1 January marks the 38th World Day of Peace. The Pope John Paul II held a mass in the St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and gave a special address for the occasion.

Responding to the theme this year: "Do Not Be Overcome by Evil, but Overcome Evil with Good", he urged believers of all faiths to promote peace through dialogue, justice and forgiveness.

While terrorism continues to threaten the world, a petition was launched to promote 'terrorists should understand that violence will never resolve the problems of dignity, life and liberty of human beings.'

"In the face of the many manifestations of evil, which unfortunately afflict the human family, the high-priority demand is to promote peace, using consistent means, giving importance to dialogue, to works of justice, and educating in forgiveness," the Pope said.

"Conquering evil with the weapons of love transforms the way in which each one can contribute to the peace of all," he proclaimed.

The Pope urges Christians, believers of diverse religions and all those who accept the universal moral law should walk together on this path. Ambassadors from the 174 countries that maintain diplomatic ties with the Holy See attended the mass.

After the mass, the Pope prayed for those suffering as a result of the tsunami in the Indian Ocean, "In assuring my prayer for the victims of the catastrophe and for their families. I note favourably the solidarity efforts which are developing in every part of the world. This sense of humane solidarity, in addition to being the help of God, raises the hope for better days during the year that begins today."

The Pope also encouraged those who are in despair due to the sorrow brought by the disaster, "Faith teaches us that even in the most difficult and painful trials, as in the disasters which struck in these days Southeast Asia, God never abandons us."

In his opinion, the disaster provides an opportunity for people to see the beautiful human nature as a creation of God. Referring to the global aid effort launched to help the millions of people around the Indian Ocean nations affected by the disaster, he said, "God makes his presence known in applying his commandment - to love your neighbour."

"This evangelical message is based on the hope of a better world, providing we walk in God’s love," the Pope added.