ROME, March 9: Pope John Paul II issued another urgent warning against a war on Iraq Sunday, declaring it was time “to clear one’s conscience and to convert to real peace”.

Speaking at Sunday prayers in the Vatican, the 82-year-old pontiff reminded Christians that “Christ unmasked Satan’s lies through the power of peace, and triumphed”.

In the past weeks, the pope has repeatedly warned against a war on Iraq. The Vatican has also spoken out against any lone US military action without United Nations approval.

The pope also said he was going on a week’s retreat to pray for peace in Iraq and the Middle East, and would not fulfil any official appointments from Sunday evening until next Saturday.

The pope retires each year for spiritual deliberation with his staff during the pre-Easter period of Lent.—dpa