Pope John Paul II today attempted to remind a world wracked by religious violence of a pact signed by religious leaders in January condemning violence and terrorism.
The document was signed by the pope and 12 religions leaders representing, among others, the Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu faiths, in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.
It was signed at Assisi, the birthplace of Saint Francis in central Italy.
It condemned "all recourse to violence in the name of God or religion" and said that "violence and terrorism are opposed to the true religious spirit."
"I hope that the spirit and the engagement of Assisi will drive all men of good will to the search for truth, justice, liberty, and love, so that every human being can enjoy his inalienable rights, and that every people, can enjoy the truth," the pontiff said.