Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=3/19/2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=POPE / IRAQ (L-O)

NUMBER=2-300896

BYLINE=SABINA CASTELFRANCO

DATELINE=ROME

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Pope John Paul II made another call for peace during his customary general audience in Saint Peter's Square. For weeks the pope has been one of the most powerful voices against war in Iraq. Sabina Castelfranco reports from Rome.

TEXT: The pope appealed for peace, especially, he said, for the people of Iraq who are threatened by war. He was addressing a crowded Saint Peter's Square on the day the Roman Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of Saint Joseph.

/// POPE ACT ///

As a man of peace we pray to Saint Joseph for those threatened by war and we invoke the precious gift of harmony upon the whole U-N family.

/// END ACT ///

The pope has been involved in intense diplomatic activity to avoid a conflict and has made clear he will in no way endorse a war in Iraq.

Referring to the United States and the imminent war, the Vatican said Tuesday that anyone who decides that peaceful means under international law are exhausted assumes grave responsibility before God, his own conscience, and history.

The 82-year-old Pope also issued a passionate plea for peace on Sunday, saying he had lived through World War Two and felt obliged to tell the world: "Never again war."

/// OPT TO END /// Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi told parliament Wednesday that Italy would take no direct part in a U-S-led military action in Iraq.

Mr. Berlusconi said Italy would provide logistical support for the United States, but added: "Italy will not participate directly in military operations, and will send neither men nor means to Iraq." (SIGNED)

NEB/SC/KL/RAE