CASTELGANDOLFO - Pope John Paul said yesterday he prayed for peace in the Middle East after days of clashes and urged Israelis and Palestinians to avoid provoking fresh violence.
"In this difficult hour I would urge the Israeli and Palestinian people and their leaders to make a courageous effort not to suffocate the hope for peace and to avoid further provocation, other injustices and consequent new violent reactions," he said in his weekly address.