NEW CALL FOR PEACE MADE BY POPE

VATICAN CITY, APR 11, 1999 (VIS) - The Pope made a new call for peace in Kosovo and the Balkans during the Mass celebrated this morning in the Roman parish of Our Lady of Loreto in Castelverde. "Christ," he recalled, "by his death and resurrection, has reconciled us with the Father, and has offered the precious gift of peace to all those who welcome him."

"These days, our minds are full of images of violence and death coming from Kosovo and the Balkans, where there is a conflict with tragic consequences. In spite of all, we do not want to lose the hope of peace."

John Paul II expressed to parishioners his hope that today's parish encounter "would be a fitting occasion to travel further on the path to God, thanks to a more solid Christian life, nourished by constant attention to the Word of God, strengthened by the frequent practice of the sacraments, and characterized by a genuine witness to the Gospel in all environments and situations."

Having referred to Rome's Citizens' Mission, the Holy Father said he trusted that this "would not end with the celebration of the final stage in the solemn Vigil of Pentecost. ... Many have the desire to live a more authentic Christian life, and this desire should be encouraged and sustained with suitable spiritual missionary initiatives. It is up to you to prolong this extraordinary apostolic experience, taking into account the expectations and challenges of your neighborhood."

"The Risen Lord calls all of us to a renewed apostolic effort. Go, he tells each of us. Go out, proclaim the Gospel and do not be afraid! He is with us always until the end of time."

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