VATICAN, Aug 20, 01 (CWNews.com) - During his regular Sunday public audience on August 19, Pope John Paul II issued an appeal for peace in Lebanon.
The Holy Father held his Angelus audience at his summer residence in Castelgandolfo. After leading the recitation of the Marian prayer, he spoke briefly about the dangers of conformism in mass society. He also made a quick reference to the plans for World Youth Day, which will be celebrated in Toronto in June 2002. The Pope prayed "that young believers will not be led astray by insipid diversions," noting that the acceptance of mediocrity has become "unfortunately, all too widely spread in our society."
At the conclusion of his remarks, the Pontiff turned his attention to Lebanon, and the hope "that the principles of democracy and national sovereignty will not be sacrificed to the political interests of the moment."
"A free and pluralistic Lebanon is a treasure for the entire region of the Middle East," the Pope continued. He expressed the wish "that everyone help the people of Lebanon to preserve their heritage and make it fruitful."
Catholic World News Service - Daily News Briefs
20. august 2001