Rome 30.04.2002

At the beginning of "the fifth week of occupation and siege" of the Sanctuary of the Nativity in Bethlehem, the Order of Friars Minor expresses its bitter disbelief at the incapacity of the civilised world to induce the Parties to accept and carry out a greatly longed for pacific solution.

The Order is deeply pained on noting the repetition, during this time, of acts of violence that have brought about death and injury even within the confines of the sacred area and directs a heartfelt appeal that this should not happen again.

It reminds us of the requirements of humanity with regard to all beings created in the image and likeness of God, including adversaries, even those suspected of grave acts, and expresses the absolute conviction that the denial of food should never be used as a weapon of war.

The Order of Friars Minor embraces with affection and admiration their Franciscan Confreres and Sisters who persevere in their posts at the Birthplace of the Saviour of the world despite the privations and dangers. It fraternally salutes the Orthodox Monks, both Greek and Armenian, who share the same fate through fidelity to their analogous mission.

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