“Tragic news of military as well as civilians victims come almost on a daily basis from many places of conflict in the world,” he said. “We can never get used to such facts; they arouse in us profound disapproval, not to mention sow confusion in societies that care about peace and civilised coexistence.”

“Recently, news about a major attack in Afghanistan against Italian soldiers has caused deep sorrow. I join in prayer the suffering of family members and civilian and military communities. In addition, with the same sentiments of participation, my thoughts go to the other international contingents who recently lost members as well; they work to promote peace and build institutions that are so necessary to enable humans to live together. To all I say I shall remember them before the Lord, with a special thought for the dear civilian populations. I urge one and all to raise their prayer to God on behalf of everyone.”

Before the Marian prayer, Benedict XVI urged the 4,000 people who had gathered inside the inner courtyard of the Apostolic Palace in Castel Gandolfo to seek true knowledge, which means rejecting lies and the “violence of intentions” which are so widespread in today’s society. Such a principle “applies to everyone, first of all, to those who are called to promote and ‘weave’ together peace among religious communities and civilians; in social and political relationships; in international relations.”

Inspired by the Epistle of James in today’s liturgy (3:16-4, 3), the Pope dwelt upon the “description of true knowledge, which the Apostle contrasted with false knowledge. Whilst the latter is ‘earthly, unspiritual, demonic,” and can be recognised by the fact that it provokes jealousy, selfish ambition, disorder and every foul practice’ (cf, 3:16),  ‘knowledge that comes from high above is first and foremost pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity’ (3:17); a list of seven qualities, in accordance with the Biblical use, from which the perfection of true knowledge and the positive effects it produces stand out.”

“Why not stop to contemplate the beauty of such knowledge?” the Pope said. “Why not draw from the uncontaminated source of God’s love, the knowledge of the heart, which cleanses us of the dross of lying and selfishness?”

“This applies to everyone, but first of all, to those who are called to promote and ‘weave’ together peace among religious communities and civilians; in social and political relationships; in international relations. In our day and age, perhaps because of some trends in mass society, we often see little respect paid to the truth and one’s word, as well as strong tendencies towards aggressiveness, hatred and vengeance.”

“As Saint James wrote, ‘the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace’ (Jm, 3:18). In order to create works of peace we must be men of peace; attend the school of ‘knowledge that comes from high above’; assimilate its qualities and engender its effects. If in our environment, each one of us can reject lies and violence from our intentions, words and actions, by carefully nurturing sentiments of respect, understanding and esteem towards others, perhaps not all the problems of daily life would be solved but they would be faced with more serenity and efficiency.”

Finally, Benedict XVI said that he would be in the Czech Republic as of next Saturday, 26 September, until the following Monday, 28 September.

“I shall be in the capital Prague, but I will also travel to Brno, in Moravia, and Stará Boleslav, where Saint Wenceslaus, the nation’s main patron saint, was martyred. The Czech Republic is geographically and historically located in the heart of Europe. After going through the tragedies of the last century, it needs to rediscover reasons for faith and hope. Moving in the footsteps of my beloved predecessor, John Paul II, who visited this country three times, I too shall pay tribute to the heroic witnesses of the Gospel, old and new, and shall encourage everyone to go ahead in charity and truth.”

“Let me at once thank all those who will accompany this visit with prayers, may the Lord bless it and make it fruitful.”