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     Pope Declares Ash Wednesday a Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace
 
  March 5 to Be Set Aside Especially for the Middle East

Pope John Paul II called for a day of prayer and fasting for peace, especially in the Middle East, to be observed on Ash Wednesday, March 5. "For months the international community has been living in great apprehension because of the danger of a war that might disturb the whole of the Middle East region and exacerbate the tensions that, unfortunately, are already present at the beginning of the millennium," the Pope said today, explaining the reasons for his decision.

"It is a duty of believers, regardless of the religion to which they belong, to proclaim that we will never be able to be happy if we are against one another; the future of humanity will never be able to be assured by terrorism and the logic of war," the Pope continued. "We Christians, in particular, are called to be like guardians of peace in the places where we live and work," he explained. "We are asked, that is, to be alert, so that consciences will not yield to the temptation to egoism, falsehood and violence." Because of this, the Pontiff invited "all Catholics to dedicate with special intensity next March 5, Ash Wednesday, to prayer and fasting for the cause of peace, especially in the Middle East."

"Above all, let us implore God for the conversion of hearts and a generous view in just decisions to resolve with adequate and peaceful means the contests that hamper the pilgrimage of humanity in our time," he said.

 
 
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 Article created: 3/3/2003