A time of cease fire should be utilized by all parties, including other neighboring states and the United Nations, to seek a just peace which would guarantee the populations of Kosovo that degree of autonomy which respects their legitimate aspirations, according to history and law. The rhetoric and actions of war will not bring all the parties to a negotiating table without further, incalculable loss. A NATO military victory would not ensure a just and stable peace in the region. Obviously, an immediate cessation Serbia military and police action against the Kosovo population is essential. This is Holy Week.
Today is the first day of Passover.
For Catholics and many other Christians next Sunday is Easter. For Orthodox Christians , Easter falls on April 11. During these most holy days, I join my brother U.S. Cardinals in pleading for an end of armed conflict and an international effort to achieve a just and peaceful resolutions to this crisis. I am asking that during the Prayer of the Faithful at all Masses in the Archdiocese there be a special intention for a just and lasting peace in the Balkans.