ASTANA, Kazakhstan, SEPT. 23, 2001 (Zenit.org).- After praying the Angelus at the end of the Mass celebrated this morning in Astana´s Square of the Motherland, John Paul II made an appeal for peace in the world. These were the Pope´s words in English.
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From this city, from Kazakhstan, a country that is an example of harmony between men and women of different origins and beliefs, I wish to make an earnest call to everyone, Christians and the followers of other religions, to work together to build a world without violence, a world that loves life, and grows in justice and solidarity. We must not let what has happened lead to a
deepening of divisions. Religion must never be used as a reason for conflict.
From this place, I invite both Christians and Muslims to raise an intense prayer to the One, Almighty God whose children we all are, that the supreme good of peace may reign in the world. May people everywhere, strengthened by divine wisdom, work for a civilization of love, in which there is no room for hatred, discrimination or violence.
With all my heart I beg God to keep the world in peace. Amen.
