POPE PRAYS FOR VICTIMS OF SHUTTLE DISASTER, PEACE IN IVORY COAST

VATICAN CITY, FEB 2, 2003 (VIS) - In addressing the faithful in St. Peter's Square after praying the Angelus with them, the Pope spoke of the disaster on the shuttle Columbia, the crisis in Ivory Coast and greeted all those who yesterday celebrated the lunar New Year.

"The sad news of the tragic explosion of the United States spaceship Columbia upon its re-entry from the atmosphere, has caused great emotion," he said. "I invite everyone to pray for the victims of the incident, who perished in fulfilling an international scientific mission. In this moment of harsh trial, I am spiritually close to the family members and I assure them of remembrance in my prayers."

The Pope turned to the Ivory Coast which, he noted "is once again tried by a serious crisis that is splitting those populations. Let us pray that the efforts of those who have at heart the country's unity and respect for legality will prevail over the divisions and demands. May the Catholic faithful, led by their pastors, know how to work so that dialogue and respect of persons and their goods are practiced and promoted by everyone."

The Holy Father then remarked that "yesterday, the first day of February, was the lunar New Year for many millions of persons - especially Chinese, Vietnamese and Koreans - who spend these days of celebration in family intimacy. ... May the New Year be a time of peace, based on the 'four precious needs of the human soul: truth, justice, love and liberty'."

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