Vatican City, Sep 29, 2004 / 22:00 pm
Pope John Paul II received Pervez Musharraf, the president of Pakistan, this morning, and encouraged him and his countrymen to “foster a spirit of dialogue and tolerance” for the sake of “authentic justice and peace.”
"In these times of turmoil and violence," said the Holy Father, "I encourage you and your fellow citizens to continue to foster a spirit of dialogue and tolerance in your region. It is only by acknowledging the need for mutual understanding among peoples, through a frank and open exchange of ideas, that the world can obtain authentic justice and peace. Upon you and all the people of Pakistan I cordially invoke the abundant blessings of Almighty God."