|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."
News
Russia and Ukraine agree to temporary Orthodox Easter truce
In the Orthodox calendar, Easter falls one week after the date celebrated in western Europe.
Bishop urges people of Britain to stand up for Christian truth
It follows an earlier open letter addressed to King Charles, calling upon him to defend Christianity in line with his titles of Supreme Governor of the Church of England and "Defender of the Faith".
Fundraising Regulator reminds churches that collections are subject to code of practice
Churches can breach the code even when acting in good faith.
Religion is often left unspoken in the workplace despite widespread faith identity, research finds
Fifteen per cent of UK employees with a faith say they have experienced religious discrimination in the workplace.