Pope calls for fast in name of peace

POPE JOHN PAUL II has called on Catholics to fast on Ash Wednesday in the name of peace and yesterday repeated that he was worried a US-led war against Iraq could unsettle the entire MidEast.

Looking wan and tired, John Paul opened his traditional Sunday remarks from his studio window overlooking St Peter’s Square by denouncing war as a way to resolve the conflict.

“We Christians, in particular, are called upon to be sentinels of peace,” John Paul said, calling on Catholics to dedicate their fasting on Ash Wednesday, March 5, for the cause of peace.