GOD WILL CALL TO ACCOUNT THOSE WHO SPILL BLOOD IN HIS NAME

VATICAN CITY, FEB 26, 2006 (VIS) - After praying the Angelus at midday today, the Pope addressed further remarks to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square, in which he touched on certain events of the last few weeks.

  "News is still arriving over these days," said the Holy Father, "of tragic violence in Iraq, with attacks even directed against mosques. These acts spread mourning, nourish hatred and impede the already difficult job of reconstructing the country."

  He went on to refer to Nigeria where "clashes between Christians and Muslims have continued for several days, with many victims and the destruction of churches and mosques. While expressing my firm condemnation for the violation of places of worship, I entrust to the Lord all the dead and those who weep for them.

  "I also invite everyone to intense prayer and penance in the sacred period of Lent, that the Lord may free those dear nations, and so many other places on the earth, from the threat of such conflicts."

  "The fruit of faith in God," the Pope concluded, "is not devastating rivalry but the spirit of brotherhood and of collaboration for the common good. God, Creator and Father of everyone, will call more severely to account those who spill their brothers' blood in His name. By the intercession of the Blessed Virgin, may everyone rediscover themselves in Him Who is true peace!"
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