CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy - Pope John Paul II called Sunday for the faithful to put the image of the cross in schools, hospitals and homes to help guard against increasing "secularization."
In his weekly appearance to pilgrims and tourists at his summer retreat, the pope said Christianity had as its principle symbol the image of Christ dying on the cross.
"In the process of secularization, which distinguishes a great part of the contemporary world, it is all the more important that the faithful fix their gaze on this central sign of the Revelation," he said.
The pope also offered up special prayers for the sick and suffering, for "innocent victims of injustice and violence," and for Christians persecuted because of their faith.