VATICAN CITY, 18 JAN 2009 (VIS) - After praying the Angelus today, the Holy Father once again turned his attention to the conflict in the Gaza Strip which, he said, "I continue to follow with profound concern".
"Today too we would like to commend to the Lord the hundreds of children, elderly people, and women who have fallen victim to exceptional violence, also the injured and those who are weeping for their loved ones or who have lost their possessions.
"At the same time", he added, "I invite you to accompany with your prayers the efforts being made by many people of good will to stop the tragedy. It is my heartfelt wish that wise advantage be taken of the glimmers of hope in order to restore the truce and move towards peaceful and lasting solutions.
"In this context, I renew my encouragement to those who, on one side and on the other, believe that the Holy Land has sufficient space for everyone, that they may help their people to raise themselves from the ruins and the terror, and courageously return to dialogue in justice and in truth. This is the only way that can effectively open a future of peace for the children of that beloved region".
Following his appeal, the Pope mentioned today's opening of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which is due to come to an end next Sunday, 25 January, the theme of which, suggested by an ecumenical group in Korea, is a quote from the Prophet Ezechiel: "That they may become one in your hand".
"Let us too accept this invitation and pray with greater intensity for Christians to advance resolutely towards full communion", said Pope Benedict. "I address myself particularly to Catholics all over the world so that, united in prayer, they may work tirelessly to overcome the obstacles that still impede full communion between all Christ's disciples. Ecumenical commitment is even more vital today in order to give our society, marked as it is by tragic conflicts and divisions, a sign and an impulse towards true reconciliation and peace".
ANG/GAZA CHRISTIAN UNITY/... VIS 20090119 (360)
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