Pope sends 'message of peace' to Middle East

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

BRINDISI, Italy (AFP) — Pope Benedict XVI used his traditional Sunday prayer to send a "message of peace" to the Middle East while on a pastoral visit to southern Italy.

"I would like to renew the Christian message of cooperation and peace among all people, especially among ... those of the Near and Middle East," he said in this city in the "heel" of Italy, jutting into the Mediterranean.

"Such a suggestive place" prompted the message, Benedict said, noting that Brindisi is near the town of Calimera, which is Greek for "good morning."

Noting that the UN World Food Programme manages an emergency food warehouse in Brindisi, Benedict praised the UN agency, "which plays an important humanitarian role."

Reiterating remarks he made at the UN General...