"Evil Does Not Have the Last Word," John Paul II Asserts

VATICAN CITY, OCT. 17, 2001 (Zenit.org).- At a time of world tensions, John Paul II sounded a note of hope today when he insisted that evil does not have "the last word."

The Pope expressed his conviction of God´s unconditional love when he met with thousands of pilgrims in St. Peter´s Square for the midweek general audience.

"For the one who is in the shadow of divine protection," there is the certainty that "good, not evil, has the last word," the Holy Father said. "God triumphs over the hostile powers, even when they seem great and invincible."

The Holy Father was commenting on Psalm 47[48], as he continued this year´s series of similar meditations.

The biblical composition at one point presents Zion, "the city of God," as surrounded by imposing enemy armies.

The Psalmist describes how the pride of the powerful army is dissolved. "Arrogance is transformed into frailty and weakness, power into a fall and defeat," the Pope said.

In experiencing the love of this "liberating God," the believer spontaneously raises a hymn of praise, because he is now certain that the Lord will not abandon him.

"The peaceful vision of Jerusalem that echoes divine salvation, renders Psalm 47[48] a prayer to begin the day with a song of praise, even if clouds gather on the horizon," the Pope said.