ANGELUS: EL SALVADOR, MIDDLE EAST, LETTER TO DIOCESE OF ROME

VATICAN CITY, FEB 18, 2001 (VIS) - Today, at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy in the Armenian rite in the Vatican Basilica, Pope John Paul prayed the angelus with the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square. Afterwards he reflected on the new earthquake which has struck El Salvador, on the situation in the Middle East and on his Letter, published yesterday, to the faithful of the diocese of Rome.

"In this moment of prayer" he said, "I wish to assure the people of El Salvador, once again tested by a violent earthquake, of my closeness. I trust that international solidarity will not fail in its generous support of this dear Nation."

The Pope went on to say: "I cannot forget that, unfortunately, in the Middle East violence continues to rage. In particular we learn on a daily basis from Israel and the Palestinian territories that human lives are again sacrificed to the logic of hatred and vendetta, while the prospects for peace seem further away. Let us pray that the spiral of violence, especially atrocious in recent days, will give way to a search for reciprocal trust and respect, so that, with determination the path of dialogue will resume and peace in justice will be finally reached."

Lastly, the Holy Father highlighted yesterday's publication of the Letter he wrote to the faithful of the diocese of Rome, "after the exceptional experience of the Great Jubilee, inviting everyone to remember the path undertaken in recent years, from the pastoral synod to the Citizens' Mission. Enriched by these authentic gifts from God, now we must look to the future. And that is what the Church of Rome proposes to do in an important meeting this coming June, that is now being prepared in the parishes and in every ecclesial milieu. I accompany in prayer the cardinal vicar, bishops, priests and all the dear faithful in this new spiritual and apostolic commitment."

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