(Vatican 01JAN2004): "My words are addressed to you, the Leaders of the nations, who have the duty of promoting peace!
To you, Jurists, committed to tracing paths to peaceful agreement, preparing conventions and treaties which strengthen international legality!
To you, Teachers of the young, who on all continents work tirelessly to form consciences in the ways of understanding and dialogue!
And to you too, men and women tempted to turn to the unacceptable means of terrorism and thus compromise at its root the very cause for which you are fighting!
All of you, hear the humble appeal of the Successor of Peter who cries out: today too, at the beginning of the New Year 2004, peace remains possible. And if peace is possible, it is also a duty!" - Pope John Paul II / 2004
If he seems disgusted with the human condition it's probably because he is... Thought this photo said it all... coupled with his plea on Jan 1, 2004. — ZZB / ZZ News & Satire
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Article comments
1 - Triniman
When the Pope said that the US should not invade Iraq, was he speaking out of turn? Should he comment on things like war?
What if you were a serious US Catholic and the Pope came out against a forthcoming war. Where should your allegiance lie - with your President or with your religous leader?
2 - bhw
Well, when you're voting for the US president, you should listen to your pope and shun those pesky Democratic candidates who favor abortion rights.
But when your president goes to war, you should tell the pope to mind his own beeswax.
3 - Tristan
Whoa~~~~~~~~~!
Should the Pope talk about WAR ....???
Are you serious??? Uh---I think war would definitely fall with a Pope's purview ..............you know---war----killing---death....kinda relates to Christianity and what a Pope's business is.....
(was that an April Fools joke I missed ...?????)
4 - Natalie Davis
amen, bhw, amen.
5 - Justene
A good Catholic knows when to be obedient. The teachings on abortion have been made with instructions to the faithful on what to do. The Pope expressed his opinion on the war but did not issue any statement that required Catholics to agree with him. There are matters within the Church in which one can and should consult one's own conscience.
6 - bhw
Well, speaking as a former Catholic, one would think that voting in a national election should be left up to one's conscience and not to papal direction.
7 - Iyayi Oriabure
Look, bhw, the Pope never said that voting comes under Papal direction. And this Pope has had a profound effect on the conscience of the world. He has spoken out on important issues without telling Catholics to take his words as dogma. Remember your Cathecism, bhw, if you can. It is only when the Pope speaks on matters of faith that his words are to be strictly followed. When he speaks on world issues, he speaks to your conscience, not your soul.