Pope prays for victims of terrorism

Pope John Paul II offered special prayers for the victims of terrorism yesterday. Speaking to pilgrims in St Peter's Square during the Angelus, he said: "I feel spiritually close to their families and, while I ask the Lord to ease their pain, I pray to him for peace in the world." Pope John Paul told thousands of visitors gathered in St Peter's Square on the feast of All Saints, an Italian public holiday, that the day reminds Catholics of the bond that exists between the faithful on earth and those who have died. He said: "The pilgrim church on earth raises its gaze toward heaven and exultantly unites with the choir of those whom God has welcomed into his glory. It is the communion of saints. "The liturgy of today's feast, remembering all the faithful who have died, also evokes the connection between the living and the dead, urging Catholics "to open their hearts and pray for everyone, especially for the souls most in need of divine mercy," he said. During the audience at the Vatican on Saturday, Pope John Paul also urged special attention to those who are dying. Meeting with members of the religious orders and lay movements founded by Blessed Aloysius Guanella, including the Servants of Charity and the Daughters of St. Mary of Providence, Pope John Paul had special praise for their care of the sick and disabled. Source: VIS