The Pope opposes attacking Iraq

Pope John Paul II has dedicated his sermon on the Christmas for peace and for all of those who suffer because of conflicts.

The Pope celebrated the midnight sermon at Saint Peter cathedral with the participation of thousands of worshippers who came there from various parts of the world. The Pope said hat the child Jesus was born in Bethlehem as a sign from the God.

He said that: centuries and milleniums have passed through, but the sign remains for us, we, men and women in the third Millennium.

He added it is the sign of hope for every human family. A sign of peace for those who suffer because of conflicts of any sort. A sign of love and commiseration to those who feel they are alone or are disappointed. In this holy night the old promise become complete. The time of waiting has expired, the Virgin has given birth to the Christ who was born for humanity under the banner freedom and peace.

However, during the past weeks the Pope intensified the calls for the sake of peace in the holy lands and he expressed his opposition for every preventive war in a remark to the American and British preparations to launch a military operation against Iraq.

The Pope expressed his concern over the continued wars, social tensions and the deteriorated conditions under which people in various parts of the world are living.