NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      VATICAN (CWNews.com) -- Pope John Paul II marked the anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa by calling upon all of the world's leaders to follow her example and take decisive steps to promote world peace.

      Meeting in St. Peter's Square with representatives of the Italian Catholic Action group on Saturday evening, September 5, the Holy Father lent his support to the cause of disarmament, and said that the best way to show respect for Mother Teresa would be to take concrete steps to safeguard human life and human rights.

      "To heads of state, rich and poor alike, I say: Do not trust the power of arms!" the Pope warned. "Take decisive and loyal action with a view to disarmament, so that resources can be turned to the truly great purposes of civilization-- to fight together against hunger and disease, until every man can live and die like a man."

      Speaking of Mother Teresa, the Pope said, "What a marvelous work this little woman, from a humble family, was able to accomplish through the power of faith in God and love for her neighbor." He pointed out that the Albanian-born nun based her legendary love for the poor on the love of God, and that her entire life's work was "a gift from God to the poorest of the poor." Her life was also "a particular gift to the Church and to the world," he added.