Pontiff Asks for Halt to Biases in Mideast

VATICAN CITY, JUNE 21, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI expressed his wish that the Middle East could be freed from religious, cultural, historical and geographical discrimination, so that the region can finally enjoy peace.

Says Without This, Peace Will Never Come

The Pope said that today when meeting with the participants in the annual meeting of Aid Agencies for the Oriental Churches.

The Holy Father particularly stressed the situation of Iraq, where the Church is undergoing "a real martyrdom for Christ’s name."

"Peace, much awaited and implored, is unfortunately greatly offended" and weakened by "injustices, old and new," the Pontiff said.

If this continues, he added, peace "is extinguished altogether and gives way to violence which often degenerates into more or less open war until it ends up, as in our own time, as an urgent international problem."

Mortal illness

"I appeal to the hearts of those who have specific responsibilities, that they may accept the vital duty of guaranteeing peace for everyone, without distinction, freeing [peace] from the mortal illness of religious, cultural, historical or geographical discrimination," the Pope continued.

Benedict XVI said that "the Holy Land, Iraq and Lebanon are present, with the urgency and constancy they deserve, in the prayers and activities of the Apostolic See and of the entire Church."

He also appealed to the Congregation for Eastern Churches and its associated institutions, asking that their "intervention in favor of so many of our brothers and sisters becomes more incisive."

The Holy Father expressed his deep sorrow "for the barbarous killing of a defenseless priest and three subdeacons in Iraq at the end of Sunday liturgy on June 3."

He said that "the entire Church accompanies all her sons and daughters with affection and admiration, and supports them at this time of true martyrdom in the name of Christ."