POPE ASKS HELP FOR AFGHAN REFUGEES, PEACE IN HOLY LAND

VATICAN CITY, OCT 28, 2001 (VIS) - Pope John Paul, as he does every Sunday at noon, appeared at the window of his study which overlooks St. Peter's Square and led the faithful gathered there in the Angelus prayer.

Before praying the Angelus, the Holy Father told the pilgrims that the tenth Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, which had met for a month to study the ministry of the bishop, solemnly concluded with Mass yesterday morning in St. Peter's Basilica.

The Pope said he had participated personally in the synod, enjoying the climate of communion which marked it and listening with great interest to the reflections proposed. In fact, Vatican Council II had already dedicated great space to the theme of the bishop and to his ecclesial service. But such teachings needed to be more deeply studied and opportunely adapted to changing times and situations."

He then turned his thoughts to "the month of October, during which our marian devotions have been expressed with particular intensity by reciting the rosary to beg the Lord for peace. At this moment, we entrust in a special way to Mary's maternal protection the populations of Afghanistan: may innocent lives be spared and may there be on the part of the international community timely and efficacious help for the many refugees who are exposed to hardships of every nature as inclement weather is about to arrive.

"Nor can we forget all those who continue to spread violence and death in the Holy Land, in particular in the holy places that are so dear to the Christian faith. May Mary, Queen of Peace, help everyone to lay down their arms and to undertake finally with resolve the path towards a just and lasting peace."

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