"NO PEACE WITHOUT JUSTICE, NO JUSTICE WITHOUT FORGIVENESS"

VATICAN CITY, JAN 1, 2002 (VIS) - At 10 a.m. today in St. Peter's Basilica, John Paul II presided at a Eucharistic celebration for the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God and for the occasion of the 35th World Day of Peace which has as its theme this year: "No peace without justice, no justice without forgiveness."

"We reflect upon peace," said the Pope in his homily, "in a climate of widespread concern caused by the recent dramatic events that have shaken the world. Yet, however difficult it may appear to look to the future with optimism, we must not surrender to the temptation of despair. On the contrary, we must courageously work for peace, in the certainty that evil will not prevail."

The Pope went on: "Justice and forgiveness, these are the two 'pillars' of peace that I wish to highlight. Justice and forgiveness are complementary, not opposing, qualities because both are essential for promoting peace. ... Only forgiveness can satisfy the thirst for revenge and open hearts to true and lasting reconciliation between peoples."

"In the name of God, I renew my heartfelt appeal to all - believers and non believers - that 'justice and peace' may always mark the relationships between individuals, between social groups and between peoples. This is an appeal, above all, to those who believe in God, particularly to the three great Abrahamic religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam which are called to pronounce an ever more firm and decisive refusal of violence. No-one, for any reason, may kill in the name of God, the One, the Merciful."

The Pope concluded by highlighting that "an anguished appeal for peace arises from various parts of the world; particularly from that Land which God blessed with His Alliance and Encarnation and which, for that reason, we call 'Holy'."

At midday, the Pope appeared at the window of his study which overlooks St. Peter's Square, in order to pray the angelus. Before the prayer, he launched an appeal, "particularly to the men and women who, last century, knew the tragic world wars. I also appeal to young people who, luckily for them, did not live through those conflicts. To all of them I say: together we must firmly oppose the temptation of hatred and violence which only give the illusion of resolving conflict but which, in fact, cause real and permanent losses. Forgiveness on the other hand, which may appear a weakness, presupposes great spiritual strength and ensures long term benefits.

"Forgiveness, in opposing the instinct to return evil for evil, is an attitude that has profound religious motivations, especially for Christians; yet it is also supported by a basis of reason. Indeed, the rule of do unto others that which you would wish done unto you applies to everyone, believers and non believers alike. This ethical principle applied at a social and international level is the highway to building a juster and more unified world."

After the angelus, John Paul II expressed his special wish "for peace and prosperity to the counties of the European Union that today, with the single currency, have reached a historic landmark. I hope that this may favor the full development of citizens in the various countries. May justice and solidarity grow throughout Europe to the benefit of the entire human family!"

Before saying farewell, the Pope wished everyone a happy New Year in French, English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, Russian and Arabic.

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