THE POPE'S WORDS AT THE CLOSE OF KILAR'S "MISSA PRO PACE"

VATICAN CITY, DEC 7, 2001 (VIS) - At the close of the concert held this evening in the Paul VI Hall, during which the National Philharmonic of Warsaw played Wojciech Kilar's "Missa pro Pace", John Paul II made an address to those present.

"This artistic event with its deep religious significance has helped us to think and pray for peace. The twentieth century, though marked like perhaps no other by wars and bloodshed, closed with so many hopes for justice and peace. Alas, the tragic events of September 11 abruptly swept those hopes away. Yet we must not lose heart. Peace is a gift of God and, at the same time, the fruit of the daily efforts of men and women of good will. Through the universal language of music and song, the invitation has rung out from the Paul VI Hall for everyone to be builders of hope and peace. Let us take up this heartfelt exhortation. May the life of each believer be an echo of that love that defeats violence and marks the beginning of 'a new heaven and a new earth'."

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