ECUMENICAL MESSAGE: PONTIFF SPOKE TO ALL, CLERICS SAY

Pope John Paul II's visit to St. Louis didn't just bring a message to the Roman Catholic Church, he sent a message to all denominations and religious faiths.

It was a message of hope and cooperation, but it was also a challenge to work toward peace.

The pope addressed some universal church issues like abortion, euthanasia, suicide and caring for the sick and poor during his homily at Mass.

"I think every denomination would be blessed if we had a prophetic and compassionate spokesperson like the pope," said the Rev. Dr. Clayton Smith, pastor of Centenary United Methodist Church. "Every Christian denomination would do well if we could bring attention to these issues."

But the pope didn't just stop with issues of family values. He talked about racism and capital punishment as well.

The pope said followers of Christ must recognize the dignity of human life, "even in the case of someone who has done great evil."

He added, "Modern society has the means of protecting itself, without definitively denying criminals the chance to reform."

His 30-hour visit to Missouri, although it was short, helped to strengthen the unity already in place among the various religious denominations in the United States. The celebration of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity ended Monday.

Near the end of his remarks Wednesday in front of 100,000 people inside the Trans World Dome, the pontiff said, "For our brothers and sisters who share an ecumenical spirit, thank you."

Even the Mass itself showed the pope's commitment to interfaith cooperation. A Jewish rabbi blew the shofar -- a ram's horn used as a call to worship -- to begin Wednesday's events at the Trans World Dome. Another rabbi was selected to read scripture during an evening prayer service at Cathedral Basilica.

The Rev. Kevin Fausz of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Perryville, said the prayer service offered an intimate setting with the pope. Some people were even allowed to shake hands with the pontiff as he left the building.

About 100 interfaith leaders attended the prayer service at the cathedral. Vice President Al Gore also attended.

"It was a gathering of ecumenical leaders throughout the churches of St. Louis," Fausz said. "It was an interesting feeling."

Fausz celebrated Mass and administered communion to the crowds at the arena earlier in the day.

The Mass had significance for everyone, including those of other faiths, area pastors said. Many of them watched the event on television.

The pope's words struck a chord among all religious groups.

"All that he said needed to be said," Smith said. "We all need to proclaim it to our congregations."

But agreeing with what the pontiff said about family and faith doesn't mean that all denominations will agree on all things.

"It doesn't mean that we all agree on doctrine, but we need to stand together and witness to the world for Christ's sake," Smith said.