Pope urges world leaders to rebuild Iraq

POPE BENEDICT XVI has called on religious and polit
ical leaders in Iraq and around the world to help the Iraqi people to rebuild their country which is so troubled by insecurity and "savage violence."
The Pope expressed his deep concern for Iraq's Chris tian community as well as all victims of violence and intimidation throughout the country.
After praying the Angelus on Sunday. October 22, with thousands of the faithful in St Peter's Square, the Pope first sent his "cordial greetings" to Muslims around the world who were about to . celebrate the end of Ramadan, wishing them all "serenity and peace".
But Benedict XVI added that the "joyous atmosphere" of celebration had been clouded by the "very serious situation of insecurity and savage violence" faced by so many innocent people in Iraq solely "because [they are] Shiites, Sunnis or Christians", he said.
The Pope said that he was aware of the tremendous worry running through Iraq's Christian communities, adding that his thoughts and prayers for "strength and consolation" were with them. Benedict XVI prayed that God would grant Iraq and the world's leaders the necessary "faith and courage" to help Iraqis rebuild their country and achieve a lasting peace.