THE POPE ASKS HEADS OF STATE TO SHOW THEIR COMMITMENT TO PEACE

VATICAN CITY, JAN 1, 1999 (VIS) - In his reflections before reciting the Angelus with the pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square, the Pope again spoke about the World Day of Peace, celebrated today, and affirmed that "the culture of human rights can only be a culture of peace."

John Paul II explained that the message he sent to the Heads of State for this day stressed "the inextricable mutual link between the respect for human rights and peace: 'Total respect for human rights is the surest path for establishing solid relationships between States'."

The Holy Father asked people to pray so that "despite the difficulties and obstacles that sometimes make the road to peace arduous and exhausting, those ideals leading to concrete actions of reconciliation and respect for every human being will never be absent from peoples' hearts. Let us pray above all that the representatives of the States will show generous willingness and solid commitment to respond to and bring to a successful conclusion the fruitful aspirations towards understanding and peace for mankind."

In dedicating these desires and the coming year to the Blessed Virgin, "so that it may be a time of authentic progress and of serene, peaceful coexistence for the whole world," the Pope expressed his best wishes for the new year and greeted the pilgrims in six languages.

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