Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tareq Aziz today told Pope John Paul the Iraqi government would co-operate with the international community on disarmament demands, the Vatican said.
The Vatican statement, issued after a private meeting between Mr Aziz and the Pope, also said the pontiff had told Mr Aziz Iraq must "faithfully respect with concrete commitments" UN resolutions.
The Pope, who said no one should be resigned to war, has sent a trusted envoy to Iraq to plead with Saddam to end his brinkmanship and co-operate fully with UN weapons inspectors.
"We must redouble our efforts," the Pope said at the weekend. "We must not resign ourselves because the war can be avoided".
Mr Aziz is a member of the Chaldean faith - Iraq's largest Christian denomination, which recognises the authority of the Pope.