POPE: END THE ABSURD SPIRAL OF VIOLENCE IN THE HOLY LAND

VATICAN CITY, MAY 13, 2001 (VIS) - Following Mass this morning in St. Peter's Basilica, during which he ordained as priests 34 deacons from the diocese of Rome, Pope John Paul prayed the Regina Coeli with the numerous faithful who had gathered in St. Peter's Square. As he addressed the pilgrims from his study window, he reflected on his recent pilgrimage in the footsteps of St. Paul, the violence in the Holy Land and the 20th anniversary of the attempt on his life in St. Peter's Square on May 13, 1981.

Speaking of his just-concluded trip to Athens, Damascus and Malta in the footsteps of St. Paul, the Pope said that "these places are impressed on my soul, places which the Apostle to the Peoples had indelibly linked to the history of Christianity." He added that "this unforgettable itinerary was quite significant from an ecumenical and inter-religious point of view."

"Unfortunately," the Pope remarked, "this trip was saddened by the painful news which continued to arrive from the Holy Land. In reality, we are facing an absurd spiral of violence! Sowing death every day only exasperates people and delays the blessed day when everyone will be able to look each other in the eye and walk together as brothers! Everyone, especially leaders of the international community, has the duty to help the parties in conflict to break this immoral chain of provocations and reprisals. As I have said many times before, but it bears repeating, the language and culture of peace must prevail over inciting people to hatred and exclusion."

The Holy Father then turned to the just-concluded Mass in St. Peter's, telling the faithful that "a reason for joy and praise today comes from the priestly ordinations which I celebrated this morning."

For the 34 new priests from the diocese of Rome, John Paul II invoked "the maternal help of Mary Most Holy, on the day in which we recall her apparitions at Fatima. I myself personally experienced her protection twenty years ago on May 13. We renew our plea to her for the Holy Land, so that everyone's hearts and intentions may be purified, so that the massacres will end and the energies of both sides will be finally committed to building an effective and lasting peace."

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