HOLY LAND: RESTART THE PROCESS OF PEACE

VATICAN CITY, JAN 20, 2002 (VIS) - Following the angelus, John Paul II launched a new appeal for peace in the Holy Land, in the wake of the incidents and attacks of last week:

"Once again - and with great sadness - I am compelled to mention the dramatic situation in the Holy Land where every day repeated attacks and reprisals bring a harvest of blood and death.

"This perverse logic does not lead to any solution and it is painful to note how the main players in the conflict have started down a blind alley.

"I cannot but make a heartfelt appeal to the leaders of the conflicting sides to put an end to these clashes, and to the international community not to abandon them. It is vital that together we identify the instruments that may restart the process of peace, thus enabling Israelis and Palestinians to look to the future.

"May God, through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, illuminate the minds and hearts of all men and women of good will!"

John Paul II went on the express his solidarity with the victims of the eruption of the Nyiragongo volcano, and requested help from the international community:

"I would also like to give an assurance of my spiritual closeness to the people affected by the fury of the Nyiragongo volcano in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which for some days has renewed its activity with unprecedented violence. May there be no lack of real assistance on our part to those who are suffering this great calamity."

Furthermore, Cardinal Secretary of State Angelo Sodano sent a telegram to the bishop of Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, giving an assurance of the Pope's prayers for those affected by the catastrophe, and his closeness to them.

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