SANTO PADRE CALLS FOR END TO TENSIONS IN MINDANAO

VATICAN CITY, MAR 29, 2000 (VIS) - At the end of today's general audience, Pope John Paul said "I wish to turn my thoughts to the dear populations of the Philippines where, on the large island of Mindanao, the tensions have intensified, causing violent clashes."

"I am praying for all the inhabitants of that region and, in particular, for the political and military leaders, that the Lord might enlighten them and move them to do everything possible to put an end to the violence by seeking peaceful solutions to the existing problems."

"I express my closeness and solidarity," the Holy Father said in closing, "to the families who are suffering for this situation."

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