Pope Calls For Peace, Justice On Eve Of 2000

Pope John Paul II greeted 1998 with a call for world leaders to strive for justice and peace as preparation for the millennium.

“No one is excused from this responsibility,” the pope said at a New Year’s Day Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.

“Justice and peace aren’t abstract concepts or distant ideals,” he said. “They are intrinsic values, a common patrimony, in the heart of every person. Individuals, families, communities, nations - all are called to live in justice and work for peace.”

Later, speaking to the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, he called for economic equality worldwide and said no group should be left behind.