WORLD PEACE DAY 2002: WITHOUT FORGIVENESS THERE IS NO PEACE

VATICAN CITY, JUN 30, 2001 (VIS) - "Without forgiveness there is no peace" is the theme chosen this year by John Paul II for his Message for the 35th World Day of Peace, which will be celebrated on January 1, 2002.

This theme, says a communique made public today, "continues in the same line as the theme of the message for the 1975 World Day of Peace ("Reconciliation, the way of peace") and that of 1997 ("Offer pardon. Receive peace"), and will highlight how the practice of forgiveness and reconciliation creates the conditions necessary for peace to develop."

"In calling for forgiveness," the communique goes on, "the Holy Father will discuss some of the conditions that must be recognized and accomplished in order for peace to be possible. Among these are: sincere and constant dialogue for peace; acceptance of moral responsibility and recognition of human liberty; historical discernment and, above all, respect for human dignity. The Church, following the path of the 'purification of memory' which was embarked upon with courage and humility as a sign of hope for the future, places all her faith in God's merciful love and encourages the world to trust in the power of truth and love."

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