by the three great monotheistic religions - has increased to unimaginable and intolerable levels...

REGINA CAELI, 7 APRIL 2002
The liturgy today invites us to see in Divine Mercy the source of that authentic peace that the risen Christ offers us. The wounds of the risen and glorious Lord are the permanent sign of God's merciful love for humanity. From them flows a spiritual light that enlightens consciences and pours into hearts comfort and hope.

LETTER TO CARDINAL ANGELO SODANO FOR A DAY OF PRAYER FOR PEACE IN MIDDLE EAST, 7 APRIL 2002
The dramatic situation in the Holy Land induces me to once again urgently appeal to the entire Church, asking all believers to intensify their prayers for those populations now being lacerated by forms of unheard-of violence.

THE DECALOGUE OF ASSISI FOR PEACE, 24 JANUARY 2002
We commit ourselves to urging leaders of nations to make every effort to create and consolidate, on the national and international levels, a world of solidarity and peace based on justice.

ANGELUS, 27 JANUARY 2002
Together we affirmed in Assisi that the mission of religion consists in fostering peaceful coexistence among peoples and cultures, in reciprocal respect.

FRATERNAL MEAL WITH THE MEMBERS OF THE DELEGATIONS WHO PARTICIPATED AT THE "DAY OF PRAYER FOR PEACE IN THE WORLD" IN ASSISI, 26 JANUARY 2002
With all our differences, we sit at this table, united in our commitment to the cause of peace. That commitment, born of sincere religious sentiment, is surely what God expects of us.

GENERAL AUDIENCE, 23 JANUARY 2002
As you know, tomorrow I will travel to Assisi, where, with the exponents of the Churches and Ecclesial Communities and with the Representatives of other religions, we will live a day dedicated to prayer for world peace. It will be a pilgrimage in the footsteps of St Francis of Assisi, prophet and witness of peace.

ANGELUS, 20 JANUARY 2002
After the tragic attack last 11 September, that we never forget, and with the threat of new conflicts, believers feel the urgency to intensify their prayer for peace, because it is above all the gift of God.

PROGRAM FOR THE WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 2002 (18- 25 JANUARY 2002)
"For With You Is the Fountain of Life" (Ps 36:9)

DAY OF PRAYER FOR PEACE IN THE WORLD (ASSISI, 24 JANUARY 2002)
"...it is my intention to invite the representatives of the world religions to come to Assisi on 24 January 2002 , to pray for the overcoming of opposition and the promotion of authentic peace."

ADDRESS TO THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS, 10 JANUARY 2002
Darkness can only be scattered by light. Hatred can only be conquered by love.

GENERAL AUDIENCE, 2 JANUARY 2002
May our prayers throughout the year become more powerful and more insistent, to obtain from God the gift of peace and brotherhood, especially in the sorely tried areas of the planet.

ANGELUS, 1 JANUARY 2002
To all I say: together we must firmly oppose the temptation of hatred and violence, that only gives the illusion of resolving conflicts but instead causes real and permanent damage. Instead, forgiveness, that can appear to be weakness, demands great spiritual strength and guarantees long-term advantages.

HOMILY ON THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD AND ON THE 35TH WORLD DAY OF PEACE, 1 JANUARY 2002
Justice and forgiveness: these are the two "pillars" of peace, and I wanted to draw attention to them both. Between justice and forgiveness there is not opposition but complementarity, because both are essential for promoting peace.

MESSAGE "URBI ET ORBI", 25 DECEMBER 2001
Let us beg from Christ the gift of peace for all who are suffering as a result of conflicts old and new.

· ADDRESS TO THE MEMBERS OF THE ROMAN CURIA, OF THE PONTIFICAL HOUSEHOLD AND OF THE VICARIATE OF ROME, SATURDAY 22 DECEMBER 2001
I renew my pressing invitation to all people of good will to be unflagging in their efforts to find just solutions to the multiple conflicts that are tearing the world apart, and to assure a present and future of peace to one and all.

LETTER TO CARD. WALTER KASPER, 17 DECEMBER 2001
My most heartfelt wish is that the Brussels meeting may inspire serene reflections and actions to encourage "a far-reaching resurgence of the human spirit in individual hearts and in relations between the peoples of the world".

