Pray the Rosary to End Terrorism, Pope Pleads

Daily if Possible, He Says in Bid for World Peace

VATICAN CITY, SEPT. 30, 2001 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II called for the recitation of the rosary during the month of October for peace and the rejection of violence.

"Given the present international context, I appeal to all - individuals, families and communities - to pray the rosary for peace, if possible daily, so that the world will be preserved from the dreadful scourge of terrorism," the Pontiff said when he appeared at the window of his study to address the pilgrims gathered below in St. Peter's Square.

The Holy Father reminded his listeners that October is the month when the Church venerates Mary as "Queen of the Holy Rosary."

"The terrible tragedy of last Sept. 11 will be remembered as a dark day in the history of humanity," he said. "In the face of this, the Church intends to be faithful to her prophetic charism and reminds all men of their duty to build a future of peace for the human family.

"Of course, peace is not separate from justice, but the latter must always be carried out with mercy and love."

John Paul II added: "Jews, Christians and Muslims adore the One God. Therefore, the three religions have the vocation to unity and peace. May God grant the faithful of the Church to be in the front line in the search for justice, in the rejection of violence, and in the commitment to be agents of peace.

"May the Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, intercede for the whole of humanity, so that hatred and death will never have the last word!"

On Saturday, at the end of his stay in the summer papal residence of Castel Gandolfo, the Holy Father bid farewell to the mayor and councilmen of the town, located about 30 kilometers (18 miles) southeast of Rome. He referred again to the attacks on the United States.

"I continue to pray and invoke the Lord's mercy for the deceased, support and consolation for the survivors, and the precious gift of peace for all humanity," the Pope said.

ZEN - Zenit
01. oktober 2001