Pope hopes U.S. trip will help world peace

By Philip Pullella

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Benedict said on Tuesday he hoped his trip to the United States next week would help draw attention to the need for greater peace and justice around the world.

Benedict, who begins his first trip to the United States as Pope next Tuesday, also said in a videotaped message in English and Spanish that he prayed the trip would be a sign of his friendship towards every religion.

The Pope, who will visit Washington, New York and address the United Nations during the April 15-20 trip, said: "Indeed, the world has greater need of hope than ever: hope for peace, for justice and for freedom...

"But this hope can never be fulfilled without obedience to the law of God, which Christ brought to fulfillment in the commandment to love one another."

The Pope arrives on April 15 in Washington, where he will be greeted by President George W. Bush. He and Bush will hold private talks after the official welcoming ceremony at the White House the next day.

In Washington, Benedict will say a Mass at Nationals Park stadium, address Catholic educators, and meet leaders of other religions.

"I earnestly hope that my presence among you will be seen as a fraternal gesture towards every ecclesial community and a sign of friendship for members of other religious traditions and all men and women of good will," he said in the video message.

In New York, where the Pope will spend three days, Benedict will make a brief stop at a synagogue to wish the city's Jewish community a happy Passover.

He will pray at Ground Zero, the site of the World Trade Center that was destroyed in the September 11, 2001 attacks, and celebrate Masses in St Patrick's Cathedral and Yankee Stadium.

In the video message he said that although he would only be visiting two cities, his intention was "to reach out spiritually to all Catholics in the United States".

Benedict, who will mark both his 81st birthday and the third anniversary of his election during the trip, said he wanted his visit to stress "the power of prayer" in the lives of individuals and nations.

"I know how deeply rooted this Gospel message is in your country. I am coming to share it with you," he said.

(Reporting by Philip Pullella; editing by Andrew Roche)