Pope John Paul II has sent a note of encouragement to Iraqi President Ghazi al-Jawer and has asked the new government to uphold religious freedom in the country, the Vatican press office said today.
''On the happy occasion of the transfer of power to the interim government of the state of Iraq, the Holy Father sends his cordial greetings to your Excellency and to the citizens of your country. He prays that, as a new chapter begins in the life of the nation, the hopes of the Iraqi people for peace, freedom and prosperity will soon be fulfilled,'' stated a telegram penned by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano on behalf of the pope.
The pope, who had repeatedly voiced his opposition to the United States-led war on Iraq, said he had been ''deeply concerned for the suffering people of Iraq''.
''Now, as you take up the office of president, the Catholic Church throughout the world offers you every support and encouragement in the task of building a new Iraq,'' the telegram read.
The 84-year-old pontiff also asked al-Jawer to uphold religious freedom in what was once ''home to Abraham''.
''The Holy Father is confident that all religious groups within the country will be able to make their voices heard and to play their rightful part in forging a new society, committed to true freedom of conscience, to justice for all and to peaceful dialogue,'' the pope said.