Even though the name Jerusalem means "city of peace", it is all too

evident that, for decades, peace has tragically eluded the inhabitants of this

holy land. The eyes of the world are upon the peoples of this region as they

struggle to achieve a just and lasting solution to conflicts that have caused so

much suffering. The hopes of countless men, women and children for a more

secure and stable future depend on the outcome of negotiations for peace

between Israelis and Palestinians. In union with people of good will every-

where, I plead with all those responsible to explore every possible avenue in

the search for a just resolution of the outstanding difficulties, so that both

peoples may live in peace in a homeland of their own, within secure and

internationally recognized borders. In this regard, I hope and pray that a

climate of greater trust can soon be created that will enable the parties to

make real progress along the road to peace and stability.

To the Catholic bishops and faithful here present, I offer a special word of

greeting. In this land, where Peter received his commission to feed the Lord's

sheep, I come as Peter's successor to minister among you. It will be my

special joy to join you for the concluding celebrations of the Year of the

Family, due to take place in Nazareth, home of the Holy Family of Jesus,

Mary and Joseph. As I said in my Message for the World Day of Peace last

year, the family is the "first and indispensable teacher of peace",2 and hence

it has a vital role to play in healing divisions in human society at every level.

To the Christian communities in the Holy Land, I say: by your faithful

witness to him who preached forgiveness and reconciliation, by your com-

mitment to uphold the sacredness of every human life, you can make a

particular contribution to ending the hostilities that for so long have afflicted

this land. I pray that your continuing presence in Israel and the Palestinian

Territories will bear much fruit in promoting peace and mutual respect

among all the peoples who live in the lands of the Bible.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, once again I thank you for your

welcome and I assure you of my sentiments of good will. May God give his

people strength! May God bless his people with peace!

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2 N. 3.