Vatican, Jun. 30 (CWNews.com) - Pope John Paul II (bio - news) has sent his congratulations and best wishes to the new provisional government of Iraq, "as a new chapter begins in the life of the nation."

In a message to Iraq's newly installed head of state, President Ghazi Ajil al Yawar, the Holy Father said that he was praying that "the hopes of the Iraqi people for peace, freedom and prosperity will soon be fulfilled."

"Now, as you take up the office of president, the Catholic Church throughout the world offers you every support and encouragement in the task of building a new Iraq," the Pope wrote.

The Pope's message was conveyed in a telegram that was signed in the Pontiff's name by the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Angelo Sodano (bio - news). A similar message was sent to Iraq's new Prime Minister Iyad Allawi.

In the message, the Pope reminded Iraq's new leaders that he "has always been deeply concerned for the suffering people of Iraq." He hailed the "rich variety of faith traditions" in the country-- noting that it was once the home of the patriarch Abraham-- and said that he hoped the different religious traditions would "make their voices heard and play their rightful part in forging a new society." http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=30534

-- Bill Nelson (bnelson45-nospam@hotmail.com), July 02, 2004

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-- Bill Nelson (bnelson45-nospam@hotmail.com), July 02, 2004.

Now I wonder if all those Catholics who sincerely marched "for peace" prior to the war will send money, gifts, and other signs of their love for the innocent Iraqi people to help them live in peace and prosperity, or if they will continue to be angry about how liberty came to that land and refuse any help?

-- Joe (joestong@yahoo.com), July 02, 2004.