Solidarity for hostages and for those who have lost a loved-one to the barbarity of terrorism.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) -- The Pope prays every day for the "dear Iraqi people" in their efforts to rebuild their country. This is what John Paul II said at the end of today's general audience in a new appeal for that distressed country: he called on Christians there to continue their efforts for reconciliation and expressed his "affectionate sympathy" for those who have lost a loved-one to terrorism and for hostages.

"My prayers go out everyday to the dear Iraqi people who are working so hard to rebuild the institutional structures of their county", the Pontiff said. "At the same time, I urge Christians to continue in their generosity and to do their part, which is essential, for the reconciliation of hearts. Finally, I wish to express my affectionate sympathy for the pain of those who have lost a loved-one and for the suffering of hostages and for all the innocent victims struck by the blind barbarity of terrorism," the Pope concluded.

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