Vatican City (AsiaNews) – No one can "present or use religions as an instrument of intolerance, aggression, violence and death".  The ways of religion must instead be those "of love and justice for all. They must teach as they do in Azerbaijan, that tolerance is possible; that it is a sign of cultural progress."

Speaking today to Muslim, Orthodox and Jewish leaders from Azerbaijan John Paul II reiterated the call he made three years ago in Assisi to the leaders of the world's religions.

The Pontiff spoke about Nagorno-Karabach, a region still disputed between Armenia and Azerbaijan itself, a land he "hopes will return to full peace". He told his guests that "a solution to this and similar disputes requires a common effort and good will. People must be open and understanding to one another in a spirit of true reconciliation".

The Pope told the delegation, which included Russian Orthodox Bishop Aleksandr of Baku, that he remembered the "warmth" and "friendliness" with which he was welcomed in the country in 2002. He went on to recall the "pride" of the late Azeri President Heydar Aliev in Azerbaijan's religious tolerance, in what he called "the country's bedrock".

"May your visit in the Vatican," the Pope added, "be a symbol for the world. May it show that tolerance is possible; may it be a sign of cultural progress; may it set humanity on bases for a wider and more inclusive social and cultural development."

"No one has the right," the Pope cautioned, "to present or use religions as an instrument of intolerance, aggression, violence and death. On the contrary, friendship and mutual esteem, especially if it is supported by political leaders, are a source from which peace and true progress can spring".

"Together, Muslims, Jews and Christians can in the name of God and civilisation appeal to humanity to stop violence and murder so that everyone is allowed to follow the ways of love and justice. May God help us follow these ways with perseverance and patience".

There are only 300 Catholics in predominantly Muslim Azerbaijan. (FP)