To My Venerable Brother
The Most Reverend FRANÇOIS XAVIER NGUYÊN VAN THUÂN
President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace

Through you I wish to express my closeness to all those gathered in spiritual union with the day of prayer that I shall be leading in Rome on June 3, to implore from Almighty God the gift of peace for all the peoples of the Balkans. For so long now too many have suffered. Countless numbers have been driven from their homes; others have been innocent victims of military action. It is my hope that all those who share some responsibility for resolving the present conflict will have the courage to embrace peace. Only justice, dialogue and reconciliation will enable this part of Europe to be — at last and always — a place where diversity does not mean confrontation but mutual enrichment. To all present I willingly impart my Apostolic Blessing.

From the Vatican, 1 June 1999

IOANNES PAULUS II