The Pope’s proposal was part of a message he sent today to Stavros Lykidis, the new Greek ambassador to the Holy See.
The Holy Father, who is still hospitalized following a tracheotomy, was unable to receive the diplomat’s letters of credence personally.
In his message, John Paul II encouraged Greece and the whole of the European Union to work for «dialogue and understanding among peoples, as well as for the reinforcement of institutions in charge of guaranteeing them.»
«Such an effort can only be successful if it is accompanied by a will for justice at the international level and by a courageous development policy for the less-favored countries, in particular those of the African continent,» John Paul II stated.
«The tragic events that occurred recently in Southeast Asia have underlined the capacity of the international community to mobilize effectively in favor of populations experiencing problems,» he said.
The Pope added: «One can hope therefore with confidence in an equivalent and lasting mobilization of nations and individuals in favor of peace and the service of man.»
