Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua, Archbishop of Philadelphia, calls for peace in Kosovo, as NATO launches air strikes in the region. "For more than a year, the people of Kosovo have been suffering greatly. They have witnessed friends and family members senselessly gunned down in the streets. It appears that international intervention is necessary to achieve peace in Kosovo. However, military air strikes are not an acceptable solution. A recourse to arms will only bring more loss of life and deep suffering to civilians," said Cardinal Bevilacqua.

"Earlier this year (January 20, 1999), Pope John Paul II asked the parties concerned to commit themselves to sincere dialogue," Cardinal Bevilacqua said. "Our Holy Father stated that the Vatican has been close to the people of Kosovo and appreciated the commitment on the part of the international community to help all to walk the path of sincere dialogue and find a peaceful solution to the contention. The defense of human rights is essential to building peace. Employing violent means with the hope of achieving a peaceful end does not fully respect the human rights of the people who live in Kosovo," said Cardinal Bevilacqua.

"I pray for the families of Kosovo being forced from their homes and for those who may find themselves in harm's way during this crisis, including members of our armed services," said Cardinal Bevilacqua. "I pray also for world leaders who are working to bring peace to the region, that they will find the most appropriate way to achieve just cooperation without adding to the needless violence already perpetrated upon the people of Kosovo."

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