Pope says Iraq Football Victory Lifts Peace Hopes

|PIC1|Pope Benedict has said Iraq's victory in the Asian Cup football competition was a sign of a people yearning for peace, and expressed hope on Wednesday the event would help pave the way to end bloodshed in the troubled country.

The pontiff was speaking at the end of his weekly general audience. He said: "Just as many times I have cried with the Iraqis, in this circumstance I rejoice with them.

"This experience of shared delight shows the desire of a people to have a normal and peaceful life."

The Iraqi national team that won the Asian Cup on Sunday included Shi'ite, Sunni Arab and Kurdish players, and indicated a landmark in cooperation between the warring factions.

"I was moved with happiness by the enthusiasm that seized the people, drawing them into the streets to celebrate," Pope Benedict said.

He concluded saying: "I hope the event can contribute to creating in Iraq, with the support of everyone, a future of authentic peace, in freedom and mutual respect."