One of the worst plagues that afflicts the world today is certainly that of terrorism. Wars and battles are won and lost more quickly nowadays, and also with relatively fewer casualties, but the fight against terrorism knows no end. No place seem safe and secure.

Much to the Church' s credit, one has to sing loudly the praise of the three Popes - John XXIII, Paul VI and John Paul II - who with their appeals for world peace have incessantly asserted that peace is possible, that peace is necessary if the world has to survive.

The 11 Messages of Peace addressed to the world by Pope Paul VI gradually mapped out the secure path to be followed in attaining the noble ideal of peace. Slowly but surely this great Pope set forth in clear words the essential chapters of a true "science of peace".

Ever since 1979 Pope John Paul II has always given the world his peace message on January l. The theme of his very first message was: "To reach peace, teach peace".

Certainly in these days of conflict and ruthless terrorism the Pontiff's message is needed more than ever. No wonder in his message of January 2003 Pope John Paul referred to what he described as the deadly "scourge of terrorism", which has produced and is still producing "brutal massacres".

These outrageous crimes against humanity have in turn put even greater obstacles in the way of dialogue and negotiation around the table. One can shake hands only with open hands and not with clenched fists.

It is appropriate to recall that in his 2003 World Day of Peace message the Pope openly said that the fight against terrorism cannot be limited solely to repressive and punitive operations.

"The fight against terrorism must be conducted also on the political and educational level: on the one hand, by eliminating causes of situations of injustice which frequently drive people to more desperate and violent acts; and on the other hand, by insisting on an education inspired by respect for human life in every situation, the unity of the human race is a more powerful reality than any contingent divisions separating individuals and people."

World leaders have to reflect in depth on the wise words of Pope John Paul II: "Christians know that love is the reason for God's entering into a relationship with man. And it is love which he awaits as man's response. Consequently, love is also the loftiest and most noble form of relationship possible between human beings. Love must thus enliven every sector of human life and extend to the international order. Only a humanity in which there reigns the 'civilisation of love' will be able to enjoy authentic and lasting peace."

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