POPE ASKS CATHOLICS TO FAST, RELIGIOUS LEADERS TO MEET IN ASSISI

VATICAN CITY, NOV 18, 2001 (VIS) - Before praying the Angelus today with the pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square, Pope John Paul, speaking from his study window which overlooks the square, invited Catholics to fast on December 14 in solidarity with those "suffering the consequences of terrorism and war." He also invited the leaders of the world's religions to come to Assisi on January 24, 2002 to pray for "the promotion of an authentic peace."

"The international scene," he said, "continues to be troubled by worrisome tensions. We cannot forget the heavy sufferings that have afflicted, and continue to afflict, our many brothers and sisters in the world; the thousands of innocent victims of the very serious attacks of September 11; the numerous people forced to abandon their homes to face the unknown and, sometimes, a bloody death; women, the elderly and children exposed to the risks of dying of cold or hunger.

"In a situation made dramatic by the ever-present threat of terrorism, we feel the need to raise our pleas to God. The more insurmountable the difficulties seem and the darker the perspectives, it is then that our prayers must become more insistent to beseech God for the gift of reciprocal understanding, harmony and peace."

Recalling that the Old Testament teaches that "prayer acquires strength when accompanied by fasting and almsgiving," the Pope observed that Christians practice these, especially during Advent and Lent. "For their part," he added, "the faithful of Islam have just begun Ramadan, a month dedicated to fasting and prayer. We Christians will soon begin Advent as we prepare, through prayer, for Christmas, the day the 'Prince of Peace' was born.

The Holy Father then asked "Catholics to live December 14 as a day of fasting, and to fervently pray God to give the world a stable peace, founded on justice, and to allow suitable solutions to be found for the many conflicts which torment the world. What people save in fasting can be given to the poor, especially those who suffer in this moment the consequences of terrorism and war."

John Paul II then announced: "It is my intention to invite the representatives of the religions of the world to come to Assisi on January 24, 2002 to pray that opposing positions be overcome and that an authentic peace be promoted. We hope to see together in particular, Christians and Muslims, to proclaim before the world that religion must never become a motive of conflict, hatred, and violence. Whoever truly welcomes the word of God, Who is good and merciful, must exclude from their heart every form of bitter hatred and enmity. In this historical moment, mankind needs to see gestures of peace and to listen to prayers of hope."