POPE CALLS FOR END TO WAR IN YUGOSLAVIA AS SOON AS POSSIBLEPOPE CALLS FOR END TO WAR IN YUGOSLAVIA AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

VATICAN CITY, MAR 26, 1999 (VIS) - John Paul II yesterday evening called for an end "as soon as possible" to the war in Yugoslavia and for a just and lasting peace. The Pope made this plea during a meeting with young people from the diocese of Rome in the Paul VI Hall.

As is traditional every year before the World Youth Day on Palm Sunday, the Pope took part in a time of celebration and reflection with the youth of Rome. Those who could not enter the hall followed the event on a big screen outside.

He answered three questions asked by the young people. The first was: How could the love of God the Father be understood in the face of hate, violence and war? The Holy Father referred to the current conflict in Yugoslavia and said: "I hope with all my heart that arms are silenced as soon as possible and that dialogue and negotiation are resumed so that with the participation of all, a just and lasting peace may reign throughout this region." He explained that evil "has its root in sin," and that in spite of all, "the Father's love is not lacking for us because God Himself wanted to share suffering and death with us."

Then, in reference to his Message this year for World Youth Day, in which "there is a strong invitation to conversion and to come to the Sacrament of Confession," he was asked: "Where should our desire for conversion come from?"

The Pope said that "only thanks to a constant process of conversion and renewal, will the person move forward on the path of self-knowledge, the control of their will and the capacity to avoid evil and do good. ... In Confession, we live at first hand the essence of the love of God. He comes to meet us in the most fitting way, which is that of mercy. By this, I do not mean that the way of conversion is easy."

In the third question, the youth asked the Pope how the Church knows how to love and pardon. "The most important sign of the capacity to love like God," responded the Pope, "is forgiveness. God loves us and for this he forgives us constantly."

Before the end of the encounter, John Paul II invited the young people to World Youth Day 2000, which will take place in Rome from August 15 to 20. He also encouraged them to invite their friends who are indifferent to the faith, and to generously welcome those who come from far away.

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