According to the Conference of Bishops in Colombia the death of John-Paul 11 has deprived those who are kidnapped in that country of one of their most important spokespersons and defenders of freedom.

The Conference has asked rebels forces to think about messages sent by the Pope and has invited them to a 'face to face ' meeting with the Church in order to bring about a humanitarian agreement.

The Vice-President of the Conference of Bishops, Monsignor Luis Augusto Castro stated that the people of Colombia could not forget the stance taken by the Pope on peace and national reconciliation and on the crisis being experienced by those who are kidnapped.

The prelate stated that in this time of sorrow, the message from the Conference of Bishops is that the country must return to the advice that John - Paul 11 had given to Colombia, his warnings against violence and his appeals to pursue peace rather than war.

"All the concerns of Pope John-Paul that he expressed in so many ways - such as last November when he could no longer speak and had to write what he wanted to say, we can not forget these…. His appeal for peace and reconciliation in Colombia among all Colombians, is the best memory and the finest honour that we can give to Pope John-Paul" Monsignor Castro stated.