Pope John Paul met Iraq's interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi on Thursday and told him he hoped a democratic and multi-ethnic Iraq would emerge from "the tragic sufferings of recent years."
The Pope, who was an outspoken critic of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, said he prayed for "all the victims of terrorism and wanton violence" as well as those who "generously work" for the reconstruction of Iraq.
"I wish to encourage efforts made by the Iraqi people to establish institutions which will be truly representative and committed to defending the rights of all," the Pope said in a speech, which was read for him by an aide.
He added that the reconstruction process should show "complete respect for the ethnic and religious diversity which has always been a source of enrichment for your country."
The ailing 84-year-old Roman Catholic leader met Allawi for about 10 minutes in his private library in the Vatican's apostolic palace.
Before the U.S.-led invasion, the Pope led an international campaign to try to avert the war, sending senior cardinals to both President Bush and former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.
Christians make up 3 percent of the Iraqi population and have generally had good ties with the Muslim community, although some recent attacks in Iraq have targeted churches.