The pain, bitterness, and heartfelt appeal of John Paul II concerning the tragedy of the Iraqi people, "faced with this drama, no one can remain indifferent."
The Christmas atmosphere makes the suffering for what has happened in recent days to the people of Iraq even more vivid; in the face of this drama no one can remain indifferent. My profound grief at the situation of this people is joined with my bitterness at observing how often the hopes placed in the validity and force of international law and the organizations called to guarantee their application are disappointed. I repeat once more: war has never been and never will be an adequate means for the solution of the problems between nations!
Thus, more than ever, the Iraqi people must be at the center of the concern of those who, in Iraq and elsewhere, have the duty to resolve the crisis. My heartfelt appeal goes out to all that human solidarity and respect for international order prevail.

(John Paul II, Angelus Domini, Sunday December 20,1998; L'Osservatore Romano, December 21-22,1998)