The killing of Hamas leader Abdelaziz Rantissi and the hostage-takings in Iraq were 'inhuman acts,' Pope John Paul II said in his weekly angelus at the Vatican on Sunday. "I am following with great sadness the tragic news coming from the Holy Land and Iraq. The shedding of blood by brothers must end. Such inhuman acts are contrary to the will of God," he said.
The pope did not mention Rantissi by name but authorities here said he was referring to the killing of the Palestinian leader.
John Paul also 'implored' the hostage-takers in Iraq to 'show humanity' by releasing their captives. Speaking, as tradition dictates, from a window in his apartment overlooking Saint Peter’s Square, he said he “was very close to the thoughts and prayers of the families of those who tremble over the fate of their loved ones, especially those who have been taken hostage.
"I ask their captors to feel their humanity. I implore them to return to their families the people who are in their hands," the pontiff said.