"I think above all of Iraq and all those who are implicated in the war raging there," the head of the Roman Catholic Church said during Sunday prayer from the window of his Vatican apartment overlooking Saint Peter's Square.

"I think above all of the defenseless civilian population which is being severely tested in several cities. May God end this conflict rapidly to be replaced by a new era of forgiveness, love and peace," he added.

The pope, who will be 83 next month, said that peace was a "permanent commitment" as current events were showing.

The Vatican had tried to avert a looming war making intense diplomatic efforts amid fears that an open conflict could lead to a clash between Muslims and the West.

French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin and the pope agreed during talks at the Vatican Friday that the suffering of civilians must be shortened.

They also said that the United Nations and the Iraqis had a central role to play in rebuilding the war-ravaged country.

On Sunday John Paul II insisted that "new generations (must) learn about peace so that it more and more becomes a lifestyle based on the four pillars of truth, justice, love and freedom".

SPACE.WIRE