Father Vincenzo Coli, on a visit to Spain to mark an anniversary of the restoration of the Order of Franciscan Conventuals, addressed a conference on the meetings of prayer for peace convoked by the Pope in Assisi, and their repercussions on the Iraqi situation.
Father Coli told ZENIT that the Franciscans «have always been opposed to the war. We have never thought it was a solution nor did we think that it was justified, as was seen afterward.»
«We have always defended the need that it be the U.N. that directs the process of pacification in Iraq,» he added.
In regard to the withdrawal from Iraq, Father Coli said «it would have to be seen with prudence if there is a sure risk of a civil war.»
Referring to the interreligious gatherings in Assisi, in which he participated as host, Father Coli said that John Paul II «has become a point of reference for the whole world, especially for the religious world.»
