With anxious concern we have been observing the escalating tension and violence in the Middle East. This volatile situation between the Israelis and Palestinians continues to trouble the world as innocent lives are lost. In this land which is sacred to Christians, Jews and Moslems, we long to see not only an end to this bloody conflict, but that true, abiding peace which only God can give.

Our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, has implored all men and women of good will to pray for peace in the Middle East, particularly on this Sunday which Catholics commemorate as Divine Mercy Sunday. I join the Holy Father in asking the faithful of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and people of every faith to pray for the victims of this current wave of unrest and violence as well as their families. We beg that all divisions and bitterness will be eradicated from that land which is sacred to so many people.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Broadcast and Media Specialist
215-587-3747