ADDRESS AT THE MEETING ON "THE FUTURE OF CHRISTIANS IN THE HOLY LAND", THURSDAY 13 DECEMBER 2001
How happy we would have been to see our Jewish and Muslim brothers and sisters walk beside us in loving agreement and solidarity to restore the Holy Land's true face as a "crossroads of peace" and "land of peace".

INTERVENTION BY CARD. ANGELO SODANO AT THE MEETING ON "THE FUTURE OF CHRISTIANS IN THE HOLY LAND", THURSDAY 13 DECEMBER 2001
And this work of peace has always been kept up, throughout these sorrowful years, by the whole Church and especially by the Apostolic See, who has not ceased repeating: "Peace is possible, peace is a duty, progress and peace walk together".

MESSAGE FOR THE WORLD DAY OF PEACE 2002
No peace without justice
No justice without forgiveness

ANGELUS, SUNDAY, 9 DECEMBER 2001
"I have invited Catholics to take part in a day of fasting next Friday, 14 December, to implore God for a stable peace that is based on justice."

PRAYER ON THE SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, 8 DECEMBER 2001
"The human race who greeted the dawn of the third millennium with hope, now feels overwhelmed by the threat of new and disconcerting conflicts. Peace in the world is endangered."

AUDIENCE OF 5 DECEMBER:
"Once again, with a heavy heart, I repeat that violence never resolves conflicts but only increases their tragic consequences."

ANGELUS, SUNDAY, 2 DECEMBER 2001
"...the day of fasting on 14 December and the meeting in Assisi of the representatives of the world religions next 24 January will help to create a more serene and solidary climate in the world."

ANGELUS, SUNDAY, 18 NOVEMBER 2001
"...it is my intention to invite the representatives of the world religions to come to Assisi on 24 January 2002, to pray for the overcoming of opposition and the promotion of authentic peace. "

ANGELUS, SUNDAY, 11 NOVEMBER 2001
"At this time of great international concern, I am thinking especially of the peoples of Afghanistan, who must urgently receive necessary aid."

GREETINGS TO THE DELEGATION FROM THE NEW YORK CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT, SATURDAY, 10 NOVEMBER 2001
"May Almighty God grant the bereaved families consolation and peace, and may he give you and your fellow firefighters strength and courage to carry on your great service to your City."

ANGELUS, SUNDAY, 28 OCTOBER 2001
"At this time, we entrust to the maternal protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary the peoples of Afghanistan."

ANGELUS, SUNDAY, 21 OCTOBER 2001
"In the name of God I repeat once again: Violence is only a way of death and destruction, and it dishonours the holiness of God and the dignity of man."

ANGELUS, SUNDAY, 14 OCTOBER 2001
"On account of the present international situation, I have invited individuals and communities to pray the rosary for peace."

HORA TERTIA FOR THE ONE MONTH MEMORIAL OF THE TERRORIST ATTACKS OF SEPTEMBER 11th 2001, 11 OCTOBER
"May the Lord remove from the heart of man every trace of resentment, of hostility and of hate, and open him to reconciliation, to solidarity and to peace."

MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE WORLD OF CULTURE, ARTS AND SCIENCE, ASTANA, 24 SEPTEMBER
I wish to reaffirm the Catholic Church's respect for Islam, for authentic Islam: the Islam that prays, that is concerned for those in need.

ANGELUS AT THE END OF THE MASS IN ASTANA, SUNDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER:
With all my heart I beg God to keep the world in peace.

AUDIENCE OF 19 SEPTEMBER:
...pray in these days that Almighty God will guide the minds and hearts of world leaders so that the ways of justice and peace may prevail.

ANGELUS AT THE END OF THE MASS AT FROSINONE:
May the Blessed Virgin bring comfort to those who suffer in the tragedy

HOMILY: FROSINONE, SUNDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER
Jesus reveals loving face of the Father

LETTER OF CONDOLENCE, SUNDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER
Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good

TO NEW US AMBASSADOR
Revolution of Freedom Needs Revolution of Opportunity

L'Osservatore Romano:
Holy Father is close in prayer and thought to American people

AUDIENCE OF 12 SEPTEMBER:
...a dark day in the history of humanity, a terrible affront to human dignity.