Pope Calls on All Religions to Pray for Mideast Peace, Plans no Diplomatic Intervention

(July 22, 2006): Pope Benedict XVI said on Friday that he does not plan to intervene diplomatically in the Middle East fighting, but called on people of all religions to join Sunday's worldwide Day of Prayer and Penance for peace he has convoked on Sunday, July 23. "I think it is best to leave that to the diplomats, because we don't enter politics. But we do everything for peace. Our goal is simply peace, and we will do everything to help attain peace," the Pope told reporters as he returned from an hour-long hike in the Italian Alps. The Pope is on vacation in the Italian Alpine resort of Les Combes till July 28.
The Pope has set aside Sunday as a worldwide day of prayers for peace, hoping the prayers will bring a halt to the fighting. Pope Benedict invited everyone to pray "especially Muslims and Jews." Pope Benedict also said he had heard from the Catholic communities in Lebanon and Israel. "Especially from Lebanon, who implored us, as they have implored the Italian government, to help. We will help with our prayers and with the people we have in the Church present in Lebanon." He said it was a positive sign that corridors had opened for relief supplies. "We hope that the cease-fire follows quickly," he added.