Pope John Paul, in his traditionalChristmas message, appealed to the world to avert a conflict in Iraq.
The pope made his appeal for peace in the Middle East in hisUrbi et Orbi message from St Peter'sSquare.
In his appeal, his first public reference to the Iraqcrisis, the pope said believers in all religions were called tobuild peace.
He said they were called on "in the Middle East, toextinguish the ominous smouldering of a conflict which, with thejoint efforts of all, can be avoided."
The Vatican believes that any action in Iraq must beapproved by the United Nations.
In his message, broadcast to tens of millions of people vialive linkups with 50 countries, the pope also appealed for peacebetween Israelis and Palestinians.
Builders of peace in the Holy Land were called, "above all,to put an end to the senseless spiral of blind violence."