Pope Jean Paul arrival in Guatemala

At night in Guatemala City, Catholic pilgrims await the arrival of Pope John Paul II, his first visit to Central America in 13 years. Guatemala 1996

Pope John Paul said “Today we see on the horizon the hope of peace. . . . I raise my voice to urge a true peace, with the spirit of understanding and, above all, dignity for all people.” Peace negotiations are underway to end the 35-year guerrilla war,, the Pope will visit El Salvador and Nicaragua, which ended their civil wars in recent years, before moving on to Venezuela.

This time the pope was greeted by Guatemala’s new president, Alvaro Arzu, in striking contrast to the almost hostile reception the Pope received in 1983 from Gen. Efrain Rios Montt, who was the infamous murderer of hundreds of thousands of Guatemala's indigenous people.

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Contained in galleries: Guatemala Moves Towards Peace after Civil War

At night in Guatemala City, Catholic pilgrims await the arrival of Pope John Paul II, his first visit to Central America in 13 years. Guatemala 1996<br />
<br />
Pope John Paul said “Today we see on the horizon the hope of peace. . . . I raise my voice to urge a true peace, with the spirit of understanding and, above all, dignity for all people.” Peace negotiations are underway to end the 35-year guerrilla war,, the Pope will visit El Salvador and Nicaragua, which ended their civil wars in recent years, before moving on to Venezuela.<br />
<br />
This time the pope was greeted by Guatemala’s new president, Alvaro Arzu, in striking contrast to the almost hostile reception the Pope received in 1983 from Gen. Efrain Rios Montt, who was the infamous murderer of hundreds of thousands of Guatemala's indigenous people.