APPEAL FOR AN END TO VIOLENCE IN JERUSALEM

VATICAN CITY, OCT 2, 2000 (VIS) - This morning, the Pope received in audience pilgrims who yesterday had participated in the canonization ceremony of 123 Blesseds from Asia, Europe, America and Africa: Augustin Zhao Rong and 119 companions, martyrs; Maria Josefa del Corazon de Jesus Sancho de Guerra; Katharine Drexel and Josephine Bakhita.

In his address, the Holy Father highlighted that, by canonizing the martyrs, the Church does not wish "to legitimize the behavior of certain governments of those times, that burdened the history of the Chinese people. Rather, she wishes to throw light on the heroic faithfulness of these worthy children of China." With reference to the missionary martyrs, he said: "There are always those who, with a partial and subjective historical view, see in their missionary activity only limits and errors. If such there have been - is man ever without defects? - we ask for pardon."

Speaking of St. Maria Josefa, he asked that her "eloquent testimony" may help everyone "to discover the beauty of a life totally consecrated to the Lord and the importance of a service that aims to wipe away the tears of those who suffer under the burden of illness."

"May the example of St. Katharine Drexel," he continued, "be a beacon of light and hope inspiring all of us to make an ever greater gift of our time, talent and treasure for the benefit of those most in need."

Turning to St. Josephine Bakhita, John Paul II recalled that in her homeland, the Sudan, "war and violence continue to sow destruction and despair: may the Lord's healing hand touch the hearts of those responsible for this suffering and open the way to reconciliation, forgiveness and peace."
In concluding, the Pope said: "I would like to tell you of a burden that is presently weighing on my spirits. For some days, the Holy City of Jerusalem has been the scene of violent clashes that have caused numerous dead and wounded, among them a number of children. I remain spiritually close to the families of those who have lost their lives and address a heartfelt appeal to all those responsible that arms may be silenced, provocations avoided and the way of dialogue taken up once more. The Holy Land must be the land of peace and fraternity. God wills it!"

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