VATICAN CITY, NOV 4, 2004 (VIS) - This morning at 11 Pope John Paul welcomed Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi to the Vatican and, in a speech in English, assured him of his "continued closeness to the Iraqi people, so sorely tried by the tragic sufferings of recent years."
"I pray," continued the Pope, "for all the victims of terrorism and wanton violence, for their families and for all those who generously work for the reconstruction of your country."
The Holy Father encouraged "the efforts made by the Iraqi people to establish democratic institutions which will be truly representative and committed to defending the rights of all, in complete respect for the ethnic and religious diversity which has always been a source of enrichment for your country. I am confident that the Christian community, present in Iraq from apostolic times, will make its own contribution to the growth of democracy and the building of a future of peace in the region."
"Upon you and your associates," concluded the Pope, "and upon all the beloved people of Iraq, I cordially invoke the abundant blessings of Almighty God."
Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls made a statement following the papal audience in which he noted that Prime Minister Allawi was also received by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of State. "During their talks, various aspects of the situation in Iraq were discussed more deeply, including the prospects for peace and reconciliation which would allow the deep wounds of the past to heal, as was the question of peace in the region. They also talked about the need to assure full religious freedom and about the contribution that the Christian community can offer to the moral and material rebuilding of the nation. The prime minister deplored the attacks undergone by several Christian churches and gave assurances, on the part of the government, of the will to proceed to restore them."
AC/PRIME MINISTER/IRAQ:ALLAWI VIS 20041105 (330)
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