Wednesday, March 26, 2003
Pope's plea for peace
The Pope yesterday denounced the war in his first public comments since the start of hostilities, labelling it a threat against the "fate of humanity".
Speaking on a religious TV channel, he said: "It is ever more urgent to proclaim, with a strong and decisive voice, that only peace is the road to follow to construct a more just and united society. Violence and arms can never resolve the problems of men."
In the months leading up to the war, the Pope had used behind-the-scenes diplomacy and impassioned speeches to call for a negotiated solution.
A few hours after war began, the Vatican issued a statement blaming both sides for failing to resolve the issue.
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