Pope: Get thee hence, Satan
2004-04-28 17:59
Vatican City - Pope John Paul II denounced during his weekly general audience on Wednesday the evil in today's world and what he called the acts of Satan, although he made no specific reference to any situation.
"There is aggressive evil in the world which is guided and inspired by Satan," he said addressing 15 000 people from all over the world.
Citing a psalm from the Bible, the head of the Roman Catholic Church urged the faithful to have confidence when "beset by evil" and when going through "dark days".
He did not refer to three Italian hostages held in Iraq, although their families have said they plan to go to the Vatican's St Peter's Square on Thursday to pray.
The pope, who turns 84 in three weeks, appealed to their captors about 10 days ago, calling on them to show "humanity".
He appeared in relatively good health and toured the square in his popemobile, open topped to greet pilgrims. But he did not read all of his text due to difficulties caused by Parkinson's disease.