VATICAN CITY, JAN 27, 2002 (VIS) - Before praying the Angelus at midday today, John Paul II, appearing at the window of his study in order to pray the Angelus with pilgrims gathered below in St. Peter's Square, affirmed that "the emotion lived last Thursday in Assisi during the celebration of the Day of Prayer for Peace," was still alive in him.
After recalling the appeal against violence launched together with Representatives from other religions, the Pope affirmed, "In this way we have laid another cornerstone in the path of building a civilization of peace and love."
John Paul II then said, "A very special thought I address to young people who, with their typical enthusiasm, enlivened the town of St. Francis on the occasion of this meeting. It is to you, the new generations, that the future of the world is entrusted." Afterwards, the Pope, greeting the many young boys and girls of Catholic Action of Rome, who today celebrate their own 'Day of Peace', said, "Two among you here, nearby me, in a few moments will release into the sky two doves, symbols of peace. It is a significant gesture that we dedicate to the many children who, unfortunately, are still victims of wars and of significant injustices. May the commitment of all of us guarantee the respect for the fundamental rights of every human being who is born on the face of the earth."
"Among the fundamental rights of human beings that need to be defended and promoted is the right to health care, which is still non-existent or insufficient in many parts of the world. Diseases for which treatments have already been found and that would be defeated on paper, continue to spread, for example, Hansen's disease, commonly called leprosy. Today's celebration of 'The World Day of Leprosy Sufferers' helps bring attention to those struck by this disease and to promote efforts to wipe it out completely."
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