Pope John Paul took a swipe at the United States and its allies today for invading Iraq without UN approval by suggesting they had succumbed to the temptation to use the law of force instead of the force of law.
In his World Day of Peace message, issued three days after the capture of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, he also appealed to democracies fighting terrorism to uphold the principles of international law and fundamental human rights.
Pope John Paul did not mention the United States by name or cite its war against terrorism in the document. But his message appeared aimed at the US anti-terrorism campaign - and in particular at Washington's pre-emptive war in Iraq.
"In this task of teaching peace, there is a particularly urgent need to lead individuals and peoples to respect the international order and to respect the commitments assumed by the authorities which legitimately represent them," Pope John Paul wrote.
"Peace and international law are closely linked to each other: law favours peace," he added.
In the message, which is sent to leaders of nations and world organisations, the pontiff also said the UN needed reform and the international community had to heal the underlying social injustices that can fuel terrorism.
In the 13-page message he appealed to terrorists, telling them that violence was not only unacceptable but compromises "the very cause for which you are fighting."
The message, "An Ever-Timely Commitment: Teaching Peace," was largely dedicated to the theme of international law and its role in resolving conflicts between states.