POPE CALLS US TO LOVE ALL MANKIND WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION

VATICAN CITY, JAN 1, 2000 (VIS) - From his study window, the Pope addressed some words to the thousands of pilgrims who were gathered in St. Peter's Square to pray the angelus. He said: "The Gospel teaches us that dialogue, cooperation, respect for life and solidarity are the appropriate instruments for creating new relationships between peoples and countries, between rich and poor, between believers and non-believers."

After rendering thanks to God "who offers us the chance to start another year," the Pope indicated that "God loves us, He gives each of us the hope of a new period of time, a time of salvation and peace."

John Paul II highlighted that "Christ is our peace. He calls us to love all human beings without discrimination, converting heart and mind to thoughts of peace and rejecting the temptation to violence and war."

The Holy Father remarked that on this day he felt especially close "to the victims of violence, to those who feel abandoned." Making reference to the Virgin Mary, he said: "We begin the year 2000 under the loving gaze of the Mother of God who gave Christ, Prince of Peace, to the world."

In conclusion, the Pope extended new year greetings to the world in different languages.

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