Pope John Paul II said today he is prepared to go to Lebanon to participate in any peace initiative. The Pope, addressing Cardinals attending a meeting of the Roman Curia, also appealed for an end to the fighting between Israeli, Syrian and Palestinian troops.
He said he is praying “for an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people” and “for a just solution to their problems.”
Vatican sources, quoted by the Italian Radio, said they know of no concrete plans for the Pope’s departure but added, “The Holy Father can decide to leave at any time.” The sources also said that this declaration might prepare the way for Vatican diplomatic initiatives to try and save Beirut from renewed fighting.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
