VATICAN (voa) – Pope John Paul II has denounced what he called terrorism in the name of God as “blasphemous,” and termed the international struggle against such violence legitimate.
In his annual state of the world address to foreign diplomats, the pontiff warned that the world is facing what he called a dark horizon of international conflict and urged action to keep the situation from getting worse.
The pope said nations have the right to defend themselves against terrorism, but stressed the need to end conditions such as poverty and oppression that he said can breed such violence.
He denounced what he called “the law of retaliation” in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, stressing that man is to blame for making the Middle East “a land of fire and blood.” The pope called for special status for the holy landmarks of Jerusalem that would place such areas under international control.
He also expressed sympathy for both Palestinians and Israelis, saying “no one can remain indifferent to the injustice of which the Palestinian people have been victims for more than 50 years.” He also said “no one can contest the right of the Israeli people to live in security.”
In addition, Pope John Paul II urged nuclear neighbors India and Pakistan to settle rising tensions through dialogue. He also expressed concern over the Argentine financial crisis and the armed struggles and health crises plaguing nations in Africa.
The 81-year-old pontiff had both criticism and praise for the European Union. He said the union’s efforts to develop a more cohesive international community are marginalizing religion. However, he commended the introduction of the 12-nation common currency, the euro, as a sign of progress.
