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attack, retaliation, and continual destruction. The whole world is longing for

this spiral to be broken, for peace to put an end to the constant fighting.

Towering over us, as we gather here this afternoon, is a stark reminder of

the stalemate that relations between Israelis and Palestinians seem to have

reached - the wall. In a world where more and more borders are being

opened up - to trade, to travel, to movement of peoples, to cultural exchan-

ges - it is tragic to see walls still being erected. How we long to see the fruits

of the much more difficult task of building peace! How earnestly we pray for

an end to the hostilities that have caused this wall to be built!

On both sides of the wall, great courage is needed if fear and mistrust is to

be overcome, if the urge to retaliate for loss or injury is to be resisted. It takes

magnanimity to seek reconciliation after years of fighting. Yet history has

shown that peace can only come when the parties to a conflict are willing to

move beyond their grievances and work together towards common goals,

each taking seriously the concerns and fears of the other, striving to build

an atmosphere of trust. There has to be a willingness to take bold and

imaginative initiatives towards reconciliation: if each insists on prior conces-

sions from the other, the result can only be stalemate.

Humanitarian aid, of the kind provided in this camp, has an essential role

to play, but the long-term solution to a conflict such as this can only be

political. No one expects the Palestinian and Israeli peoples to arrive at it

on their own. The support of the international community is vital, and hence

I make a renewed appeal to all concerned to bring their influence to bear in

favor of a just and lasting solution, respecting the legitimate demands of all

parties and recognizing their right to live in peace and dignity, in accordance

with international law. Yet at the same time, diplomatic efforts can only

succeed if Palestinians and Israelis themselves are willing to break free from

the cycle of aggression. I am reminded of those other beautiful words attri-

buted to Saint Francis: "where there is hatred, let me sow love, where there is

injury, pardon ... where there is darkness, light, where there is sadness, joy".

To all of you I renew my plea for a profound commitment to cultivate

peace and non-violence, following the example of Saint Francis and other

great peacemakers. Peace has to begin in the home, in the family, in the

heart. I continue to pray that all parties to the conflict in these lands will

have the courage and imagination to pursue the challenging but indispensa-

ble path of reconciliation. May peace flourish once more in these lands! May

God bless his people with peace!

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