Brasília - President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has sent a message to pope John Paul II congratulating him on the 25th anniversary of his papacy. Lula said he did so in the name of the Brazilian people, calling the country a religous nation and saying that the pope played an important role in recent Brazilian history. "We were blessed by various visits that brought hope for justice and peace," said the president in his message. Lula closed by saying he wished God would take care of the pope's health. (AB)