KAZAKHSTAN: US TERROR ATTACKS: POPE JOHN PAUL II ISSUES A DRAMATIC APPEAL FOR PEACE

Record ID: 352103

  • Title: KAZAKHSTAN: US TERROR ATTACKS: POPE JOHN PAUL II ISSUES A DRAMATIC APPEAL FOR PEACE
  • Date: 23rd September 2001
  • Summary: (W3) ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN (SEPTEMBER 23, 2001) (REUTERS - ACCESS ALL) 1. GV THOUSANDS OF WORSHIPPERS GATHERED AT SQUARE FOR OUTDOOR MASS 0.03 2. PAN/CU WOMEN IN CROWD PRAYING; MV CROWD; CU WOMAN PRAYING WITH ROSARY (4 SHOTS) 0.32 3. MV POPE ARRIVING IN POPEMOBILE 0.42 4. MV PEOPLE WAVING FLAGS; MORE OF POPEMOBILE (2 SHOTS) 0.49
  • Embargoed: 8th October 2001 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN
  • Country: Kazakhstan
  • Reuters ID: LVAC3SXCC8JWUTXX8WUU5V1MTSPP
  • Story Text: Pope John Paul II has issued a dramatic appeal that
    the world should not slide into war following the attacks on
    the United States.



    The Pope made his appeal on Sunday (September 23) on
    the first leg of a Central Asian tour against a backdrop of
    impending United States military strikes in the region.

    "I wish to make an earnest call to everyone, Christians
    and the followers of other religions, that we work together to
    build a world without violence, a world that loves life, and grows in
    justice and solidarity," the 81-year-old Pope said at the end
    of a mass for some 50,000 people in Kazakhstan, a Central
    Asian republic which may be caught up in an eventual regional
    crisis after the attacks.

    "We must not let what has happened lead to a deepening of
    divisions. Religion must never be used as a reason for
    conflict," he said, referring to tensions with some parts of
    the Islamic world following the September 11 attacks in New
    York and Washington.

    During his sermon the Pontiff also spoke about the need
    for good relations between Muslims and Christians and said the
    two faiths should work together to build peace.

    The Pontiff's plea came as the United States continued to
    build up forces within striking distance of Afghanistan, which
    is believed to be harbouring the chief suspect in the
    September 11 attacks on America, Osama bin Laden.

    Afghanistan's ruling Taliban movement reiterated its
    refusal to hand over the Saudi militant, in defiance of an
    ultimatum from U.S. President George W. Bush, the Afghan
    Islamic Press news agency reported on Sunday.

    On arrival in Kazakhstan on Saturday (September 22), Pope
    John Paul said all controversies between nations must be
    resolved by negotiations and dialogue and not force of arms.



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