Jul 31, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Pope Benedict XVI lauded the Irish Republican Army’s decision last week to formally end armed conflict in Northern Ireland and to favor peaceful negotiations.
“This is good news, which contrasts with the painful events that we witness daily in many parts in the world,” the Pope said yesterday after his Sunday Angelus.
He noted that the news “has rightly stirred satisfaction and hope on that island and in the whole international community.
“In addition, I encourage everyone without exception, to continue forward on this journey and to undertake other steps that will help to strengthen mutual trust, promote reconciliation and consolidate negotiations toward a just and lasting peace,” the Pope said.